LOCAL authorities and the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce have joined forces for the benefit of local business.

Companies in both counties have the chance to take part in the area's first ever Meet the Buyer event in September, backed by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.

Similar events across the West Midlands have generated substantial revenue for manufacturers and suppliers.

In the Black Country alone, more than £10m of new business has been injected into the economy during the event's four-year history.

The initial signs are positive for both Herefordshire and Worcestershire, following support from councils in Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Worcester, Wychavon and Wyre Forest.

Expertise

Backed by the expertise of Meet the Buyer veterans in Advantage West Midlands' regional supply office, the event is tipped to boost business for local suppliers and buyers from all over the UK.

Dean Brotherton, head of the regional supply office at Advantage West Midlands, said similar events across the West Midlands had been a boon for the local economy, businesses and community.

"The event has two main objectives," Mr Brotherton said.

"The first is to enable suppliers in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire areas to find new customers and subsequently boost their sales.

"And second, the event helps buyers who participate to identify new and more competitive sources of supply. The benefits are clear."

The inaugural Herefordshire and Worcestershire Meet the Buyer event will be held at the Bank House Hotel and Country Club in Worcester on Thursday, September 19, from 9am to 5.30pm.

Interested buyers can phone 0800 085 4990 for more information.