MORE than 500 people attended a business exhibition in Burnley headlined by a former Apprentice star.

Neil Clough, semi-finalist on Alan Sugar’s BBC show, was the star turn at the Turf Moor event.

Gadget Show frontman Jon Bentley was another of the star guest speakers at the Expo North West event.

Firms such as O2, Bowker International, Willow Starcom and Lesar UK had stands.

Promoters are confident the free gathering will become a regular fixture at the Clarets’ home, and could even take place twice a year as businesses look to develop new leads and network.

Mr Clough, who was a fans favourite on The Apprentice, spoke about his motivation to succeed in business and shared stories from the hit TV series, which he called an ‘amazing and life-changing experience’.

The semi-finalist in the 2013 Apprentice series has already been working closely with Burnley-based David Walker, of +24 Marketing, to launch his own consultancy firm.

Meanwhile, Jon, a former producer of BBC’s Top Gear before going in front of the camera, presented a seminar called ‘Business gadgets that don’t work’, while also advising on a few that do.