WYRE Forest's MP organised a Grow with Confidence Small Business Forum for businesses in the district.

Duriung the event, at Kidderminster's Gainsborough House Hotel, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP) director Gary Woodman provided information on current grants and benefits available from WLEP to assist businesses on growth.

Tim Rivett, of the British Bankers Association, advised on the benefits of business mentoring. Google was represented by Gori Yahaya and a team who gave a presentation on how small businesses could boost their online presence to drive growth.

That was followed by a workshop for one-to-one assistance.

Speaking after the event, Mr Garnier said: “Helping businesses and constituents at every level is one of the most important jobs of being an MP.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy, providing both economic growth and employment. That is why I believe it so important to bring practical help to Wyre Forest’s local businesses.

"This is the first of what I hope will be an ongoing series of business events that are aimed to cover the wide range of issues that businesses face.

"As a first event this was a great success and was received very positively by the local businesses that attended.”