COUNTY business leaders and charity workers met local council leaders in Worcester to discuss how they can better work together to cope with the current economic crisis.

Worcestershire County Council organised the special event at County Hall on Monday to give businesses and other organisations affected by the ongoing recession the chance to share their concerns with one another, and seek advice about how local government can help businesses through the turbulent economic climate.

Small and medium enterprises, large employers, voluntary and community sector groups, council contractors and suppliers were all present at the event to share their experiences through a series of workshop-style events.

Andrew Guy, director of Worcester-based executive recruitment firm PGC, was one of those who went.

He said: “I came here wearing two hats, firstly as an owner-manager of a business and secondly as the chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society.

“From a business perspective, it is reassuring our local politicians want to hear from us as to how we believe the effects of the global downturn might be mitigated in Worcestershire.

“As chairman of the society, I was pleased to hear that we will be planning ahead to attract more visitors into Worcester and into Worcestershire. Should people decide not to holiday abroad next year, we should collectively make a best effort to ensure they come here instead.”

Simon Geraghty, the county council’s cabinet member in charge of economic matters said that the event was a great success.

“It was really pleasing to see how many people, from across a wide spectrum of the region’s business community, took the opportunity to attend the event,” he said.

“It was very constructive and useful to come together to share our thoughts on a number of issues.

“The event shows how we are always open to practical ideas and willing to listen to help the county’s economy.”

Anyone wanting more information on the event or on how Worcestershire County Council and other partner agencies can help in the current crisis should click here.