BUSINESS leaders throughout the region will be attending the second County Durham business show, which takes place on Thursday at Hardwick Hall Hotel.

The County Durham Development Company headlines as the presenters of the show, which aims to recognise positive development and regeneration in the county.

Five major award-winners out of two hundred entrants will be announced on Thursday evening, with awards for Business Growth, Employment, Tourism and Leisure, and Innovation and Technology.

The Northern Echo will present a Working for a Future award, in recognition of an outstanding achievement by an individual or group who have re-built a financially stable business as a result of redundancy from a larger employer.

Regional development agency One NorthEast and leading business organisations are involved.

Hilary Dunne, marketing manager at Enterprise Event Management, which is organising the show, said: "This event is billed as the business event with a difference, together with its sister event, the Tees Valley Business Show, which is now in its seventh year.

"They have become famed for cabaret-style entertainment, mixed with topical business issues. These events have the guest lists filled with key organisations, high-profile speakers and decision-makers from the region and further afield.

For tickets, call Enterprise Event Management on (01325) 281265.