COMPANIES in Worcester-shire's growing environmental sector are being invited to a free conference aimed at helping them develop their business and the county’s low carbon economy.

Guest speakers, including the BBC's Countryfile presenter Tom Heap, will cover subjects from sustainability to digital marketing at the event at Worcestershire County Cricket Club on Wednesday, November 14.

The Marches Environmental Technologies Network is organising the annual conference and project manager Patricia Head, said: “The conference is a chance for companies across the low carbon sector in our region to meet up, network and find out about potential opportunities which can help their business to develop, innovate or become more competitive.

“It's a one-stop shop for them to catch up on current funding opportunities as well as take part in seminars and workshops which will be beneficial to their businesses.”

Visitors to the conference, which runs from 9.30am to 4pm, have the opportunity to attend seminars and workshops during the day.

Topics on offer include improving sales techniques, the legislative and insurance consequences of an onsite incident and an update on funding and support for small businesses.

The low carbon industry is expected to triple in size by 2020, especially as the coalition government is looking at ways to reduce fuel bills.

It comes just two weeks after Britain’s major energy companies announced that gas and electricity prices are going to rise around 10 per cent this winter, with many of them saying green taxes are part of the reason behind it.

Energy efficiency is now seen as one of the most important factors for the survival of businesses, particularly emerging small and medium sized enterprises.

Companies can find out more about the conference, by visiting the events section at met-net.co.uk.

To register to attend the event on Wednesday Nov-ember 14, send an e-mail to patricia@met-net.co.uk