LOCAL businesses are invited to the next Southend-on-Sea Business Partnership Briefing.

The free event takes place on Thursday, March 5 at the Park Inn Palace hotel.

Rob Tinlin, Chief Executive of Southend Council will present the latest council news and Richard Cherry, director of corporate services from Olympus Keymed will give a keynote speech.

SAVs have also organised a voluntary sector marketplace which will run from 7.30am to 8.30am and again after the briefing from 10am.

Graham Longley, councillor responsible for enterprise, tourism and economic development, said: “These free briefings are essential events for the local business community and I hope that people can take out of their busy schedules to come along.

"I am sure this instalment will be as useful as ever, with time to network, find out more about what is going on in the area and also get involved in the question and answer session with some leading local businesses.”

Registration starts from 7.30am and the briefing starting at 8am

The event is free and if people are interested in attend then they can visit www.businesssouthend.co.uk or telephone 01702 215368 to book their place or get more information.