One of the top events in the Oxfordshire business calendar has been voted a major success by delegates, organisers and exhibitors.

The Oxford Innovation stand at the In Business exhibition

The In Business exhibition at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on October 24 attracted 42 stands from companies all over the county and beyond.

Many were taking orders from new customers while others used the opportunity to network with a wide variety of contacts among the hundreds of delegates who flocked to the prestigious venue.

Nick Fulford, of Oxford telecommunications firm Meeting Zone, said: "We have done some deals with people looking for conference call support, which has been very productive.

"We have been very busy since the start of the day."

Many of the exhibitors were making their first appearance at the exhibition and were surprised at the opportunities available.

Caroline Lee, debt recovery manager with Banbury-based Brethertons Solicitors, said: "We have been talking to all sorts of people.

"We have been to other exhibitions this year but none have been as busy as this."

As well as established firms, the exhibition also attracted a wide variety of start-ups, and small firms looking to establish themselves in the Oxfordshire marketplace.

Jenny Krailing, of Heyford Park-based software firm Active Media, said: "We decided to do it because it was a prestigious location and we thought a lot of local business people would attend. That has proved to be the case."

Corporate giftware firm Menxus, of North Leigh, near Witney, was also making its debut appearance after setting up just a year ago.

Partner Keith Strong said: "We have had a very good exhibition with a strong flow of people and we have made some good contacts."

Run by the Oxford Mail's sister paper The Oxford Times, the exhibition also featured a series of seminars ranging from managing customers to how the new Employment Act will affect businesses.

Organiser Rachael Walsh-Grant said: "We have been delighted with the turnout and the quality of the exhibitors this year. There has been some excellent feedback which has all added up to another highly successful event."