Local events continue to show that Worcestershire has a thriving business community.
I would like to congratulate the Chamber of Commerce on successfully hosting yesterday’s Business Expo. The well-attended event saw a wide variety of local businesses making contacts and securing deals. Companies were also given a highly useful insight from John Carr, the Partner Manager of Facebook, who talked about the evolution of communication.
Local companies have the chance to receive more expert advice by applying for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme. By applying for the scheme your business will have the chance to receive 100 hours of tailored education from business leaders and the scheme is fully-funded for successful applicants. I would urge all interested parties to apply before the 24 October deadline and for further information visit www.goldmansachs.com.
It was great to see 10 of Worcestershire’s most impressive tourism businesses celebrated at the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards for Excellence. Over 120 people attended the awards to recognise tourism businesses from visitor attractions to hotels. Tourism plays a hugely important part in our local economy and Worcestershire LEP recognises the significance of attracting visitors to see what the county has to offer. For a full list of the award winners, visit our website, www.wlep.co.uk.
It is vital that we continue to raise Worcestershire’s profile outside of the County and I am therefore very excited to be participating in the Midlands Engine business delegation to Maryland, USA. The mission has a strong representation from Worcestershire companies and will seek to establish lasting relationships with businesses in Maryland, with a return visit scheduled to take place next year. I look forward to participating in this mission on 18 October and to help to promote Worcestershire’s dynamic business community.