OVER 240 businesses, speakers and partners attended Essex County Council’s first ever High Street Business Summit, to discuss the future proofing of high streets and town centres.

Organised by Essex County Council, with support from district and borough partners, the High Street Business Summit, which took place yesterday at Hylands House in Chelmsford, explored key topics, including investment and challenges for businesses.

A panel discussion, led by industry experts explored contemporary issues, including how to involve younger people of Generation Z in key decisions within future local authority policies. Also discussed was the critical need for partners to act on climate change, encouraging businesses to promote low carbon practices, and active travel in town centres.

Kaye Thurgood, owner of Chelmsford card and gift shop, Sincerely Yours, commented: “It is outstanding that Essex County Council have invited local businesses to the High Street Business Summit, placing the spotlight on our local retailers. It has been a fantastic opportunity to listen to experts and feel the support for retailers, with an insight into consumer needs, moving forward.”

Cllr Lesley Wagland, Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, attended the summit, and commented: “It was great to see so many businesses, industry experts and local authorities come together at Hylands House with a shared goal of the future of the Essex economy. It provided us, as a county council, with an understanding of the full scale of the challenges of retailers themselves, in the current climate and I’m looking forward to working with them to support them in the future.”

ENDS