Norfolk and Suffolk Business Showcase in the Forum, Norwich. Programme Director Chris Leighton having her picture taken by exhibitor Julia Cameron. Photo : Steve Adams

Some of the region’s newest entrepreneurs showcased their achievements at an event in Norwich yesterday.

From snails to headless entertainment and chocolate products, new small business owners took part in a Business Start Up event.

The 25 businesses were created following a Norfolk County Council funded course run by Chris Leighton for Outset between 2010 and early this year.

She said: “This event provides these fantastic new businesses the opportunity to promote their services to the public.

As well as the snails from a snail farmer and locally made chocolate, visitors also had the opportunity to taste Ethiopian and South American cuisine and purchase homemade products such as silk, cosmetics made from plant extracts, bags and phone covers made from recycled clothing and knitted products.

Greeting cards for the blind or partially sighted, an online service, the idea of FingerTip Vision, was also at the Forum.