There is just under a week to go until a major new trade show for the hospitalilty industry takes place in Cumbria.

The North West Hospitality Show, next Wednesday and Thursday, will feature exhibitors from across the North of England as well as new and established local businesses.

The free event, at the J36 Auction Centre in Crooklands, features workshops and seminars from industry experts on topics including family businesses, how to make the most of marketing your holiday property online, future-proofing your business, how to become a brand and many more.

Exhibitors over two floors will include the Business Doctors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Out of Eden, Sealy Beds, Carlisle Ambassadors, Colliers International, Keswick Tourism Association, Invest in Eden and Worldpay.

The North West Hospitality Show has been created and organised by guesthouse owner and trade show expert Nick Hood.

He said: “The response has already been overwhelming. I’m very proud of the quality and innovation of the exhibitors, equally the speakers and workshops which centre around key industry figures are already proving popular.

"Those attending and exhibiting are in for a refreshing change.”

Market Street, hosted by Taste Cumbria, will feature local producers including Bedrock Gin, Ginger Bakers, Kin Vodka, the Magnificent Marshmallow company, Wiga Wagaa and Wavy Grain among others.

The show is supported by The Family Business Network, Carlisle Ambassadors, Lancaster & District Chamber of Commerce, Family Business United, and CN Group Ltd, the company behind in-Cumbria.

It is sponsored by eviivo, The Brand Chap, Vaadhoo and RfM Accountants.

Sue Howorth, founder of Collaborate, will host the show’s opening panel, a hospitality-based version of Question Time with panellists including Jacqui Jackson, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, Nigel Wilkinson and Sarah Swindley.

Ms Howorth will also host the World of Family Business seminar, alongside Paul Andrews, of Family Business United.

Nick Hood, show director, said he was delighted to announce the Family Business Network as commercial partner in its inaugural year.

He said: "Their role is to promote the show for exhibitors and visitors and we certainly are looking forward to working with them.”

“The collaboration of different agencies is vital to the show’s appeal as it broadens the offering for exhibitors and visitors,” said Mr Hood.

“Even the location reflects the outward ethos of the North West Hospitality Show as Junction 36 is uniquely positioned as a gateway to Cumbria, Yorkshire and Lancashire.”

The show is free to attend. For more information visit www.northwesthospitalityshow.co.uk