HEREFORD has been made world famous for its links to the armed forces and SAS.

Now speakers from national defence and security bodies will be attending the city's first Defence and Security Expo.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Department for International Trade (DIT) will be some of those attending the Courtyard Theatre, on February 1.

The Expo which will be the first major forum in the area for the sector is being sponsored and organised by Harrison Clark Rickerbys (HCR) solicitors, Hereford Enterprise Zone at Skylon Park, and the University of Wolverhampton.

The event will attract business owners and managers, procurement contractors and defence and security experts from across the Midlands.

Key industry speakers will include: Philip Margerison, the MoD’s Defence Suppliers Service manager; Wing Commander Philip Lamb, the DIT’s assistant director for air services in Europe; Steve Brittan, chief executive of the MoD’s Defence Solutions Centre.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys provides a full range of legal services to the sector through their Hereford-based Defence, Security and Forces division.

Skylon Park is the UK’s only Enterprise Zone with a defence and security focus providing land for sector investment and business development, while the University of Wolverhampton has established a Business Solutions Centre at Skylon Court, providing a range of training, research and business support facilities to the industries.

Together, the organisers are providing a forum for the industries both to hear top-level speakers and to showcase their capabilities to a wide audience of those with an interest in their products and services, with the aim of stimulating new business and growth.

Richard Morgan, head of HCR’s defence and security team, said: “This will be an outstanding opportunity for delegates and exhibitors to hear senior speakers from key organisations, and we are delighted to be supporting and organising the Expo with our partners. The sector is thriving in Herefordshire and we want that success to be recognised at a national level.

Mark Pearce, Managing Director of Skylon Park, added: “With our unique defence and security sector focus, building on Hereford’s association with UK special forces, we offer ready-made and dedicated supply chain opportunities as well as land for investors looking to relocate and expand.

"This event will be one of the biggest gathering of defence and security sector experts in the UK, and Herefordshire is exactly the right place for it.”

For further and regularly updated information about the event, to book tickets or to register to become an exhibitor, visit www.hdse.co.uk.