Our Future is Your Business

Tuesday, 15th May, 2007

Leicester Marriott Hotel, Smith Way, Grove Park, Leicester, LE19 1SW

About the workshops

All delegates will have an opportunity to attend one of the following workshops and help set the agenda for future change.

Going for Growth

Is Leicestershire fired up for economic growth? Does it support a “CAN-DO” business mindset? Do we feel part of a dynamic enterprise culture? Is there a shortage of good ideas? … Ambition? … Dynamic innovators? … Support mechanisms? Is Leicestershire poised to reach it‚s potential or frustrated by fragmented economic policy decisions? How can we as individual business people make a valuable contribution?

Education and Training

The success of Leicestershire as an economy is dependent on a better skilled workforce. Training and education must achieve world-class standards if the local economy is to flourish. But is the local workforce geared to the future needs of the Leicestershire economy? Where are the knowledge and skill gaps? How can we influence schools and FE colleges to be more focused on preparing people for the real world of work? How can the business sector work more closely with training and education bodies to bridge knowledge or skill gaps?

Harnessing Technology and Innovation

The need to embrace and build new emerging technologies into our business processes is critical. If we don't, yesterday's winners could well be tomorrow's losers. So, are we doing enough to help businesses get the advice they need? Do enough companies know about the technology grants, expertise and local resources that could help make them more competitive? With three excellent universities in Leicestershire, each with a reputation for innovation in technology, are we making the best use of them? Are the Universities doing enough to collaborate with Leicestershire businesses? What can we do to aid better communication about the resources and opportunities available?

Infrastructure for Business Needs

There are essential building blocks that help to make the local economy tick. Transport has been a hot topic for many years. But are we moving in the right direction? Has Leicestershire got the correct strategy on creating premium sites for business? Is there being enough done to support an ICT infrastructure? Is Leicestershire falling behind as an early adopter of new ICT technologies? What other key infrastructure strategies are important? How much does it cost business to get these building blocks wrong? What competitive edge does it give businesses to get them right?

Image and Identity

Why does image and identity matter for Leicestershire businesses? Do you find recruiting talented employees from different parts of the country easy? Is there still an external perception problem with the city and county? Or is it there a need to develop the Leicestershire identity around new key flagship projects or initiatives? Perhaps the county lacks self-esteem? Are you able to retain talented employees? Or are some disillusioned about the perceived future of the sub-region? Is the task of drawing large science and technology based companies to Leicestershire dogged by its negative low-skilled manufacturing heritage? What can be done to enhance Leicestershire's business image as an innovative place that is geared to the future?