We live in interesting times in so many ways. But I am really enjoying being the Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership because of the people I get to work with in my voluntary role.
📢 I know there is never a settled period and change is a constant in our lives, but it does feel as though we are able to get back to doing the day job at the Business and Skills Partnership Board - and that is being the central partnership of our local government, business, Education and Skills and voluntary community.
🌏The landscape has been difficult for the last 18 months as the noise of Local Government Reorganisation and the potential of a Devolution deal has eaten up so much bandwidth and attention. But now we are in a holding pattern I urged all the partners to concentrate on the hard work of regeneration our Leicestershire and Rutland economy with the tools at hand!
⛰️ There are many more challenges ahead not doubt. Our economy has taken many shocks over the decades but there is still an amazing resilience in our business community, from the amazing start ups, the SMEs expanding and the major employers and investment coming into the County on major sites.
🏢 And thanks to Mike Denby and the team for the update on the work on inward investment
🌁 I know the 'Business Voice' is complex with various organisations locally and regionally and that's why I have been keen to have them around this table along with individuals who can help shape the strategic direction of the county and create a 'shadow' Business board ready for a devolution Mayor to get started immediately. None of us have a monopoly on representation or ideas but by pulling together and sharing we can build something special in Leicester and Leicestershire around a shared vision and collaboration. Our future economic success depends on it.
🚦 Thanks to all of our partners in this shared journey. We are all people who love Leicester and Leicestershire and want inclusive sustainable growth in our economy to benefit us all. Thanks to the Board members who joined us this week. We have a big job ahead of us over the next two years supporting and championing our economy.
