THE sound of leather on willow was replaced by the language of business when 110 delegates turned out for a special event at the home of Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Finditinworcestershire’s latest breakfast meeting took place at the New Road ground last Wednesday, with dozens of companies from across the county keen to supply the new multi-million pound conference centre development.

The club’s chief executive, David Leatherdale, gave an insight into the plans, which include a 120-bedroom hotel, restaurant and conference centre, plus a new supporters’ bar, executive suite and ground entrance.

Mr Leatherdale said: “I’m delighted that so many local business people joined us for a very successful meeting. The club is committed to supporting the local economy and playing a key role in the county’s business community.”

Kathryn Wagstaff, project manager of Finditinworcestershire, said: “This meeting was an excellent example of how Finditinworces tershire brings local buyers and suppliers together.

“We’re very grateful to Worcestershire County Cricket Club for opening its doors to our members and giving them a headstart towards winning contracts.

“I hope to see many of our members contributing to the first-class facilities being developed at New Road.”

Suppliers of goods and services ranging from furniture, flooring and flood defences to televisions, telephones and turnstiles were among the local businesses in attendance in the hope of winning contracts.

Premier Inn and its parent company Whitbread have committed £7.5 million to the hotel and restaurant, while the cricket club is investing more than £2.7 million in the new conference centre and additional facilities.

Finditinworcestershire was developed by Worcestershire County Council and aims to boost the county’s economy by giving local businesses the support and contacts they need to pitch for, and win, more and bigger contracts.