By Chantelle Tindall
Pacesetters Business Expo (PSBEXPO) is the brainchild of Mrs. Titilayo Odunaiya. The Expo is an annual event bringing together start-up ventures, small businesses and entrepreneurs from different groups. Through participating at the event, small businesses, start-ups and established entrepreneurs are able to showcase their goods and services thus enabling brand awareness and also the opportunity of tapping into the latest marketing strategies in a bid to maximize their business potential.
According to Titilayo, the vision is to create a platform not restricted by colour or creed. A place where people are united through fashion, hair, beauty food and entertainment which includes arts, crafts and culture. Simply put, PSBEXPO embraces diversity. Furthermore, the Expo also opens up opportunities for Global networking, supporting young talent by offering career advice to help them into adulthood armed with making the right career choices.
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PSBEXPO is based in Liverpool but showcases creatives globally in their different fields like fashion, arts, beauty, etc, with the aim of attracting international interest. One method is by organising creative classes for economic development. They also share knowledge and know-how through tutoring the secrets of cracking the global markets. They also promote highly skilled manufacturers of branded products within the community which helps in gaining them exposure.
Mrs. Odunaiya also stated that PSBEXPO not only showcases businesses, but they also honour members of the society and participants who have shown dedication and inspiration worthy of emulation.
Speaking to Victoria Fatukasi of Totunz Klin Cakes, it was clear how happy she was to be there for the second time. She spoke highly of the event, the organisers and its positive impact on her business as she is becoming a household name in her community getting recommendations for sumptuous cakes and pastry. She is looking forward to the next edition.
Similarly, Cheryl Butterworth of BODYSHOP expressed her happiness at being at the event and talked excitedly about the great response to her products. According to her, the event “lifted her business and has helped her tap into a new community.” However, she would have preferred a few breaks to give vendors opportunity to engage properly with customers. She also, is already looking forward to the next event. Other vendors also spoke highly of the event and praised the organisers for their good work.
Also in attendance were Barclays Bank, Councillors, the Nigerian Community Association, and businesses from far and wide.
Deputy Mayor of Liverpool - Gary Millar who attended the event, spoke about the positive influence the expo has on the community. He greatly praised the organisers for creating an avenue that showcased diversity and vibrancy within every attending business. He noted there was unity and inclusiveness which speaks volumes. He said just as the name implies, the expo is a true pacesetter.
The Chairman of the Liverpool Commonwealth Association, Garth Orlando commended the organisers for their vision and positive impact upon the community. He encouraged them to keep up the good work and noted that the event was a true representation of the Commonwealth.
Hosts for the event, were Uche Odoputa of Nollywood fame and Comedian - Fabu D. They both gave a good representation of themselves as there was no dull moment in sight. There were fashion shows and acrobatic displays which gave the expo a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.
In a show of appreciation to attendees and vendors, Mrs. Odunaiya expressed her appreciation and gave out special recognition awards to every business represented. It is evident that with the response to the 2nd Pacesetters Expo being so positive, the future looks very bright indeed. Preparations for the next edition are already under way.