LEADING businessmen and women in Blackburn have linked up for a free conference designed to improve communication.

The latest function by the Asian Business Federation (ABF) attracted more than 70 companies to the Shahi Qila restaurant.

Although the trade group is Britain's largest representative for black and ethnic businesses, the number of non-black and minority ethnic (BME) members has grown to more than 10 per cent.

Manager Mubarak Chati hailed the multicultural membership.

He said: “One of the most notable features of recent events has been the number of new faces we’re seeing.

“Some have come forward because they particularly want to engage with Asian businesses and the region’s BME communities, while others simply see it as another marketing channel.”

Local entrepreneur Roy Lomas has been involved since 2005.

He said: “We’ve made all sorts of new contacts and it’s always proved to be a good way of putting the company name out there.

"The bigger the organisation gets, the more useful it becomes to us.”

“The result is positive however you look at it as we are providing a platform for new business development, breaking down barriers between different groups and therefore making an important contribution to wider community cohesion."

Membership is free. For more information, call Carolyn Hayes on 0845 607 0786.