Local businesses attend World Café event in Bridgnorth

A total of 25 businesses attended a World Café event last week (Thursday 31 May 2012) to talk about their hopes, plans and aspirations for the future of Bridgnorth. 

Steve Westwood, the managing director of Discovery Foils, hosted the event held at the new household recycling centre in the town.  Steve is a Shropshire Business Ambassador, working closely with Shropshire Council and promoting the county through his business. 

The event was supported by Shropshire Council and Bridgnorth Town Council, and businesses were encouraged to discuss how to build a stronger economy, the Bridgnorth Town Plan, future growth potential, developing a stronger voice for business, and barriers to growth. 

The Market Towns Revitalisation Programme was a catalyst for the event, as Bridgnorth has been allocated £450,000 by the council to facilitate improvements. 

Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for business support, said:

“The event saw a great turn out of local businesses wanting to help shape their area’s future.  The feedback gathered was extremely useful and will be used to influence changes to suit their needs.” 

Christian Lea, a Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts, said:

“It was pleasing to see such a good cross section of the local business community attending this event.  Local business people had the opportunity to put forward their views as to what could be done to attract new businesses to Bridgnorth, as well as stating the challenges they face in running a local business.  I very much hope that a similar event will be held again.” 

Les Winwood, a Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth West and Tasley, said:

“I was delighted to be part of this World Café event.  Lots of local businesses attended to discuss the ways in which we could help them and how they can progress further in the future.  I look forward to meeting a further selection of businesses at the next event.”