THE team at Conference Worcestershire is kicking off 2006 with the appointment of a new co-ordinator and a clear message - look no further than the county for the perfect business venue.

Emma Robinson takes over as conference desk co-ordinator at the county ccouncil-run service and is aiming to boost business tourism in the region.

Conference Worcestershire is the one-stop venue finder for companies looking to host meetings, product launches or training courses, and Emma is perfectly qualified to take the lead. Living in the picture postcard village of Broadway, she is well aware of the attraction of Worcestershire's peaceful hotels and top-quality conference centres to businesses used to city centre life.

And, with years of management experience running events, attracting new business and liaising with clients in the hotel and catering industry, she is eager to enhance the county's profile.

Emma, who began in December, said: "Worcestershire has so many pluses to help it attract businesses.

"It is a beautiful county with dozens of quality hotels and other facilities.

"Businesses looking to host conferences and training sessions need look no further than Worcestershire, and the team here is excited about putting our excellent facilities firmly on the map."

Worcestershire's diverse range of venues includes everything from Malvern Hills Science Park, River Severn boat cruises and numerous top class sports clubs, to the historic Birtsmorton Court and Lygon Arms.

The county hosts more than 15,000 conferences a year - about 415 per centre - and Worcestershire remains more affordable than the average conference location.

For further details about Conference Worcestershire, log onto www.conference-worcestershire.org.

Alternatively, e-mail conference@worcestershire.gov.uk or telephone 01905 766 895 with your enquiries.