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27 Feb 2006 12:33:54
Business leaders have stepped up to help develop Luton’s economic future and make it a better place to live and work.
The City Growth Luton Strategy Day, held at the University of Luton’s Putteridge Bury Conference Centre, attracted more than 100 local business people from both the private and public sectors.
Delegates had the chance to air their views on how to ensure a prosperous future for the town, and contribute their ideas to an economic strategy for redeveloping the area. They also attended workshops on potential areas for development such as aerospace, the airport, food and drink, inward investment and planning.
Ethel Bangwayo, the University’s City Growth Project representative, said: “The conference was very interactive and lots of ideas were generated. Many potential partnerships were identified during the networking sessions and we are looking to develop these further in the near future.”
The City Growth ‘Cluster Directory’ was also launched on the day. The directory aims to provide organisations with information on potential suppliers or business partners within their sector.
“Many organisations in Luton aren’t aware who or what is available in the immediate area,” said Ethel. “Managers often don't have the time to go searching, so tend to go out of the area for supplies and other business requirements. But we know these requirements can be met locally, and we anticipate that the directories will encourage organisations to keep their supply chains local where possible.”
Liz Reynolds from the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, gave the keynote speech, 'City Growth - a driving force for successful cities'. Ms Reynolds is part of the team led by Professor Michael Porter from Harvard University who developed the ‘City Growth’ model.
Both the City Growth Cluster directory and the collated views and ideas of the Strategy Day are available to view and download at www.citygrowthluton.com.
Companies looking to play a part in shaping Luton’s future should visit the website, email ethel.bangwayo@luton.ac.uk or telephone 01582 743938/ 07725 142837.
Latest news» 2006» Feb» Businesses to play key role in shaping Luton's future
