Businesses invited to shape council policy

Two events, one in Harrogate and one in Ripon, will provide the opportunity for local companies, sole traders and other organisations to contribute their views on what the council’s priorities should be in the future.

Contributions will help shape the council’s Strong Local Economy Action Plan for 2015-2020.

The last plan, for 2012-15, was geared to two main priorities: supporting business growth and job creation; and growing the visitor economy. These events will provide a chance to decide on the priorities for the next five years – as well as an opportunity to meet senior council members and officers and network with other businesses.

Called Let’s Talk Business, the events will be hosted by Harrogate Borough Council’s chief executive, Wallace Sampson, in Harrogate, and by Nigel Avison, director of economy and culture, in Ripon.

Mr Sampson said: “This is an opportunity for local businesses, both large and small, to let us know their views on the local economy and what they think the council can do to help them prosper in the future.

“The council’s primary objective is to support a strong local economy. Local businesses are able to provide us with invaluable ideas as to how we can achieve this.

“It is important that the council works with the business community and offers support however we can. Together we can create a plan for the next five years which will see the district’s economy grow from strength to strength. I would encourage anyone with views on how the council can support local businesses to come along and share them with us.”

Let’s Talk Business, which will take place in the King’s Suite at the Harrogate International Centre on Monday, October 20 and Ripon Town Hall on Thursday, October 23, will start at 9.30am and should finish by 11.30am.

l To book your place please visit www.harrogate.gov.uk/businessevents. For more information please contact Ruth Mann on 01423 556537 or email [email protected]