Croydon businesses returned to in-person networking and collaborating with the full-day Croydon Business Summit and Business Live Expo, which took place at two town centre locations on 23 March.

The day opened with the free-to-attend Summit at Boxpark, with discussions exploring the economic recovery of the borough and the role jobs and skills play in creating a more inclusive, greener and resilient Croydon, with delegates being inspired by the innovation shown by businesses of all sizes and sectors and hear how culture and new ways of working can increase their market.

Featuring two main panel debates, there were also keynote speeches from Minister for London and Minister for Small Business, Consumers & Labour Markets Paul Scully MP, Leader of Croydon Council Cllr Hamida Ali, Cllr Manju Shahul-Hameed, Croydon Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Business Recovery and Croydon Central MP Sarah Jones.

Cllr Shahul-Hameed told delegates there were “positive signs” emerging in the borough’s recovery: “Our inward investment team has seen significant enquiries and Croydon is still seeing new growth with buildings being completed – construction is still strong in the area.”

Cllr Hamida Ali said Croydon’s upcoming London Borough of Culture celebrations were a “massive opportunity” for the borough, adding: “Our celebrations will showcase our communities to the rest of London and offering ourselves as a destination – not just for our community but all Londoners.”

There was positivity closing the morning, with a keynote from Ms Jones, who said: “Croydon is a wonderful town. It’s my home. We need to think about how to develop entrepreneurship and reward businesses that take on apprentices, invest in skills, fill empty premises. I want a cleaner, greener town centre that can thrive. Let’s make sure Croydon has the future it deserves.”

The day of business positivity then moved to the nearby Electric House – home to London South Bank University’s Croydon Campus – for the Business Live Expo. More than 50 businesses and organisations showcased themselves and their products and services to one of London’s most diverse communities, with discussions and collaboration taking place throughout the afternoon, with discussion forums looking at emerging trends in digital media, procurement opportunities, property advice and top tips for entrepreneurs, alongside speed networking opportunities and business advice clinics for employers to assist them with any issues they may have.

Those attending and exhibiting both proclaimed the Expo a success, noting the quality of guests and services being showcased by employers.

To find out more about the Summit and Expo, and view pictures, visit www.businessliveexpo.co.uk