So, it is very useful to go to the event – especially with the potential to do business with more than 700 businesses in one day – according to Cambridgeshire manager for registered charity Business in the Community, Celia Johns.

"People are more relaxed when not in the confines of the office," she said. "Networking with exhibitors can prove to be profitable."

Business in the Community inspires, engages, supports and challenges companies to continually improve the impact they have on society and the environment through their responsible business programme, sometimes referred to as corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Celia will be networking with businesses at Business Focus to "get them to put something back
into the local community". CSR should be at the core of a company's programmes and strategies, not a bolt-on to operations.

Business in the Community can offer to help your company develop and integrate a successful responsible business strategy.

It can help your company maintain or develop a CSR strategy by providing training, independent assessment through the CR Index and the creation of a bespoke programme tailored to the needs of your business.

Why not get involved by joining ProHelp? It's a national network of more than 800 professional firms who make a difference in the community by offering free advice and support to local community groups and voluntary organisations.

ProHelp is delivered through 33 local groups across the country with member firms, both large and small, undertaking one-off projects and contributing to advice surgeries and work- shops.

Locally, Peterborough ProHelp is chaired by Carolyn Rossiter, partner at Moore Stephens Accountants.

It is made up of 18 professional firms each pledging their professional services, free of charge, to voluntary and community groups in their local area.

For details, see Celia at Business Focus 2008, call Business in the Community on 01638 663272, or visit www.bitc.org.uk.