DOZENS of businesses from the region’s engineering and manufacturing sectors will descend on Newton Aycliffe later this month to meet potential customers and suppliers. Durham Oktoberfest is the North East’s biggest shop window for businesses looking to promote their offering and is taking place on Thursday, October 20, at the Xcel Centre. Exhibition stands are almost sold out and companies are reminded to book their space now to ensure they don’t miss out. Oktoberfest organiser Paul Sun said: “As usually happens there has been a influx of enquiries from companies keen to exhibit so stand availability is becoming extremely limited. “Durham 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 know from many returning exhibitors, among them Altec Engineering, Dyer, EDM Zone and E-Max Systems, that businesses who attend do come away with real leads. So we’d urge anyone who hasn’t yet registered to
Aycliffe Oktoberfest at Xcel Centre
book now before the stands are fully booked.” This year’s event will feature a panel debate with regional business experts including Liz Mayes from the EEF; Tom Dower from the new South Durham UTC; Colin Bell, business growth director at the North East LEP; Matt Atkinson from Nine Software; Graeme Parkins from Dyer Engineering; and Roger O’Brien, director of AMAP at the University of Sunderland. Also on the line-up is: • The North East Maintenance Forum • Tesla, who are showcasing two of their new vehicles • NHS Healthchecks • An education zone involving East Durham College, New College Durham, the University of Sunderland, Sunderland College and Derwentside College • Durham County Council’s Credit Union • Workshops on additive manufacturing (BSI), social media (LEC Consultancy) and automation (Fast EMS). To find out more about Oktoberfest, which is organised by the County Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Network (CDEMN) or to register as an exhibitor or attendee, visit durhamoktoberfest.org.uk.