Lloyds TSB Commercial brought together more than 40 Northampton
professionals on Friday 23 September to discuss the local economy
and the effect the Enterprise Zone status will have on the
town.
At the event on Pury Hill Business Park in Towcester, local
accountants, solicitors and valuers heard how Lloyds TSB Commercial
is supporting businesses across the region through an appetite to
lend, clearer pricing and a consistent credit policy.
Northampton North MP, Michael Ellis also explained his vision
for the town's future after acquiring the Enterprise Zone status,
and how he feels this will impact upon the professional
community.
Nikesh Sawjani from the Chief Economist's office also took to
the stage to provide a wider view on the local economy and growth
prospects for SMEs.
David Priestley, senior manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial in
Northampton, said: "Northampton has a thriving professional
community and it is important that we work closely with them and
the council to help the town prosper.
"One of the ways to do this is through lending, and during the
first half of 2011 we provided committed gross lending worth
£6.7 billion to small and medium sized enterprises across the
UK.
"The Enterprise Zone is another important step for the
development of Northampton which will hopefully stimulate economic
growth and create more businesses opportunities, inward investment
and new jobs in the town."
Michael Ellis, MP for Northampton North, said: "I was pleased to
meet with many representatives of the region's professional
community and enjoyed hearing from them and listening to their
collective expertise. It was good to see lively debate on the
future of our town and the role that local businesses have to play
in that.
"I am delighted that Northampton was recently awarded with an
Enterprise Zone. This will bring many jobs and much investment to
the town and will really help our businesses to create growth. I
certainly encourage local companies to take advantage of the
benefits that will be available to them through this. I was glad to
hear Lloyds TSB Commercial affirming their commitment to lend to
businesses and I look forward to seeing the results of this."