BUSINESSES exhibiting in the arcade at the North Devon Show were pleased with the response from show visitors.

"On behalf of small businesses, the show has been a great success in terms of turnout and interest," said Mike Matthews, chairman of the North Devon branch of the Federation of Small Businesses.

"Hopefully, talking will turn into leads and leads turn into business. So far everyone I have spoken to has been very busy."

The FSB stand provided an affordable opportunity for a number of its members to exhibit.

This was taken up by EB Furniture, B D Hockin Gas Engineers Limited, ND Media, John Smale and Co, Convallis Software, FSB Recruitment, Jackie McGowan-Hayes financial advice, Lani Shepherd's Glorious Glass, Eco Exmoor, Bushnell Green and Co, Westlite, Ten Counties, MJM Sports, Clare Flint Travel Agent - Travel Counsellor, SW Office Supplies and Echo Business Enterprises LLP.

The FSB received the special stand award from show judges in recognition of the opportunities it presented to its members.

FSB member Brian Hockin of Hockin Heating Engineers was delighted with the response to the stand: "We sold our first boiler service at 8.45am and our second boiler service by 9.15am. By 10am the stand had paid for itself."

Brian was also pleased with visitors' response to a new product the company launched at the show.

The new Solaplug solar hot water system can be fitted to an existing hot water cylinder for £1,985 to heat water from roof-installed solar panels.

The system can be fitted in a day and is eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive, which will provide long-term financial support to renewable heat installations for 20 years.

For details call 01271 324913.