MANUFACTURERS in the two counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being invited to register for a new event.

Manufacturer 2002 aims to give manufacturing businesses a new platform and a new voice, in an increasingly service-dominated economy.

The event, which is due to take place in Telford, in September, boasts an impressive line-up of new initiatives and value-adding activities for global and national manufacturing businesses.

"Those who feel that manufacturing is starved of a significant platform are welcoming the opportunity to explore consensus attitudes to major issues such as whether the UK should enter the eurozone," said a spokesman for the event.

The spokesman said more than 60 delegates a day had been signing up for Manufacturer 2002.

Organisers had also secured the "firm commitment" of a number of leading speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and partners.

"The prospective audience is calculated to control more than £100bn of annual spending power representing the largest, most influential group of manufacturing decision-makers ever assembled in the UK," said the spokesman.

More than 1,500 delegates have now pre-registered.

"The event is designed to demonstrate and encourage world-class practices with a range of events, from senior management master- classes to personalised company benchmarking and business health checks," said the spokesman.

"New products, innovative techniques and methodologies will all be on show."

Manufacturer 2002, due to take place on Wednesday, September 25, and Thursday, September 26, is being organised by Conquest Business Media.

For more information visit www.themanufacturer. com/expo.