BUSINESSES are gearing up for the biggest event in East Lancashire's business calendar.

More than 15,000 invitations have been sent out for the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce open day being staged at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, on October 4.

The open day is the focal point of a major relaunch of the Chamber and staff believe it will be the ideal opportunity to demonstrate the huge range of services it offers to local companies.

More than 100 chamber members have taken stands for the event and a major information technology display will also run alongside the main exhibition with demonstrations on videoconferencing and telematics. And the open day will see the official launch of the Chamber's discount club, which will offer members exclusive discounts on a huge range of products and services.

A number of local and national politicians have also been invited to the event and it is hoped members will be able to discuss issues affecting their business with them.

"The response we have had from members has been overwhelming," said Kathryn Czaja who runs the regional supply office based at the chamber and is now finalising details for the open day.

"The demand for exhibition stands has been excellent and some people have even been asking for space in the bars!"

The exhibition will run in the Pendle Suite and Towneley Suite with an 80ft marquee linking the two main rooms. Entrance is free and further details are available from the open day hotline on 01254 388400.

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