Council stages “valuable and successful” St Albans District Business Summit
Sustainability, long-term economic trends and progress with the Local Plan were among the major topics discussed at the St Albans District Business Summit.
Around 70 people, including local business owners and executives, attended the event organised by St Albans City and District Council.
They heard about key issues affecting the local economy and had an opportunity to network at the event in Oaklands College’s St Albans campus.
A District Council presentation included an update on the draft Local Plan, a blueprint for the area’s future growth which identifies land for future infrastructure, commercial and housing development.
There was also information about the Council’s growing Charter Market, a perfect place for a budding entrepreneur to start selling their products,
The City Centre events organised by the Council such as the Christmas Cracker and support services offered to business were also highlighted.
Paraic McKenna, Head of Intelligence at Hertfordshire County (HCC), briefed attendees on local economic data, looking at population trends and the implications for the local labour market.
HCC’s Director of Environmental Sustainability Lynne Ceeney presented on climate change and the risks to business.
She also spoke about carbon reduction, water supplies, the natural environment and investment in green industries.
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Chief Executive Neil Hayes discussed the future local economy, highlighting sectors where growth was likely such as the film industry and visitor economy.
Several support organisations were also present including St Albans Enterprise Agency, Hertfordshire Growth Hub, the Federation of Small Business, the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Library Service.
Zenergi, an energy and environmental consultancy, contributed to the event.
Amanda Foley, the District Council’s Chief Executive, said:
This was a well-attended, valuable and successful summit which we are delighted to have staged.
As a Council, we are committed to supporting our local businesses and encouraging their growth for the benefit of our residents.
By holding this summit, we gave businesses important insights into the future of the District, the challenges facing them and the opportunities that they can seize.
There were excellent presentations covering a wide range of topics including sustainable development and those who attended were also able to network and make new contacts.
Herts Insights has a website that provides a wealth of helpful information and data about the county and its communities. You can find it here: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/herts-insight/home.aspx.
Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727-819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.