President's Heartbeat - w/c 9th October

Released On 9th Oct 2017

Last Wednesday I attended the South West Economic forum at The George Albert Hotel; a very welcome and essential high-level update of the macro-economy.  Around eighty business leaders turned up to enjoy breakfast, networking and to get the big picture from four entrepreneurial guest speakers who have shaped and continue to drive the changing face of the South West.  Graham Cole CBE (ex-CEO Leonardo Helicopters) set the tone with the words: “Now is the time to move…to capture the changes”.  Other speakers were Nick Sturge (Engine Shed, Bristol), Ian MacQuaide (CEO Portland Port) & Michael Dieroff (BluescreenIT).  Forum such as this create a sense of context of where Yeovil is in the grand scheme of UK plc, and the wider global markets. 

Opportunity is as always, out there; the South West is abundant in enterprise and diversity, all set in the ‘green England’ so attractive to visitors and those who choose to make this their home.  Global expansion is focused on digital/technology and aerospace and Yeovil is already ahead of the game.  Leonardo Helicopters Aerosystems, and a growing high-tech/aerospace cluster, are spearheading change into which the County Council has recently invested £11m. 

To enable our talents to grow further, we must now divert central Government attention away from the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine-room, long enough to allow them to see there is more, much more, than just Bristol down here.  

If you have any questions, please email president@yeovilchamber.org or phone me on 07900491211.