COMPANIES from across Worcestershire and Herefordshire are being invited to Worcester Rugby Club for an audience with Lord Digby Jones, in an event to celebrate business and international trade.

The business networking event is hosted by the International Trade team at the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire and will be held on Friday, October 17 at the Sixways Stadium, Worcester.

Meeting businesses from across the two counties, Lord Jones – renowned as the “UK’s voice of business” – will discuss current issues of concern, the health of the UK economy and trade opportunities, following a day of touring in the West Midlands.

As part of his visit to Worcestershire, Lord Jones will visit the Malvern Hills Science Park, where he will meet with businesses that came out top at the West Midlands UK Trade and Investment International Trade Awards held back in May.

Lord Jones is Minister of State for Trade and Investment - the Government office that helps UK-based companies succeed in international markets, as well as supporting overseas companies to bring high quality investment to the UK.

He also has responsibility for the defence sector and defence export support.

The UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) team, based at the Chamber of Commerce in Worcester, delivers the contract for international trade across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.

With the wider support of the Chamber, the team have been using their expertise to help companies succeed for more than 13 years.

The event will kick off from 5pm and both the UKTI team and staff from the Chamber of Commerce will be on hand to answer any questions about the support on offer for businesses in the region.

There is a cost to attend, with a reduction for members of the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire. To book a place or to find out more, contact Linda Smith, on 0845 641 1508.