Council is keen to engage with the town's businesses

The council is organising a first networking meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 10.

“There is strong tradition of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) developing and growing in Alnwick and, as a town council, we want to support this in any way we can and hopefully encourage more,” said Tim Kirton, Alnwick Town Council’s project officer.

“We are developing a framework programme of ideas which we hope will be of interest and value to the business community.”

The first of these is the networking meeting to allow business owners the opportunity to discuss what is needed to help businesses to develop and provide feedback about areas which the town council may be able to help with or influence.

Following this, it is intended to hold occasional meetings including presentations and discussions, with expert speakers, delivered by the town council and partner organisations, on topics such as sources of conventional and non-conventional finance, and enhancing business skills.

These events will be free of charge.

One of Alnwick’s large companies, Arcinova, has kindly offered its conference facilities as the venue for this first networking meeting, which will begin at 5.30pm and include a short tour of the firm’s facilities.

This meeting will also include an outline of grants available for business expansion which will be delivered by representatives of Arch, the county council’s economic development company and will be followed by a facilitated opportunity to network.

Mayor of Alnwick, Alan Symmonds, said: “The diversity of businesses, and the industries they represent, brings a breadth of employment vital to our community. We hope that this will be seen as something to be welcomed and that the town council is seen to want to engage in a positive way to support our business community.”

Mr Kirton added: “I have been contacting businesses on an individual basis, but recognise that I have not been in touch with all who might be interested in this opportunity. If anyone would like to contact me to attend or to find out more, please ring me on 01665 602574.”