The event, which took place at Bedford Lodge in Newmarket, opened with comments from GO-East's Regional Director Paul Pugh, who set out the regional economic picture and outlined investment put in place to help small and medium sized businesses.
This was followed by a presentation from EEDA Chief Executive, Deborah Cadman who discussed specific schemes such as the 'Intensive Support for Business' programme designed to assist businesses to through the current economic downturn.
Chris Parkhouse, Chairman of Business Link East talked about ways that business health checks can be accessed by local businesses. This support was highlighted by local business woman Vahri Russell, whose Cambridgeshire company 'doughdough' had grown significantly as a result of a free Business Link Health Check and EEDA TakeITOn funding.
Lynda Russell, Customer Services Director from Jobcentre Plus (JCP) gave a presentation about the regional employment situation and discussed measures put in place by Jobcentre Plus to get people back into work. She also explained the Jobcentre Plus offer of Work Trials, an initiative where JCP customers are able to work for a trial period of up to 3 weeks with a business at no cost to the employer, to determine their suitability for the job on offer.
Following this discussion there was a Q&A session where business representatives put their questions to the panel.
The Regional Minister Barbara Follett said:
"It is essential that businesses in the East of England are clear about help that's out there and how to access this help in the current economic climate. In recent weeks the Government has announced a number of ways it is changing the ways it works to better support businesses. Today was about ensuring local businesses are clear about the advice and support available to them and how to access it.
"I am grateful to EEDA and GO-East for organising this event and now urge businesses to use this information and make the most of help that is on offer."
Chief Executive of EEDA Deborah Cadman said:
"These tough economic times are a challenge for us all. However let's not forget that there are some parts of the economy that will grow when the upturn comes. This is the UK's 'ideas' region and R&D and the knowledge economy are our strengths. We have cutting-edge companies in health and life sciences, ICT, the environmental technologies and renewable energy sectors in the East of England.
"There are still huge opportunities for our businesses and there will be in the future. I believe as a region we are better placed than other parts of the UK to get through this and the Centre for Cities report published today says Cambridge and Norwich are relatively resilient.
"This very difficult period will come to an end and we need to be prepared for it by ensuring the workforce has the right skills and we continue to encourage innovation. Our focus now is on protecting businesses and jobs and EEDA has a wide range of support for companies who need to recalibrate or want to grow. We have £30 million of publicly-funded business support available through our innovative, online business map."
