NEARLY £500,000 will be offered to Worcestershire firms in a drive to build technology links with Israel.

The funding is expected to provide a boost to firms when it is launched at the Malvern Hills Science Park later this month.

It will lead to trade delegations to Tel Aviv in June, for firms to access Israel's technological base.

Donated

The grant has been donated by the Britech Fund - a £15.5m pot of cash set up by the British and Israeli governments.

Businesses embarking on collaborative projects can receive up to 50 per cent of the cost of setting them up.

Britech will also help companies from both countries seek suitable partners from the other country for joint partners.

"The funding support will be a welcome boost for the prosperity and success of small high technology businesses based in this region," said Linda Smith, international trade advisor at Business Link Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Innovative

"I urge local innovative firms and individuals with a research and development requirement to attend this event on Wednesday, March 28, to see what opportunities the fund provides."

Companies interested in attending the launch or joining the trade mission should call 0800 10 40 10 or email lindas@hwchamber.co. uk