Hundreds flock to check out all the opportunity on our doorstep

Business honchos, jobseekers and travel-lovers flocked to Stansted Airport's Diamond Hangar for the third staging of Check-in@Stansted.

The business, careers and tourism fair last Thursday (June 23) saw 565 visitors clicked through the doors.

They enjoyed a range of attractions, from fire and rescue vehicles and the luxury catering of award-winning chef Michael Binnington to fun photo booths and a seminar by TV presenter Jeff Brazier.

Some 60 exhibitors were made up of companies from across Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridge.

Amongst the venue's executive jets were Mantle Business Centres, Saffron Apparel Ltd, Harrods Aviation, Premier Travel, Mercedes-Benz and Qatar Cargo.

An award for the best dressed stand went to Dunmow's Rose Garden Florist.

The free event was arranged by Stansted Airport Chamber of Commerce and the Sowerby Group, with students from Harlow College assisting on the day.

Sponsors included Stansted Airport, Uttlesford District Council, Diamond Hangar and the Herts & Essex Observer.

The exhibition was branded as a place where 'business has no boundaries' and featured speed networking opportunities throughout the day, as well as the first ever Uttlesford District Council Business Zone.

One of the big hits was a seminar for business owners and managers given by life coach Jeff Brazier, who is also known for being a presenter on The Hub section of ITV's This Morning.

The discussion focused on increasing positivity, confidence and happiness in the workplace and was described as "refreshing, inspiring and very motivational".

See the promo video here...

Thoughts of the organisers are already turning to next year after a raft of positive feedback from those involved.

"I thought it was fantastic," said Jo Hart, of Mantle Business Centres. "We got some great contacts from the day and will be busy following up with these in the next week."

Colin Kitchener, of Integral Promotions, said the fair felt "like Olympia".

"It is a definite must to attend again next year," he added.

Maria Teer, of SFB Consulting, said: "We found the exhibition went really well considering the weather and also with it being the day of the [EU referendum] vote. I have arranged a few meetings with potential clients."

Read full article by Michael Jarvis, Herts & Esssex Observer.....