Big business steers clear of taking stalls at conference

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

BAe Systems, Nestlé, BAA and a string of other blue-chip firms are not exhibiting in the hall in Manchester. Instead, the conference complex is filled with charities, campaign groups and Labour-linked organisations.

Just over 20 private firms or lobby groups for companies are present, including the Nuclear Industry Association, the Royal Mail and O2. The pattern appears to followthe decline in business exhibitors experienced by the Tories ahead of Tony Blair's victory in 1997.

Back then, nearly 50 of the 127 stalls at Labour's annual rally in Brighton were from the private sector. The conference corporate scene expanded in later years and, at one Labour conference, the stalls spilled into a second hotel. Labour says it has raised more sponsorship and has sold more exhibition hall stands than last year.