THE future of the Essex economy will be the topic of discussion at an annual business dinner next week.

Attending the event, organised by the Federation fo Small Businesses (FSB), will be Pat Smith, chief executive of Business Link East of England, which is also sponsoring the dinner.

Chairman of the Essex FSB Bill Pirie said: "The establishment of a new Business Link service to serve the whole of the East of England took place in April, and has meant significant changes to the way small businesses can get advice, support and training from Government-funded organisations.

"The annual dinner will be an opportunity for businesses to hear from Mr Smith how he wants the service to develop and then to put their questions and ideas to him."

The dinner will be held on November 13, 2007, at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford.

To reserve tickets, visit www.fsb.org.uk/essex