HEREFORDSHIRE and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has been selected as a finalist in the 2017 World Chamber competition.

The competition, which has winners chosen by the ICC World Chambers Federation, (WCF), is the only global awards programme to recognise projects developed by the chambers of commerce and the industry worldwide.

Finalists were selected by an international jury, after receiving 53 applications from 27 countries and the four categories for this year’s competition include best corporate social responsibility (CSR) project, best job creation and business development project, best education and training project and best unconventional project.

The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is a finalist for the best corporate responsibility (CSR) project, competing against Chambers from Brazil, Iran and India.

The Chamber has been recognised for Worcestershire Works Well, a health and well-being plan that supports local businesses in workplace health promotion, raising awareness of particular health issues and supporting employees to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Sharon Smith, chief executive of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted that the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has been chosen as a finalist for the 2017 World Chambers Competition by the ICC World Chambers Federation.

“Worcestershire Works Well has allowed us to work with over 90 active companies and impacts over 25,000 employees, by encouraging and supporting lifestyle changes.

“We are excited to represent Worcestershire on an international level and look forward to the awards ceremony that will be held in Sydney, Australia, on September 21.”