"IT'S not as easy as people think to organise a party in a brewery!"

If there is one person truly qualified to make that judgment, it's Simon Westgate, marketing officer for the Lancashire Digital Development Agency.

Before joining the team, which is charged with switching Lancashire on to the business benefits of broadband just over a year ago, Simon, 40, was a partner in his own successful marketing communications consultancy, where he won awards for his regional marketing campaign for Whitbread in the Community.

But ICT had always been a particular interest and after a time he was also keen to find some way to carry on helping the business community of Lancashire, particularly small and medium-sized businesses.

Both of these considerations made the position of marketing officer for the LDDA very attractive.

Simon's role involves organising technology events about broadband to small business owners and managers.

"We need to reach as many businesses and social enterprises as possible and unlock new technology for them," explained Simon.

He added"So my day-to-day work involves creating and managing events of all shapes and sizes to appeal to every sector of Lancashire business and commerce.

"I check out the best accessible venues, find relevant speakers and ensure the LDDA e-Envoy team are armed with the right information to help them interact with delegates.

"I create databases in order to compile mailing lists for invitations, and register businesses online at our website.

"I am also responsible for the design and print production of corporate literature for branding and marketing campaigns.

"One minute I am sourcing a renowned business figure for a key note presentation, next I have my sleeves rolled up and am putting name slips into hundreds of badges or making up information packs."

By the time the project comes to the end of its two-year lifespan in November, Simon will have coordinated some 160 events, and still feels a sense of satisfaction at seeing delegates filling up seats at events.

"People realise that we are empowering them to change their businesses for the better, and it's wonderful to hear the buzz of conversation as people chat about a successful event as they leave," he added.