Over 130 delegates attend annual Business Leaders Breakfast
Over 130 delegates from businesses across Shropshire attended the Invest in Shropshire Business Leaders Breakfast last week.
The annual event returned to being ‘in-person’ for the first time since 2019.
Despite the challenges business have faced during the pandemic, delegates left with the knowledge that the future is bright for Shropshire.
Business Leaders Breakfast 2022
Held at The Shrewsbury Club during the week of the ITF World Tennis Tour W100, Managing Director of the club, Dave Courteen, shared how bringing such a prestigious sporting event to the county could boost the local economy by as much as £450,000.
Mark Barrow, Shropshire Council’s executive director of place, highlighted the tremendous recovery the county had made, and how Shropshire recovered faster than both the national average and the rest of the West Midlands.
Over refreshments, delegates also heard a panel discussion comprised of businesses who benefitted from the Additional Restrictions Grant, a fund created to support community and local organisations with economic recovery. The positive case studies included support for community events such as The Queen’s Baton Relay, the regeneration of a community venue, the promotion of net zero initiatives, the launch of an upskilling project designed to support entrepreneurial over 50s, establishing co-working spaces across the county, and a major place marketing project.
Tim Yair, principal Net Zero Officer at Midlands Net Zero Hub, delivered a topical talk about the ongoing energy crises business face, and potential opportunities for a more sustainable future.
Hayley Owen, Shropshire Council’s growth and programme manager, shared the ambitious Economic Growth Strategy for Shropshire, and how the county may take shape as we look ahead to 2050, and outlined the £104m worth of bids that have been submitted to the Government for future projects in the county.
Dean Morris, founder of VT Prints based in Bishop’s Castle, attended the morning and said:-
“The business breakfast was a superb event and a great way of finding out more information about the economic climate of Shropshire. I found all aspects very informative, and there was a definite sense of optimism in the room. The future certainly looks bright for VT Prints.”
Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said:-
“The Business Leaders Breakfast was an all-round brilliant morning. The event brought people together from a variety of sectors and, together, we looked at the challenges and opportunities the business community have faced and continue to do so during these difficult economic times. One key takeaway from the event was the sheer resilience of the Shropshire business community, which is something to feel inspired by.”
If you couldn’t make the event and are eager to hear the discussions, a video of the event can be accessed here: https://vimeo.com/768027900/de1242eb7f
