PLANS are well underway for the region's first Business Festival.

Companies from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire will come together for the Business Festival 2002, due to be held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

Businesses from every industry sector will exhibit products and services at the one-day show, organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Herefordshire and Worcestershire and The Leadership Trust (Training) Limited.

The event, which also includes a seminar programme, is the first of its kind in the area and organisers are already getting excited about the prospects for local industry.

"This most exciting and unique business event will showcase the amazing variety of business the two counties have to offer," said the chamber's media relations manager, Peter Morgan.

Head of external events at the chamber, Patricia Head, said there had already been lots of interest.

"We've had a really good response so far - in fact, we're really surprised by the number of calls we've had. The response has been very positive," she said.

Organisers are also excited by the line-up of speakers at the event, including the European Business Speaker of the Year, Professor Richard Scase.

A seminar programme of practical tips and advice on key business issues will run alongside the exhibition and there will be plenty of opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas.

There is also an awards scheme, with trophies due to be presented at a gala awards dinner following the exhibition, hosted by Chris Barrie, star of TV's Brittas Empire and Red Dwarf.

Award categories are Business of the Year, Innovation Leader of the Year, Linking Education and Business Award, International Trade Award, Community Business of the Year and New Business Start-up.

Businesses interested in entering the awards must do so by January 31, 2002.

The exhibition is due to take place on Thursday, March 7, 2002, and entrance is free for visitors. Those businesses wishing to take a stand are encouraged to book now as space is limited.

Bookings are essential for the seminars and gala awards dinner.

Phone Charlotte Cunningham on 01905 744336 for more information.