Friday 19 April 2013

This week the focus has been on the local economy and getting more active!

The Action for Wiltshire programme board met on Tuesday and I was pleased to hear about how we are continuing to protect and promote our businesses and to find work for those who need jobs in these tough economic times. Our apprenticeship scheme, working with local businesses, is helping many young people gain the essential skills and experience they need to find a job. This scheme has so far seen 827 young people take on apprenticeship roles with 139 local employers. But, this is only part of the work of the board; through the Wiltshire Business Support Service 128 new businesses have been created in the county and this has created 172 new jobs. And, we are about to start marketing the Enterprise Network, which provides incubation units and resources – such as the recently launched site at Ludgershall - for new start-up businesses. These start up businesses provide opportunities for young people entering the workplace, for military leavers needing to find work and budding entrepreneurs. We also discussed Wiltshire Business Expo which will take place in Trowbridge in June and the high level of interest we have had from businesses. It looks as though we will need to find more space to accommodate everyone and meet the need. I am passionate that our county’s economy can thrive and that we retain and grow existing businesses as well as attract new investment. This week’s meeting reassured me that we have made significant progress towards making this a reality. 

Next week will be another important milestone for us in our work to combat the recession and help grow our economy with the Big Business event in Salisbury. Working with the city council we are delighted to be supporting this event that helps to promote local businesses in the south of the county. I’m looking forward to joining our Economy and Regeneration team in Salisbury to meet local entrepreneurs and business leaders. The event which takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will continue to promote and boost the local economy; building on the success of last year. It’s important that we continue to create a legacy and not lose the momentum of 2012.   Also, with the chance to hear from keynote speaker; BBC apprentice’s Karren Brady, there will be an opportunity for everyone one to learn something about how to succeed in business, with or without the help of Lord Sugar!   

As I mentioned this week the focus was on economy and on getting more active and healthy and on Wednesday I was delighted to welcome Lord Adebowale to County Hall. Victor Adebowale was one of the first ‘people’s peers’ and is the Chief Executive of Turning Point, a care organisation that provides services for vulnerable people. As you are aware the council now has responsibility for the provision of public health services in Wiltshire and Turning Point recently won the contract to provide an improved drug and alcohol service for adults in the county for the next three years. It was good to meet Victor and hear his thoughts about what’s needed in Wiltshire to help people with these addictions.

Delivering public health services is closely linked with creating a legacy that builds on the success of 2012; particularly encouraging people to adopt a more active lifestyle.  Our leisure team has been doing a huge amount of work to encourage all ages; but particularly young people to take up new activities and challenges.

Working with the Bath Rugby Foundation and the RFU, the team has delivered a really successful Wiltshire Rugby 7s project. The project was open to club or school male rugby players aged 15 years old and local tournaments were held in Warminster and Chippenham. The outcome if this is the county final, which will take place tomorrow at the Recreation Ground in Bath and the winning team will be presented with their medals during half time of the Aviva Premiership Game; Bath versus Leicester Tigers. I would like to wish the finalists, Salisbury and Marlborough, every success. 

Next week the focus on activity continues as the leisure team has arranged two key events. A number of young tennis players will be putting on a special indoor display in the Atrium of County Hall next Friday afternoon. I hope as many of you as possible will take the opportunity to see the Atrium transformed into a short tennis court so that this group of local and very talented children can enjoy the chance to compete in a unique location in front of a different audience. This event was inspired by local tennis protégé Joseph Milton, 8, who wrote a letter to me with his proposal for the “Ultimate Tennis Centre for Wiltshire.” Joe and his coach Ron Marshall came to see me earlier this year. His enthusiasm and dedication, even at such a young age, was inspirational and what better way to being to realise the aspiration and imagination of Jo than for the council to host a junior soft tennis demonstration in the Atrium at County Hall. This demonstration will also provide the council with the opportunity to showcase the Atrium and the versatility of this public space.

Last year we enjoyed the best of national and international sport and keeping the legacy alive in Wiltshire is vital. Going for Goals is a football programme that has been run for children in Tisbury in 2010 and 2012 and received an Inspire accolade in 2012. Building on its success and taking the London 2012 lead of inspiring a generation, the programme has been rolled out across the county. Children aged between 11-12 years had the opportunity to learn new football and life skills. The tournament saw forty teams play at Pewsey and Tisbury and Durrington Sports Centres and Five Rivers Leisure Centre in Salisbury. The top two teams from each centre will take part in a grand final tournament at Chelsea FC training ground next Thursday.  I wish all the teams every success and I’m delighted that we can offer them the chance to compete in such an inspirational setting; even though it’s Chelsea FC!

This week ended on a really positive note when I met new members of staff who were taking part in their induction training.  It’s important to me to have an opportunity to meet new staff and hear their views about the organisation as they often have a fresh perspective on how we work.  I always come away from these sessions inspired by their ideas and comments. Despite the challenges we face, I believe this is a great time to be in local government, particularly Wiltshire Council as we have a huge and dynamic programme of work to transform how we deliver services and work with our local communities.

I hope you all enjoy the weekend; I will be lambing and leafleting!

Jane