The future of business in BCP was the theme for the closing event of the recent BCP Business Festival.
Over 50 local businesses – represented by seven umbrella sector groups – came together at the BCP Symposium to discuss strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of operating within the conurbation and the shape of the future for business in the region.
The findings and outcomes from the event’s discussions have now been published in a full-length white paper.
Alongside business leaders attending the event, from sectors including recruitment, technology, professional services, leisure and tourism, creative and digital, services/B2B and the public sector, Cllr Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader of BCP Council was also in attendance to listen, understand and give his feedback at the event’s conclusion.
Detailing sector-by-sector, the paper highlights the current situation, how businesses have dealt with the impact of the pandemic, their ongoing recovery, threats that they see and opportunities for the future.
Themes including recruitment and retention of staff, the importance of place, investment in infrastructure and improving relationships with universities and colleges were all highlighted by the sector groups – and addressed in response by Cllr Philip Broadhead.
Founder of Evolve, Warren Munson who also chaired the Symposium discussions commented: “The Symposium showed us that there’s real determination among BCP’s business leaders to work collaboratively to support each other and the region as a whole.
“It was a fascinating discussion and we’re pleased to be able to now share the findings.
“The white paper sets out what business leaders need to help make the conurbation a successful and thriving area for business, the opportunities that they see and the support required from BCP Council and others in the public and private sectors to help achieve this.”
To download the white paper for free visit Evolve.
The BCP Business Festival was funded by BCP Council’s Bounce Back Fund and organised by the Poole-based community for entrepreneurs and business leaders, Evolve, in partnership with business and tax advisors, Inspire.