BUCKMORE Park, the impressive new scouting centre in Chatham, was transformed into a hive of business activity on Wednesday for a record-breaking show that underlined Medway's growing reputation for successful commerce.

Medway Better Business Exhibition was widely regarded as one of the best business expos ever staged in the area. Hundreds of people turned up in the first hour as if to underline Medway's burgeioning reputation as a great place for good business.

More than 100 exhibitors showed off their wares and most were rushed off their feet dealing with inquiries. Mayor of Medway Cllr Tony Goulden opened the show, his final official engagement before handing over to a new mayor.

He said Medway was becoming more important as a place for business. He took away some fantastic impressions of local business and the economy from his mayoral year. "I have been amazed not only by the potential but also what is already going on here," he said. "When you go round, there is tremendous optimism."

He was particularly impressed by the creation of the Universities of Medway that held the key to future prosperity by raising skill levels. Paul Waterhouse, president of Medway Chamber of Commerce, a show sponsor, said Medway had enormous prospects. The area had had to put up with roadworks for more than a year. But it was all working towards a future of greater accessibility and better infrastructure.

"This can only be good for the Medway Towns," he said. "You can see by the support today from the number of stands at this exhibition that Medway is a thriving community and can only get better and better."

Businessman Jay Choudhry, chairman of Puretone, a hearing aid manufacturer on Medway City Estate, praised the show, saying it showed the strength of Medway . "The area looks much more prosperous than when I moved in here 15 years ago," he said. "I would recommend anyone to come and set up a business here. It is a good time to move in."