VISITORS to the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Business Festival can see metal sculptures, learn how to make steel swimming pools and even view an actual part that was used on the Mars exploration module.

All this will be on offer in the dedicated Manufacturing Zone at the festival, due to take place on Thursday, March 13, at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

Exhibitors and visitors to the zone, which is dedicated to the region's manufacturing sector, can enjoy extensive networking opportunities, attend industry workshops and learn interesting facts and figures linked to the manufacturing industry.

Sponsored by Advantage West Midlands, the zone will include Jolley Engineering, manufacturers of automotive components, in Malvern, ABSSAC Ltd, distributors for power transmission equipment, based in Malvern, Abbey Fasteners, in Kidderminster, and Malvern Boilers, manufacturers of condensing boilers.

Patricia Head, head of events and marketing at the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link, which organises the festival, said the manufacturing zone was certain to attract a great deal of interest from all business sectors.

"Manufacturing is a crucial part of the region's industry," said Ms Head, who is festival director.

"And the festival will act as a celebration for local companies attached to this sector."

For more information about the festival, including stand information and sponsorship packages, phone Charlotte Cunningham at the Chamber of Commerce on 0845 4508636 or email: charlottec@hwchamber.co.uk