*Video courtesy of Open4Business

BUSINESS people enjoyed a hectic day of networking at Open4Business’ very first exhibition.

More than 70 companies hired stands at the Redlands Comm-unity Sports Hub in Weymouth for South and West Dorset’s Open4Business Business for Business Exhibition.

Around 250 people attended the event, which was hosted by the new community interest company Open4Business (Dorset) CIC.

It was opened by Simon Marfell of Stag Office Products, who came up with the idea of hosting the event.

Barry White, chairman of Open4Business, said: “It’s so exciting to see that happened in a short space of time.

“There’s a very positive feel about this – the fact that it’s brought all these local businesses together and they can talk to each other and do business together.

“The support we have got means that looking ahead, next year it’s going to be bigger and better.”

Julie Cleaver, managing director of Open4Business, welcomed the 2011 sponsors and stakeholders and announced this year’s 12 award categories, which will be open for entry from July 5.

She said: “The enthusiasm and energy that has been generated by this exhibition has been amazing. This is a shining example of businesses doing it for themselves.”

The exhibition was launched with businesswoman Stephanie Pettitt of Weymouth telling her story of how she has created a global virtual accountancy business.

She said: “I come from a fast food background and started off working with my brother Daniel at Daniel’s Fish and Chip Shop.

“I went from seven clients to 150 clients with my business Equation Accounting Services Franchise and had the franchise idea in 2009 as I wanted financial freedom.

“I’m using cloud technology and I can access information at the same time as my customers from anywhere in the world and I now have a customer in Beijing.”

Florist Fiona Penny, of Fiona Penny at Sunflowers, said she loved being involved in the exhibition.

Fiona said: “I’m trying to push my corporate work and this is a great way to speak to all different businesses.”

Ailsa Miller, an employment support coordinator for the Dorset Mental Health Forum, said: “We’re getting a really good response today.

“We want to get a message out there and show that we can get awareness sessions put together for the employees in the area.”

David Upshall of David Upshall Insurance Services – Open4 Business’ main sponsor – said the exhibition was a success.

“I think this exhibition is a really good platform for businesses to interact. I think it’s got tremendous potential,” he added.

Plans are now under way to host a second Business 4 Business exhibition in January 2012.

Visit dorsetecho.co.uk for a video of the exhibition.