MORE than 160 business leaders attended three unique workshops for freelancers delivering more than £1.5 million of business growth across the North West.

The Brookson Enterprise Freelance Fair, with events in Cheshire, the Wirral and Manchester, delivered more than 670 sector-tailored one-to-one business meetings for attendees. The events were organised by Chester businessman Neil Lewis, who has more than 20 years’ experience in business investment and start-ups.

Neil, who is the author of bestselling 100 Rules for Entrepreneurs: Real-Life Business Lessons, said: “The number of freelancers in the UK is set to grow rapidly. In IT, for example, nearly 40% of jobs advertised are for freelancers and more than 50% of businesses say they intend to increase their use of freelancers. Media and marketing are expected to show the same trends.

“After analysing feedback from the Freelance Fairs, three out of four attendees were confident of doing business as a result of the event and 100% of attendees were confident that they had found at least three hot new business contacts. We are delighted that we have successfully introduced talented local freelancers to businesses and entrepreneurs who need skills and experience on a freelance and project basis.

“Many businesses lack the internal resources to deal with the new and rapidly changing marketing and sales methods that the internet, social media and mobile marketing offer. This is why we created the Brookson Enterprise Freelance Fair – to allow businesses and agencies to connect with successful local freelancers who are living and breathing these new media using a unique business connecting forum.”