The FSB, which represents more than 200,000 small businesses across the UK and is particularly active in Wales, is the latest high-profile organisation to join the event which will be held in the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on June 13 and 14.

It follows news that Cardiff County Council has come on board as an official supporter, joining The Chamber of Commerce, ngb2b - the Newport and Gwent chamber of commerce, the Institute of Directors and the Welsh Assembly Government as sponsor and Western Mail as the media partner.

Event director Will Allen said, "We're delighted to have the Federation of Small Businesses on board. The FSB plays an integral part in the evolution of so many businesses as they grow, helping them become major players.

"Having them on board will bring another audience of fresh entrepreneurs to the Ideal Business Show Wales who will deliver the energy required to make the event really buzz with vitality."

Dai Davies, Regional Organiser for the FSB South Wales, said, "We are delighted to be on board as an official supporter of the Ideal Business Show Wales. The show has been very successful in the past and this year's promises to reach new heights.

"It is a tremendous opportunity for businesses in the SME sector in Wales, from new start-ups to those looking for growth and diversification. It's the sort of arena that can have a profound influence on what businesses do and the way that they do it."

More than 3,000 visitors are expected to attend the show where more than 100 exhibitors from the public and private sectors await them. There will also be seminars, business breakfasts and lunches each day with some of the biggest names in the business world appearing as motivational speakers throughout the two-day event.

John Humphrys, the legendary hard-man of Radio 4's Today programme and presenter of BBC TV's Mastermind quiz, will be putting some of Britain's coolest business operators in the hot seat, including Jacqueline Gold - the Ann Summers' and Knickerbox chief executive, Chris Moss - chairman of the Number (118118) and creator of the Orange brand and Mike Southon - the best-selling author and brains behind 17 start-up businesses.

Other speakers include Gerald Ratner - former chief executive of the jewellery chain Ratners, and one of the best-known figures in Welsh business Henry Engelhardt, the chief executive of Admiral.

Registration for visitors to the event has already begun online. Simply visit the website www.idealbusinessshow.co.uk and fill in the details in the registration form.