GARY Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire,is one of the key speakers at next week’s Business in the Dales conference.

Having secured the Grand Depart of the Tour de France for the county he will offer plenty of ideas on how businesses from all sectors might benefit from the international event as well as more local events such as the Swaledale Festival, Richmond Boots and Books Festival and the various agricultural shows.

Gillian Howells, one of the conference organisers, said: “We thought businesses needed an uplift after the long cold winter and the ongoing challenges of running a business in the current economic climate so we’ve planned an inspiring and informative day.

“Last year’s conference was extremely popular so we’re offering another great event this year and we’ve the added attraction of a great buffet lunch from Guy Fairhurst.”

Diane Howarth will also provide examples of how she is using simple and inexpensive marketing ideas to promote her business, capitalising on other marketing campaigns and partnering with other relevant businesses for mutual benefit.

In the afternoon delegates can choose to attend a range of workshops offering advice and support on Marketing on a Shoestring, Superfast Broadband North Yorkshire, Social Media for Business, Cloud Computing, and Alternative Routes to Finance, and Procurement.

There will also be an update on all the services developed by the forum of business associations in Swaledale and Wensleydale and others offering business support.

The event takes place at The Conference in Middleham on Tuesday. The price is £10 plus £8 for a ticketed buffet lunch.

Some exhibition spaces are also available at £20. Full information is available at inthedales.co.uk/TheConference or on 0771 1211169 or 01748 825362.