AN economic summit for businesses across Cheshire and Warrington, to set out the sub-region’s economic and green ambitions as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to take place next month.
Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership Economic Summit and AGM takes place on Tuesday, 19 October at Chester Racecourse with economist Sir Dieter Helm and Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council (BFC) Caroline Rush CBE leading the speaker line-up.
The event will showcase the strengths of Cheshire and Warrington and the huge economic opportunities available to the area as it looks to embrace the green agenda and decarbonise the economy.
This year’s event is especially important following a difficult 18 months for the economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The area though is already bouncing back with the LEP leading the recovery and growth. While in person places are now sold out for the hybrid event, people and businesses are invited to register and join virtually.
Dieter is Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford and Fellow in Economics at New College, Oxford. He has provided extensive advice to UK and European governments, including as Independent Chair of the Natural Capital Committee, advising the government on the sustainable use of natural capital. In the 2021 New Year Honours List Dieter was awarded a knighthood for services to the environment, energy, and utilities policy.
Caroline has been Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council since April 2009 and during that time London Fashion Week has become a globally recognised platform for creative and innovative fashion talent. Additionally, The Fashion Awards has become the global award ceremony for the fashion industry and raised millions for the BFC Foundation and its charitable projects.
Clare Hayward MBE, DL, Chair, Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “We are delighted that businesses across the region have the opportunity to come together to hear from two great speakers, who will inspire and engage us on the Net Zero journey for Cheshire and Warrington.
“This event is an important milestone, where we will have the opportunity to both look forward and backwards. Backwards to review and reflect on the challenges and opportunities that have arisen in the past 18 months and forward to ensure that businesses and partners are set up to succeed and engage on the journey to net zero and economic recovery.
“Cheshire and Warrington is focused on building an economy that is sustainable, healthy and inclusive. This event will focus on addressing the challenges of climate change and the opportunities presented to us of building a Net Zero economy.
“Dieter will share his vast experience and research, providing insights and thoughts that will enable us to understand how we achieve a sustainable Cheshire and Warrington. Caroline will share her global experience, expertise and insight from the world of fashion and the challenges of enabling a well-respected sector to lead and to respond to the Net Zero challenge. I am looking forward to hearing from them. I am also excited to hear from our panel who will be able to share their insights.
“This will be a great event and we would be delighted if you can join us to explore how we can work together to achieve the Net Zero journey for Cheshire and Warrington.”
Cheshire and Warrington LEP has led the recovery and growth of the economy through a powerful partnership between the private, public and third sectors. It focussed on work needed to restart the economy and provide support to the hardest hit sectors, as well as more medium-term actions to achieve the healthy, sustainable, and inclusive vision, such as business support, skills and training, Enterprise Zone, and capital investments.
Support has included Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub supporting 4436 individuals and businesses with 5413 enquiries over the past year and the LEP establishing a £1.5million fund to help more than 500 businesses.
If you wish to attend the event virtually, you can register for a free place CLICK HERE