Bosses fear the lack of a major annual business expo in the city means the economy is losing out to neighbouring areas. 

 The news follows the success of the Leicester Business Event, which was aimed at small and medium sized firms.

The show, held at the Walkers Stadium on 3rd October featured 36 exhibitors and attracted about 300 visitors.

However, business leaders say they want to see shows with 100 exhibitors.

Elaine Vandelli MD of Hi 2 Events said the show will definitely return in 2008 and will be much bigger and better, and says that there will be a few more bigger businesses involved.  "The attendance wasn't massive but all the people that attended were relevant, one comment I got was there wasn't any time-wasters"

The Hi 2 Event also featured seminars from business professionals and a networking lunch, next Year this will extend to networking breakfast and networking after event for the exhibitors.

Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce MD Martin Traynor said larger shows were needed to show what Leicester has to offer.  "There's an argument now for a regular exhibition with 100 stands" he said.  "It's something we have been considering for some time. 

Kamal Dhutia, treasurer of the Leicester Branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said a large exhibition would only happen if all the business organisations and agencies worked together.  "Such a major event is important to show what Leicester has to offer at a time when the city is regenerating itself" he said.