BUSINESSES in Worcestershire are being invited to a debate on how the decentralisation of government powers to English regions could affect them.

Following the Scottish devolution saga, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Business and the Institute of Directors have organised a business-led debate on local devolution - to be held on Friday, February 6 at the Artrix Theatre in Bromsgrove – to bring together the business community to discuss what the prospect of more powers to local government could mean to their businesses.

The free event, which is open to all local businesses, will provide a forum to discuss what devolution could mean for Worcestershire and across the West Midlands. A particular focus will be on the potential of a combined authority and how this could impact skills, transport and business support.

It will be chaired by Mary Rhodes, BBC Journalist and presenter, who said: “The question of greater power for the regions is an increasingly important one as we build towards the general election. This is a perfect time to debate what devolution could mean to businesses and our local economy.”

The panel of business experts, on hand to show how any potential constitutional changes could impact local business, will be made up of Gary Woodman, executive director of Worcestershire LEP, Mike Ashton, chief executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Bob Brown, chairman of Herefordshire & Worcestershire IoD, Judi Brazkiewicz, chair of the Worcestershire branch of FSB, and Stuart Laverick, principle and chief executive of Heart of Worcestershire College.

Mr Ashton said: "It is of fundamental importance that local businesses unite to discuss the issues that they see as priorities in the instance of devolution being granted. It is only through a coordinated message that local business concerns will be taken seriously.”

The morning will begin at 7:30am with a networking period and complimentary refreshments and run until 10:30am. For more information or to book a place on the day contact the email devodebate@wlep.co.uk or call 01905 346 180. Also join the debate on Twitter #WorcsDevoDebate.