A major new business exhibition is being launched in Bristol, providing local firms with an outstanding opportunity to promote their products and services and get access to vital business information.

Named B2B West the new event is being run in association with Business West and the region's leading media including the Western Daily Press and Bristol Evening Post. Attracting businesses from a range of sectors across the West of England, the exhibition will become a highpoint of the annual business calendar, boosting regional sourcing and contributing to commercial growth in the region.

Home to 23,000 firms the Greater Bristol area has one of the most thriving business communities in the UK. Bristol is the powerhouse of the West of England, a sub-region with the highest GDP outside London. Yet the city has no central market place for buyers and sellers to come together.

Until now, the lack of a dedicated exhibition centre has prevented Bristol from holding such events - which are commonplace in other major cities in the UK. To overcome this barrier, the exhibition will be held in high quality, temporary structures in Queen Square.

To be held on 21 and 22 September 2004, the event is expected to attract exhibitors from a broad variety of sectors and will include a robust seminar programme plus a mix of sector specific workshops. Thousands of visitors from across the West of England are expected to attend.

The event has been conceived and is being organised by specialist exhibition and live event company, envelope.

Nick James from envelope said: "We want to create a local marketplace for businesses in the region. We believe that B2B West will become the best opportunity for businesses to meet face-to-face with potential new suppliers all under one roof.

He added: "While Bristol already hosts a good range of networking and marketing events, this is the first time that something of this scale will be held in the city."

Andrew Stainer, marketing director at Business West said: "We are delighted to back this crucial event that has the potential to strengthen trade links between different business sectors in the region.

"We recognise the importance of providing face-to-face networking opportunities and believe that B2BWest will become an important date on the business community's calendar."

For further information about B2B or to register interest in taking exhibition space, contact Nick James on 0845 226 3050 or by email.