BUSINESS people will be able to enjoy a bite to eat and a tour of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce's new offices at an open day later this month.

The Chamber, which represents more than 2,000 businesses across the two counties, moved from its former headquarters in Castle Street to Severn House, in Prescott Drive, Warndon Business Park, at Easter.

The move had been prompted by the decision of the chamber's landlord and neighbour, Sanctuary Housing, to re-locate its IT department to Worcester, from Hertfordshire, creating 70 high level jobs in the city.

It made sense for Sanctuary to occupy the Castle Street building and Severn House seemed an ideal location for the Chamber, just two miles from the city centre and minutes away from Junction 6 of the M5, with companies such as Bosch, Mazak and Misys as neighbours.

"It is now four months since we moved. We are now settled in and looking forward to showing businesses our new offices and giving them a brief summary of the work of our major departments," said chief executive Christine Jones.

"It will be an opportunity for people to meet the team and gain an appreciation of the wide variety of activities we are involved in."

In addition to moving, the Chamber has also merged its Business Link operation with that of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise, to form Business Link West Mercia.

Both members and non-members from companies throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be welcome at the open day on Wednesday, September 21.

"We have decided to maintain our reputation for innovation and style by having alfresco catering, otherwise known as a Sausage Sizzle," said Mrs Jones.

There will be an official opening at 11.30am with lunch and tours up until 2pm.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to e-mail Wendy Hyde: w.hyde@chambercs.co.uk so names can be added to the guest list.