Peterborough City Council chief executive Gillian Beasley welcomed visitors to the eighth annual event, describing it as "bigger and better than ever."

She said: "It is pleasing to see so many businesses here in the current economic climate."

Other speakers included development manager at Hammerson Properties, Richard Brown, who confirmed that the company is "pushing forward with its mixed development in North Westgate."

What do you think of the event?
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Key speaker was Chan Abraham, chief executive of the Luminus Group, voted by The Times as one of the 100 best companies in the UK to work for.

He gave a lively address, saying that in these difficult times companies need to "put their heads above the parapets," to make themselves better known.

He gave three main bits of advice to businesses – the three Cs – be certain about your edge, be creative about your opportunities and be clear about your values.




Attendance at Business Focus – an event Chan described as "aspirational" – and networking between businesses and organisations went some way to heeding these commercial "tips."

Chief organiser of the event Jenny Weston, of W2 Consultancy, said that "volumes were up on last year, and it was very busy."

"Businesses were able to generate a high quality of leads," she said.

Firms and organisations reported a positive feedback, in terms of activity, whether generating leads, networking or simply exposure.

"It was buzzing, especially in the morning," said Tammy Tushingham, marketing co-ordinator of city firm MacIntyre Hudson.

Business Focus 2008 proved a good source of leads, both locally and with some firms, such as Fastway Couriers, on a county- wide basis.

Peter Mulhall, of Business Link, said he spoke to a number of "good quality leads."

One Cambridge business, Ann Pettengell Recruitment, looking to expand into Peterborough, was very upbeat about the event.

"We had done quite a few exhibitions and found Business Focus 2008 very well organised," said recruitment manager Sarah Flack.

"It was positive, informative, with the business community well represented. We were also pleasantly surprised by the calibre of candidates."

And for many firms, it was their first showing at Business Link and a good opportunity for brand awareness, for getting their name "out there".

Some of these organisations included NFU Mutual, Peterborough Serviced Accommodation, Peterborough Raceway, O'Briens, Fotec, Nene Valley Ltd and Parcelforce.

And for some, such as Advantage Fenland, it was a good opportunity to showcase an out- of-town facility, namely The Boathouse Conference Centre in Wisbech.

Virtually everyone said they were keen to return in 2009.