EIGHT local firms have already signed up for a major exhibition in a bid to bring work to East Lancashire.

They are exhibiting at SUBCON '98, aimed at the sub-contracting industry, with help from the East Lancashire Promotions Partnership.

Financial support from the European Regional Development Fund is helping the firms take part in the event at the NEC in Birmingham next Spring. Around 22,000 visitors are expected to attend and 68 per cent of those are responsible for sourcing potential new contractors.

It will be the third time that the ELPP has exhibited at SUBCON and substantial orders have been secured by local companies as a result.

NR Automatics of Colne are exhibiting at SUBCON for the third time with the help of the partnership.

"We are looking to continue the success that we have had in promoting our products at this prestigious event," said director Mike Riley.

"The previous two exhibitions have been very beneficial, broadening the base of our company and developing new customers. In the last three and a half years since we first exhibited we have seen turnover double and an increase in the value and quality of new customers attracted."

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