THOUSANDS of people were expected to flock to the Three Counties Showground, in Malvern, today for the second annual Herefordshire and Worcestershire Business Festival.

More than 100 businesses and organisations have taken stands at the festival, representing almost every industry sector in the two counties.

As well as being able to browse among the stands talking to all kinds of different companies about their businesses, visitors to the festival will enjoy an extensive programme of workshops, including one on supply chain development.

There are also buyer events lined up, as well as industry specific zones, including a Manufacturing Zone dedicated to the region's manufacturing sector.

"We had more than 600 visitors registered online prior to the event and we are expecting at least another 1,000 to 1,500 people to come through the doors today," said Charlotte Cunningham, event organiser.

The festival is staged by the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, with support from regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands.

"We are really pleased with the number of companies exhibiting at the festival this year," continued Ms Cunningham.

"It is more than double the number at last year's inaugural business festival and it reinforces for us that the festival is just what the area needs.

Programme

"We would like to see it continue to get bigger and bigger each year."

A programme of top speakers has also been planned for the festival, with Will Carling, former England rugby player turned successful businessman, due to speak from 10am to 11am.

Mo Mowlam, former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, is due to speak from 4pm to 5pm.

Nigel Griffiths, Minister for Small Business, will host a Question and Answer session on the Chamber of Commerce stand, between 1pm and 2pm.

In between the scheduled items, visitors can take the weight off their feet at the internet caf and the "chill-out" zone, or chat to other businessmen and women in the networking area.

Following the festival, there will be a gala awards dinner at Malvern Theatres, Malvern, when the cream of the two counties' business community will be honoured.

A short-list of companies will vie for awards in seven categories, including Best Service Company, New Business Start-up, Small Business of the Year, International Trade, Linking Education and Business, Innovation Leader of the Year and Community Business of the Year.

One company will also walk away with the title of Business of the Year.