The Courier’s exciting Business Briefing Series returns next week when Sir Tom Farmer, the tycoon who sold his tyre business to Ford in a £1 billion deal, imparts his entrepreneurial experience to an audience of local industry leaders.
A question-and-answer session will follow with Sir Tom and Alison Henderson, CEO of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, and Alison Smith, service manager with Angus Council’s economic development team.
Alison talked to The Courier about the work being done to encourage growth within the local economy.
Q What are the main challenges facing the North East business community?
The downturn in the economy and oil prices is impacting on businesses. We are seeing expansion plans put on hold or shelved and there is a lack of bank funding. Attracting and retaining skilled staff is a challenge, while issues around connectivity, both transport and digital, can also be barriers to growth.
Q What are the key growth sectors?
Angus has an above-national-average number of manufacturing businesses but we are also seeing more diversification into new markets. Engineering is strong despite skills shortages and food and drink production continues to grow. As a rural area, agriculture plays a huge role and there are some fantastic innovations and diversification projects. The national focus on local food and drink has encouraged the emergence of new businesses. We are seeing real growth in the green economy with innovative low-carbon developments emerging. Tourism numbers are on the up with visitors spending more, and we are working with colleagues in Dundee to explore opportunities from the V&A.
Q What is Business Angus doing to encourage growth in the local economy?
We want to make it as simple as possible for businesses to get the help they need. Whether it is help to source premises or land, take on or upskill employees or break into new markets we want to help. We asked businesses what they would like and based on those results we have been engaging with companies more directly. Angus Business Week is a great example. This year’s programme is fantastic with inspiring speakers, expert advisers and practical workshops from September 14 to 18, see www.angusbusinessweek.co.uk. We have also just restructured our team to focus on the key sectors in Angus and look at opportunities for growth working alongside our Investment and Skills team. It’s a new approach and one which businesses are telling us is refreshing. Specific examples include our recent investment in south Montrose which led to nine new investment projects creating over 260 jobs last year and more to come. We also supported Journeycall’s relocation to Arbroath with the creation of nearly 300 jobs in a state-of-the-art building, set up the first council-led crowdfunder platform to support businesses and communities to raise funds and launched, with partners and businesses, the Angus Shared Apprenticeship Scheme to support apprentices in the construction industry. We are also looking at our property portfolio with a view to possible investment and exploring opportunities for new employment land to meet demand.
Q What advice would you give to someone setting up their own business?
Drop in or give us a phone. Or contact our colleagues at Business Gateway. There is so much free help out there whether it’s for planning, funding, marketing or premises.
Q Why is Business Angus supporting The Courier’s Business Briefing series?
We have innovative, award-winning and world-class businesses in Angus but much of the success is unrecognised. We want to tell the world what we are achieving demonstrable, tangible success.
The Courier Business Briefings are an excellent way of putting the focus on Angus, stimulating debate and discussion and provide the opportunity to learn from others and network.
To find out more about the business briefings and to book your place, visit www.thecourierbriefings.co.uk.