Free LEP event - discover Heart of the South West's priorities

Wednesday 2 November 2011


Albemarle Centre, Taunton(10am - 1pm with lunch and networking)

Book now to attend http://www.swo.org.uk/events/prospects-for-private-sector-growth/

The Coalition Government wants to increase private sector jobs growth, rebalance the economy and decentralise power to local communities. But faced with much reduced public spending, together with significant changes to the infrastructure that previously supported economic development and business growth, how feasible is this aim? What are the prospects for private sector jobs growth?

On Wednesday 2 November at the Albemarle Centre in Taunton the South West Observatory will launch a major piece of research recently compiled by the SWO Economy and Skills and Learning Modules. Key issues identified from the research will be presented alongside case study examples from the business community and South West LEPs.

Programme

9.30 - 10.00 Refreshments

10.00 - 10.10 Welcome Vinita Nawathe, Managing Director, SWO Core Unit

10.10 - 10.15 Introduction Chris Evans, Director, Skills and Learning Intelligence Module (SLIM)

10.15 - 10.35 Building globally-competitive local economies: the role of LEPs

Mike Spicer, Senior Policy Advisor, British Chambers of Commerce

10.35 - 10.55 Heart of the South West LEP: Priorities and evidence needs

Jeremy Filmer-Bennett, Interim Chief Executive, Heart of the South West LEP

10.55 - 11.10 Refreshment break

Launching the research findings: Prospects for Private Sector Jobs Growth

11.10 - 11.30 The prospects for private sector jobs growth in South West England at the current time. Nigel Jump, Chief Economist, Economy Module

11.30 - 12.00 Research findings on the prospects for private sector jobs growth. Shane Vallance, Evidence Manager, Economy Module

12.00 - 12.40 Issues and findings with relation to labour market and skills within the area of South West England. Chris Evans, Director, SLIM

12.40 - 12.50 Q&A / Discussion

12.50 - 1.00 Closing remarks. Chris Evans, Director, SLIM

1.00 - 2.00 Buffet lunch and networking