Most firms exhibiting at Expo 2008 are there to secure business deals and maximise on networking opportunities.

But one Hull businesswoman decided to use the event to help female entrepreneurs across the region to get a foothold in the business community.

Maureen Foers OBE was on hand to man the Women's Enterprise In The Humber stall.

She is the project manager for the organisation, which is dedicated to empowering businesswomen in the area, and is part of the Yorkshire's Women Entrepreneurs group.

Mrs Foers booked the stall through her own company, Hull-based business development firm Durban Ltd, along with support from the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce.

She said she wanted to use her 37 years in business to help smaller companies share in the benefits of the event.

Mrs Foers said: “We get different women to come along and get them involved so they can promote their business through Expo.

“I do it on behalf of smaller businesses run by women who can't afford to have a stall here.

“It gives them the opportunity to meet other businesses and go out and see the things that are going on.”

It is the third year in a row she has had a stall at Expo.

She described the 2008 event, which is part of Business Week 2008, as “as good as previous years”.