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On 26 March 2025, the inaugural Wakefield Expo welcomed businesses and innovators from across Yorkshire and beyond to the heart of the Wakefield District. With over 500 visitors through the doors and 63 exhibitors, the event proved to be a powerful platform for connection, collaboration, and growth.

The Expo embodied the vibrant energy of Wakefield while inviting participation from the wider region. Exhibitors proudly showcased their expertise, and visitors explored a wealth of opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration. It was a day filled with buzzing conversations, and endless possibilities.

Here’s what attendees had to say:

Exhibitor Testimonials

• Jon from AB Print Group Ltd:
  “Seldom do you experience positive feedback so quickly after a show has finished. We’ve received confirmed orders just a day after the show, with many more very positive leads to follow up. Meeting potential clients, catching up with existing customers, and letting them see the products we had on show was invaluable.”
• Surinder from Cefar:
  “I just wanted to say how amazing yesterday was. I understand how hard it can be to pull off an event like this and the work and dedication behind the scenes. It was a privilege to attend, and I truly appreciate the invite to participate in what I can only say was a fun day! Excited to hear the news of the next event.”
• Fiona from Get Ahead VA:
  “I just wanted to say a huge congratulations on your planning and execution of  the Wakefield Expo. There was a fabulous atmosphere and energy in the room from both stand holders and visitors. Great to catch up with familiar faces, and we met so many new people as well.”

Visitor Feedback

• Claire from Age UK:
  “What a fantastic Wakefield Expo event yesterday. Great atmosphere, great venue, great workshops, and loved it.”

The Wakefield Expo 2025 was a celebration of the Wakefield District and an invitation to all who share our vision for collaboration and growth. By creating a platform for businesses from across the region to connect, the Expo underscored its commitment to making Wakefield a hub for opportunity that reaches far beyond its boundaries.

A huge thank you to all sponsors, partners, exhibitors, visitors, and contributors who made this landmark event such a success. We look forward to seeing you at the next Wakefield Expo as we continue to foster connections and showcase the incredible businesses that call this region home.

Together, let’s shape the future of Wakefield and Yorkshire! Stay tuned for updates on our next event at contact@wakefield expo.org.uk

Welcome to Route 1, a trusted family-owned business with decades of experience in the recruitment industry. For years, we’ve been connecting top talent with opportunities across various sectors, offering tailored staffing solutions including temporary, full-time, interim, and contract placements. Whether it’s skilled and unskilled workers for power stations or essential roles like department heads, van drivers, and warehouse staff, we’ve got you covered.

At Route 1, integrity and a deep understanding of both client and candidate needs are a the heart of everything we do. While identifying these needs is straightforward, the true challenge—and our speciality—is aligning them seamlessly for mutual success. Our tagline, “Building Better Business, Improving Lives,” reflects our dedication to serving as a collaborative partner, helping businesses achieve their goals while empowering individuals.

When your business requires staffing support, turn to the experts who excel in recruitment. Don’t just take our word for it—ask our clients. We’ve achieved the highest external audit score for the recruitment sector from a leading PLC and successfully staffed critical projects, including power stations. With a proven track record of supplying skilled and unskilled workers across West Yorkshire and the UK, we’re confident in our ability to deliver results.

Hear more from Route 1’s Jonathan Gilbert in the Rhubarb Radio Podcast below….