BUSINESSES in Hounslow are being urged this week to have their say in future plans for housing, jobs and transport in the area.

Six months on from the start of a project aimed at creating a healthier, more prosperous region, West London Business (WLB) is urging companies to take part in a special progress report meeting on Tuesday, March 30.

WLB is the Chamber of Commerce and inward investment arm for west London.

Also in attendance at the conference will be key representatives of the six west London local authorities, community and voluntary sector groups.

"This meeting will explain what has happened in the last six months and seek opinions from local businesses about the next stage", said WLB's Chief Executive Kate Ashton.

"Hounslow businesses are stakeholders in west London and there are big plans to ensure that people from all communities can share in its development and growth.

"Businesses need to say now if they want to be part of it because places are limited."

The event, called West London-Now and the Next Decade, is being held at the Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel.

WLB in conjunction with the West London Alliance - a cross-party group of all six west London local authorities is staging the conference with the London Development Agency.

WLB will be representing the area's leading companies and organisations and many other smaller businesses too, but it also stresses the importance of individual companies being there to have their say.

"This is a fully inclusive process and we want to test the emerging economic development strategy with our stakeholders.

"Remember, this strategy will play a major role in defining the resource allocation and priority projects for the area for the next 10-15 years - we urge you to participate and have your say.

"Our members together employ some 15 per cent of the west London workforce and we fly the flag for business but whether you are a member or not, if you are in business you should make your voice heard," added Kate Ashton.

The event will be facilitated by Professor Richard Scase, regarded as Europe's leading business strategist.

Delegates will not only get an update on Ken Livingstone's London Plan and what it means for West London but also get the chance for hands-on involvement with a series of workshops on skills for growth, business competitiveness and land & property, housing, transport and quality of life and branding West London.

West London currently provides 780,000 jobs and is home to 200 UK and European company headquarters.

Details of how to register for the meeting are available from Paul Parkinson at WLB on 020 8607 2512. Alternatively, see the website www.westlondon.com for more information.