More than 700 people visited the MENTA Business Show at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds on Tuesday October 2. The event launched the ten-day West Suffolk Business Festival.

Around 70 local businesses exhibited and promoted a wide range of services and products.

Among exhibitors were Whitewater, the display company who build for bars, restaurants and retailers, Needham Market based print company Gipping Press, The Northgate Hotel, Bury St Edmunds and DC Property Photography. Outdoor exhibitors included Wild Play, Good Sense Research and Cecil and Larter.

MENTA chief executive Alex Till said his team had received fantastic feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike.

He said: “This was our tenth consecutive Business Show sponsored by local solicitors, Atkins Thomson. It had an energy and vibrancy which helped people make those all-important contacts. Our aim was to provide small businesses with an affordable platform in which to showcase and meet new potential clients and we achieved it.

“My thanks to our sponsor and to Invest in Suffolk who continue to support the event.”

MENTA’s invited guest speakers included Gerald Ratner who talked candidly about how he survived losing the family jewellery empire. A ‘Talking Heads’ session hosted by broadcaster, Nick Pandolfi gave the audience the opportunity to hear from three Suffolk based business owners. Jess Quin of Old Jet, Jason Carter of HOAX clothing and the illustrator and designer, Brie Harrison discussed how they have grown their brands and the obstacles they had overcome.

MENTA has been established for 34 years and helps small businesses grow through business advice, subsidised training, workspace rentals and networking events.

Find out more at www.menta.org.uk or call 01284 760206.