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19 Jan 2006 09:02:48
Business leaders will be helping to shape the future of Luton at an event being hosted by the University of Luton.
The City Growth Strategy Day, being held at the University’s Putteridge Bury Conference Centre on 24 January, will give members of the area’s business community a chance to comment on the draft strategy and contribute to Luton’s economic regeneration.
Ethel Bangwayo, City Growth Project Manager, said: “This event will engage participants in the key themes of City Growth, and help shape the future development of Luton.
“The implications for Luton are huge, with exciting opportunities for economic growth and employment, which will transform the area.”
City Growth is a radical new approach to economic development, which puts business at the heart of urban regeneration, highlighting the area’s competitive and economic potential.
It is driven by the Government’s commitment to address disadvantage through the growth of enterprise, and plans to create economic advantage and opportunity by overcoming problems caused by crime, unemployment, lack of suitable premises and a shortage of staff skills. It will also tackle negative perceptions which may discourage business creation and private investment.
The initiative is based on a model developed by Professor Michael Porter from Harvard University, in the US, and the Putteridge Bury event will feature a keynote speech by Liz Reynolds from Professor Porter's team.
One of the aims of City Growth is to develop ‘clusters’ of interconnected industry across Luton. Clusters will be based on aerospace, airport related companies, food and drink, and information and communication technology.
The process has already seen new partnerships formed among local businesses. The strategy attempts to increase such links, bringing with it huge economic benefits to the area.
Ethel added: “The University of Luton occupies a key position at the centre of Luton’s commercial, academic and cultural life, and is delighted to be playing such a key role in this process.
“We are also pleased to be able to offer a voice to local business – whose presence at this event will ensure we are all moving in the right direction.”
The event gets under way at 8.00am on 24 January and will run until 12:30pm, with networking until 2.30pm. For further information, contact Ethel Bangwayo on 01582 743938, or ethel.bangwayo@luton.ac.uk.
Notes:
City Growth was first launched in the UK in July 2001. Seven areas in England were selected to pilot the programme: St. Helens, Nottingham, Plymouth and four areas within London
Based on the success of the Phase 1 pilot areas, a second phase of City Growth is currently underway in 10 new urban areas, including Luton
The City Growth team define economic regeneration strategies and put together implementation plans
Latest news» 2006» Jan» City growth event aims to shape the future of Luton
