Welcome from Strategic Director for Communities, Mark Ryder
Hello and welcome to the June edition of Warwickshire Means Business.
Our local economy and the day-to-day running of businesses large and small continues to present challenges, not least from the rising cost of living, but this edition of WMB outlines plenty of reasons to feel positive about the future in our wonderful county.
The creativity, energy and resilience of our small businesses never ceases to inspire, and we hear from several who have been supported with their growth plans by the County Council and our partners.
Forge Care are advancing with their exciting plans for a new children's care facility with support from the Warwickshire Recovery Investment Fund. Shakespeare's Schoolroom's refresh, underpinned by an Adapt & Diversify grant, is a great news story and Hart & Co have moved to a new level thanks to the input of Project Warwickshire.
It is great to read that an independent survey has revealed that more than 90% of businesses which have accessed support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Business: Start, Grow and Scale programme would recommend it to others.
In this edition of WMB we also celebrate the cornucopia of delights offered by Warwickshire's Food & Drink sector and salute the winners of the recent Foodie Awards. We are also very pleased to welcome Cllr Martin Watson as the new Portfolio Holder for Economy & Place, here at WCC. Cllr Watson has a hard act to follow in Cllr Kam Kaur, whom we thank for all her energy and support during her time in the role. Martin is well equipped for the role, bringing considerable business experience and expertise.
At WCC we are committed to helping everybody, whatever their needs and interests, to find pathways to their chosen careers, so it is heartwarming to read about Lisa's progress through the Fair Chance Employment Programme. The Let's Go Rural scheme has also hit the ground running this summer in its mission to open doors into jobs in rural Warwickshire.
There is so much to be positive about in our county and across the wider region... and don't forget the Commonwealth Games is now less than a month away with all the business opportunities that this festival of sport will bring.
Best wishes for the summer.
Mark