HUNDREDS of businesses were given a powerful reminder of why they should buy from local suppliers at the fourth annual DL Business Expo.

The event, held yesterday at The Northern Echo Arena in Darlington, attracted 65 exhibitors from the DL postcode area who showcased their products and services to potential customers.

“This has gone from strength to strength, so much so that we had to turn potential stallholders away this year,” said Graham Rowatt, the chairman of Darlington Business Club, one of the driving forces behind the expo that has become a fixture on the regional business calendar.

“What makes this so special is that it shows the incredible diversity of business that we have in the area,” added Mr Rowatt, who pointed towards exhibitors such as Darlington-based Acorn Diary, lettings firm My Property Box, Nordic Focus Training and Hewitts Solicitors as examples of the huge range of industry sectors represented.

The event was backed by The Northern Echo, RMB Toyota, Darlington Mowden Park RFC and Lingfield Point.

Lee Rust, managing director at Mowden Park, said: “The DL Business Expo was a huge success and again highlights the potential of the stadium to be used for events outside of sport.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Darlington Business Club on something that helps promote the region and boost the local economy.”

Weardale entrepreneur Clive Elsdon was there promoting two ventures: his building and design consultancy, as well as the leathercraft business he runs in partnership with his wife Wendy from their home in Wolsingham.

“We are a community business so we use events such as this to get our name out there, it's great to be part of it,” he said.

In addition to the exhibition there were seminars featuring speakers such as Michael Ryding, director of DigitalCity Business, Nevil Tynemouth, LinkedIn expert, and Dan Spicer from social media company Hootsuite.