Moray business chiefs to outline economic priorities
Issued: 7 November 2011
Moray business leaders will have a chance to outline their priorities for the coming year at a major summit in Forres next month.
The Moray Chamber of Commerce ‘Ambitions for 2012’ Business Summit will bring together politicians, business leaders and economic policy experts, to discuss the performance of the regional economy in 2011, and the challenges for 2012.
The summit – to be chaired by broadcaster Gary Robertson – comes at the end of a challenging year for many Moray businesses, following months of uncertainty surrounding the future of the RAF, and the impact of the faltering recovery.
Despite the UK Government’s decision to safeguard RAF Lossiemouth and retain RAF Kinloss as an army base, Moray Chamber of Commerce chief executive Lesley Ann Parker says the region must diversify if it is to succeed and flourish.
She said: “We have good reason to cheer 2011. After a long and difficult campaign, we now know with certainty that the RAF will maintain its strong presence in Moray. That is good news for families and businesses across the region.
“However, the uncertainty caused by the defence review is a reminder that our economy is vulnerable to strategic defence decisions made elsewhere, and that we must look to diversify our economy and strengthen our business portfolio.
“We must play a stronger role in the renewables sector, and in scientific and academic research, as part of the new University of the Highlands and Islands. We can and must do more to promote our quality of life and our rich architectural and natural heritage, positioning Moray as an exciting place to live, work and visit. And we need to harness our strengths as a potential centre of excellence in space research and exploration.
“To achieve these ambitions, we need to have the right ingredients in place – strong businesses, good transport and communications links, and the right skills and talents. These are some of the issues we will be discussing in this year’s business summit, and we are delighted to welcome a range of experts from the public and private sector who are playing their part in helping Moray to achieve its economic potential.”
Alastair Merrill, the Scottish Government’s Procurement and Commercial Director, will talk about the Scottish Government's plans to help small and medium sized businesses compete more effectively for public sector contracts and how this could benefit Moray businesses, while Calum McCafferty of the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service – part of Scottish Enterprise – will discuss how the agency is working to promote and support manufacturing in the region.
Other guest speakers include Andy Maxtone, Highlands and Islands business mentoring manager, and Jim Royan, Chairman of Moray Economic Partnership, who will give his assessment on the performance of the new partnership body.
The Moray Chamber of Commerce annual Business Summit will take place on Monday 5th December at Horizon Scotland, Enterprise Park, Forres. A festive lunch will follow at the Ramnee Hotel in Forres. Tickets for the lunch are priced £55 for Chamber members and £65 for non-members. The summit is free to attend.
Contact Moray Chamber of Commerce on 01340 881 226 or email info@moraychamber.co.uk for more information.
-ENDS-
More information:
Lesley Ann Parker, Moray Chamber of Commerce
01340 881 226
Donald Morrison, New Horizon Media
0141 848 6627