FSB Branch and Regional AGMs at the Holiday Inn
The Federation of Small Businesses were delighted to welcome Tom Gray, CEO of Southwater Event Group, who gave a talk at the networking meeting prior to the branch and regional AGMS at the Holiday Inn in Telford.
Tom Gray gave a fascinating insight into the development of Telford International Centre from its beginnings in 1983 as Telford Racquet and Fitness Centre to the completion of Phase II when the Ludlow suite opened. FSB members were very interested to learn about the massive contribution a conference centre can make to the local economy with the international centre attracting some 170,000 visitors in 2011 making an economic contribution of some £22.8 million.
Tom also talked about the new Southwater Development which is attracting interest from bars and restaurants that will compliment the hotel and conference facilities provided by Southwater Event Group.
At the Shropshire branch AGM, Chairman, Ann Johnson announced that the Shropshire Branch has put in a bid to hold the 2015 FSB national AGM and conference at the Telford International Centre. It will be January before it is known whether the bid is successful.
The FSB branch has a new Vice Chairman, Ben Coates, who has made a great contribution to the branch in the last twelve months setting up FSB internet groups and forums and promoting the branch via social media. The other Vice-Chairman is Ray Hickinbottom who is elected for another year.
Ann Johnson represents the FSB on both business boards. The FSB is also a key player in COGS the procurement and commissioning group, helping small businesses tender for large contracts, which is gaining more interest with 80 people already booked for the COGS event at the Shire Hall on 30th November, 2012.
Ann said she was delighted how much Shropshire has been in the news in 2012 with Shropshire sporting star Aidan Reynolds lighting the cauldron at the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Games; Golden Bear Toys in Telford making the Olympic mascots and Wenlock being named after Much Wenlock.
Ann invited FSB members to help on the committee, or as a spokesperson or FSB champion for specialist areas. The next committee meeting is on 4th December at The Lord Hill Hotel at 6.30pm and any member is very welcome to attend to share ideas.
