The Newport and Gwent Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise & Industry (ngb2b) has had a vast amount of experience in helping businesses in the former Gwent area to achieve their goals.

The organisation is exceptionally proud to have forged strong links with local businesses over a period spanning three centuries, and the chamber is recognised by its peers as a prestigious and valued member of the local business support sector. No other organisation can claim the quality, credibility and reach of the chamber network. So you'd think they'd have run out of ideas by now.

In fact it is quite the reverse, for they are constantly seeking to develop new services aimed at helping companies to enjoy business success, and their annual Five Counties Business Week is no exception. The Business Week (sponsored by Peacheys Chartered Accountants) will take place in just a few weeks' time and local businesses are urged to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them.

Now in its fourth year, the Five Counties Business Week 2005 will take place w/c October 17, and this year the initiative will provide even more scope for businesses to promote their products and services, regardless of a company's age, size or sector. So why should you choose to take your business forward and participate in the 2005 Five Counties Business Week? Take a look at what's on offer...

Monday, October 17: Ask The Expert Venue: Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel Time: 7.30am for 8am start - 9.30am Cost: £10 per person Six experts on a range of business topics will be available to answer questions and give advice on a one-to-one basis. Attendees can book appointments with up to three out of the six experts and this event is also an opportunity to network and share experiences with other local businesses.

Tuesday, October 18: Guru lunch with guest speaker Sir Ranulph Fiennes Venue: Maes Manor Hotel, Blackwood Time: Noon for 12.30pm - 3.30pm Cost: Members £40 + VAT Non-members £45 + VAT Held in conjunction with Caerphilly Business Forum, Harding Evans and Caerphilly County Borough Council. The Guru Lunch is always a popular part of the Five Counties Business Week, attracting more than 150 attendees each year. Sir Ranulph was described in the 1984 Guinness Book of Records as the world's greatest living explorer. Come and hear him talk about his experiences at this business networking lunch.

Wednesday, October 19: b2b Breakfast Venue: Cwmbran Stadium Time: 8am for 8.30am start - 9.45am Cost: £10 per person Last year's Five Counties networking breakfast attracted a record number of attendees, and the finalists of the Five Counties Business Awards will be announced at this event.

Wednesday, October 19: b2b Exhibition Venue: Cwmbran Stadium Time: 10am - 6pm Cost (attendance): Free of charge Cost (exhibition stand): Members £395 + VAT Non-members: £495 + VAT

Are you in business or thinking of starting one? Looking for innovative suppliers? Interested in relocating in South-East Wales? Want to network with other decision-makers? Come along to Gwent's largest business- to-business exhibition which will comprise the following zones: A: Business support; D: ICT services; G: Manufacturing, international trade; B: Retail; E: Vehicles; H: Food, drink & hospitality; C: Marketing; F: Training & recruitment; I: Leisure & tourism.

Chamber members receive an automatic discount of £100 + VAT on an exhibition stand, and there are very few remaining - contact the chamber NOW if you are interested in exhibiting at this event.

To pre-register your attendance, sign up for news and updates on the exhibition, plus view a full list of exhibitors, please visit www.fivecounties.co.uk

Thursday, October 20: Procurement seminars Venue: Bryn Bach Park, Tredegar Time: 10am - noon (morning seminar); 1pm - 3pm (afternoon seminar) Cost: free of charge - part of the WDA Local Supplier Development Project Improve the content and presentation of your tenders and receive practical advice and guidance on successful procurement. These seminars will educate delegates on how to build their company profile to become not just a piece of tender, but also a valuable piece of marketing material. They will also illustrate which documents should be included in your tender for it to be accepted in the first place.

Friday, October 21: Business awards Venue: Holiday Inn, Newport Time: 6.30pm for 7pm start - 1am Cost: Members £44.95 Non-members £54.95 Sponsored by the South Wales Argus. The closing date for these awards has now passed and the volume of applications received has once again surpassed previous years. This event will give finalists valuable recognition of their hard work and achievements, and will also provide networking opportunities for all attendees.

Winners of the following categories will be announced: New Business of the Year (trading for less than 12 months) Business of the Year (trading for one year or more) Exporter of the Year Award for Innovation Entrepreneur of the Year Best Use of ICT Environment Award Award for Outstanding Achievement

To find out how your business can benefit from being a part of the Five Counties Business Week, contact the chamber on 01633 222664.