A major networking event which will also show businesses how to tender for work - including for the 2012 London Olympics - will take place early next month.

Enterprise agency Erewash Partnership is holding its popular annual autumn networking event in conjunction with Erewash and Broxtowe Borough Councils.

Derbyshire Economic Partnership is co-sponsoring the event at The Village Hotel, Chilwell, on Tuesday, September 7, along with the University of Derby through the  Ingenuity and Innovation Axis programmes which are designed to improve business performance through access to expertise and resources.

The event is a chance to give advice and information to businesses and encourage representatives to network with others, making new contacts as well as meeting old friends.

But there is an added theme of procurement, exporting, and new opportunities. So businesses will be able to learn how to tender for work with the two borough councils and the 2012 London Olympics with the chance to compete for various contracts on offer.

Derek Hogg, the Partnership's senior economic development officer, said: "These are challenging times but there are still many opportunities out there. This event will help businesses identify potential openings and maybe look at areas they haven't considered before.

"There will also be a lot of practical support available that will help people develop their skills and their business and we will have details of our winter programme available."

More than 20 exhibitors from both the public and private sector are so far lined up for the event, which includes a free buffet. 

Any companies in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire interested in exhibiting or attending the event, which takes place from 11.30am-2.30pm, should contact Erewash Partnership on 0115 944 3944.