REGISTRATION is now open for one of Worcestershire's largest business gatherings.

More than 475 delegates are expected at Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership's #WLEP16 Annual Conference, which takes place on Friday, November 4 at the Chateau Impney, Droitwich.

The half day event will be professionally hosted by the business author, journalist and "outrageously optimistic", Guy Browning, who will be joined by local government minister and Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid MP, high-profile local businesses, futurist experts and other guests, including Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, business expert and author.

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire LEP, said: “I am looking forward to meeting with such a large business audience at this year’s WLEP annual conference. We have some fantastic speakers confirmed, as well as industry experts on hand during the event itself, and the focus will be very much on what the future holds for Worcestershire’s economy and priorities for the coming years.

“I would like to thank our confirmed conference sponsors, Hewett Recruitment, Sanctuary Group and Bishop Fleming and I would encourage any businesses interested in this profiling opportunity to get in touch at the earliest convenience. Last year, the annual conference was fully booked two weeks ahead of the event and so I would also urge all businesses to register as soon as possible and we look forward to seeing you there.”

The conference is open to delegates from local businesses of all sectors and sizes and other partners and is the ideal platform to hear first-hand about recent progress, to explore what the future holds for the county’s economy and the priorities for the future to ensure Worcestershire’s long-term prosperity. The event also provides details of the support available for local businesses with organisations on hand to offer advice and guidance to enable everyone to be a part of future growth and the wide-reaching profile of the county.

This year, the conference will feature information zones on various topics of interest with opportunities to meet the experts throughout the morning and during the networking lunch. A few surprises are also in store to ensure a memorable experience.

Businesses are being encouraged to register and secure their place at the earliest opportunity with last year’s event being oversubscribed weeks ahead of the event. Registration can take place via the dedicated annual conference website with a link available from wlep.co.uk