New Shropshire business board to meet

As the county heads towards local government re-organisation, Shropshire County Council has moved a step nearer to fulfilling its commitment to increasing business engagement and influence in the economic development and policy work of the new council.

At the recent Shropshire Business Summit, Carolyn Downs, Shropshire County Council’s chief executive, together with Graham Biggs, South Shropshire District Council’s chief executive, announced that the new authority would be supported by a Business Board. This board will bring the views of the private sector to the table and ensure the county is best placed to respond to economic pressures and opportunities.

The first meeting of the Business Board will take place today, only six weeks after the commitment was made to its formation, demonstrating the council’s determination to take this initiative forward.

The board will be chaired by prominent local business leader, Geoffrey Davies OBE, Managing Director of McConnel Ltd, Ludlow and National Entrepreneur of the Year 2007.

Membership of the board will include several local business representatives alongside support agencies such as Business Link, Women in Rural Enterprise, the Learning & Skills Council and Shropshire Chamber. Advantage West Midlands will also be key players.

John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for economy, said: “This is a real opportunity for the council to work closely with businesses and I am looking forward to the first meeting of the Board.”

Geoffrey Davies replied: “It’s vital that business makes a meaningful contribution to the new council’s policies and the Business Board has the potential do that. I’m delighted to chair it and look forward to working with talented business people and dedicated public sector professionals. It’s an exciting development which can be of great benefit to everyone in Shropshire.”

June 2008