Shropshire's Annual Business Summit
The 2009 annual Business Summit was held on 21st April at the pro-star Stadium at Shrewsbury Town Football Club.
The theme for the event was “Making Shropshire Stronger- responding to economic change”
Representatives from 120 Shropshire businesses were welcomed by Shelia Healy, interim chief executive of Shropshire Council.
Presentations were given by Mike Laverty, Chief Executive of Advantage West Midlands, who spoke about the impact the current economic climate is having regionally. “Mike Laverty full speech”Useful web sites; www.advantagewm.co.uk and the more specific www.supportwm.co.uk
Alison White Chief Executive of Business Link West Midlands outlined the ways in which businesses are fighting back in the recession and support that businesses link is able to offer.
Alison urged businesses regardless of size to make contact with business link and ask for support. Contact details:- tel 0845 113 1234 alternatively the Credit Crunch hotline 0845 002 0900. Business Link web-site www.businesslink.gov.uk/westmidlands.
Tom McCabe Director of Development Services at Shropshire Council discussed the effects of the recession on the Shropshire economy. He outlined details of the actions that the council has put into place, including
- “Meet the buyer” events- aimed at local businesses regardless of size to help demystify the procurement process and win local & national government contracts.
- Prompt payment of local suppliers within 10 days
- Capital programme of investment funded by Shropshire Council and it’s economic development partners including AWM. Further details can be found on this web-site.
Tom McCabe’s Speech
The annual debate was facilitated by Eric Smith and the speakers were joined by Roger Belham, Managing Director or CS Contract Furniture based at Whitchurch. Roger is a member of the recently formed “Business Board” and a Shropshire Business Ambassador.
Press release Prior to the event
Press release post the event
Shropshire Annual Business Summit will be held on 10th May 2010