EXPO 2019 saw a record number of exhibitors and attendees at the Isle of Wight’s flagship business event yesterday (Wednesday).

Organised by the IW Chamber of Commerce, Expo presented more than 60 exhibiting businesses and the event pulled in hundreds of visitors to Lakeside Park Hotel in Wootton.

Chamber chief executive, Steven Holbrook, said: "Expo is all about bringing the business community together.

"It is without doubt the biggest day for the Island’s business community.

"Our exhibitors really raised the bar this year with some really creative stands, making the most of the unique promotional platform that Expo offers.

"The event also delivered hugely valuable networking opportunities.

"It’s great to see the Island’s business community supporting itself — engaging with local providers and connecting with customers old and new."

Expo 2019’s headline sponsor was WightFibre, which brought its new mobile store along, welcoming attendees on-board its newly converted bus to demonstrate its new ultra-fast broadband.

WightFibre chief executive, John Irvine, said: "Expo 2019 is our key business event of the year.

"We had a great time and with our air conditioned bus we were literally the coolest place to be on that hot day.

"We picked up a lot of interest from businesses at Expo but we also showcased our residential packages too.

"Showing what we can offer is very powerful and supporting events like Expo gives us a great opportunity to spread the word about the Gigabit Island."

Seminars came from the IW County Press, WightFibre, IW Council Regeneration and Alex Tana Coaching.

There was a marquee hosting the Over 50s Start Me Up business entrepreneurs.

Steven added: "This year was definitely our best yet, with the warm weather definitely working for us.

"Expo will return next year and we’re already thinking about how to make it even bigger and even busier."