News

'Shaping Our Future - Making Poole A Better Place To Do Business' was the hot topic at a conference held in Poole yesterday. Business leaders from over 40 Poole based companies met with the Council and partner organisations at Barclays House to discuss the economic future of the Borough.

The positive message from John McBride, Chief Executive, Borough of Poole, was the town's strong economy and significant development in the pipeline.

Shortages of skills and affordable housing were just some of the areas identified as issues which affected important areas such as recruitment and it was acknowledged that businesses face a number of challenges due to national and international trends as well as local issues. It was also clear that Poole's growing prosperity must reach out to the whole community.

Barclays Bank plc presented a picture on the wider role the bank plays in the local community and a workshop followed from which it was clear that many other businesses are also active in the community. These include Siemens Traffic Controls Ltd. David Carter, Managing Director, said: "The company has established some excellent relationships with Ashdown College - this work not only helps the students with their studies but also helps to raise awareness of the career opportunities in engineering."

The main conclusion from the conference was the need to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors. This could be achieved by establishing a "compact" with businesses which focuses on practical action. There was also interest expressed in developing a conurbation-wide economic development strategy.

Councillor Bob Williams, Executive Portfolio Holder for Environment & Regeneration, said: "I am delighted that we were able to engage so many local firms and partners in this crucial debate. The Council is already leading the Poole Bridge Regeneration Initiative and this conference has given us the opportunity to work with other partners to explore issues that can be turned into reality for the benefit of local people and our local economy. Together, we can make a real difference to the Borough's economic future."

Max Enterkin, General Manager at Sealed Air Limited (formerly Dolphin Packaging), said: "This was a useful conference that provided a valuable opportunity to make the views of our business heard. I personally support the concept of a compact between business and the public sector; it is long overdue."

The outcomes of the Conference will inform the emerging Community Strategy, being developed by Poole's Local Strategic Partnership.