THE new chairman of the English Premier League is to speak at an event near Ross-on-Wye to encourage Herefordshire firms to grow through exports.

Anthony Fry will be at Penyard House, Weston under Penyard, on September 13.

Before his move to head up the Premier League, he spent 18 years at banking group Rothschild and led global media and European telecoms firm BZW/CSFB. He later led the UK operations for Lehman Brothers.

Also speaking at the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) event will be UKTI managing director Crispin Simon, UKTI deputy director Rob Lally, John Berry, managing director of county soft fruit grower firm Haygrove Ltd, and Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman.

Businesses attending will be able to learn about the wide variety of support available through their local UKTWI team and how they can access large scale overseas procurement projects.

“This is a remarkable opportunity for Herefordshire firms to enjoy a morning of high impact export content from leaders in the field,” said Linda Smith, head of international trade at UKTI Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

“The purpose of this event is to promote growth for Herefordshire through international trade.

“The economic impact of exports on the area’s wealth, jobs and skills cannot be underestimated.

“We hope as many local firms as possible will come along and join us.”

There are 80 places available for firms who want to attend on the day from 9am to 2.30pm.

To book a place, call 0845 641 1613.