HIGH-TECH companies from across the world are heading for York, to attend an exhibition and conference organised by city-based distribution specialist Varlink Ltd.

The event will bring together manufacturers and software houses, giving specialist IT resellers a rare opportunity to discuss how the latest advances in mobile technology can help businesses.

Varlink, whose rise has been meteoric since it set up its base in Murton Way, Osbaldwick, has planned the two-day event at The Royal York Hotel, which starts on Monday, to celebrate its first year in business.

From a standing start the company, which distributes a range of IT equipment on behalf of 15 international manufacturers in the UK and throughout Europe, has attained £4 million in turnover.

It now employs ten people and has more than 300 customers, adding new ones at an average of one a day.

Varlink's managing director, Mike Pullon, who lives at Holme-on-Spalding Moor, has an impressive track record of building successful companies. He formed ABC Technology Distribution in Hull in 1994, and within eight years turned it into a £14 million turnover enterprise, which was acquired by an American corporation.

He said: "This event will see the launch of a range of new devices designed to make businesses more effective and more profitable.

"I believe it is the only event of its kind in the UK providing conference and exhibition facilities, and enabling customers to gain access to both hardware manufacturers and software developers."

The invitation-only event has attracted 75 companies, and Mr Pullon expects more than 100 people will attend.

He said: "It is a great event for us and for York, as it helps put the city firmly on the map as a centre for information technology.

"We have companies attending from North America, New Zealand and across Europe, who will be unveiling the next generation of mobile computing solutions for businesses."