Over 1,000 attendees and a total of 126 exhibitors turned out in force on Wednesday as Success Doncaster took over the Dome for their fourth Business Showcase event.

The event was an opportunity for local new and existing businesses to come together and showcase their goods and services as well as find new customers and suppliers and ultimately network with like minded business people.

The show featured keynote speakers, Jean Stewart, an experienced business advisor and qualified accountant technician, James Ashfordfrom local business, Rocket Powered Design who has been recognised by the British Design Council as one of the most innovative designers in the UK and Simon Hartley, a sport psychologist and performance coach and author of 'Peak Performance Every Time'.

MODE's very own Coral Keers was also handed the microphone for the day as the official MC, as she talked to various business owners and helped to generate a postive, friendly atmosphere around the Dome.

The hall was divided into sections with a dedicated area for exhibitors representing the Fruit Tree Business Club, a local membership group in Doncaster, one to promote our social enterprise businesses and another for those organisations offering business support such as HMRC, Doncaster Council and Doncaster Chamber. 

Throughout the day advice was on hand from various organisations offering business support and financial advice for all. Live tweets were sent on the day which also created a great atmosphere.

Claire Bossward, Success Doncaster Programme Manager said "The Business Showcase had a real buzz to it once again and proved that despite the current tough economic climate, in Doncaster we have plenty of energetic, forward thinking businesses. The event provided an excellent platform to network and meet new business contacts and we hope many left with a wealth of business intelligence, new connections and some excellent new leads.

The event once again received fantastic feedback from exhibitors who were grateful of the chance to exhibit, take part and network with other Doncaster businesses.

Feedback began on social media sites such as twitter and facebook as soon as the event finished and comments are continuing to be made in this format as well as being collated through evaluation forms and our online survey by visiting www.successdoncaster.co.uk. 

Rik Courtney, business owner Be More Social said: "I loved it, we weren't expecting the event to be this good".

Caroline Dawson from new start business Monkey Fuzz said: "I loved the helpfulness of the standsitters, they were awesome! It was a very useful day"  

A new service, Business Doncaster was also launched. Business Doncaster combines work from Doncaster Council and other local organisations to provide a single point of contact for all new and existing businesses in the borough, making it easier to access the support they need to grow.

The support on offer covers areas such as starting a new business, investment opportunities, funding, training, career development, apprenticeships, skills advice, access to government grants, exporting advice and much more. Advice and support is also available for those wishing to move into the area by bringing together the resources and skills from a number of partners.