Hundreds of visitors at the Anglia Business Exhibition at Copdock near Ipswich.

Business people from across the region converged on the Best Western Hotel, Copdock, Ipswich today for the Anglia Business Exhibition.

The annual event is among the largest business-to-business get-togethers in the region,

The event, organised by the Ipswich and Suffolk Small Business Association, focuses on the SME sector, with many independent and growing businesses taking part each year.

Hundreds of people from across the business community attended, with 100 businesses exhibiting.

The event is supported by strategic partners Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council.

It was a chance for firms to showcase and share details of their products and services, and there were lots of networking opportunities to explore the chances of companies linking together.

New this year was a section of speed networking sessions.

The event was opened by former GB Paralympian Wendy Smith, from Tiptree, who almost lost her life in a motorcycle accident at the age of 17, and was told she would never walk again.

Wendy went on to represent her country in wheelchair basketball, and is now a business trainer and inspirational speaker, working in a wide range of businesses, in the public and private sector, including helping with teacher training.

Ms Smith spoke to guests about he life journey at a business breakfast before touring the exhibition.