Sometimes businesses in North Devon feel they have to do a bit of jumping up and down to attract the attention the rest of the county. While we’re more remote than the cities and big towns in the South, there is a lot going on up here. And although we’re all facing tough conditions, the spirit of enterprise thrives in North Devon. Just this week I’m attending four meetings and events to help drive the economy forward.
As chairman of COMBEbusiness, I’m meeting with Jobcentre Plus to discuss what we’re doing with our training, development and support programme and how to build better relationships to help employers and jobseekers.
Then there’s the Business Support Network hosted by North Devon+ at which several Chambers, COMBEbusiness, the Federation of Small Businesses and the North Devon Business Alliance meet to discuss topical issues and how groups can work together to move things forward.
On Thursday I’ll be glad to be voicing the needs of businesses from Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe at a meeting hosted by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership to examine business priorities.
And on Friday there is the 101 Days Employers Event in Barnstaple focusing on apprenticeships.
What is significant is that it is business that is driving the agenda at all these meetings and events. There is also action as a result of many of them too.
There’s no denying conditions are tough, but North Devon is not standing still.
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