THE Checkatrade.com Expo held at Azur at the Marina Pavilion in St. Leonards provided a great opportunity for businesses to connect with fellow tradespeople, consumers and Government.

A special live demonstration of Blockfit - a brand new nationwide exercise regime - was performed by its creator X Factor’s Chico Slimani.

He was famous for his one hit wonder Chico Time which made number one in the UK pop charts.

Special guests included Home Secretary Amber Rudd MP.

A presentation was given by real life entrepreneur and multi award-winning CEO of Checkatrade.com and Checkaprofessional.com Kevin Byrne.

He set up the consumer protection company from his bedroom 19 years ago.

It is now a top UK analysis and scrutinising business aimed at protecting the general public from rogue traders and cowboy builders.

The event also hosted a selection of exhibitors from corporate balloon displays to technical app development, giant flowers and beauty products to various trades such as electricians, plumbers, furniture restoration and carpets.

Mr Byrne said: It’s always a great pleasure to attend this event as it highlights the Checkatrade.com and Checkaprofessional.com branding.

“It emphasises our connection locally with trades, consumers and the community through ambassadors of Checkatrade.com.”

Organiser Brett McLean said: “It’s important to give people the opportunity to engage with the Checka group of companies and to highlight the work of Checkatrade.com throughout East Sussex.

“It was a great event and we were, of course, delighted to introduce the Home Secretary to the ethos of what Checkatrade represents in the UK. “

Mr McLean said he plans to organise similar events in the future so that businesses can come together and engage.

He said: “I was very pleased how this day went.”