Leaders set to come together in Bristol to drive economic growth within the West of England Posted on: September 28th, 2018 On the 11th October, prominent business leaders will come together at the West of England Economic Growth Conference – the region’s largest business conference of the year. The conference, hosted by Built Environment Networking, will see some of the region’s biggest names in business lead a regional economic debate including discussions on transport, housing, skills and industrial strategy to maximise opportunities within the West of England – before then hearing presentations from the developers, investors and land owners who’re looking to develop huge projects and regenerate mass areas of land within the region. More than 30 speakers will discuss and present plans for the future of the region including representation from: Bath RUFC Bristol is Open University of Bath YTL Developments Taylor Wimpey Ziylo Bristol Water Bristol Rovers FC Cubex Land Acorn Property Group Bristol Port Bristol Airport Hammerson Highways England Bath Spa University The day-long event will provide a unique opportunity for delegates to hear about the collaborative approach to economic growth from the public and private sectors with the aim of ensuring positive regeneration and development within the region. Ralph Hawkins, Managing Director of Taylor Wimpey Bristol said: “The West of England continues to see unrivalled levels of economic growth and this conference is a fantastic way to not only celebrate the success of the region, but also a chance for businesses from a raft of sectors to come together to discuss any barriers and challenges moving forward. As a leading homebuilder in the region we hope to share and gain insight and knowledge with other businesses.” Saud Muhsinovic, Director at Mott MacDonald, said: ‘‘We live in a world of rapidly changing conditions where knowledge becomes vital to success of our societies, replacing other resources as the main driver of economic growth. The conference offers an opportunity to engage in debate with some of the leading universities in the West of England about the role and impact these institutions have on shaping the future of the region.’’ Julian Kinsey, Partner and Head of Womble Bond Dickinson’s Bristol Office, said: “We’re delighted to support the West of England Economic Growth Conference for the second year running. The event brings together an impressive series of panel discussions to celebrate our vibrant region and discuss what needs to be done to support development and regeneration projects that will boost our regional economy and drive growth. With a range of industries and businesses represented – both from the private and public sectors – we look forward to discussing and debating the West of England’s infrastructure needs over the next few years as well as the major developments already in the pipeline and the challenges and opportunities they present for us all. Recent contributions from the National Infrastructure Commission to the debate about devolving greater powers to combined authorities and other local bodies on transport infrastructure will no doubt be one of many topics for discussion in the debate. Our immersion in a number of high profile infrastructure projects in the West of England also gives us an excellent insight into some of the salient issues.” Kate Topp, Partner of Ashfords LLP, said: ‘’We’re delighted to be supporting and exhibiting at this year’s conference – it provides a wonderful opportunity to hear from industry leading experts about some of the largest and most exciting projects to impact the West of England.’’ Keith Griffiths, MD of Built Environment Networking said: ‘’Civic and business leaders in the region have an evident ambition to deliver an unprecedented level of economic growth in the West of England. It’s an incredibly exciting period for the region and this conference will be central to understanding the barriers to growth, whilst ensuring alignment and collaboration in the industry to boost jobs, skills, growth and regeneration across the whole region.’’ For more information or to book tickets to the event on the 11th October click here.
