Networks will drive growth – Dodd

LEADERS of business networks in North Yorkshire have been warned they will need to take a major role in helping the local enterprise partnership grow the economy.

York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP chairman Barry Dodd told representatives of networks including chambers of commerce and professional organisations that continuing the status quo was “not good enough”.

The event in Harrogate saw the LEP position itself as being the co-ordinator of a “network of networks”, supporting their work and directing businesses to the organisations that can help them.

Mr Dodd said: “Our economy in the UK is in difficulties, we all know it, and we all know the key statistic in the next couple of years will be unemployment.

“What this LEP understands because we are business people is that jobs growth  will only come from business growth.

“The importance for the LEP of the 40 plus networks is that you represent more than 20,000 business. You are the route to market for anything we do and it is our job to help you network better and to promote your organisations.

“We want you to step up to the plate because believe me if you think you’re doing well and your network is successful it is not good enough.”

The event at the Great Yorkshire Showground saw the LEP launch its new website and unveil plans for an email campaign to encourage networking targeting 20,000 business people.

Former York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce president Shaun Watts said: “I really believe that networking has been at the heart of my business growth and the experience I have gained from that business growth I have been able to put back into the networks.

“We want to position your networks as the route to market for business support and services.

“Most membership organisations have two issues, retention and recruitment, and I think the time has come for us all to accept that if we are going to be effective and deal with those issues and help businesses to grow we need to work closer together.”