Royal launch for Celebrate Cheshire

17 August 2011 15:38 Comments (0)

The Duke of Kent is due to open Celebrate Cheshire, the major economic conference taking place in mid-September to showcase the county's business credentials.

More than 60 companies and organisations from across Cheshire and Warrington are taking part in the event. Mark Prisk, minister for business and enterprise, has also given his support to Celebrate Cheshire.

Celebrate Cheshire is a two-day business expo which will take place at Chester Racecourse on 16 and 17 September. The event is being put together by Marketing Cheshire and Cheshire Business Leaders, with backing from the businesses, local authorities, the new local enterprise partnership as well as the education and voluntary sectors.

HRH the Duke of Kent will open the event on Friday 16 September after visiting the exhibition village, where he will view exhibition stands hosted by some of Cheshire's most successful companies.

Companies already signed up to showcase their products and services to prospective investors, clients, employees and consumers include M&S Money; Birchwood Park, Warrington; Bank of America; Bentley Motors; Grosvenor; Abode Hotels; Barclays; the Manufacturing Institute; Manchester Airport; Warrington Wolves Rugby League club and Pochins.

Speakers confirmed for Celebrate Cheshire include John Timpson, chief executive of Timpson Shoes; Andrew McLaughlin, chairman of the Regional Economic Forecasting Panel; Dr Teresa Anderson, director of the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre and Simon Waugh, executive chairman of the National Apprenticeship Service.

Chris Brown, chief executive of Marketing Cheshire, added: "The fact that HRH the Duke of Kent is not only opening the event but taking an active interest in the region, its businesses and our plans to drive economic growth is a fantastic endorsement. His involvement will help get 'Celebrate Cheshire' off to a fantastic start."

Neville Chamberlain, chairman of Cheshire Business Leaders, said: "Cheshire and Warrington's private sector felt a major event like this was needed to showcase all Cheshire has to offer and to promote the area to a wider audience.

"We believe there is currently a lack of awareness about the type of high-tech companies operating in the greater Cheshire region today and the scale and quality that exists in sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, innovation and science.

"We want investors and businesses to take a completely fresh look at the unique proposition Cheshire offers."

As part of the Friday programme, Place North West is hosting a series of seminars , in association with law firm Aaron & Partners, on geographic hot spots and growth sectors.

Browse the full programme and register for seminars at www.celebratecheshire.co.uk, as numbers are limited and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.