The Wakefield business community came together on 10th March for one of the district’s largest and most dynamic business events, as 84 organisations—spanning corporates, manufacturers,
SMEs, start‑ups, and charities—exhibited at the annual Wakefield Expo. The event delivered a full day of networking, business development opportunities, and community engagement, reinforcing Wakefield’s position as a thriving hub for enterprise.
Held at the heart of the district at WX Wakefield, the Expo attracted strong footfall throughout the day, providing exhibitors with a continuous stream of visitors and high‑quality conversations that translated into new leads, active pipelines, and future collaboration opportunities.
Driving Growth for Local Businesses and Charities
The Expo demonstrated the strength of Wakefield’s business ecosystem, offering a platform for organisations of all sizes and sectors to:
- Showcase their services and innovations
- Build new commercial relationships
- Increase brand visibility within the district
- Engage directly with customers and stakeholders
- Strengthen collaborations with the third sector
Local charities also benefited significantly from the opportunity to raise awareness, build partnerships, and connect with supporters and corporate allies, reinforcing the event’s inclusive and community‑focused approach.
Community Spirit at the Centre
A hallmark of Wakefield’s business landscape is its strong sense of community, and this was clearly evident throughout the event. Businesses from across the district were joined by organisations travelling from further afield, creating a collaborative environment where knowledge-sharing, mutual support, and partnership-building took centre stage.
The event also benefited from some fantastic contributions that enriched the visitor and exhibitor experience, including two uplifting performances from the We Are Wakefield Pop Choir made up of We Are Wakefield members led by Jenna Fan of Fanfare Music. Cheers of appreciation filled the space after Tracy Carpenter of Mint HR dazzled with a solo part in the choir’s rendition of Sweet Child O’ Mine!
Support Underscores Importance of the Expo
The Expo received formal civic endorsement when the Mayor of Wakefield opened the event and spent time meeting exhibitors. The Mayor’s presence highlighted the significance of the Expo as a driver of economic activity and a platform for showcasing the innovation and resilience of local enterprises.
Exhibitor Engagement and Innovation
Interactive engagement proved a major part of the event’s success. Among the standout activations was the creation of attendee caricatures by Databrain Solutions, darts with the Prince of Wales Hospice and robots from Hospitable Automation, to name but a few.
Sponsors Bluestone, Elis and Huddersfield Business School also contributed to the programme through on‑stage conversations, sharing insights into why supporting the business community is vital for the region’s economic growth. Their participation underscored the collective investment in ensuring Wakefield continues to prosper.
Digital Impact Extends the Expo’s Reach
Following the event, social media activity surged, particularly on LinkedIn, where exhibitors and attendees shared reflections, photos, and success stories. This online momentum has extended the Expo’s visibility far beyond the venue itself, amplifying the achievements of participating organisations and highlighting the vibrancy of Wakefield’s business network.
A Seamless Event Delivered by a Dedicated Team
The Expo was delivered by a committed operational team who ensured that exhibitors and visitors received a high standard of support throughout the day. From logistics to stage management and exhibitor care, the team’s attention to detail contributed significantly to the event’s smooth running and positive outcomes.
Looking Ahead
Given the strong attendance, positive feedback, and tangible business outcomes, the venue has been booked for Wakefield Expo 2027 and plans for next year’s Expo are underway. The continued success of this event reinforces We Are Wakefield’s importance as a catalyst for economic growth, community connection, and regional pride.
View some of the images from the day below or head over to the Wakefield Expo website for the full photo coverage by Kraft Media
