Over 50 Council and business representatives came to the Stoneybeck Inn, near Penrith last night (31 January 2012) to discuss ways to improve the local economy in Eden. Businesses attended from across Eden and represented many different employments sectors.
Eden District Council hosted the event which was an opportunity for local businesses to come forward with their ideas to improve the economy, and learn more about the how the Council is working to support local employers and create opportunities for business growth.
Council Leader, Councillor Gordon Nicolson chaired the event , which was one of the first opportunities for the business community to meet the Council’s new Business Ambassador, Councillor Debra Wicks.
Councillor Wicks said: “I was delighted that so many businesses attended the event and as I expected from such a wide and varied audience, we received different views on many aspects of doing business in Eden. When I was listening to the discussions on the various tables, I heard that wherever problems were identified there were also possible solutions being discussed. The whole meeting had a positive feel. I look forward to developing a dialogue with the business community and building on the best aspects the event.”
At the event businesses were invited to discuss key questions about whether they had identified any specific barriers to growth and whether they considered labour and skill shortages were holding back the local economy’s expansion.
Council Leader, Gordon Nicolson said: “To better understand the needs of our local economy, we need to listen to and engage more with local businesses and last night’s event was a very positive first step.
“The value of this approach has been seen with positive projects taking place in our rural areas, we wish to mirror this work with the local businesses community to drive our economy forward. Last night, we were very much in listening mode, we will distill the ideas and information received and look forward to working more closely with the business community through our new Ambassador Councillor Debra Wicks.”
The Council will now assemble all the views received from businesses, circulate them to those who attended and invite comments on how the Council can work with businesses to address the matters raised.
For more information about the Eden economy visit www.eden.gov.uk to contact Eden’s Business Ambassador email: debra.wicks@eden.gov.uk or visit www.eden.gov.uk/businessambassador
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For more media information contact Eden District Council's Communication Officer tel: 01768 212137.
