A SENIOR government minister and international business leaders are set to appear at an East Lancashire business conference in Blackburn.

Organiser Blackburn with Darwen Council said its Learning, Cohesion and Business Advantage event would be a major, ground-breaking occasion.

The theme is the way businesses can become more effective and more successful when people work closely and easily together and the employer has a strong team which is keen to succeed.

Speakers at the event on Wednesday, September 22 will explain how major, international businesses succeed and how increasing the skills and knowledge of a workforce will help others do the same.

Peter Morgan, the council's education and lifelong learning director, said the star guests would underline the importance of East Lancashire as leaders in the fields of business and workforce development.

He added: "We very much hope people will be able to attend this enjoyable, interesting evening hearing our speakers, meeting friends and making contacts."

Places can be booked by contacting Nicola Raynor on 01254 841055 by no later than September 10.