The Heart of the South West’s (HOSW) new Business Forum met for the first time this week and selected its Chair.
Rupert Cox, the Vice Chair of Somerset Chambers of Commerce was elected at a meeting held on 11th January at Dillington House, Somerset.
The Business Forum, which is open to all businesses and business organisations across Devon and Somerset, has been set up to act as a ‘critical friend’ to the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
It will canvas business opinion on what the LEP priorities should be and what is needed by businesses on the ground in terms of infrastructure, support for enterprise and investment and rebalancing the economy.
The Forum will also examine the LEP Business Plan and all LEP proposals as they develop.
Rupert Cox said: “I am looking forward to working with other business people in developing the Business Forum.
“We have already started creating our Executive Group and are looking to draw on the experience and expertise of the business community across both counties to provide a distinct voice within the Heart of the South West.
“I would urge all businesses to become members of the Forum. They will be able to have a direct influence on LEP policy and also be able to hold the Partnership to account as a critical friend.”
Jeremy Filmer-Bennett, chief Executive of HOSW West said: “The importance of the Business Forum within the LEP cannot be overstated.
“It will be the voice of business throughout the Partnership, ensuring that supporting economic growth and enterprise will be at the core of everything we do.”
Businesses interested in becoming part of the Business Forum should register the interest at the HOSW website:
www.heartofswlep.co.ukENDS
