THE region's development agency is championing a series of free breakfast workshops designed to address the challenges facing manufacturers in Worcestershire.

Advantage West Midlands, in conjunction with Worcester Management Centre, has engaged key speakers to address the challenges of employment, uncertainty and change.

The first free workshop will be held at Worcester Rugby Club on Wednesday, June 19, from 7.30am to 10am, and local businesses are invited to attend.

Human resources expert Lisa Sheridan and employment consultant Colin Smith will discuss how companies can improve employment and retention rates.

They will also deal with contentious issues facing employers such as whether companies need to adjust labour force numbers and how to maintain good relationships with valuable employees after downsizing.

"Large and small employers cannot afford to miss the first of this series of workshops as they address issues at the core of company survival in an increasingly complex market place," said Brian Johnson, Advantage West Midlands' supply chain adviser.

"This workshop will demonstrate how companies can take a proactive approach to recruiting and retaining staff as well as how to deal with difficult employment issues they may face."