Pictured: Stephen Hammon, who is managing director of the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre

An entrepreneur who is planning to invest £3 million to improve the leisure and business facilities at his venue near Coventry has urged the council to back his plans which will boost jobs.

Businessman Stephen Hammon, who has run Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Meriden Road, Fillongley for ten years, is now seeking permission from North Warwickshire Borough Council to improve the corporate facilities which will lead to 30 extra jobs plus further work for his suppliers.

The plans, which would involve the investment of £3 million over the next two years, include additional conference space, a 30-bedroom hotel and a bespoke 4x4 driving course to meet an increase in demand from conference delegates.

Stephen has been involved in lengthy discussions with North Warwickshire Borough Council over the last 12 months to draw up the plans which he feels will provide opportunities for young local workers to receive training and improve their job skills.

Stephen, who is managing director of the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, is now appealing for backing from the council to turn his plans into reality.

"We are hoping we will receive the backing of North Warwickshire Borough Council and local councillors because as well as improving my business, it will give a much needed boost to job prospects for local people," he said.

"I have some great ideas to take the venue forward but I need the support of the council's planning department. 

"We already have a successful conference suite which attracts blue-chip companies but there is an opportunity to develop that side of the business even further.

"The conference centre has seen an increase in business over the last year with many blue-chip organisations making use of our central position in the Midlands to draw together workers based around the country.

"The extra hotel bedrooms will help to widen our client appeal as many companies want to run three or four day events and for their staff to be able to stay on site.

"If plans are approved, I will be investing £3 million over the next two years and it will not only create jobs at the Heart of England and in the construction of the facilities but will also lead to more work for our suppliers.

"We estimate we are injecting around £1 million into the local economy each year with our policy of using local suppliers and this has led to creating a strong workforce and providing a platform for other local businesses to expand their services.

"I think there is plenty of potential to further develop the site but I need the support of the local council to enable the development to go ahead."

The proposals also include adding a visitor centre to cope with the demand of school visits which in the summer school term saw over 600 children visit Heart of England each week to enjoy taking part in various courses, and booking for next year from schools is at an all-time high.

There are plans to extend the existing woodland and the Forestry Commission has approved a grant for 12 hectares and the planting of 18,000 additional trees which will bring ecological benefits.