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A business and networking event to showcase new Doncaster businesses has been declared a resounding success.

More than 600 people attended a full day of exhibitions, guest speakers, performances from local dance schools and Doncaster's M101 band at the Success Doncaster Business Showcase Enterprise Event. More than 100 local businesses supported by the Success Doncaster programme showcased their products and networked with like minded individuals.

Organisers have received glowing praise from several businesses. One declared the day "10 out of 10" for an excellent 'networking event' and personally the best ever he had attended.

Clare Hay from Doncaster Leaflet Distribution said, "We were delighted to take part in the Success Doncaster showcase event. We found the day to be fruitful in terms of interest for our products and services. We received many enquiries from businesses and the general public who had not heard of us or did not know what we could offer."

Kristina Grimes, former contestant from the BBC's hit reality show 'The Apprentice' was also at the exhibition, held at the Dome. Kristina was an inspirational guest speaker at the event, and was on hand throughout the day to offer her advice and business expertise.

The event was staged as a celebration of Enterprise Week and to mark the first anniversary of the Success Doncaster programme. Figures to date show that the programme has:

• supported 2243 individuals and businesses

• created 450 new jobs

• assisted 319 business start ups

With such diverse and exciting new businesses here in Doncaster, the enterprise event provided a great opportunity for people to meet with potential new suppliers, as well as promote innovative business ideas, products and services.

The initial feedback received from exhibitors has been very positive, with many reporting that they have already picked up new business, with all of the exhibitors declaring that they found the day informative and useful by making new business leads and gaining specialist business advice.