YORK Business Week 2014 is underway as more than 200 people attended day one's headline event - smashing the target of 50 delegates.

The SUPER Networking event, hosted by the Federation of Small Business (FSB) in partnership with Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors, Ian Walker & Co, and Broadbents Recovery Services, featured 46 exhibitors and two guest speakers, attracting four times more attendees than organisers had expected.

Martyn Weller, York FSB branch chairman, said: "We wanted to host a networking event as part of York Business Week to reflect how important networking is for small businesses.

"We'd hoped to attracted around 40 to 50 people, but have had more than 200 register. The whole event has had a real buzz about it, and is something we can build on for future Business Weeks in York."

The SUPER Networking event featured talks from social media lecturer Liz Cable, and Colin Tweedie of CJT Consulting.

One of those to attend the event at Novotel was York MP Julian Sturdy, who said: "It has been great to see so many businesses coming together, talking to each and sharing success stories, and showcasing what amazing talent there is among small businesses across the area.

"The success they are having shows the growth much of the local economy is experiencing.

"It has been interesting too to hear some of the challenges business are facing, including business rates and public sector procurement, and the desire among local firms to have a dedicated body for small businesses in government."

Other events held yesterday for the first day of York Business Week included the 5th annual Lord Mayor's Business Breakfast for Young Entrepreneurs at the Mansion House, and an Apprentice Graduation Ceremony at York Minster.

Today York Business Week continues with the York Business Conference, featuring guest speaker, former Marks & Spencer boss Lord Stuart Rose, at City Screen Picturehouse.

Speakers and delegates will then be on hand for the arrival of the Small Business Saturday bus, as the national tour comes to York to promote Small Business Saturday on December 6.

There will also be an event focussing on "Social Media Strategy & Tactical Implementation" hosted by Aer8 Marketing at the DurhamOx in Crayke, and the Institute of Directors North Yorkshire Annual Dinner.