Business engagement
The Economic Regeneration Team was formed in 2005 and has spent the past year forging new links with businesses in borough. The purpose of this exercise was to better understand the business needs of all sectors represented within the borough.
The service area works with partners in the private, public and voluntary sectors to create an inclusive, prosperous and competitive Borough. This partnership working enables the development of schemes that bring about new employment, training and investment in the area. The Economic Regeneration team provides support to the Partnership for Walsall Enterprise and Regeneration (PoWER) as a vehicle for achieving this vision.
“South Staffordshire water is proud of the fact that it is a big employer and provides many jobs for the people of Walsall. It is good that the Council listen to what we say as we are an influential company”. Dr. Jack Carnell, Managing Director, South Staffordshire Water PLC, August 2005
The team recognise the enormous contribution that businesses make to the economy as businesses understand the local economy and often have innovative ideas for addressing issues.
“I look forward to working with the team to help develop Walsall’s supply chain and address issues such as climate change, energy and waste management. Peter Tack, Operations Director, ZF Lemforder UK Ltd, December 2005
‘The night time economy plays a huge contribution to the economy of the town. As a result of the team engaging with me and putting my name forward, I am so pleased to be invited onto the new town centre management board to represent this business sector” Graham Pinches, Managing Director, WSI Nightclubs, January 2006
The team has contacted and met with nearly 60 businesses enabling them to better understand business needs and have facilitated services to help them grow and prosper.
“We look forward to developing the relationship with the Council to help build Walsall as a place for business.” Duncan Varnes, Plant Director, GKN Driveline, August 2005
The meetings also allow the team to share new physical developments planned for the borough, such as the town centre transport package and regeneration plans such as the Walsall Regeneration Company and the Strategic Regeneration framework. It gives the Council an opportunity to share with the business community the news that Walsall is in the process of radical and transformational change through the significant regeneration plans and identifies that businesses to have a key role to play in that change.
“I found the meeting very useful and the plans for Walsall town were of particular interest.” Paul Hancox, Branch Development Manger, West Bromwich Building Society, May 2006
The team is committed to putting the business first and promoting opportunities for them to be involved with the wider regeneration issues in Walsall.
“As one of many local business owners who are bringing economic activity into the borough against fierce Chinese competition, I am pleased that someone in the council has taken the time to talk to us.” Gordon Stone, Turnock Ltd, February 2006
Many businesses prior to meeting had a negative perception of the Council but through visits this image has started to change. The companies have now a first point of contact through a team that knows about their business and understands their needs. This connection helps to make them feel appreciated as a key part of Walsall’s economy and helps to deliver the Councils pledge towards “making Walsall more business friendly”.
‘As a result of the Economic Regeneration team initially meeting with businesses and promoting the Walsall Education Business Partnership, we have now met with a large number of employers. These employers now provide a valuable resource in schools and colleges thus enabling them to engage with their future workforce. John Price – Manager, Walsall Education Business Partnership, February 2006
This relationship building has had a positive impact as the team now have vital links with businesses, whether they are large strategic firms or small businesses, as they can all make a contribution to making Walsall an ideal place to live, play and work.
“I hope we can continue to liaise and drive Walsall forward.” Charles Underwood, Hadens Solicitors, March 2006
The Economic Regeneration team has recently made contact with all businesses through the commission of a business needs survey which was sent out all 6000 businesses in the borough. The results of this survey are being analysed to identify trends, current and future issues. This intelligence gathering will provide a platform for future development of schemes that can contribute to the continued success of the Walsall’s business community.
If you would like to take advantage of the service please contact the Economic Regeneration Team on 01922 652570.