Businesses from across the region are invited to attend a meeting about business growth, funding and support opportunities on 25th March at Best Western Hotel Tiverton.

The meeting, which is free to attend; is being hosted by local networking group Business Forum Mid Devon.

Chris Garcia, Chief Executive of the Heart of South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), will be the keynote speaker supported with presentations by Kevin Finan of Mid Devon District Council and Rob Barnes of Petroc.

The meeting presents an opportunity to find out about how government agencies are supporting businesses and discuss solutions for the local economy and skills gap.

Chris Garcia and Kevin Finan will be explaining:

• What growth is coming to the South West region, or being bid for.

• How various Authorities are trying to take advantage of increased investment in the area, to create a trickle-down opportunity for smaller businesses in Mid Devon.

• What initiatives are in place to help businesses grow and take advantage of opportunities; from advice, funding and networking, to training and creation of the next-gen workforce.

Filling The Skills Gap

Rob Barnes, Deputy Head of School, Petroc Direct, will explain why and how Petroc is expanding to fill anticipated skills needs in the area and how they've re-focused their higher education to produce young people who are work ready.

He is keen to learn from attendees what skills gaps businesses have and will be outliningg what courses, funding and other support is available to help businesses up-skill themselves in order to be ready to win contracts, or to grow as a result of winning them.

Mid Devon Businesses - Have Your Say

A Question and Answers session will follow presentations allowing business owners and managers to debate their strategic priorities with the speakers and council members.

Attendees will be provided with a buffet dinner and plenty of networking opportunities. To book a free place please visit http://www.bfmd.org.uk">www.bfmd.org.uk.