THE Duke of York is very well-informed when it comes to business matters.

The Duke was in Worcester yesterday in his role as Special Representative for International Trade and Development, and those who enjoyed a buffet lunch with him-- at the Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire and Worcestershire - were impressed with his grasp of business matters.

While at lunch he had met the chamber's chief executive, Christine Jones, and all eight members of the International Trade team, which helps businesses expand operations overseas.

"He was very knowledgeable on all subjects," said Eric Brown, director of international trade at the chamber.

"He was very well informed and willing to express his views - not just on processes but about the local economy and the issues we are facing. We spoke about farm diversification and GM foods, and about some of the businesses we are helping.

"Our chamber has a particular focus in Poland and the Duke went there earlier this year and he was concerned he hadn't seen many UK companies over there. So I was able to tell him all about what we're doing - how we're building the necessary relationships and all the projects we're putting in place.

"We've taken about eight trade missions from the area there and there are now 74 businesses from Herefordshire and Worcestershire operating in Poland.

"When Poland and the other nine new countries join the European Union in May next year, there will be tremendous opportunities for UK firms. There are already 156 businesses from the two counties with a presence in one or more of these ten countries."

The Mayor of Worcester, Gareth Jones, agreed the Duke had been "very chatty".

"There was a nice, informal, relaxed atmosphere at lunch," said Coun Jones.

"As soon as he came in he made everybody feel very relaxed."

Other guests at the lunch included David Wareing, chief executive of Worcester City Council, Coun Edward Sheldon, chairman of Worcestershire County Council, and his wife, Daphne Sheldon, and Mrs Georgina Britten-Long, High Sheriff of Worcestershire, and her husband, Richard Britten-Long.