TODAY, more than 70 companies will be taking part in one of the biggest business exhibitions in Dorset.

The very first Business 4 Business Exhibition will see exhibitors from South and West Dorset offering their services to other businesses.

The free exhibition will run between 10am and 3pm at the Redlands Community Sports Hub in Dorchester Road, Weymouth.

It will be opened by Barry White, the newly-appointed chairman of Open 4 Business.

Business sectors that will be represented at the exhibition include solicitors, graphic designers, marketing, florists, stationery, printers, office equipment and advertising and organisations such as Federation of Small Businesses, Chamber of Commerce and Dorset Business.

Open 4 Business main sponsor David Upshall Insurance Services, which has offices in Dorchester and Blandford, will be showcasing the company at one of the exhibition stands.

David Upshall, senior partner of David Upshall Insurance Services, said: “The main reason we’re taking part is that I think it’s a good opportunity for local businesses to show what they do to the general public. Business to business is extremely important.

“We’re a business to business company and we deal with other businesses all the time.

“This is an ideal opportunity to talk to other businesses and interact with other businesses and get business from other businesses.

“There’s nothing quite like it and there’s been such a huge result from advertising for people to put stands up.”

Exhibition sponsor Stag Office Products, which is based in Weymouth, will also have a stand at the exhibition.

Managing director Simon Marfell said: “I’m stunned by the response we’ve had and the amount of business that has been generated.

“It proves that local businesses are supporting local businesses.”

Julie Cleaver, managing director of Open4Business, said: “This year the theme during the Open 4 Business festival is ‘Winning Business’ which is vital each and every day. At the exhibition there will be many businesses offering their services to businesses making them more effective and even more profitable.

“It is going to be a great day of networking. Where else can you visit 65 businesses in one day under one roof?”

The free exhibition is open to the public from 10am and all exhibitors have been encouraged to invite their own customers and business contacts to the event.

Parking is free at the Redlands Community Sports Hub. Many of the exhibitors will be offering special prices and deals at the show A press launch of Open 4 Business 2011 earlier today saw the award categories and sponsors of Open 4 Business 2011 announced.

See o4business.co.uk for more information.