FOOD and drink businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being offered half-price exhibition stands at the Leeds and London Spec-iality and Fine Food Fairs this autumn.

The cut price rates are being made available to local producers by Heart of England Fine Foods with the help of funding from the Regional Dev-elopment Agency, Advan-tage West Midlands and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

As well as the stand, exhibiting food and beverage companies will receive free exhibition panels and subsidised hire rates for a display counter, freezer or chiller unit.

HEFF trade development officer Rachel Owens said: "This special deal is a great opportunity for any small to medium sized food or drink business which has never been able to launch its products to a national audience, or has been put off by the costs involved in take a stand at such prestigious events."

The Leeds fair runs over September 1 and 2 and the London fair from September 8 to 10.

To find out more or register an interest call Rachel Owens on 01746 785185.