ORGANISERS behind a business expo have revealed it is fully booked to exhibitors.

Durham Oktoberfest takes place tomorrow (Thursday, October 20) at the Xcel Centre, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The annual event attracts hundreds of businesses from across the region and allows companies to meet potential suppliers and clients.

Officials say while exhibition space is full, there is still time to register as a visitor, which is free.

Ben Gilhespy, operations director at County Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Network (CDEMN), which organises Oktoberfest, said: “This is the perfect opportunity for companies to network and promote their business to potential suppliers and customers.

“We’re delighted the exhibitor hall is now fully booked and, more importantly, that there are dozens of engineering and manufacturing firms in attendance.”

For the first time this year, Oktoberfest will include a panel debate and audience question and answer session.

Headed by Liz Mayes, regional director of manufacturers’ group EEF, it will also feature Tom Dower, principal at Aycliffe’s £10m South Durham University Technical College.

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

Topics will include the Brexit vote, exports, skills and education and be overseen by CDEMN chairman, David Land.

He added: “The panel brings together experts who are perfectly placed to offer advice and opinion.

“We hope the audience comes armed with some tough questions.”

Attendance to the question and answer session is by booking only.

Visit durhamoktoberfest.org.uk for more information and register for the debate.