West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has helped to celebrate a new chapter for county business as a Twitter networking event turned into a major trade fair. The popular ‘Worcestershire Hour’ event runs on Twitter once a week allowing local businesses to network online. And after one year of successful online events, organisers decided to turn the activity into a trade fair, with nearly 100 businesses attending the Festival of Business at Stanbrook Abbey, near Powick. The event is the brainchild of local businessman Stuart Allen and he invited Harriett to formally open the event and meet with exhibitors. Harriett is a very keen Twitter user and has one of the largest number of followers in the county. Harriett commented: “I am often on Twitter during Worcestershire Hour to promote local business and raise local issues. “It is a simple and cheap way to promote your business and I warmly welcome the efforts to encourage people to trade locally. “It is fantastic to see so many local businesses taking advantage of this event and I hope it becomes a regular feature. “The CBI has been reporting this week that business confidence is at a nine year high and talking to people today, this is clearly reflected in confidence in Worcestershire. “Lots of small businesses attended today to show that they are looking to grow and expand and I am confident that the long-term economic outlook is really good for Worcestershire.” Photo: Robin Walker MP and Harriett Baldwin MP add a little colour to the Worcestershire Hour Festival of Business at Stanbrook Abbey.