SMALL businesses in the region are organising an event aiming to build better relationships between the public and private sectors.

The Authorities + Business = Change conference has been organised by the Federation of Small Business (FSB) and takes place on Wednesday in Durham City.

The event will include a presentation from Durham County Council on the Buy Local, Buy Durham initiative and an update from the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP).

There will also be the opportunity to meet representatives from regulators including the Environment Agency and HM Revenue and Customs and the Health and Safety Executive.

The event aims to show small businesses what support is available to take advantage of opportunities to work with the public sector. Hazel Armstrong, FSB Durham and Darlington branch chair, said: “Small businesses are absolutely critical for growing the economy across the North East. As the regional landscape continues to change, it is crucial that small businesses are informed of what impact the changes will have on them.

“By working with the LEPs, local authorities and a number of regulators, I hope that our event will help build the relationships between the public and private sector that will be needed to grow the regional economy.”

The event starts at 12.30pm at The Durham Centre on the Belmont Industrial Estate. To book a place, call Ms Armstrong on 01207 589600 or register online at http://authoritiesbusinesschange.eventbrite.com