Panel to include:
John Betty, director of development and major projects, Bath and North East Somerset Council
Edward Nash, senior partner, Nash Partnership
Ron Humphrys, director of corporate relations, University of Bath
Ian Bell, executive director, Bath Chamber of Commerce
Insider’s economic debate road show arrives in Bath in late February, where a panel of business leaders and the public sector will debate the challenges and opportunities the city faces in front of an invited business audience.
Bath and its economy is something of a conundrum. It is among the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, which makes it a highly desirable and expensive place to live. Yet much of the economy still derives from tourism, delivering mainly low-value jobs.
The upshot is a city with a transport system under pressure, dogged by in- and out-commuting. Many of the city’s well-heeled residents out-commute to well-paid jobs elsewhere, while each day also sees an influx of workers from cheaper areas into many of the low-paid roles the city offers.
That’s not the whole story, of course. The city is also home to many strong technology and creatives business, to name just two buzzing sectors. But what needs to change for Bath to deliver the high-value jobs the city needs for the future?
What is distinctive about the city that it should be promoting? Is it a viable destination for businesses? And if not – if only for some – what needs to be done?
The role of the public sector will also come under the microscope. BANES wants to be an enabler of business in all its forms, but what climate do businesses want the council and the public sector more widely to foster? What is the best role for the council to play?
Insider’s forum is an opportunity for the business community in the area to listen and to question those behind the big issues that will affect Bath’s economic future. If you would like to attend, please reply as soon as possible by completing the online reply form here. If you would like to submit a question to the panel, please include this on your reply form.
For event enquiries, please contact Geraldine Lester on 0161 907 9753. For sponsorship enquiries, please contact Steve Kane on 0117 906 5904.
Date: Thu 25th February, 2010
Venue: Bath Rugby Club, “The Illustrious Suite”, Hamptons International Stand, Bath Rugby, 11 Argyle Street, Bath, Avon, BA2 4BQ