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50th anniversary of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, and to celebrate the Chamber is looking to smash the previous size record for the awards event, set in 2010 when 900 people packed into the International Hotel, Telford In 2012 it will be the 12th year of the business awards, and the 50th anniversary of Shropshire Chamber. The event will take on an Olympic theme. There are an awful lot of reasons for celebration, not least the success of Shropshire business. It’s befitting that for such a blend of celebrations we make this the biggest event we have ever held. The event will take place on June 15 next year. Preparations are already under way, as to create an event of this magnitude requires an awful lot of time, energy focus and teamwork, and to ensure that success we need to start immediately.
A Special Award Along with the 10 winners of the established awards, special recognition was given to the head of the new Marches Local Enterprise Partnership. Dr Geoffrey Davies. Chairman of the new partnership promoting Shropshire’s business interests, was surprised to be presented with the President’s Award from Anthony Randall, president of Shropshire Chamber. Introducing the new award on stage towards the end of the celebration, Mr Randall said: “I am privileged to introduce a new award designed to recognise an individual who has made and continues to make an outstanding contribution to the economic wellbeing of our magnificent county. Mr Davies, speaking on stage, said he was surprised by the award, and used his time in front of the audience to urge business people to use their position to help encourage others into business, as he had enjoyed similar support in his career.
Marches LEP Launch Give us the tools to “fight our corner” and we will breathe new life into the economy of the Marches, creating the conditions for business growth. That was the message to the Government and MPs at the launch of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, where chairman Dr Geoffrey Davies OBE declared the LEP “open for business”. Dr Davies said although the key elements were in place to help create a strong and diverse business base across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, obvious barriers to growth must be removed if the LEP was to achieve success. Speaking during the launch event at the House of Commons attended by Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Dr Davies said it was vital key Government decision-makers understood the contrasting urban and rural mix of the region, and made a plea for the area to
WEST MIDLANDS CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 36 THE Directory 2011/2012
Telford based Pebble Learning scoops the top Company of the Year award
SHROPSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS 2011 GALA NIGHT WINNERS Company Of The Year: Pebble Learning, Telford Outstanding Customer Services: Shukers, Land Rover, Ludlow Technology Enterprise and Innovation: Grainger & Worrall, Bridgnorth Green Business: Telford Laundry Best New Sustainable Business: Shropshire Fine Herbs, Harmer Hill International Trade Through Export: Grainger & Worrall, Bridgnorth Apprentice of the Year: Hendra Healthcare, Ludlow Business in the Community: TRS Personnel, Telford Managing Change: Telford College of Arts & Technology Tourism & Leisure: Fishmore Hall, Ludlow
be given Enterprise Zone status. Dr Davies said: “Specifically, we want three things. Firstly, ready access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses. Money must be more readily available and it must also be available at affordable rates. “Secondly, the Marches needs better communications. In this era of global business, we need superfast broadband and vastly improved mobile phone coverage. We also have a beady eye on transport connectivity; we badly need a fast and frequent direct rail link to London. “Thirdly, we need a strong infrastructure. We need to make land and property fit for business start-ups, business expansions and for new
Dr Geoffrey Davies received the President’s Award from Anthony Randall
business arrivals. Enterprise Zone status is a huge attraction - we need it, please help us.” The Marches LEP also unveiled its prospectus, a blueprint for its “no-frills approach” to creating a strong and sustainable economy by helping to stimulate the private sector. The launch event at the House of Commons was hosted by North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson, and attended by Business Minister Mark Prisk MP. Mr Prisk, who also spoke with Chamber Managing Director Richard Sheehan at the event, announced he would be visiting the Marches region next month. “It’s very exciting to see you up and