After four years away, we’re bringing the event back to the venue where our exhibition journey began. And with the tenth anniversary of our Apprenticeship & Careers Expo, our events in Liverpool and Bolton, and something new taking shape behind the scenes, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Back where it all began

Preston Guild Hall holds a special place in the Shout story. It’s where we first brought the business community together for the Lancashire Business Expo, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.

Taking place on Friday 16 April 2027, the expo will bring businesses from across Lancashire and beyond into the heart of Preston for a day of conversations, new contacts and opportunities.

Whether you’ve exhibited with us for years, visited a previous event or have yet to experience a Shout expo, we’d love you to join us.

Ian Coupe, Managing Director of Shout Network, said:

“Preston Guild Hall holds a special place in our story. It’s where it all started, and we’re really excited to be bringing the Lancashire Business Expo back after four years away.

“We’ve worked with brilliant venues and built so many relationships along the way. Returning to the Guild Hall gives us the opportunity to celebrate that journey and welcome both familiar faces and businesses joining us for the first time.”

A welcome return for Preston

We’re delighted to be working with Preston City Council on our return to the Guild Hall.

Councillor Rawlinson, Preston City Council, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Shout and the Lancashire business expo to Preston Guild Hall. This event presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase the versatility and potential of our venue, highlighting the unique experiences we can offer.”

For us, returning means another opportunity to bring people into Preston, showcase the region’s businesses and create the kind of friendly atmosphere that gets people talking.

You might come along looking for a supplier, hoping to meet potential customers or simply wanting to see what’s happening locally. Sometimes, the most useful conversation is the one you hadn’t planned to have.

Celebrating ten years of careers and opportunities

2027 also marks ten years of our Apprenticeship & Careers Expo.

Bringing employers, education providers and people exploring their next steps together has become an important part of what we do. We’re looking forward to celebrating that milestone and continuing to help visitors discover opportunities through conversations with the people who can offer them.

More to look forward to across the North West

Our return to Preston is part of a wider 2027 exhibition calendar, announced during our recent week of business and careers events in Bolton.

The Liverpool Business Expo returns in September, followed by the Apprenticeship & Careers Expo and North West Business Expo in Bolton in October.

We’re also working on a brand-new event. The details are staying under wraps for now, but we’ll share more as soon as everything is confirmed!

Be part of our 2027 events

If you’d like to exhibit, explore an Event Partnership or Headline Partnership, or visit and make new connections, we’d love to hear from you.

Explore our exhibitions or contact our team at info@shoutconnect.co.uk or 01772 935930 to discuss getting involved.

We can’t wait to see you back at Preston Guild Hall!