MORE than 100 businesses from across the county showcased their products and services today at the 2013 Suffolk Business Exhibition.

The event, staged annually by the Ipswich & Suffolk Small Business Association (ISSBA), in partnership with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, was staged at Trinity Park, Ipswich, with additional marquee space being used to extend the main exhibition facilities in order to accommodate a record number of exhibitors.

Besides the 136 trade stands, the exhibition also included a busy schedule of business workshops, presented by organisations including BT, NWES, Limeskills, Blocks Solicitors, Suffolk County Council and VTM.

The opening hours of the exhibition were also extended this year, from 11am to 7pm, with the main event being preceded by an exhibitors’ networking breakfast.

An opening ceremony was performed by Peter Funnell, president of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, who said the chamber was delighted to again be involved in the event in partnership with ISSBA.

“The Suffolk Business Exhibition brings businesses together, helps build relationships and supports commercial activity,” added Dr Funnell.

Roger Barcham, chairman of ISSBA, said that, talking to exhibitors setting up their stands, a number of them had commented that at the exhibition was the event in the year to which they particularly looked forward.

It was hoped that the longer opening hours would enable them to meet even more businesses this year, and allow more time for their conversations, he added.