Last Thursday, we braved the bustling business world of Berkshire and set up camp at the Reading Business Expo 2025. Hosted at the stunning Green Park Conference Centre (because networking is always better with a good view), the event brought together over 250 local businesses, all eager to connect, showcase, and—let’s be honest—snag a few free pens.

But beyond the usual handshakes and business card swaps, there was a real opportunity to explore how businesses are evolving their marketing strategies. And if there’s one thing we love at MiM, it’s seeing marketing done right.

Internal vs Outsourced Marketing – Why Choose One When You Can Have Both?

One of the standout themes from the expo was the seamless blend of internal and outsourced marketing.

✅ In-house teams bring deep brand knowledge, internal alignment, and the ability to react quickly to business needs. They live and breathe the company’s culture and know the brand inside out.

✅ Marketing agencies (like MiM) provide external expertise, fresh perspectives, and specialised skills that in-house teams might not have the time or resources to develop. Agencies also help businesses scale their marketing efforts without the overhead of a full internal department.

"The days of choosing between in-house teams and marketing agencies are over. The most successful businesses we spoke to at Reading Business Expo are leveraging the strengths of both—keeping strategy and brand knowledge internal while tapping into agencies for expertise, creativity, and scalability. It’s a smart approach that’s delivering real results."- Rowan WIlliams, Managing Director, MiM

Networking, Strategy, and a Few Too Many Freebies

Of course, an expo isn’t just about strategy—it’s also about the people. Between the packed exhibition stands, speed networking sessions, and insightful seminars, there was plenty of discussion about Berkshire’s business landscape and the evolving role of marketing partnerships.

We walked away with new connections, valuable insights, and, let’s just say, more than our fair share of stress balls (we’re sure they’ll come in handy).

Final Thoughts

So, was Reading Business Expo 2025 worth it? Absolutely.

For businesses looking to refine their marketing approach, it was a masterclass in how in-house teams and agencies can work together for stronger, more effective campaigns. The takeaway? It’s not about choosing one over the other—it’s about finding the right balance.

Until next year, Reading Business Expo. We’ll be back—ready to talk marketing, strategy, and maybe even collect a few more pens.