THE Forum of Private Business has announced that Charles Clarke will be the keynote speaker at its second national Small Firms' Summit on Wednesday, October 17, 2007.

The former Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Education and Skills is looking forward to the event.

He said: "Small businesses are at the heart of the welfare of this country. I hope and believe that the summit will indicate ways in which they can be strengthened and I very much look forward to participating in the event."

The event, at Central Hall, Westminster will be for owners and managers of smaller businesses to meet. To attend, businesses can book online at www.fpb.org/summit