Showcasing Warwickshire at Retail Shopping event

Warwickshire County Council's Invest in Warwickshire team was busy this week at the UK's retail property event of the year in Manchester showcasing all that the county has to offer as a business base.

The annual conference and exhibition organised by the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) is one of the great showpiece events in the retail calendar.

Attended by retail and property professionals from this country and around the world, the exhibition, which (this year) took place at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, comprises a brilliant shop window for local authorities to attract investment into their area.

The Invest in Warwickshire team was there, making contacts and spreading the word about Warwickshire. And their attendance at such events in the past has a proven record of success.

Contacts made at similar conferences have led to the arrival of new business and jobs in the area, including an outlet of London-based Gourmet Burgers in Leamington Spa and the Loungers café bar and restaurant group which opened the popular Bacco Lounge in Regent Street, Rugby, on a site which had been vacant for eight years.

During the two days in Manchester this week, the Invest in Warwickshire team held meetings with a range of independent retailers and high street brands. The team were also visited yesterday by local MP for Nuneaton, Marcus Jones.  

Warwickshire County Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Cllr Izzi Seccombe said: “We want Warwickshire to be the business centre of choice for the region and our Invest in Warwickshire team does excellent work in promoting the message that Warwickshire is a great place to base a business.

"Events like the BCSC conference in Manchester this week provide a great opportunity to showcase our town centres and communities and I am delighted that our team was there sharing their expertise and telling people about how much Warwickshire has to offer.”

Cllr Philip Johnson, Chair of Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added: “We need to do everything we can to ensure that our town centres are competitive. It is very important that we have a presence at big retail events and keep working hard to keep Warwickshire on the retail map.”

The Invest in Warwickshire team offers businesses free and confidential information and advice. To find out more visit http://invest.warwickshire.gov.uk or contact invest@warwickshire.gov.uk