SHROPSHIRE companies will have a rare opportunity to meet a host of business support agencies as part of the fourth Rural Regeneration Zone conference coming to Ludlow on Friday, July 3.

The event will showcase the work that has taken place across Advantage West Midlands’ Rural Regeneration Zone, which covers most of Herefordshire and Shropshire and parts of Worcestershire, over the last 12 months.

In addition, companies will have the opportunity to speak to support organisations such as Business Link, the Manufacturing Advisory Service, Support WM and a whole host of different schemes which exist to help businesses.

Speaking at the event will be Dr Stuart Burgess, chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities, Mick Laverty, Advantage West Midlands chief executive, and Alison White, chief executive of Business LinkWest Midlands.

Peter Pawsey, chairman of the Rural Regeneration Zone, said: “It’s very rare that this number of organisations providing support for businesses come together outside Birmingham so I would urge businesses to come along and find out what is on offer.”

The conference will explore how organisations in the zone can work together to be a catalyst for recovery.

RRZ-funded schemes such as the Enterprise Centre Network, which has centres in Ludlow and Shrewsbury, have helped to support communities and businesses in the zone over the last year.

Admission is free but prebooking is recommended.

Email advantagewm@pres fact.demon.co.uk with your up-to-date details or telephone 0845 601 3992.