From planning to delivery: LEP annual conference, October 20
The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership is inviting business people from throughout the area to our annual conference on October 20.
The event, at Yarnfield Park Conference Centre, near Stone, ST15 0NL, will be an opportunity to hear first-hand from the businesses and organisations driving innovation, skills and economic growth across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and to celebrate progress on the LEP’s aim of delivering 50,000 jobs and a 50 per cent increase in GVA by 2021.
Keynote speakers include Mark Berrisford-Smith, Head of Economics, HSBC UK Commercial Banking, Alun Rogers, director of award-winning Stafford-based ICT firm risual, and LEP chairman David Frost CBE, DL. The conference will be introduced by Cllr Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council and Cllr Abi Brown, deputy leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and there will also be presentations from some of the LEP board members leading on the delivery of a range of innovative projects benefitting our area.
“Having secured Government backing for our Strategic Economic Plan, the Enterprise Partnership is now in an exciting period where our ambitions are being underpinned by real projects and delivery throughout the area,” David Frost said.
“Our projects and programmes include our Growth Hub, a simple access point for business support and advice; site and infrastructure delivery programmes such as Etruria Valley, Meaford, Lichfield Park, Branston, Stafford Western Access and Four Ashes; our Growing Places Fund which is looking to support projects in Cannock, Leekbrook, Newcastle and other areas; our skills initiatives which are investing in Tamworth, Newcastle, Stoke and Rodbaston; and new partnerships between our universities.
“As the schemes take shape and we move from planning to delivery we are also very keen to hear the views of businesses so we can maximise the benefits of economic growth for everyone in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”
The conference, which is free to attend, runs from 9am to 12.30pm, followed by lunch and networking, and is open to representatives from all businesses throughout Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, and to organisations working with the business community. If you would like to attend please contact LEP office manager Julie Frost with your business details at julie.frost@staffordshire.gov.uk or 01785 719002, or if you would like more information please contact communications manager Alison Thomas at alison.thomas1@staffordshire.gov.uk or 01785 719003.
