BUSINESS people in North Yorkshire have been invited to a high-level seminar this month to discuss the impact on the region of a slowing economy.

The gathering, against a background of evidence of the steam going out of the national and local boom, is being organised by the economic development unit on Harrogate Borough Council, backed by Barclays, Clearlybusiness.com and Business Link North Yorkshire.

Speakers at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, on Friday, September 28, will include Evan Davis, the newly-appointed BBC TV economics editor, and Jeremy Walker, chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council.

The object of the get-together will be to keep business people closely informed of the facts and prospects of the economy which recent research indicated might see a slump in growth rate for Yorkshire businesses from 4.7 per cent to 3.4 per cent in the last six months.

Nigel Avison, Harrogate's economic development officer, said: "With the national, regional and local economy in such flux, it is important that businesses are ready for change and are in a position to make informed decisions as to their future development based on accurate forecasts.

"Many factors - such as globalisation, European issues, information technology and unemployment levels - will have a bearing on the economy.

"And to maintain their competitive edge, companies must be able to anticipate changes in their marketplace and react promptly and properly to secure the maximum benefit for their long-term stability."

Other speakers at the half-day conference will include Mark Pratt, Yorkshire agent for the Bank of England who will talk on the regional perspective, and Markus Clavin, head of strategic planning at Harrogate-based Clearlybusiness.com who will talk about its latest research into changing attitudes and practices among small businesses.

Subsidised tickets priced at £12 each, including breakfast, can be obtained by phoning Alan Sandy, Harrogate's business support officer at 01423 556051.