Business people will learn more about the multi-million pound investment to transform Telford and create hundreds of jobs at a business networking meeting next month. (OCT)

Richard Partington, managing director of Telford & Wrekin Council, will be speaking about the development of the area and what is planned for the future at the meeting of Telford Business Club.

The meeting will be held at The Best Western Valley Hotel in Ironbridge on October 8.

Members and visitors should arrive from 5.30pm for a 6pm prompt start.

The town is undergoing major changes with the £250 million Southwater development bringing restaurants, bars, shops, a hotel and a multi-screen Cineworld cinema with IMAX.

The first phase of the work - a joint project between Telford & Wrekin Council and the Southwater Event Group - is estimated to open to the public in April.

And plans are also in the pipeline for a £200 million redevelopment of Telford Shopping Centre over five years by its management team, Sovereign Land.

Kirsty Smallman, secretary of the business club, said:

"We are delighted that Richard Partington is able to attend the meeting to speak to members. It is an exciting time for the town with all the developments and opportunities those present. This is a great chance for people to come along to the meeting and find out about all the great plans for the area. They will be able to hear about what opportunities lie ahead and what it means for businesses in the town. This is an ideal chance for businesspeople to have some input into the changes being made as I am sure Mr Partington will be only too happy to take their views on board.â

She added: "This is a fantastic time to be a business in Telford with investment growing and developments like Southwater taking shape."

The cost to join the Telford Business Club is £150 a year, which includes a hot meal at every meeting on the second Tuesday of the month.

Visitors can attend at a cost of £15 per meeting.

All places have to be booked in advance due to catering.

Telford Business Club does not charge an additional monthly fee and does not request people to send a substitute.

To book for the meeting or for more information e-mail secretary@telfordbusinessclub.com