Bob Seely shared this press release ten days ago. It was discovered in our Spam folder, hence the delay in sharing with readers. Ed
Island Conservative Councillors and Island business leaders came together on Thursday 17th November to discuss how they could work together to drive forward the Island’s economy.
The Conservative team, lead by Cllr Dave Stewart, met with 25 business leaders at the discussion, held at the Newclose Cricket Ground near Newport, and explored ideas for creating jobs and building on what the Island has to offer.
The event was opened by Island MP Andrew Turner.
Strong relationship with business community
Conservative Group Leader Dave Stewart said:
“At the next local election in May, we are determined to offer Islanders a fresh and positive approach. Part of that means having a strong relationship with our business community so that we can all work together to create jobs and prosperity for the Island.
“We want to know what the Council can do to help business. Business is the lifeblood of our Island economy. We need a business environment that creates jobs for Islanders. As Island Conservatives we will work with everyone for the good of the Island.”
As a result of the meeting a number of business attendees also expressed an interest in working with the Conservative Group as it develops its business strategy.
Support for Island business
Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner said:
“I was very pleased to see so many Island business people willing to share their ideas with Conservative Councillors. The Conservative group want to identify ways in which they can support Island business.
“The best way to do that is to ask the business community themselves what their challenges are and what help they need.”
Feedback from businesses
Cllr Stewart said,
“It was a good meeting.
“The business representatives gave us strong views about what was holding back the Island’s economy, how to improve training opportunities for young Islanders and how to sell the Island as a great place to live and work. They also told us how the Council could give them greater support.
“We will now build on these relationships to develop a plan for the Island which addresses both our financial stability and delivers opportunity for all.”
Event supported by councillors
Mr Turner added:
“The feedback from the event was very positive and a number of people expressed an interest in working to the conservatives to help develop a long-term strategy which will, over time, make the Island more business friendly.”
Cllr Stewart was supported at the event by a number of Conservative colleagues, including Cllrs Stuart Hutchinson, Ian Ward, Wayne Whittle, Robert Seely, John Nicholson, Matt Price and Richard Hollis, as well as future Conservative council candidates including Rachel Brown, Adrian Axford, Mary and Mike Collis.
