On 17 July, the National Enterprise Network (NEN) hosted its July Member Huddle, bringing together members to discuss pressing issues and share valuable insights.
Participants engaged in enriching discussions around:
- Public Relations Training Programmes: Focused on enhancing social value and impact.
- Supporting Women in Business: Strategies and programmes aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs.
- Attracting Investment: Methods to draw in essential funding and investment for businesses.
- Supporting Rural Businesses: Addressing the unique challenges and opportunities for enterprises in rural areas.
- Promoting the High Street: Initiatives to rejuvenate and support high street businesses.
Watch the full meeting here:
Following the presentations, members had the opportunity to discuss the challenges they currently face. This open discussion provided a platform for open conversations about their barriers to progress and potential solutions.
Carol Daniels, Operations Director, highlighted widespread concerns about future funding beyond March 2025. She said: “There is a lot of nervousness out there regarding future funding post-March 2025. Normally, members would know what the next programmes are. This could cause a cavernous ravine causing us to lose good people. There are challenges with devolution deals, enterprise, and economy.”
attention to the troubling trend of some local authorities divesting from business support: “Some local authorities are divesting from supporting business. Economic development should be a statutory obligation. The foundation economy is being overlooked; it is crucial to be included in the economic strategy.”
The meeting stressed the need for sustained support and strategic economic planning to ensure the continued growth and stability of enterprises across various sectors.