At a Glance
- Tasks: Generate new business opportunities and build relationships with decision-makers.
- Company: Join a leading global business events company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped commission, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with clear pathways to senior roles and exciting events.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in sales with full training and real earning potential.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a drive to succeed; experience is a plus but not required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 28000 £ per year.
Position Details
- Location: Bristol (Office-Based)
- Schedule: Monday – Friday | 8:30am – 5:30pm
- Base Salary: £25,000 – £28,000 (DOE) + uncapped commission
- Year 1 OTE: £50,000 – £60,000
- Top Performers Earn: £65,000 – £80,000+
- Employment: Full-Time | Permanent
Join One of the World’s Leading Business Events Companies
At Business Show Media, we create far more than exhibitions - we build opportunities for ambitious businesses to grow, connect, and succeed. As a global leader in business events, our shows bring together entrepreneurs, SMEs, and industry innovators from around the world. With major exhibitions in London, Las Vegas, Miami, Sydney, and Singapore, we’re expanding rapidly - and we’re looking for ambitious individuals ready to build a successful career in business development and events sales.
The Opportunity
This is more than an entry-level sales role - it’s the first step toward a long-term career in events and commercial leadership. As a Business Development Associate, you’ll play a key role in driving new business opportunities for our UK events portfolio. Focusing on outbound outreach, lead generation, and relationship building, you’ll connect with businesses through LinkedIn, email, and phone to identify potential exhibitors and sponsors. You’ll work closely with senior sales professionals while developing the skills, commercial understanding, and industry knowledge needed to progress into closing roles and eventually senior leadership positions, including Event Sales Director. If you’re ambitious, proactive, and motivated by progression and earning potential, this role offers a genuine platform to grow.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Generating new business opportunities through LinkedIn, email, and outbound outreach
- Researching and identifying businesses suited to our events portfolio
- Building relationships with business owners and senior decision-makers
- Qualifying leads and booking meetings for the sales team
- Supporting exhibition and sponsorship sales activity across UK events
- Managing and maintaining an active sales pipeline and CRM system
- Working closely with sales, marketing, and event teams
- Attending live events and networking with exhibitors and attendees
- Learning the commercial side of the events industry from experienced sales leaders
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for ambitious, confident individuals who are eager to develop a career in sales and business development. You’ll ideally be:
- A strong communicator with confidence speaking to businesses
- Motivated, driven, and target-oriented
- Organised and proactive with good attention to detail
- Comfortable using LinkedIn, email, and phone outreach
- Commercially minded and eager to learn
- Interested in business, entrepreneurship, and live events
- Motivated by progression, personal development, and earning potential
Previous experience in sales, lead generation, recruitment, customer service, or business development is beneficial, but not essential – full training and ongoing support will be provided.
What You’ll Get
- Competitive base salary of £26,000 – £30,000
- Uncapped commission structure with realistic Year 1 earnings of £50,000 – £60,000
- Top performers earning £65,000 – £80,000+
- Structured onboarding, training, and continuous development
- Clear progression pathway into senior sales and leadership roles
- Opportunities to attend major UK and international events
- A vibrant, ambitious, and high-energy team environment
- Regular incentives, rewards, socials, and team events
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re looking for a career where hard work is rewarded, progression is genuine, and no two days are the same, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and start building your future with Business Show Media.
Alternatively, email our Global Head of Recruitment, Charlie - charlie.downing@bsmexpo.com
Business Development Associate (Full Sales Training Provided, Open To All Backgrounds) employer: Business Show Media
At Business Show Media, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and supportive employer that fosters growth and ambition. Our Bristol office offers a vibrant work culture where you can thrive in a high-energy environment, with structured training and clear pathways for career progression in the events industry. Join us to not only earn a competitive salary with uncapped commission but also to be part of a team that celebrates success through regular incentives and social events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Associate (Full Sales Training Provided, Open To All Backgrounds)
✨Tip Number 1
Get your LinkedIn game on point! Connect with industry professionals and engage with their content. It’s a great way to show your interest in the business events sector and can lead to valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s over the phone or in person, being able to confidently communicate your value is key. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable before you dive into real conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from networking events! Attend as many as you can, even if they’re not directly related to your target role. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities could arise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Business Show Media.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Associate (Full Sales Training Provided, Open To All Backgrounds)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Business Development Associate role. Highlight any relevant sales or communication experience, even if it’s from a different background. We want to see how you can bring your unique perspective to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Share why you’re interested in business development and how your ambitions align with our mission at Business Show Media. Let us know what makes you tick!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:As a Business Development Associate, strong communication is key. Make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of typos. We love a well-structured application that showcases your ability to communicate effectively, just like you would with potential clients!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes straight to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and ready to take the first step in your career with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Business Show Media
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research Business Show Media and their events. Understand their portfolio and the types of businesses they work with. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Business Development Associate, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've successfully communicated in past roles or experiences.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Ambitions
This role is all about progression, so be prepared to talk about your career aspirations. Share how this position aligns with your long-term goals and why you're excited about the opportunity to grow within the company.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
