WORK being done to boost job opportunities across the county has been given the thumbs-up by Worcestershire County Council.

Council officers, working with chambers of commerce and research institutions are giving businesses the opportunity to operate from both urban or rural locations.

Their joint project will encourage existing businesses to use new technology.

It also aims to enable business start-ups from DERA and local universities.

"Worcestershire County Council and its partners are building the bridge between rural and urban communities," said Colin Beardwood, portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration.

"We're pleased to endorse this on-going work, which will provide long term secure employment.

"The workplace and workforce is changing.

"We need to both prepare for the future.

"This project will do this by helping identify appropriate land, business premises and suitable means to talk to each other."

The Birmingham-Worcestershire technology corridor developed from the Rover Task Force and the need to develop the West Midland's economy away from its dependency on the automotive sector.

Worcestershire County Council's executive committee met last week to hear the progress being made on the project.