The Wycombe District Economic Summit

18 June 2010

Over one hundred businesses and Wycombe District Council partners gathered at Bucks New University on Thursday 10 June to gain an insight into the local economy.

The event, hosted by Wycombe District Council and the Wycombe Partnership welcomed delegates from a variety of local businesses, with the aim of boosting relationships and promoting economic prosperity in the district.

The day played host to a number of guest speakers from Wycombe District Council and its partner organisations* who work together to form the partnership group WISER (Wycombe, Investment, Skills, Enterprise and Regeneration).

Topics discussed included: the role of further and higher education providers and commercial and residential property in relation to the local economy.

The new 'Wycombe District Connecting Business' pack was launched at the summit. The pack is a comprehensive guide which is a useful tool for new and existing businesses in the Wycombe district and contains key information about business parks, development sites as well as partner organisations that support local businesses.

The event aimed to engage with businesses locally and explore the strengths and weaknesses of the district through feedback sessions, exhibitions and question and answer sessions.

Dr Lorraine Watkins-Mathys, Chairman of the WISER Group, highlighted the importance of the days events: "This event is a chance for businesses to showcase what they are doing and to share contacts with others through a network of business crossovers. This creates opportunities for collaboration outside the district where similar knowledge can be used to help cross and join channels."

Tony Green commented about Wycombe District Council's commitment to the economy: "It's important that we work in partnership with local businesses as they have a vital role to play in helping to drive the economic prosperity of our district. We are committed to working with and listening to local businesses to achieve this."

Speakers included:

Councillor Lesley Clarke - Chairman of the Wycombe Partnership; Leader of Wycombe District Council
Dr. Lorraine Watkins-Mathys - Chairman of the WISER Group; Head of School, Applied Management and Law at Bucks New University.
Rupert Walters - Economic Research and Analysis Manager, Buckinghamshire Economic and Learning Partnership
Mayuri Naker - Economic Development Manager, Wycombe District Council
Michael Garvey - Vice Chairman of WISER Group; Director of Stupples Commercial Property Consultants
Richard Worrall F.N.A.E.A - Thompson Wilson Estate Agents
Councillor Tony Green - Deputy Leader of Wycombe District Council (Cabinet Member for Economic Development)
Chris Dunkley - Team Director, the Bucks and MK innovation Growth Team
Mike Watson - Director, Sound Solutions Marketing
Professor Jake Kaner - Bucks New University
Trevor James - Director of Employment Skills, Amersham and Wycombe College.
Satbir West - Regeneration and Tourism Manager, Wycombe District Council
Professor Ruth Farwell - Vice Chancellor, Bucks New University

The Wycombe District Economic Summit

Speakers included:

WISER Group partners