North Shropshire Economic Forum

North Shropshire District Council, in conjunction with North Shropshire Partnership and with funding from Advantage West Midlands (AWM), has set up a North Shropshire Economic Forum. The aim of the new Forum is to improve communications and partnership working between the Council and the business community in the area. The Forum now has the active involvement of over 30 businesses and other interested parties.

Nick Chavasse, Managing Director of NRG Direct Mail is the current chair of the Forum.  Mac Sandal was the Forum's Support Officer - employed by North Shropshire District Council, with funding from AWM.

After much discussion the Forum has determined that its main aims are:

• building a strong network and communication link with businesses and employers in the district;
• identifying opportunities for funding and recommending the delivery of projects that will address economic issues in North Shropshire;
• organising networking events and meetings to establish a strong relationship between the business community and other sectors across the district.

The Forum has now set up Task Groups to examine key issues and is developing the following specific project ideas:

• investigating the number, nature and reasons for empty shops in the four market towns of North Shropshire, and what could be done to increase occupancy;
• to provide a highly visible town centre Enterprise Hub, offering a range of business and academic support for local enterprise. Additionally, the Hub would provide an opportunity for showcasing the work of local crafts and arts entrepreneurs;
• introducing a common discount card across North Shropshire supported by a monthly magazine and a website (click here to download more details about the Shop Local loyalty card). Shop Local North Shropshire now has a dedicated website, which can be accessed by clicking here, and details of the Scheme's members and available offers can be downloaded by clicking here.

Meetings and Newsletters

The Forum meets bimonthly on Tuesdays at Hawkstone Park Hotel between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, and publishes a newsletter after every meeting, which is widely circulated.  Copies of the newsletter can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.

• Newsletter Issue 1 (April 2007)
• Newsletter Issue 2 (June 2007) 
• Newsletter Issue 4 (November 2007)
• Newsletter Issue 5 (January 2008)

This page was last updated on 18 November 2008