Welcome from Cllr Martin Watson

Hello and welcome to the February edition of Warwickshire Means Business.

A bumper edition this month includes all the latest news of available business support, including the launch of a brand new scheme and the extension and expansion across the county of Business Ready.

We are delighted to launch the Warwickshire Energy Advice Business Service, part of the £4.6 million Business Growth Warwickshire Programme. Developed and commissioned jointly by the County, District and Borough councils, this will support the creation of a growing and sustainable economy across Warwickshire through promoting energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Business Ready programme, also part of Business Growth Warwickshire, will continue after University of Warwick Science Park tendered successfully to extend and expand it. Business Ready has already helped create more than £19 million in value and 175 jobs for businesses in the county since 2016.  

This edition of WMB covers news from throughout our wonderful county. We preview a workshop focusing on Bedworth town centre, report excellent jobs news for Southam, reveal exciting developments in Leamington and reflect on a successful meeting for businesses in Nuneaton. Studley is the subject of our Talk Up Our Towns feature which includes a lovely link-up between Studley Castle and Warwickshire Supported Employment Service.

There is loads going on around skills, as always. We reveal the first three Cornerstone Employers for the Warwickshire Careers Hub and look ahead to the Supported Internships Fair coming up on March 14.

Please do have a good read and get in touch regarding anything relevant to your business. WCC and our partners across the region are here to help and support businesses of every size, sector and location.

Martin