• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Thursday May 16 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Councils to establish Economic Advisory Board to give business a voice

Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council have announced the formation of an Economic Advisory Board to give businesses a voice in economic matters.

The move comes following the transfer of functions to local authorities from Local Enterprise Partnerships – which were scrapped in a surprise announcement by chancellor Jeremy Hunt in his 2023 Spring Budget.

The councils are currently working up their economic strategy for publication in Autumn this year, and are and looking to deliver a range of new business support programmes.

The new board will aim to address challenges, leverage strengths, and seize emerging opportunities, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as a commitment to net zero initiatives.

The councils are looking for board members from a range of sectors, including advanced manufacturing, defence, life sciences, education, skills, small business representation, and digital and technology.

Board members will not be paid and should expect to attend four two-hour meetings a year.

Full details are available at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/economic-advisory-board

Pictured: County Hall, Trowbridge

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