Great news for Hereford, with the successful bid for funding from the Government Towns Fund. A total of £22.4 million has been secured for investment in up to 15 transformational projects included in the city’s Town Investment Plan (TIP). Details of all the projects in the TIP can be accessed through the #StrongerHereford website.
Best wishes to Elena Rodriguez-Falcon the ex CEO who is moving on from NMITE to take up a new role. Elena has been a brilliant leader and an inspiration to the students, as she has led NMITE to become a thriving educational establishment. The Chamber wish her well in her new role and welcome James Newby as the new CEO and President.
One of the aspects and challenges of running and growing a business in North Herefordshire is the lack of available industrial space, particularly in the 10,000 – 20,000 sq ft range which is often the space a growing business requires as they fill their existing site to capacity and find they struggle to support further growth.
Indeed, I’ve been spending some time with Members Truly UK Limited https://www.truly.uk.net/ and extend a sincere ‘well done’ to the existing landlord who has now agreed to expand the site and support the business long term. Together, they are creating a significant new footprint, allowing the business to take up many new opportunities. It is a long running situation in this part of the county and I intend to bring this to the council’s attention.
I’m sure many of you enjoyed the Chamber Business Awards who welcomed 720 Members and guests to what has become the two counties premier business event. I could not make it myself, due to a family holiday, although extend my congratulations to all who took part – there were several notable wins for Herefordshire businesses.
Our thanks to Members Crumplebury Farm https://www.crumplebury.co.uk/ who have upgraded their membership to Strategic and new Gold Members Ashbury Health Care and Fluidmaster GB. Of course many thanks and welcome to the many new Members, too numerous to list, but I look forward to meeting you all soon.
Also, I attended and Chaired the Joint Area Council recently held at Malvern Hills Science Park. I’m pleased to announce that the new Chair of the Herefordshire Council will be Clive Brookes from ABE Ledbury. Clive has been a council member for some time and replaces Mark Smith who will become the new Chamber President for two years, in September.
The next Chamber Expo is approaching, and 13th October will soon be here. I’d encourage everyone to book a stand before they’re all taken. More details can be found here: https://hwchamber.co.uk/events/business-expo/. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase your business, services and products to approaching 1,000 visitors – mostly from the two counties.
Until next time, Mike.