John Lewis boss to speak on support for mid-sized businesses

SUCCESSFUL businesses in the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership area have been invited to take part in an event hosted by GBSLEP chairman and John Lewis boss Andy Street.

The event is aimed at senior management representatives of businesses turning over between £20m and £500m.

It forms part of a groundbreaking project looking at the support available for mid-sized businesses.

It is estimated that there are 10,000 companies in the UK classified as “mid-sized businesses” which, although they represent just 0.2% of all businesses, account for around 20% of private sector turnover and employment.

The Department for Business, Industry and Skills (BIS) has nominated the GBSLEP to deliver one of 10 projects being run nationally which will help shape future policy around supporting this type of business.

Taking place at the Birmingham offices of Mills & Reeve in Colmore Row on Wednesday October 10, the breakfast event will include a discussion about the opportunities and challenges these businesses face.

Mr Street will talk about both the work of GBSLEP and his experiences of growing a successful business.

He said: “Engaging with companies of this size is important as it will help both the LEP and Government to shape future support as we both recognise these companies to be vital parts of the economy.

“This event is an opportunity for us to find out more about the specific challenges that exist and explore the issues that might be preventing them from further growth.

“If you are a senior manager of a company that falls within the £20m to £500m turnover range, then we would be keen to involve you in the work the GBSLEP is doing, to listen and learn from your experiences and hopefully begin an ongoing dialogue.”

Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP is one of the largest of the 38 LEPS, with a population of 1.9m people and 800,000 jobs. It contributes £34bn to the local economy.

For further information visit www.gbslep.com