Orders worth more than £4 million were generated for West Sussex businesses during a trade fair.

West Sussex County Council sponsored Meet the Buyers earlier this year, bringing together 38 national and international organisations and suppliers from 110 companies.

County council officials said more than £150,000 business had already been transacted and they estimated the figure could rise to £4.3 million.

Tex Pemberton, Cabinet member for strategic environmental services, said:

"These early successful figures show the value of the Meet the Buyers concept to all the sponsors and I am delighted to hear so much new business has already been generated.

"West Sussex County Council has been involved with these events as a leading sponsor since 1993 and they continue to be one of the most cost effective means of helping local companies expand their markets.

"The event is also a very good example of how partnership working can help the economy of West Sussex and employment opportunities for the county."

The event was staged over two days in June at the Arora International Hotel, Crawley, and offered businesses guaranteed appointments with the buyers of their choice.