BREXIT was top of the agenda at a business expo celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Durham Oktoberfest today (Thursday, October 19) hosted an industry leaders’ panel debate on Britain’s EU divorce.

The discussion, held as part of the wider Oktoberfest event in Newton Aycliffe’s Xcel Centre, saw speakers and audience members highlight concerns over Brexit uncertainty and put forward views on areas that the Government must focus on to ensure a smooth transitional period.

The panel included David Land, chairman of County Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Network, which organises Oktoberfest, Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, and Abi Broadley, business development director at Ripon-based Aquarius Rail, which provides transport apparatus for track maintenance.

The debate, chaired by Northern Echo business editor Steven Hugill, touched on various issues, including worries over future trade and export arrangements, an end to vital European funding, and the potential need to replace thousands of EU workers who return home after Brexit.

However, the session was also told about the region’s need to promote itself better, with Mr Land calling on businesses to shout proudly about their achievements and abilities.

He also said it was important the North-East builds on its manufacturing reputation, citing Nissan’s 7,000-job Sunderland plant and Hitachi Rail Europe’s £82m Aycliffe factory as examples of the region’s prowess in attracting foreign investment.

Reflecting on Oktoberfest’s tenth year, which included scores of exhibitors, further workshops, an education zone for youngsters and a small business incubator area, Mr Land said he was delighted with its success.

He said: “This event is about showcasing the North-East’s world-class strengths within the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

“It provides an opportunity for companies of all sizes to come together and demonstrate their individual and collective capabilities.”

Also on the panel were Michael Smith, of Tait Walker, Muckle’s Kevin Maloney, Richard Hogg, of Jackson Hogg, and Sora’s Lee Childs, who was previously boss at Aycliffe’s South West Durham Training.