WORCESTER Racecourse is to take part in an event called Overcoming Hurdles - except this will have nothing to do with horses, but everything to do with success in business.

Company bosses are being invited to a free session on overcoming market changes at the nearby Swan Theatre, followed by a networking event at the racecourse.

Market changes will be the subject of the afternoon discussion organised by the West Midlands Excellence Network. It looks at how businesses are evolving to react and embrace change when it happens.

Following the discussion, there will follow a chance to network and enjoy the festival night at Worcester Racecourse.

People who attend the event can gain free entry to the racecourse. By using real life examples, Overcoming Hurdles will feature talks by two Worcester-based businesses that have seen change and acted accordingly.

Panton Sargent, specialising in architecture and interior design, will discuss how it developed its business to prevent reliance on one major client and how the organisation coped with a buy-out.

The second company on the stand is Discover Travel and Tours. They will be discussing the impact of external market forces on their business.

Karen Soulby, WMEN manager said: "This should be a really thought-provoking and practical session that will discuss how to deal with external disasters and staff morale as issues arise.

"We will also be looking at changing technology, the impact of change on people and profits and the perils of putting all your eggs in one basket. The evening will round off with a festival night where there will be a chance to meet some of the Midlands Excellence team which runs the network."

Overcoming Hurdles takes place on Wednesday, July 11 at Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester from 3pm to 5pm and is followed by an evening of networking at Worcester Racecourse from 6pm to 9pm.

To reserve a free place, e-mail details to wmen@midlandsexcellence.org.uk.