Welcome from WCC leader Cllr Izzi Seccombe

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

This month I begin by offering the warmest congratulations to our teams in Economy & Skills and Place & Infrastructure after their excellent work on behalf of the county's businesses was recognised by two prestige awards.

At the Federation of Small Businesses Awards, Warwickshire County Council won in two regional categories; 'Programme of Business Support' and 'All-Round Small Business Friendly.' In both categories we now go forward to compete in the national awards.

I am absolutely delighted that the teams' work has been recognised in this way. Their tireless dedication to supporting businesses, and thereby our wonderful communities, across Warwickshire never ceases to impress. Countless people around our county have benefited, and continue to benefit, from their hard work and expertise.

Warwickshire County Council attaches the highest priority to supporting the business world and local economy and to collect awards like these thoroughly vindicates that commitment and the investment that underpins it. It was fantastic to hear the judges say that the quality of entries from this region was incredibly high...and Warwickshire County Council came out on top! Everyone involved should feel very proud to be among the winners.

Whether it is delivering access to finance, businesses advice, skills support or a whole range of other schemes, our award-winning teams are there for you. Please visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/businesssupport to see how they might be able to help.

Not that anyone will be sitting on any laurels. Their exceptional work never stops and in this edition of Warwickshire Means Business, we reveal a new Green Grant scheme designed to address one of the biggest concerns facing businesses as we head towards winter - energy costs. We also report the latest progress on our Expression of Interest to become a new Investment Zone with all the economic, jobs and growth potential that may bring.

We feature a heartwarming story of how the generosity of our businesses powers the amazing work of Helping Hands and many similar charitable organisations. Thank you to all who provide such support, often without any publicity, just out of kindness.

That community spirit is one more reason to be proud of Warwickshire. In that spirit we offer those from the Ukraine now settling here the warmest of welcomes and, through the Warwickshire Ukrainian Employability Programme, access to opportunities to build a career and livelihood here. Welcome to wonderful Warwickshire!

Izzi