Getting inflation down and creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth are priorities for us Conservatives. It is economic growth and increased productivity that ultimately enriches our country and provides the ever-greater funding needed for our public services.
Last Friday the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, set out the framework that would shape future economic policy. Enterprise, education, employment and everywhere are the four areas of focus. The government plans to achieve growth in multiple sectors, including digital technology, green industries, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and the creative industries. In a highly competitive international market, I view it as absolutely right for us to be at the forefront of the industries of the future, as well as ensuring we modernise existing industries to increase productivity.
At the local level, we Conservatives recognise the importance of small business and giving new start-ups the tools and information they need to thrive. Last Thursday, I was delighted to officially open and speak at the launch of the new Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) at our fantastic Crawley Library.
On the second floor, the BIPC offers valuable support, help and advice to make sure local businesses have the best chance to succeed. Part of BIPC Sussex, it is aimed at start-ups, small-to-medium businesses, entrepreneurs and those exploring a business idea. The BIPC network aims to deliver the information and resources needed to make either a business, charitable organisation, career transition, or artistic enterprise a success by providing free access to market research and to a range of business databases. This includes information and resources to start and grow business and one-to-ones with a trained BIPC librarian.
Each month, to help local entrepreneurs find the support they need to launch their businesses, the centre will host free webinars, workshops and in-person networking. This new centre is part of the British Library's national network of similar centres across the country. It will provide insights and access to free resources, training and events. I’m delighted we have brought this to Crawley Library and I encourage anyone who could benefit to use this valuable free resource.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
1st February 2023
