Business project teams who could create more employment opportunities in the area are being urged by Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire’s local enterprise partnership to apply for government grants.
The partnership’s chairman, Roger Dougan, said the grants from the Regional Growth Fund could boost the local economy and create new jobs.
Deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg announced last week that Round 4 applications for Regional Growth Fund grants could be made up to midday on March 20th.
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The proposals to reform local government in the City of Stoke-on-Trent by creating local councils (called town or parish councils) are challenging and stimulating.
Although these proposals are controversial, more than 9,000 towns and villages throughout England already have their own local town or parish council.
There are 181 town and parish councils in Staffordshire.
Many communities in North Staffordshire are served by local councils.
Biddulph, Cheadle, Kidsgrove, Leek, Stone and Uttoxeter have town councils and there are parish councils at Audley, Endon, Keele, Silverdale and Werrington.
Local councils in North Staffordshire include:
Some of them have websites which you can visit to find out more about their work and the services they provide.
Members of the public can attend local council meetings. Why not go to one of these meetings and see for yourself how town and parish councils would benefit The Potteries.
Staffordshire’s cultural Olympiad will be launched in Newcastle-Under-Lyme on January 17th, 2012.
The event sees the start of Dance Connected and a county-wide project called Get Dancing inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Get Dancing gives people the opportunity to take part in dance classes and ends with a spectacular dancing display at Stafford Castle in July.
Ben Adams, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economic growth and enterprise, has high hopes for the local economy and town centre trade in 2012.
Leading home retailer, John Lewis has announced a large increase in sales over Christmas and the New Year – with its key Tamworth store playing an integral part. Top online retailer Amazon, which created 900 jobs when it opened one of its main distribution centres in Rugeley last summer, took three million orders on December 5th.
County councillor Adams said: “Our towns and retail centres play a vital part in Staffordshire’s economic growth. The county council is playing an intrinsic part in the vitality of town centres and attracting businesses which bring employment and visitors.
“We are investing in major regeneration projects in Newcastle and Stafford and have an ongoing commitment to improving Tamworth’s shopping experience.”
Business leaders in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have signed up to support the development of a single number advice helpline to give businesses the support and advice they need to develop and prosper.
The service is part of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s drive to lay out the red carpet for business – making it easy for entrepreneurs to invest and grow in the area.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council and the Chambers of Commerce have all backed the project, which will start with a six month trial in February.
The Local Enterprise Partnership’s Business Development Chairman Stephen Dixon said the partners were working together to put business interests first.
“What business wants is a clear route to information and support. At the moment there are several sources of information and it can be confusing. We are determined to break down barriers to enterprise. The one number will be the single simple gateway to business expertise,” he said.
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