A new initiative that will enable businesses to share in the pool of talent and skills that exists across Nidderdale is poised for launch.
Nidderdale Plus is breaking new ground by launching a series of networking events in a bid to encourage more businesses to work together.
It is just one strand of an action plan that has been developed after studying feedback from its inaugural Business Survey which was circulated to a cross-section of more than 250 companies.
Katy Penn, Partnership Manager for Nidderdale Plus, said:
There is no shortage of skills across Nidderdale and the survey highlighted a desire among local businesses to know more about the area’s expertise and create a platform for working better together.
The networking events are designed to fill this gap and pave the way for businesses to join forces whenever they can to add an extra dimension to what we can offer. Our aim is that they will lead to a boost for the local economy and create jobs.
Other priorities included a need to attract more visitors to the area, and a publicity drive to raise the profile of Nidderdale both regionally and nationally.
The action plan includes seminars on a number of requested topics, such as expert insights into social media and how to grow a business. Organisations also highlighted a need for more support with marketing, sales development and access to funding.
Katy added:
We would like to thank all those businesses who took the time to take part.
Many based in other rural areas feel that sometimes they do not have a voice, but we are determined to listen to what is said in Nidderdale and respond in ways that ensure these needs are met.
The networking initiative is the first strand of the action plan we have put together to translate ideas into practice and we look forward to building on this in the weeks and months that follow.
