BUSINESSES in Hertfordshire are being invited to a free event targeted at helping the county bounce back from the recession. Hertfordshire Forward s annual conference From Recession to Recovery will feature a speech from the director general of the Brit

BUSINESSES in Hertfordshire are being invited to a free event targeted at helping the county bounce back from the recession.

Hertfordshire Forward's annual conference 'From Recession to Recovery' will feature a speech from the director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, David Frost, as well as other expert speakers and a number of professional workshops for businesses.

The conference will look at the direction of Hertfordshire's economy over the next decade or so, and ask for feedback on a draft new economic development strategy for the county. The event takes place at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield on November 6.

Robert Gordon, leader of Hertfordshire County Council and chairman of the county's economic partnership Hertfordshire Works who will address the event said: "Like many counties, the recession has hit our residents and businesses hard.

"We have been quick to respond and Hertfordshire Works has already established a number of task groups tackling the effects of recession in the county.

"In our first six months a great deal of ground has been covered, from projects to supporting town centre shopping to providing more apprenticeships for young people.

"This event will be a useful forum to share information and hear expert opinion that will help Hertfordshire businesses contribute to the county's economic recovery."

Aimed at giving businesses, voluntary and public sector groups a say in economic development in the county, workshops on offer include business skills for social enterprises, inward investment, business retention, the importance of creative industries to a local economy and solutions for the rural economy.

Other expert speakers offering advice and insights include Jackie Hunter, senior vice president of Science Environment Development with GlaxoSmithKline; Nat Wakely, director of selling operations with John Lewis; David Meaden, chief executive of Northgate Public Services and Jon Nay, regional apprenticeship director with the National Apprenticeship Service.

If you would like to attend 'From Recession to Recovery' or require any further information about Hertfordshire Works, email hertfordshire.forward@hertscc.gov.uk , including HERTFORDSHIRE FORWARD CONFERENCE in the subject heading. Book soon, as places are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.