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Credit crunch conference hailed a success
Top business professionals met this week to tackle the credit crunch and exchange ideas about boosting Cheltenham’s economy. Around one hundred local business people gathered at the town’s newest hotel, Express by Holiday Inn, for the all-day conference organised as part of Cheltenham Borough Council’s Business Pride scheme.
The Gloucestershire Echo’s editor, Kevan Blackadder hosted the event, which complimented the Echo’s ‘Gloucestershire bites back’ campaign. The campaign aims to support businesses and local people during the economic downturn. Opening talks, which reassured businesses of the support available to them, came from the leader of the council, Councillor Steve Jordan and economic development manager, Jenny Moss.
Drawing on real experience and dispelling common credit crunch myths, the audience heard from Dave Thomas, senior commercial manager at HSBC and Graham Hare, area director for Lloyds TSB. The key message from the banking giants was that banks are still lending and businesses should visit them to get sound financial advice.
Business Pride member Anthony Salloum, managing director for new local company Comsal Ltd said: "I think that the most salient aspects to the event were the presentations made by the banks. I fully agreed with the need to remain calm and work hard during a difficult period. It’s important to take a 'big picture' look at the situation.’’
Adrian Stalley, managing director for the Oriel Group provided ten top tips on managing company finances. Other speakers included Iain Garfield and John Turnbull, from BPE who talked about business reorganisation and how to carry out a fair dismissal and tailored redundancy packages. Senior tax partner for Grant Thornton LLP, Mike Warburton closed the conference with some true examples of business accounts, drawing comparisons between successful businesses and those in trouble.
Councillor Steve Jordan, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council said: ‘’We were pleased to be able to organise this event, which was a direct response to what local businesses wanted to hear about. Feedback tells us that people found the event useful and informative. We are hoping to organise similar events, touching on a range of themes, in the near future.’’
Holly Jones, senior planner at CgMs attended the event, she said: "I’m glad that the council’s Business Pride scheme has been able to give such an excellent opportunity to get local businesses together to find new ways of boosting the local economy."
Neil Morgan, creative director for Touch Media based at Imperial Square said: ‘’I found the conference both informative and enlightening. It was good to share with people from like-minded companies, the challenges we face in today’s financial climate.’’
The event was sponsored, with thanks, by Express by Holiday Inn, Dunnalley Street. Keith Jones, hotel director said: "We take great pride in supporting local businesses and providing them with the facilities and services they need. We hope to continue working closely with Cheltenham Borough Council and continue to give them our support throughout the Business Pride initiative."
ENDS
Notes
Business Pride was launched in June and has since attracted more than two
hundred and twenty members. The event was held in response to their concerns
about the current economic climate.
Contact:
Katie Wooldridge, communications officer, telephone 01242 775050 or email
Katie.wooldridge@cheltenham.gov.uk
