SOS: A Summit on Survival
The unprecedented downturn in the global economy is having a dramatic and undeniable impact on the economy of Torfaen and Wales. The Economic Summit in county hall on the 13th of March from 9.30am to midday is the response from Torfaen Council, supported by Government in Westminster and the Welsh Assembly Government in Cardiff Bay.
The Torfaen economic summit - titled the Torfaen SOS: A 'Summit on Survival' will bring together speakers who can offer National, Regional and Local perspectives on the economy plus representatives from business support networks and the business community will be on hand to offer advice.
The event will present an opportunity to talk through issues and listen to the real challenges currently faced by the Torfaen business community. It will also be an opportunity to seek advice; share local knowledge and information, all of which could help local business through the current downturn in the economy.
Delegates will attend from all walks of life and all sectors of the Torfaen business community. Practical advice will be available from delegates on a broad range of subjects including:
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Representatives from banks and financial institutions.
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The Citizen's Advice Bureau will be on hand to provide information on benefits, dealing with redundancy, debt and borrowing.
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FS4B - the Welsh Assembly Government's new service replacing Business Eye will attend to refer businesses to local support from agents such as Newport and Gwent Enterprise.
Plus officers from Torfaen Council will be in attendance to discuss:
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Procurement - offering advice on tendering for public sector contracts
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Asset Management - to give advice on rental levels/property developments
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Economic Development - to provide information on Enterprise, Marketing and the new 'Convergence Local Investment Fund'
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Planning - to share information and discuss opportunities for changing or expanding premises
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Housing officers will discuss with lenders how together they get credit markets moving; increase public private partnerships and create jobs
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Training and Skills - to give advice on gaining new skills, retraining, recruitment and apprenticeships
We have a growing list of delegates and local businesses that would like to attend and hopefully you will be able to join them at the event. We would also welcome your contributions to this list as it is open to anyone with an interest in the Torfaen economy. Names and contact details can be emailed to Neil Jones, Head of Communications at neil.jones@torfaen.gov.uk|
This site will be updated with useful information following the event.