THE first County Durham Business Show has won the endorsement of one of the region's leading chartered accountants and business advisors, Keith Robinson and Co.

The Business Show, at Hardwick Hall, on May 17, is the first of its kind in the Durham area and is expected to be an annual event, attracting key business figures from across the North-East.

The show is being heralded as a night to inspire, energise and motivate. Speakers will include Justin Urquart Stewart and Major Ken Hames.

Keith Robinson and Co, of Middlesbrough, has supported the Tees Valley Business Show since its conception five years ago. Partner Keith Robinson also sits on the judging panel for The Northern Echo Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by editor Peter Barron at the event.

The fifth Tees Valley Business Show will be held at the Tall Trees, Yarm, on October 10, with speakers Sir John Banham and Peter Middleton, head of Tees Valley Urban Regeneration Company.

Marketing manager of Enterprise Event Management, Hilary Dunne, said: "The North-East has a thriving business community which values these events as an opportunity to network in a relaxed, informal environment.

"The importance of controlled growth and enterprise in local businesses will be the focal point of the evening.

"We would like to thank all the people and organisations, including Keith Robinson and Co, who have supported us."

Mr Robinson said: "We are very excited about the forthcoming show in Durham and are confident it will achieve the same phenomenal success of the Tees Valley Business Show. Since its conception, the Tees Valley show has grown into one of the business events of the year, attracting key figures from throughout the UK.

"The focus now is to attract more regions to take advantage of these networking opportunities. By continuing to make every effort to boost enterprise and the economy on our doorsteps, we are promoting the strengths of the many buoyant industries in the North-East."

Tickets for both shows, costing £57.50 per person, can be obtained from Enterprise Event Management on (01325) 480891.

* Supporters of the business show events include: County Durham Development Company, Dickinson Dees, One NorthEast, Keith Robinson and Co, Blackett Hart and Pratt, NatWest, The Northern Echo and Northumbria University.