Trade fair exceeds expectations

Feb 27 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

HUNDREDS of companies won new business at the North East Regional Business Fair which finished yesterday after seeing more than 2,000 visitors in two days.

The biggest crowds were at the Meet the Buyer event, where buyers from more than 140 UK companies linked up with hundreds more firms from region. The fair at Newcastle Racecourse & Conference Centre also drew hundreds who came to learn about plans for the second Tyne Tunnel and to hear an economic outlook presentation and discussion hosted by David Buffham of the Bank of England.

Business Link chief executive Alastair MacColl said: “This was quite simply the biggest and best of its kind ever held in this region.

“The feedback has been really positive and, if the number of businesses attending this event is a barometer of business activity, then it’s a great reminder that we are a region packed with great businesses, producing great products and delivering great services.”

Jim Taylor, whose Gateshead company HT Print exhibited at the fair, said “This was an exceptionally good event for us and very well organised. We have generated about 25 genuine new leads and taken eight or nine immediate orders of significance, which far outstrips our expectations.

“I won’t hesitate to participate again next time.”