Supporting businesses and creating the conditions for sustainable growth are at the heart of Stratford-on-Avon's economic ambitions, a conference in the town heard.
Around 200 businesses attended the Stratford Business Conference, which was organised by Stratford-on-Avon District Council in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Group at the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon.
As part of the district's plan for growth, it was revealed free pre-planning advice is to be given to small businesses from April by Stratford-on-Avon District Council to maximise growth in Stratford District.
Cllr George Cowcher, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said the Council was focused on small and medium sized businesses who are the backbone of the area's economy.
"There is a thriving and friendly business community in the area and it is important we drive growth and ambition across the Stratford District," he said.
"We want to maximise opportunities for businesses and create a sustainable environment for entrepreneurs to grow.
"We are putting the economy at the forefront of everything we are doing. In the Stratford District, we have leading companies and a myriad of smaller businesses that are doing great work.
"This is an area where we can create wealth collectively. There are challenges but if we work closely together, we can overcome these.
"The Stratford Business Conference is a perfect example of coming together to share ideas and grow networks. It was a really successful morning with inspirational speakers and hopefully we can repeat something similar in the future."
Doug King, owner of Yelo Enterprises and Coventry City FC, was among a range of speakers who spoke at the Stratford Business Conference to small and medium-sized businesses from Stratford District.
He said: "The West Midlands is a fantastic area. You can get everywhere from here, particularly to London and the North quickly.
"Most of our customers are within an hour and a half of our business so our location is really important.
"We provide high-quality employment to our employees who live locally and there are great universities here too.
"I think this area has a huge amount going for it and it's up to us as businesses to grow in this area and create businesses which people want to join.
"The West Midlands has a huge vibrancy and huge networks which draw people to our area."
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Godley OBE hosted the free event.
Will Grocett and Eve Baker from GTI Systems and Simon Hood and Charlene Mitchell-Hood from Sooper Books captivated the audience with their stories.
Cllr Cowcher and John Careford, Head of Development at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, highlighted the support that is available for SMEs.
There were also presentations from Tracey Sherratt from the British Business Bank who outlined funding opportunities and how to become investment-ready, and William Tse, Employment, Strategy and Commissioning Manager from Warwickshire Skills Hub, who outlined the support available to build the right skills within a business.
The event finished with questions from the audience which were answered by a panel of experts including Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and Rob Harrison, Chair for West Midlands Federation of Small Businesses.
Craig Humphrey, CEO of CW Growth Hub Group, added: "It was a very well attended event, which emphasises the importance of business support and the ambition of Stratford District's SME community.
"Our team were delighted to have been asked to help with organising the conference, and it was a great opportunity for SMEs to network with peers and support providers."
If you know of any business or entrepreneur in the Stratford-on-Avon District interested in finding out about what support and funding is available, please go to www.stratford.gov.uk/business
