The campaign to buy locally, which aims to boost the region’s economy, was instigated by Darlington Business Club some years back and has gone from strength to strength with hundreds of companies supporting it.

Businesses both large and small will be attending the fourth annual DL Business Expo to be held at The Northern Echo Arena in Darlington.

Such is the popularity of the event that over half of the exhibition stands sold within a few hours of the event going online.
Graeme Rowatt, chairman of the Darlington Business Club, urged businesses to book a stand quickly: “It's going to be the largest showcase of businesses based in the Darlington and district area. We have increased the number of stands available from last year and we hope to get some big DL based firms to attend.
"We are proud to be working in partnership with Darlington Mowden Park RFC, owners of the Northern Echo Arena, to provide a fantastic local venue for the occasion."

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman who visited the event last year said: “We have some great businesses in the town and we need local residents to take every opportunity to buy local produce and use local suppliers. To buy local means supporting our businesses, jobs and Darlington’s economy.”

Businesses with a DL or TS21 1 postcode are invited to book their stand online at www.darlingtonbusinessclub.co.uk.

The expo will feature a host of locally based firms, from hotels to engineering companies, all showcasing their products and services. Visitors are invited to attend the free exhibition, to meet the buyers and to see the range of products and services on offer across the region.

A string of high profile speakers are to be announced shortly.

•L to R: Andrew McGreevy and Lee Rust of Mowden Park RFC. Graeme Rowatt and Jayson Gurney of Darlington Business Club.