The new exhibition hall at the Junction 36 Rural Auction Centre was officially opened by the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show.

The 42nd annual Lakes Hospitality Trade Show opened yesterday in Junction 36’s brand new exhibition hall.

The event sees over 100 exhibitors from food suppliers to accountants and media specialists come together to showcase their products and services to the hospitality industry.

Organiser, Nick Hood, said: “It’s been great considering that eight weeks ago the building we’re in wasn’t even here, but the guys here have done a superb job.

“We’ve got people queuing into the door and that’s a great sign, we’ve got over 100 exhibitors here from the hospitality industry and now our attention turns to the people coming in.

“It gets bigger and bigger every year, we were here last year under a marquee and then the venue asked us about the exhibition hall and I immediately wanted to be one of the first ones in.”

He added: “There’s a few people here who have spent their grant money from the floods on exhibition stalls here so people are using this as an opportunity to get back up which is great to see.

“There’s also businesses from across the country, businesses from the south that know how important it is to be seen by companies across the north.”

Opening the event, Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “It’s a massive pleasure to be here in the wonderful new venue.

“Whenever I come to this event, I’m reminded of how interconnected the economy in Cumbria is, not just tourism but all of the ancillary businesses that create tens of thousands of jobs for the economy.”

“This is a remarkable occasion and a great opportunity for people to get together and do business.”