Back where it all began — but with a fresh perspective
February saw us return to the Love Business Expo in Loughborough — not as organisers this time, but as exhibitors.
And if we’re honest, it felt a little different… in a good way.
For the first time in over a decade, we were able to step back, look around, and experience the event as our clients and partners do. What stood out most? The energy, the ambition, and the sheer volume of meaningful conversations happening across the room.
A platform built to connect — still doing exactly that
Love Business was originally created by Quiet Storm back in 2012, born out of a simple frustration: the organisations supporting SMEs weren’t connected.
Working alongside Gemma Orton (then Marketing Manager at Donington Park), we set out to change that — bringing together the East Midlands business community into one space and creating a free platform for businesses to share their good news.
Fast forward to today, and that original vision is still very much alive.
Now led by Gemma and the team at East Midlands Training, the Expo continues to grow from strength to strength — evolving while staying true to its roots.
From organisers to exhibitors — a full circle moment
In 2024, we handed over the reins of the Expo.
It was the right time for us. As Quiet Storm continues to focus more on technology-led solutions and software development, our role has naturally evolved.
But we haven’t stepped away completely.
We still:
- Manage the booking platform behind the event
- Support Love Business News, helping to amplify regional success stories
So returning as an exhibitor this year felt less like a goodbye… and more like a new chapter.
Conversations that matter
Events can sometimes be judged by footfall or scale.
For us, it’s always been about the quality of conversations — and this year delivered exactly that.
Across the day, we had:
- Multiple in-depth discussions with businesses at different stages of growth
- Conversations around process optimisation and productivity
- Real interest in how technology can solve practical, day-to-day challenges
These weren’t surface-level chats.
They were thoughtful, open and — most importantly — full of potential.
Several of those conversations are already developing into exciting opportunities, and we’re looking forward to seeing where they lead.
Familiar faces and new connections
One of the biggest highlights? Catching up with the network we’ve built over the past 24 years.
Love Business has always been about community, and this year was no exception. From long-standing clients and collaborators to brand new connections, the event struck that perfect balance between familiarity and fresh thinking.
A reminder of why it works
Stepping back into Love Business as an exhibitor reinforced something we’ve always believed:
When you create the right environment — one built on openness, collaboration and shared ambition — good things happen.
It’s why the event worked in 2012.
And it’s why it still works today.
Looking ahead
As Quiet Storm continues to evolve its offering, particularly in the world of software and technology solutions, events like Love Business remain an important part of our journey.
Not just for visibility — but for connection, insight and opportunity.
We’ll definitely be back.
And next time, we’ll be ready for even more conversations that matter.