Antiques Expert and Scotland’s First Female Auctioneer Takes Centre Stage at Business Expo
Antiques expert and auctioneer Anita Manning has been named as the keynote speaker at the inaugural South Glos Expo to support and showcase small businesses.
Anita is known throughout the UK as a lively expert on BBC television programmes including Flog It!, the Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt. She’s also appeared on The Apprentice – You’re Fired sharing her business expertise.
However it’s not widely known she was the first female auctioneer in Scotland and set up her own business – Great Western Auctions – in 1989 with her daughter Lala.
Esther James, co-organiser of the event, said: “We’re thrilled Anita has agreed to be our keynote speaker at the first South Glos Expo. Her story is amazing and she’s such an inspiration to anyone starting out in business or who is well established as a small business.”
Anita said: “Starting and growing a business is one of the most exciting adventures and creative experiences we can have in our professional lives and growing Great Western Auctions over nearly 30 years has been the best fun in the world.”
The event takes place on Tuesday May 9 at the Bristol and Bath Science Park at Emerson’s Green, near Bristol and is aimed at sole traders, microbusinesses and SMEs based in South Gloucestershire or those companies wishing to becoming known in that area.
Anita will be present during the day and will give her keynote talk at 12.30pm and will also take part in a speed networking session during the afternoon.
The expo will also feature an exhibit area with up to 30 businesses showcasing their products and services. There will also be workshops on social media, sales training and how to talk to journalists.
Esther James, who runs her own social media management company Socialable and Louise Elliot, of sales consultancy Elevate Your Business, are running the event.
