Local companies and potential entrepreneurs are being urged to attend the first business support lunch of 2010 when it takes place at the Rural Enterprise Centre in Leominster on Friday (Jan 15th).

The event, which is being jointly hosted by the Rural Regeneration Zone (RRZ) and Evans Easyspace, will give firms the chance to access a comprehensive range of advice and guidance on issues such as securing finance, sales and marketing, human resources and business recovery.

Delegates will also receive a guided tour of the state-of-the-art facility and hear more about the benefits of flexible leasing over licencing, which includes the unique two-month easy in/easy out option.

Leominster MP Bill Wiggin will be speaking at the event and immediately added his support for enterprise in the area.

“We have to do everything that we can to support local businesses, who have shown great conviction and commercial acumen to withstand one of the worst economic periods in years.

“While things are looking more positive, there is still a need to ensure companies get access to the right support and bringing the likes of Business Link, Herefordshire Council and the Chamber of Commerce together under one roof is an excellent way to deliver this advice to as many firms as possible.”

He continued: “I’m also a huge fan of the Rural Enterprise Centre and believe it is a cost-effective and high quality way of encouraging start-ups and young businesses to grow in the area.”

A joint partnership between the RRZ and Evans Easyspace, the £1.5m Rural Enterprise Centre will eventually house up to 22 companies, employing more than 100 local people.

Located just off the A49, it was the first of eight centres to be created across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire and offers a mix of high quality office and workshop space along with state-of-the-art telecoms and broadband support.

Occupiers can also benefit from a client extranet that encourages tenants to inter-trade and work together to boost the local economy.

To book your free place at the event, please contact Chrissie Broadhurst on 01432 373600 or email chrissiebroadhurst@evanseasyspace.com