A NEW not-for-profit organisation aiming to attract, retain and grow business talent in Worcestershire has launched.

Worcestershire Advance launched with a special event at No 35 and Tonic on Foregate Street.

The organisation is run by 10 like-minded individuals and will be supporting up-and-coming businesses and developing professionals in the area.

More than 100 business owners and professionals attended the free event and supported the launch. Membership to Worcestershire Advance costs £75 per year with benefits including access to an ever growing network of like-minded individuals, professional and personal development opportunities, access to private, business and social groups, a members leisure discount card, community engagement opportunities, and access to talks and seminars from business experts, industry leaders and inspirational individuals.

Oliver Hunt, the director of Worcestershire Advance, said: "I have lived, studied and worked in Worcester for all of my life and I have been fortunate to have met so many people and to have built up great connections.

"It is not always easy, however, and in conversation I have often found that business owners, young professionals and graduates in Worcester struggle to know how to get off the ground, or where to turn.

"Worcestershire Advance is about helping those people find the support they need and showcasing Worcestershire's amazing business, educational, and social opportunities to those individuals who might think that they need to go to a bigger city to be successful".

Worcestershire Advance's next event, Get Inspired! - is being hosted at Primo Bar and Dining in Sidbury, on October 25.

Entry is free for members and £5 for non-members, with the Worcestershire Ambassadors sponsoring.

For more visit worcsadvance.co.uk