CUTTING RED TAPE: BUSINESSES ASKED TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS

Businesses throughout Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are invited to share their ideas for cutting red tape and streamlining regulation at a half-day event at Keele University next month.
The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership is bringing together regulators from organisations including trading standards, environmental health, HMRC, Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service and Staffordshire Police to meet local business people and hear first-hand from them on how regulation could be improved.
At the Better Regulation = Business Growth event on Monday November 9 at Keele Hall, Keele University, businesses will have the chance to:
• Meet local regulators
• Share their experiences of the impact of regulation
• Explain the challenges faced by business
• Look at how partnership working can benefit both businesses and regulators
• Network with other local businesses and regulators over a buffet lunch.

LEP chairman David Frost CBE DL said: “This event is a great opportunity for local businesses to give their views on how improving regulation can help them grow and flourish. All the feedback will be captured by the LEP to help identify areas where we can make a difference.
“Regulation is essential to promote fair competition, safeguard consumers and reputable businesses, and protect them against crime. And good regulation depends on a mature and constructive relationship between businesses and regulators. Getting this right will help boost economic growth in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and create more and better jobs for local people.”
Keele University director of estates and development Phil Butters added: “As a world leading research led university, with 10,000 students and around 50 businesses on the site, our approach to the environment and regulation is a critical part of our planning and development. We are therefore delighted to be hosting this event for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
“Keele University sees itself as being an integral part of supporting business growth in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and looks to support the LEP in its vision of rolling out the red carpet and making this area the best place to do business in the UK.”
The event is free to attend and runs from 9.30am to 1.30pm on Monday November 9 at The Ballroom, Keele Hall, Keele University, ST5 5BG.
To book a place, please contact Julie Frost, LEP Office Manager, Tel: 01785 719002 or e-mail julie.frost@staffordshire.gov.uk