Pictured: Simon Williams (Origin) Philip Chapman (Wall James
Chappell), Stewart Towe CBE, Jilly Edge (Events with the Edge),
Peter Trinham (Worton Rock), Bob Harrington (HSBC), James Barwell
(Husselworks)
Stewart Towe CBE, Chairman of the Black Country Local Enterprise
Partnership (LEP) and Managing Director of The Hadley Group,
addressed local business leaders at the latest Business Xchange
event at Dudley Kingswinford Rugby Club. Mr Towe proved to be an
accomplished speaker, setting out the key objectives of the LEP and
how it intends to make a difference in the region. He also
illustrated some intriguing and humorous anecdotes of the type of
barriers to change that he has already experienced since becoming
Chairman.
Mr Towe explained that the purpose of the LEP is to create the
conditions for enterprise to flourish and improve the economic
prosperity of the Black Country by tackling barriers to growth,
improving education and skills and transport networks. The LEP
specifically concentrates on how to get the best out of government
by bringing 'common sense' to the link between government and
business. Notable achievements to date include bringing four
Enterprise Zones to the Black Country, a new Planning Charter and a
five year growth plan.
Philip Chapman of Wall James Chappell solicitors, one of the
founders of Business Xchange, said "Stewart proved to be one of our
most fascinating speakers to date. As our LEP chairman, we were
very interested to hear how this relatively new body works. In
particular we were impressed by the emphasis on encouraging inward
investment and the 'can do' mentality of the LEP."
During his talk Mr Towe also explained how both Birmingham and
the Black Country are working to together on issues such as access
to the High Speed 2 station and he encouraged business leaders to
attend the quarterly Black Country LEP secretariat where they will
have the opportunity to contribute to the LEP.
The Business Xchange is a local business group, which provides a
forum for local businesses to support each other through exchanging
skills, ideas and services. The event, which is held once every
three months, provided a useful opportunity for local business
representatives to meet and discuss local business issues, share
ideas and help improve the future of their businesses.