More than 200 people gathered at Cwmbran Stadium last week for the county’s first business exhibition.

Businesses took part in a packed morning of facilitated networking opportunities, seminars and guest speakers, including the BBC’s economic correspondent Sarah Dickens.

There were also more than 50 exhibitors representing the huge range of sectors involved in the borough.

Dawson Evans, group leader for economy, enterprise and tourism at Torfaen council, said: “This was our first event and it was a great success. We have learnt a lot and hopefully we will be able to take what we have learnt and put on an even bigger event next time.

“All of our seminars were booked out well in advance and our trade stands were full. Feed back has been incredibly positive from the businesses which attended, and I would like to thank everyone involved for helping to make the event a success.”

Emma Casburn, co-founder of Infinite Travel, said: “Events such as this are essential for small, independent businesses like mine which rely on face to face contact and personal interaction to succeed.

“It has been fantastic to see so many businesses coming together and collaborating so that we can all learn from each other and grow together.”

For pictures from the event turn to page 5.