EXHIBITION halls buzzed with life as business people made connections.

People flocked to the Redlands Community Sports Hub for the first Business Connections exhibition to be held in Weymouth.

Two large halls were filled with exhibitors and their stands while seminars and demonstrations also took place throughout the day.

Exhibitors vied for the attention of visitors by offering competitions and free gifts at their stands.

Kate Woolley, of Pygmalion Florist, said: “I think it’s a great exhibition for networking and for seeing other businesses.

“I really enjoy working for a small business – the shop owner Sarah Standland has really helped me out.”

South Dorset MP Richard Drax visited the exhibition and spoke to stall holders.

He said: “This is a fantastic idea.

“It’s lovely that businesses can talk with other businesses and keep business local.

“I don’t like the words ‘Big Society’ but in these times, I’m finding that in all walks of life people are re-evaluating how they do things and it’s good to talk more.”

Organiser Simon Marfell said: “We understand that it’s tough out there at the moment and businesses need to have all the opportunities they can get.

“We’ve heard some great success stories today.

“There are some people who haven’t seen each other for years. A lot of business is being done today.”

Sunny Days Nursery ran a bus to transport people from the Weymouth Park and Ride site to the exhibition and transport was also provided by Extra Mile chauffeur service.

A sprinkler demonstration was held outside the exhibition halls by Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.

Lucy Benham, marketing and promotions manager at Sunny Days, said: “It’s been really nice to see other businesses here.”

Also exhibiting was done by The Verne prison on Portland, with prison staff showing off furniture for sale that has been crafted by inmates.

Dan and Rob Hamilton, of White Horse Training, gave demonstrations of First Aid. Director Dan Hamilton said: “It’s been very exciting exhibiting here – we’ve had a few leads. We’ve been presented with quite a few business opportunities for training.”

Mark Steen, director of BustinSkin triathlon and events club, said a lot of interest was being shown in his stall, which displayed colourful T-shirts, water bottles and video images.

Julie Cleaver, exhibiting for Popcorn Marketing, said: “People have been doing business and talking. It’s good to have the time to talk.

“We’ve seen some people visiting who are setting up businesses for the first time who are seeking advice.”

The Dorset Echo ran a contest for entrants to win one of three quarter page adverts.

The three winners will be announced shortly.

Richard Steele, media consultant for business, said: “The Dorset Echo supports local businesses, so being a media partner with Business Connections has been a fantastic opportunity for both the Dorset Echo and Business Connections.”