08/02/12…The economy and breakfast bring district businesses together

REPRESENTATIVES from across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse joined together last week for the annual business breakfast.

The free event, which was open to all businesses within the two districts, took place on Wednesday, (February 1)in Didcot and was organised by South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils to highlight some of the issues affecting the local economy.

Presentations covered a range of topics such as the impact that changes to local government will have on businesses, economic development projects happening in southern Oxfordshire, and how businesses can use crime prevention to reduce the chances of being targeted by criminal activity.

The session also saw guest speaker Ian Parkes, of partnership development specialists SOA Development, highlight how businesses can make the most of the potential opportunities that this year may bring, especially with a whole host of high profile events due to take place throughout the summer, such as the Olympics and Jubilee.

The morning?s keynote speech ?Three conundrums, two questions, one answer,? was delivered by Stuart Miller, founder of Grove based logistics company ByBox (pictured), who talked about the importance of entrepreneurship and the benefits of running your own business. The event concluded with a question and answer forum, followed by an opportunity for delegates to network.

This year?s breakfast was the most successful yet, not only in terms of numbers attending (90), but also with the spread of organisations represented, with small, medium and large businesses all keen to play their part in the local area.

Among the comments received from attendees were:

“Stuart Miller was an excellent speaker and certainly motivated the audience to think!”

“A great overview of council work and very good networking”

Cllr Elaine Ware, cabinet member for economy, leisure and property at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: ?The event went really well and we are delighted that so many people turned up. The year ahead has a number of challenges for us all, some exciting and some quite daunting, so it is good that businesses in the area know that they have a lot of support locally.?

Cllr Judith Nimmo-Smith, cabinet member for economic development, property and technical services at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: ?The advice and discussion on offer gave everyone plenty to think about and use within their own business. Many of those attending play a vital role in the southern Oxfordshire economy so the fact that they can join together and share their experiences and advice is very encouraging.?