AS THE new Essex County Council (ECC) cabinet settles in, a series of innovation summits have been unveiled with the purpose of boosting the local economy and ensuring the county leads the way on growth and business support.
ECC will work with Cambridge University's Institute for Manufacturing to set up Supply Chain Innovation and Excellence (SCIE) forums across the county. The summits will see businesses from the advanced manufacturing, logistics, transport and renewable energy sectors identify and overcome common issues and obstacles to development.
ECC has already secured £1.3 million from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to fund projects to improve Essex's supply chain, overcome the barriers businesses face and drive economic growth.
Councillor Kevin Bentley, the county council's deputy leader and cabinet member for economic growth and infrastructure, said: "Creating the environment for businesses to flourish and grow our economy is my number one priority.
"When businesses innovate and grow they provide the jobs and careers our county needs, and we will help that by developing the world-class workforce businesses need. We've invested in an economic growth strategy and strong, innovative supply chains are an important part in that work."
