The Federation of Small Businesses has announced that it is to host the Northern Ireland Reception at next week's Labour Party Conference in Bournemouth, at which the First Minister Dr Ian Paisley and the Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward will be the guest speakers.

The event, which is sponsored by Independent News & Media, takes place on Monday 24 September 2007, Highcliff Hotel, Bournemouth.

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Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman said: "Given the fact that the Labour Party Conference attracts hundreds of senior international visitors it is an absolutely crucial venue for us to put across a more positive message that Northern Ireland is a good place to live, work and above all to do business in, particularly now that devolution is restored. A number of senior Ministers, MP’s and nearly a dozen Ambassadors have accepted invitations to the reception."

"We will also be taking the opportunity at the conference to lobby UK Government Ministers on the need for a more radical Financial Package for Northern Ireland and for the need for us to have a competitive rate of Corporation Tax."

(CL)