The Lowestoft Business Liaison Forum held a breakfast meeting on October 26, as part of a regular monthly programme of meetings hosted by local MP, Bob Blizzard and the Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce.
The Regional Minister gave a presentation on her role, the Government's Sub National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration and recognition that her priorities around skills and access/transport are matched to the needs of Lowestoft/Waveney.
The meeting was well attended (over 60 delegates with major national and multinational businesses represented) and well received. A question and answer session with the delegates followed. Topics ranged across the economic development and regeneration agenda, with particular focus on local issues around infrastructure to support growth and barriers to regeneration.
At the end of the meeting Mrs Follett presented Local Employment Partnership Certificates to two local businesses (Pleasurewood Hills and Elizabeth Hotels) in recognition of their commitment to working with Jobcentre Plus to help long-term benefit claimants back to work.
Local Employment Partnerships were introduced by Gordon Brown in the 2007 Budget as a new approach to Jobcentre Plus partnership working with employers.