A DEBATE on devolution aims to bring the local business community together to discuss what the prospect of more powers to local government could mean to their companies.

Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP), Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Business (FSB) and Institute of Directors (IoD) have organised a business-led debate to take place on Friday, February 6.

The free event, open to all Worcestershire businesses, is being held at the Artrix Arts Centre in Bromsgrove and will provide a forum to discuss what devolution could mean for the county.

Chair of the debate, Mary Rhodes, who is a BBC journalist and presenter of the devolution debate on BBC1, 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 your business, will be made up of Gary Woodman, executive director of Worcestershire LEP, Mike Ashton, CEO of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Bob Brown, chairman of Herefordshire & Worcestershire IoD, Judi Brazkiewicz, chairman 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.”

Mr Woodman said: “The event is the perfect opportunity for businesses to come and ask any questions they may have over what devolution might mean, debate what it might look like and what the impact could be on skills, transport and business support.”

The event will begin at 7.30am with a networking period and complimentary refreshments, finishing at 10.30am.

For more information, or to book a place, email devodebate@wlep.co.uk or call 01905 346 180.