BROMSGROVE MP and Culture Secretary Sajid Javid has called on businesses to hail Worcestershire’s cultural heritage as the way to drive up the county’s economy.

He was speaking to an audience of 350 business people at Worcestershire LEP’s World Class Worcestershire Conference at The Chateau Impney in Droitwich Spa.

As part of an internationally themed programme at WLEP’s fourth annual conference, he praised the county’s cultural assets saying that the area has so much to offer.

The MP said: “The city has a vibrant cultural scene that deserves to be shared with wider international audiences.”

He underlined how the strength of the region’s culture can boost business in Worcestershire saying “when culture does well, we all do well – it benefits business in all sorts of ways.”

Mr Javid’s sentiments were echoed by an eminent line-up of the region’s leading business figures including Worcester Repertory Company’s associate director Ben Humphrey who spoke of positioning the county as a ‘cultural hub’ and how supporting culture will bring economic value.

He said: “Investing in culture works for business – that’s a really encouraging call to arms for businesses to take away.”

Hosted by BBC Midlands Today presenter Mary Rhodes, the conference also featured contributions from Jaguar Land Rover, Joy Global, UKTI and videos from overseas business representatives who talked about the opportunities for Worcestershire to do business with China and Indonesia.