A SCHEME launched to encourage trading opportunities for Wyre Forest businesses is hoping to win official funding.

The drive by Wyre Forest Business Club is intended to bring together buyers and sellers, both within the area and across the West Midlands.

The campaign is at the heart of the new commercial strategy launched this month by the club.

It intends to co-ordinate with other organisations between Worcester and Dudley, to draw in the capacities of the Regional Development Agency (Advantage West Midlands) and neighbouring Chambers of Commerce, to harness the potential offered by further education facilities and to establish links with larger businesses in the area.

Talks with other West Midlands business clubs has so far received an enthusiastic response.

Sources of financial support for business improvements are also being investigated.

A spokesman for the club said: "Business opportunities in Wyre Forest should be getting better over the next 12 months.

"Many Government-funded initiatives have the potential to bring considerable business regeneration into the West Midlands.

"The Wyre Forest Business Club is keen to ensure that this area gets its fair share."

For details, telephone Esme Turton, club secretary, on 01299 825321.