Being visible in the local business community is an important part of growing a successful business. For NIC Local franchisee Sujay David, Business Expo 2026 at Kingston University provided a valuable opportunity to introduce the brand, meet local organisations face to face and explore new connections.
The event was organised by the Kingston Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Merton Chamber of Commerce and Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. More than 50 exhibitors took part, with over 500 people registered to attend, bringing together businesses and organisations from across the three boroughs.
Raising NIC Local’s profile in the community
For a local business, networking is about more than exchanging business cards. It helps people understand who you are, what you do and how you might be able to support one another. Meeting face to face gives people the chance to have a direct conversation, ask questions and begin building the trust that can lead to a lasting business relationship.
At the expo, Sujay made valuable connections and began conversations about potential collaboration, recruitment and customer opportunities. These included an initial conversation with Cllr Mark Durrant FRSA.
The event was a great opportunity to raise awareness of NIC Local and explain how our commercial cleaning management franchise works. NIC Local franchisees build relationships with local organisations, identify their cleaning requirements and manage cleaning teams, with support from the wider NIC Local network.
Networking in all its forms supports growth
Business expos are one way to build a local profile, but effective networking can take many forms. It can include attending chamber events, joining business groups, meeting potential customers, developing referral relationships, connecting online and following up with people after an introduction.
Each conversation can help a business better understand its community and identify where there may be a need for its services. Not every introduction leads to an immediate opportunity, but consistent participation helps a business become more visible and familiar to local decision-makers.
Supported by NIC Local Business Development Manager Andy Pitt, Sujay used the event to strengthen his local connections and represent NIC Local in the business community. The experience also offers useful learning for other NIC Local franchisees who are considering taking part in similar events in their own areas.
Building a strong local business takes time and regular engagement. By showing up, sharing what NIC Local does and getting to know people face to face, franchisees can help raise the brand’s profile and create opportunities for future growth.
Why is local networking important for a business
Local networking helps businesses raise their profile, build trust, develop useful relationships and discover potential customer, recruitment and collaboration opportunities.