ONE of the biggest business events staged in Kent takes place at the St Lawrence cricket ground in Canterbury on Friday.

The Canterbury Business Exhibition 2004 features stands from 60 local companies, more than 50 suppliers and buyers from across the county.

It has been organised by Canterbury City Council, Canterbury 4 Business (C4B) and Business Network International (BNI) and sponsored by Business Link Kent.

In addition to the displays, there will be seminars on business issues, a business breakfast hosted by BNI on Friday morning and a private drinks and dinner event to celebrate C4B's first anniversary.

Free sales and marketing workshops will offer hours of training for businesses, a free networking area and networking board will allow exhibitors and visitors make new contacts with customers and business support agencies will be on hand to companies seeking advice.

Organisers believe the event will help companies break into new markets, form links with major clients and build a winning business.

Deputy leader of Canterbury City Council, Cllr Ron Pepper, said: "This exhibition offers businesses a unique opportunity to promote their products and services to thousands of potential buyers from across Kent.

"We are delighted to be involved in such a prestigious event and look forward to it being a major success for the district's businesses. It clearly demonstrates we are all being busy for business."

The Canterbury Business Exhibition 2004 runs from 9am to 4pm. It is free of charge and open to members of the public. Organisers recommend visitors use the park and ride site at New Dover Road, as there is no parking at the St Lawrence Ground.