LIVERPOOL’S own “entrepreneurs’ express” will head for London next Thursday to develop new business opportunities and contacts.

Twenty-five small business owners, all members of the Federation of Small Business (FSB), will network with fellow FSB members based in the capital at a special event hosted at Liverpool Vision’s Liverpool in London offices at the former Royal Mint.

The trip is aimed at raising the profile of the region’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector in what continue to be tough economic times and FSB Liverpool and Knowsley branch chairman Brian Sweeney hopes those making the journey are rewarded with new contacts and opportunities.

Mr Sweeney, director of financial consultancy Babecs, said: “The FSB has organised this trip as part of our Real Life Entrepreneurs campaign, to help our members find new ways to grow their business by looking a little further afield, and to get more small businesses thinking entrepreneurially.

“With such easy train links and the assistance of internet technology there is nothing stopping Merseyside firms from competing with London companies these days, and they can often deliver just as good a service for lower costs.

“We have solicitors, architects, marketing firms, tourism and hospitality services represented on this trip and we are all looking forward to a day of learning and making new contacts.”

Neil Dutton, FSB development manager, added: “At the recent Global Entrepreneurship Congress Sir Richard Branson brought a train with entrepreneurs on board from London looking to do business in our city.

“The FSB is returning the favour.

“Small businesses need to look at how they can better compete. Every marketplace is crowded and challenging and these FSB members have indicated a real desire to grow and seek innovative ways to challenge the downturn and start making positive progress.”

He expressed the FSB’s gratitude to the Liverpool in London team, headed by Chris Heyes, for their help in arranging the event which will feature addresses from FSB national chairman John Walker and “beermat entrepreneur” Mike Southon.

The lobby group also hopes several MPs can attend to hear first hand some of the issues the SME sector is experiencing

New figures show that firms who are part of the Liverpool in London scheme have won contracts worth more than £400,000.