HEREFORDSHIRE is ready for Home Information Packs.

That was the message coming from local businesses as the region - one of 12 locations identified across Britain - prepares to launch the initiative.

A number of local businesses have committed their support to the early roll-out of packs in Hereford and the Marches, which will provide consumers with an opportunity to sample the packs, ahead of their mandatory introduction this June.

"We are committed to the introduction of Home Information Packs. We strongly believe it will help to make the house buying and selling process more efficient and transparent for all involved, in particular, for the consumer," said Margaret Graftham, of SSH Chartered Surveyors, who are taking part in the roll out.

Jane Stanton, of The Property Search Group, who will also be taking part, said: "The potential benefits of the packs are immense and we are pleased to be offering consumers an opportunity to sample these ahead of their mandatory introduction."

The roll-out, which began in February, will continue up until June 2007 when the packs become mandatory.

Members of the Association of Home Improvement Pack providers staged a seminar at the Left Bank Village in Hereford.