Around 100 leading business people are expected to attend the inaugural Disability Action Week Business Breakfast in Rockhampton on July 15.

The gathering will hear from Mark Bagshaw, the head of IBM Australasia\'s international marketing division, and from Steve Bennett AOM, the co-founder of Employers Making a Difference and co-owner of Benbro Electronics.

Event organiser Eric Boardman, the CQ Regional Disability Liaison Officer and convenor of the Rockhampton Disability Network, said the Business Breakfast was sponsored by Central Queensland University, Rockhampton City Council, Mercy Health & Aged Care, The Morning Bulletin, Partnership With Industry, and QMAG.

Mr Boardman said Mr Bagshaw’s portfolio included significant international business connections, while Mr Bennett was the 1998 Prime Minister\'s Employer of the Year.

\"People with disabilities make up 20% of our community ... more if you include their family and friends,\" Mr Boardman said.

\"In the current competitive global environment, progressive councils and business leaders are realising the importance of maximising access to this sizeable market.\" Rockhampton City Mayor Cr Margaret Strelow said Council had made a major commitment to addressing equity issues in the community, with the formation of the Access & Equity Reference Group more than two years ago.

This advisory committee to Council has played an important role in highlighting those areas where improvements are needed, and with their ongoing help, we are creating a more equitable community environment,” Cr Strelow said.

Mr Boardman said a range of free training events during Disability Action Week (14 –18 July) would complement the Business Breakfast.