ORGANISERS behind a business event have revealed exhibition space is now at a premium.

Dozens of manufacturing and engineering firms will next week descend upon Durham Oktoberfest.

The expo will also feature a debate for the first time, with industry officials’ discussions due to be followed by a question and answer session.

Paul Sun, Oktoberfest organiser, said: “There has been an influx of enquiries from companies keen to exhibit, so stand availability is becoming extremely limited.

“Oktoberfest is the region’s biggest and best shop window for companies who want to meet potential suppliers, buyers and customers and brings together hundreds of industry professionals who want to promote their business.

“We’d urge anyone who hasn’t yet registered to book now.”

The panel debate will include Liz Mayes, regional director of manufacturers’ group EEF, and Tom Dower, principal at Newton Aycliffe’s new £10m South Durham University Technical College.

It will also feature Matt Atkinson, of software firm Nine Works, Colin Bell, business growth director at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, Graeme Parkin, of Dyer Engineering, and Roger O’Brien, director of automotive and manufacturing advanced practice at the University of Sunderland.

Topics will include the Brexit vote, the Northern Powerhouse, exports and the skills gap.

An education zone involving a number of local colleges is due to take place, as are workshops on areas such as additive manufacturing, social media and automation.

Durham Oktoberfest takes place on Thursday, October 20 at The Xcel Centre in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

To find out more about the event, which is organised by the County Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Network, or to register as an exhibitor or visitor, visit durhamoktoberfest.org.uk