AROUND 1,500 visitors are expected to attend a business exhibition to be held in Folkestone later this year.

The Shepway Business To Business Show 2002 was officially launched this week at Folkestone's Leas Cliff Hall and was attended by about 80 guests. And the message put out by the chief executive of the Shepway Business Centre Peter Hobbs was to "book early to avoid disappointment".

The business show was run for the first time last year and then attracted about 600 visitors to see 58 stands. This year Mr Hobbs said he wanted the event to be "bigger and better", with more than double the amount of visitors and a 70 per cent increase on the amount of exhibitors.

Mr Hobbs said: "We want to make this one of the most prestigious business events in Kent this year. We were absolutely delighted by the response to last year's show and after such a resounding vote of confidence from exhibitors, we really had no option but to return with a bigger and better menu for 2002."

This year's show takes place at the hall on Thursday September 19. John Barber, of the Shepway Chamber of Commerce, said: "We have invited all those who took part last year and they have all shown an interest in coming back this year. Last year there was a lot of demand from small businesses so this year we will have special stands for them on the balcony level of the Leas Cliff Hall.

"We believe in networking , but also we want local businesses to know more about other companies in the area. The show is a chance for businesses to promote their services and wares."

Companies who booked exhibition stands last year included hoteliers, caterers, insurance brokers, tour operators, stationery suppliers, printers, publishers, design agencies, photographers and Internet companies.

Admission for visitors to the 2002 show is free. For further information contact the Shepway Business Centre on 01303 256666 or online at www.shepwaybc.co.uk