The north of Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth have the potential for major economic growth as the region recovers from Covid-19, a major event has heard.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its first regional Business Summit at the MIRA Technology Institute, on the HORIBA Mira campus, to look at the opportunities ahead for North Warwickshire and Nuneaton & Bedworth as well as underlining the support the Chamber can offer to businesses.
The event, hosted by Sean Rose, head of policy at the Chamber, heard from Tom Mongan, the Chamber’s president; and Hazel Pilling, the Chamber’s membership manager.
Delegates were also given an insight into economic developments in the area by Steve Maxey, chief executive of North Warwickshire Borough Council; Tom Hamilton-Dick, deputy principal of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC); and John McGuigan, who spoke on behalf of the Transforming Nuneaton programme.
The event heard how North Warwickshire’s local plan had been ratified by Government and would mean 100 hectares of additional employment land in the area and 4,000 new homes.
It also heard how there is already £157,000,000 committed by various bodies to the Transforming Nuneaton programme that will radically change the town centre over the next few years.
There was also an update on how NWSLC is working with businesses to ensure that students emerge with softer skills as well as qualifications when they complete their studies there.
Tom Mongan, who also chairs the Chamber’s North Warwickshire branch, said: “It was great to be back out meeting people face-to-face. Technology continues to play a major part in the way we all communicate and do business, but I much prefer meeting in person.
“I have been involved in this region all of my life and I am passionate about North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth and about business in this region.
“You couldn’t wish for a better location and we have some truly world class organisations here such as HORIBA Mira, BMW, Brose and Holland & Barrett to name but a few.
“We’re home to a range of businesses across a range of sectors including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, innovation, education and even a zoo!
“Every business that is operating today in our area can be proud of the fact that they have come through the past 18 months – an unprecedent period in all of our lifetimes.
“But, now, it’s not just about surviving, it’s about thriving and when you look at everything going on in the region, there is a real opportunity for the north of Warwickshire to achieve major economic growth.
“My advice to firms in the area is to engage with the Chamber and be part of this network. I very often hear companies say that nobody listens to them. By being part of the Chamber, you amplify that voice so it is heard by decision-makers at a local, regional and national level.
“There is also a whole range of support on offer and the opportunity to develop new contacts with businesses right across the region.
“These are exciting times and I’d urge businesses across the area to come and be part of it.”
