The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) held its flagship event, “Worcestershire: The BIG Conversation” on Friday 23rd February to start the conversation with businesses about the support needed moving forwards.
The event, which was delivered in a hybrid format with physical and virtual attendees, saw a combined audience of over 200. Business leaders, professionals, innovators, and stakeholders from across Worcestershire attended to learn more about the strategy for the county and to share their views on what needs to be focused on.
Attendees got to hear more about how the county is developing its future workforce, the value of innovation and how we can grow innovation in the county, and finally the business support landscape and what new support is coming to help businesses grow.
As well as hearing updates on delivery, attendees also had the opportunity to vote and engage with the partnership to outline their thoughts on what needed to be prioritised.
The event also saw the launch of the 2024 Worcestershire Economic Report, which provides an insight into how the Worcestershire economy is performing across key benchmarks, the relaunch of the Plan for Growth, a 20 year strategy document for Worcestershire and also the launch of the Inclusive Worcestershire Leaders, a new scheme to recognise those exemplary employers championing inclusivity in their practices.
Paul Walker MBE, Chair of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It was a pleasure to be able to engage with the Worcestershire community and showcase our strategy at the BIG Conversation. Bringing all stakeholders along with us on this journey is vital and my one key ask of the business community is, continue engaging with the partnership, keep talking to us about the good and the bad to help us better support you.
“Only by working together can we truly drive the county forward and ensure Worcestershire is a connected, creative, dynamic economy for all.”
Businesses are encouraged to continue engaging with the partnership to ensure that the work being delivered in the county aligns with what is needed. Further events and forums will be announced by the Worcestershire LEP over the coming weeks to continue the BIG Conversation.
Those who were unable to attend can catch-up on the BIG Conversation via the livestream footage which will be available on the Worcestershire LEP website. The Skills and Training, Innovation and Business Growth sessions will all be available for businesses to watch and catch-up on.
If you would like to watch the sessions from the BIG Conversation, please visit the Worcestershire LEP website here. – https://www.wlep.co.uk/the-big-conversation/
For businesses looking to access support following the event, please contact the Worcestershire Growth Hub team, who are on hand to help organisations of any size and sector. Phone – 01905 677888 or Email – info@worcestershiregrowthhub.co.uk