Welcome from WCC chief executive Monica Fogarty

Hello and welcome to the first ‘Warwickshire Means Business’ of the new year and I do hope it is a better year for everyone.

It is good to be moving into 2022 with positive signs about the UK economy and falling unemployment, albeit with some continued uncertainties around the cost of living, inflation and energy costs. Above all, we must all remain vigilant as we move into living with Covid as part of our daily lives.

Here in Warwickshire, there is much to report that is positive and encouraging. It is very pleasing to read in this edition of WMB that Project Warwickshire has hit the ground running.

We created Project Warwickshire to help those small businesses in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors which have been impacted severely by the pandemic. It is great that the Programme, delivered on our behalf by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, is proving so effective and has already assisted dozens of businesses including Sip 'n' Swig and Hart Restaurants. If you think Project Warwickshire could benefit your business, or that of someone you know, then please do visit www.cw-chamber.co.uk/business-support/project-warwickshire/

Project Warwickshire is a great example of how our Economy & Skills team at the County Council has reacted throughout the pandemic to offer support most needed and appropriate to the fast-moving situation. Another is the Adapt & Diversify grants fund, which is now closed, but the impact of which will benefit many businesses like Ace Karting for years to come. Our Survive, Sustain & Grow Programme meanwhile, allocated more than £700,000 in grants to support businesses like Bake180 and Avon Studios.

In this edition of Warwickshire Mean Business, we also preview National Apprenticeship Week (February 7-13). The County Council's commitment to apprenticeships remains as strong and passionate as ever and our Lead Commissioner for Employability and Skills, Fay Winterburn, explains how an apprenticeship was invaluable to her career pathway. We also introduce two new members of our excellent Skills team, Chloe Millage and Adele Lineker, who bring their experience and expertise to the Skills Hub.

All this in the latest Warwickshire Means Business...and much, much more, including the very latest information on the Omicron Hospitality & Leisure Grant Programme. Please do have a read to see if your business can benefit.

Thank you for being a great partner in the Warwickshire Economy.

Monica