John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

TWO of the region’s chambers of commerce have teamed up to promote a “cross border” event to showcase business excellence and drive economic growth.

Suffolk Chamber and Cambridge-shire Chamber are backing the Two Counties Business Exhibition, which is being held at Newmarket Racecourse on Wednesday, February 29.

Also supporting the event, which aims to give businesses from both counties the chance to raise their profile within the business community and to showcase new products and services, are Newmarket & District Chamber of Commerce, which is part of Suffolk Chamber, and Forest Heath District Council.

“This is one of the most challenging times for East of England plc,” said John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber. “With the national economy showing very little sign of growth, it is vital that this region continues to look at every opportunity there is to boost business.

“By teaming up with the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce and Forest Heath District Council we want to open up business opportunities and allow companies to take advantage and build success in new areas. It is a great opportunity”

Among a number of guest speakers at the event will be Paul Shadbolt of Lloyds TSB who will be on-hand to discuss opportunities presented by the London 2012 Olympics.

Marketing company Method Creative, which is sponsoring the exhibition, will be hosting a “brand surgery” seminar and Linda Dennison of West Suffolk College will lead a session on smartphone opportunities.

The exhibition will be open from 11am until 4pm. Prices for stands at the event start at £125 plus VAT.