Firms urged to shape future of area

MPs Chris White and Jeremy Wright, along with the Mid-Warwickshire branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors are hosting a Local Enterprise Partnership event at the Warwick Hilton hotel on Friday September 23.

The partnership - made up of representatives from industry, education and the public sector - was founded this year to replace regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.

Senior representatives, including board member Derek Parkin of E.ON will be at the event to explain the role of the organisation, which includes working with banks to arrange finance and ensuring colleges and universities train young people for careers in the area.

Members of the partnership’s theme groups will also be present to hear the views of businesses and to outline their work.

Sophie Howe, managing director of Comtec Translations and chairman of the chamber’s mid-Warwickshire branch, urged businesses to contribute. She said: “The chamber was instrumental in helping to establish the LEP and we are helping it access local businesses.

“There is no question the partnership is a real force and it is important that it engages businesses fully – and likewise that companies ensure their voices are heard.”

Anyone interested in attending should email [email protected]