Business fairs for expats

AMANDA Smith’s Angel Traders puts English-speaking firms and expats in touch by organising business fairs.

The firms range from swimming pool suppliers to translators, builders and gardeners. Ms Smith, 39, lives in Bressuire, Poitou-Charentes.

When did you set up?
In April and our first event was in Brantôme, Dordogne, which was very good for us. We have also tried the Limousin and Poitou-Charentes but next year we are focussing on the Dordogne again.

Why did you choose this?
I moved to France in 2003 with my husband and children - we run a campsite in the Deux-Sèvres. However I always worked in sales in the UK and I had been to a very small business fair in our area and saw it worked well, with expats coming and meeting people face to face. I decided on the Dordogne because there are so many expats.

What kind of business is it?
I am an auto-entrepreneur. The campsite is run under a traditional set-up, but I liked the simplified charges and taxes system and I could go online and register in 10 minutes. So far it has worked well.

What was the expected income?
e20,000 a year turnover.

What were the hurdles?
Finding businesses. They have to outlay money and are not sure what to expect. Once they come most want to book for the next one - they only have to have one good lead and it has paid for the price of the stand.

Would you have done anything differently?
I have found that if you want to book a salle des fêtes (community hall) you cannot book on the phone, you have to send a registered letter and it can take three weeks to get back. If I had had a year to find venues that would have helped - I acted on impulse, and I am glad I did, but it makes it quite difficult for planning.

Angel Traders’ next venture is a trade fair at the Château des Vigiers in Monestier in the Dordogne on November 28 from 10.00 until 16.00.