A record total of more than 650 business leaders attended the 2017 Menta Trade Fair at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds.

East Anglian Daily Times: Robert Dellow of Atkins Thomson Solicitors, sponsor of the Menta Trade Fair. Picture: i101 Digital LtdRobert Dellow of Atkins Thomson Solicitors, sponsor of the Menta Trade Fair. Picture: i101 Digital Ltd (Image: Copyright 2017 - i101 Digital Ltd)

The event, sponsored for the ninth consecutive year by Atkins Thomson Solicitors, attracted more than 100 exhibitors with some outside displays in Charter Square in addition to space spread over two floors of the venue.

Guest speaker at the event was Suffolk-based jewellery designer Alex Monroe, who told how he has grown his company by selling his jewellery worldwide, often via major fashion shows such as New York and Milan, and Marianne Muir ran a workshop of personal branding and executive presence.

Hospitality and catering students from West Suffolk College prepared and served a brunch to delegates, sponsord by Invest in Suffolk, and the event closed with a drinks reception, sponsored by Signpost 2 Grow.

The winner of the Best Exhibition Stand award was Frank and Earnest Crafted Coffee.

Menta chief executive Alex Till said that he had received fantastic feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike. “Menta are here to help local Suffolk businesses grow and build on their successes,” he added.

“We’re grateful for the support of many local businesses, especially our sponsor, Menta patron Atkins Thomson Solicitors, for their financial support.”