South Gloucestershire Council’s economic development team hosted its seventh annual business forum breakfast on Wednesday 5 July.
The well-established networking event was held at the Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green where figures from local businesses and organisations were given presentations on the subject of innovation. The event’s aim was to connect like-minded businesses and individuals by sharing the inspirations, successes and challenges they’ve experienced on their innovative journeys.
The breakfast briefing was introduced by Steve Evans, South Gloucestershire Council’s director of Environment and Community Services and was chaired by director of Marshfield Bakery Chris Smith. The expert panel included Linda Banister – partner at Red Door Coaching and Training, Ben Farmer – strategy and programme lead at HiETA, Gabriella Cox – digital and creative lead at BusinessWest and Kevin Parr – director of Enzygo. The council’s strategic economic development manager, Antony Merritt, was also on hand to answer questions.
The theme of this year’s event was ‘innovation’ which saw the panel speak about how they’ve innovated recently, what innovation actually means to them, and why innovation is so important in business. A question & answers session followed, giving the audience a chance to put their questions to the panel.
Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, with responsibility for economic development in the Cabinet, Councillor Matthew Riddle, said: “Our business forum events have been running since 2010 and provide a great opportunity for those attending to learn and network with similar like-minded people. Our aim is to strengthen connections with our local businesses and share information on the big issues affecting our area, in South Gloucestershire and across the West of England.
“South Gloucestershire is a centre of excellence for high tech manufacturing industries such as aerospace, defence and advanced engineering, and this event’s theme mirrors our open approach to innovation, technology and collaboration.”
Providers of business support in South Gloucestershire were also introduced at the event.
For more information and details of future events visit www.insouthglos.co.uk or email business@southglos.gov.uk
