Knowsley Council recently hosted a regional conference to examine how local authorities and regional partners currently support the development of enterprise in areas of the North West and how they can continue to inspire and encourage more of this activity.

The conference took place on Wednesday 2nd April at Knowsley Hall. Representatives from key stakeholders focused on a study carried out on behalf of Government Office North West in partnership with the North West Development Agency which identifies strengths, good practice and areas for development in stimulating economic activity throughout the North West.

The report identified that Knowsley is making great progress in developing enterprise in the borough. It reached the final stage of the 2006 Enterprising Britain competition and is now on its second Enterprise Strategy. There are also some fantastic examples of best practice in the borough such as the Fresh Start project and the Youth Enterprise Academy.

Sheena Ramsey, Chief Executive of Knowsley Council said: “Knowsley is an ideal borough to invest and we work hard with partners to develop and grow our local businesses. Knowsley’s achievements in encouraging enterprise in the borough are extensive.

The study highlights our achievements, the challenges we now face and where we need to focus so that we can continue to develop enterprise in Knowsley. The conference gave us the opportunity to identify how we can work with our partners to achieve this.”

Enterprise is crucial to improving employment and economic development in the borough and Knowsley is committed to working with its regional partners to develop plans and further activities to accomplish this.