THE Suffolk Coast Business Exhibition, a new event intended to showcase the best that small and medium sized firms around the coastal area have to offer, is open for bookings.

The Heritage Coast Market Towns Initiative (HCMTI) is urging businesses to exhibit at the event, which takes place at the Athlone Hall at Framlingham College on Tuesday, March 26, from 3pm to 7pm.

HCMTI is aiming to provide a platform for local businesses to promote their products and services, with 10% discounts available on bookings by members of the local business associations for Aldeburgh, Framlingham, Leiston and Saxmundham.

To help first-time exhibitors get maximum benefit from their investment, the organisations also plan to

offer free training on a variety of topics related to successful exhibiting.

The Suffolk Coast Business Exhibition is being sponsored by Suffolk Coastal District Council, the East of England Co-Operative, Ensors Chartered Accountants and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

Carl Page, partner of Ensors Chartered Accountants, said “We are very pleased to be supporting the

Suffolk Coastal Business Exhibition and, as a result, helping to bring such an event to the north Suffolk area – an area that is home to many successful and thriving businesses.

“The exhibition will provide a perfect showcase for local businesses to show their wares whilst also providing an opportunity for the local business community to come together to catch up with old friends and make some new.”

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be working with the HCMTI on what is an important business exhibition in 2013.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit and hard work that is making the coast of Suffolk such a good place to do business. We encourage businesses to take part in what we are sure will be an important event of the annual business calendar.”

HCMTI project co-ordinator, Annette Mason-Gordon added: “We hope that this exhibition will become an annual event to showcase businesses and opportunities in the towns of Framlingham, Saxmundham, Leiston, Aldeburgh and surrounding areas.

“The aim of the Heritage Coast Market Towns Initiative is to raise the aspirations of small and medium size businesses and encourage inward investment.

“This event would not be possible without the continued support which HCMTI receives from Suffolk

Coastal District Council.

“We are also delighted to have sponsorship from major companies in the region and look forward to working with them, as well as our partners East Anglian Daily Times, Menta and ISSBA, to ensure the delivery of a highly successful exhibition for exhibitors and delegates.”