THE voice of businesses in Worcestershire and Herefordshire will now be heard in Europe thanks to a new appointment by the regional development agency.
Advantage West Midlands has appointed Dr Simon Murphy, MEP, as the first Trade Champion for the region.
His brief is to "get Europe working" for companies in the West Midlands.
Nick Paul, chairman of Advantage West Midlands, said it was a timely decision as the European Union prepared for enlargement, with 13 countries applying to become members.
"Advantage West Midlands wants more companies to do more business in Europe because it is good for jobs and the economy," said Mr Paul.
"Simon Murphy's appointment as Trade Champion will help the Agency achieve this aim. He has a vast amount of experience of Europe, its businesses and markets.
"A bigger European Union means a massive 'home' market for West Midlands business and the Trade Champion will help businesses in the region take maximum advantage of this market."
Through a series of business seminars, to be announced at a later date, Dr Murphy will explain to companies what opportunities enlargement offers them.
"After 10 years as an MEP, I know what Europe has to offer the West Midlands and I want to use my experience to help companies get the most out of a potential market of 450 million people," said Dr Murphy.
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