AN ARRAY of 50 organisations and 180 delegates gathered for a buzzing networking atmosphere at The Lights last Tuesday.

The Big Network 2017 saw an array of stalls ranging from virtual reality to make-up artists, insurance consultants to charities in the event’s third year of bringing Andover’s businesses together.

Delegates were able to mingle among the exhibits, go speed networking, attend a guest speaker talk and dive into the dinner buffet. 

Director of set-to-be launched domiciliary care agency Flame Lily, Fortuna Kluth said: “It has been really informative and eye opening in a very nice way. Even though we live in Andover, so many of these businesses we have not come across before.

“It’s the first time we’ve been and it was a really nice atmosphere and you didn’t feel under pressure to sell yourself.”

The event was brought together by organisers Test Valley Borough Council, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Andover Women in Business and Andover Mutual Business Group.

Andover Women in Business president Andrea Barry said: “It has again been a fantastic and successful event, it has given local SMEs (small-medium enterprises) as well as larger businesses with branches in the area a spotlight, proving that local businesses offer great services and products to the business community and residents. 

“BN17 has grown year on year. Our collaboration with Hampshire Chamber and Andover Mutual Business Group shows the commitment we all have for promoting local business. Plus support from TVBC by providing the Lights which has hosted us for three years. 

“A fantastic team of people work hard and volunteer their time and energy without which we could not make this an affordable and successful event.”

If you'd like to have a look at the second gallery we have, click here.