MORE than 200 people have already said that they will be attending Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council's inaugural business summit.

With just over a week to go until, 'H&F Means Business', the council and partner the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) are once again advising local businesses that this is the place to be if you want to network and gain invaluable hints and tips.

'H&F Means Business' will see small companies, from new start-ups to long established ones, come together under one roof.

The event will take place at Hammersmith Town Hall on Wednesday, March 27, from 9am to 5pm.

The summit will feature an exhibition, where more than 30 local companies will be able to promote their services. There will also be a one-to-one advice clinic, where start-ups and established business owners can discuss specific issues, problems and ideas with experts in fields such as accountancy, law and marketing.

In addition there will be educational seminars across the day and several 'speed networking' sessions.

H&F Council's, Business Champion, Cllr Robert Iggulden said: "We have had a huge amount of interest in the business summit - in fact, this is likely to be the biggest event of its kind ever held in the borough.

"Hammersmith & Fulham is West London's business capital and the success of our local businesses is crucial to our local economy and adds to the vitality of the borough.

"Local businesses who want to network and gain crucial advice on how to flourish and grow should contact the council urgently to book their place for this must-attend event."

Paul Kelly, FSB West London Chairman commented: "H&F Council is extremely supportive of their small businesses and this is a great opportunity for businesses at  all development stages and size to meet each other, benefiting from all of the activity that is taking place."

There are currently 17,000 businesses in the borough, employing 121,000 people and generating £9.3bn towards the borough's economy.