Sponsors and media partners gathered at the Waterfront offices of Ashton KCJ Solicitors in Ipswich for the official launch of this year’s Anglia Business Exhibition.

James Davey, chairman of the Ipswich & Suffolk Small Business Association (ISSBA), which is staging the event at Trinity Park, Ipswich, on Wednesday, May 7, welcomed guests and thanked them for their support.

The launch event was sponsored by Ashton KCJ Solicitors, with the speakers also including James Griffiths, a partner at Ashton KCJ, and Clifford Dive, vice president, business development, at Blendology, which is supplying the exhibition with its branded oneTap badges which enable visitors and exhibitions to exchange contact details electronically.

Mr Davey said: “We are delighted that the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has again agreed to be our main strategic partner and is fully behind promoting the event to other potential sponsors.

“We are pleased to announce that Suffolk County Council, along with NWES, New Media Business Group, Free Rein and Archant have also committed to be second tier strategic partners. This is fantastic news for the future success and growth of the event.

“I would also like to thank all of our valued sponsors who are so crucial in being able to deliver such a well respected and attended event.”

He added: “New for this year is a bigger marquee positioned between the main exhibition centre and the Trinity Rooms with full shell scheme 2metre by 2metre stands, making it a prime area to exhibit.

“With the main exhibition centre sold out, I envisage that demand for stands in the marquee will be high. There are also some stands left in the Trinity Rooms business start-up area.

“This will be out biggest event ever, with our new registration one-tap technology in place and our fantastic new VIP area, again new for this year, we can’t wait to show off all of our hard work.”

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber, said: “The Suffolk Business Exhibition has grown year on year and is recognised as ‘the business event to be seen at’ in Suffolk and to a wider audience across East Anglia.

“Exhibitions are one of the most powerful, versatile and cost-effective marketing tools available. They are an important way for companies to showcase what they do and to build their contacts and clients.

“You will find the exhibition packed with innovation, new products, thought provoking workshops and clinics, as well as tips to give you a competitive edge.

“We would encourage anyone who wants to do more business to come to the Exhibition. It is good for Suffolk, it is good for our economy and it is good for business.”

Entrance to the event is free and you can pre-register online. This allows businesses the opportunity to invite clients and guests to be part of this great exhibition. Pre register and you could also win a £25 iTunes voucher. You will be sent a reminder text the day before and you could be going home with one of the vouchers. Pre-register at: www.angliabusinessexhibition.com/visitor-information/pre-register-here .

A small number of stands are still available. For full details, prices and reservations, visit ww.angliabusinessexhibition.com .