With the Leader looking ahead to the invitation-only Driving Innovation and Growth Summit

With Cllr Tony Jefferson, leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, looking ahead to the invitation-only Driving Innovation and Growth Summit

"The UK is in desperate need of economic growth and that is one of the reasons why Stratford-on-Avon District Council decided to hold this first one-day conference to promote the area as a centre of high-tech research, innovation, and growth.

"We are powering this forward with the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub and the University of Warwick to focus on innovative companies, which need to be the drivers of this much-needed growth, to boost our economy for the benefit of everyone who works and lives in Stratford District.

"There are so many businesses that bring added-value and high-quality jobs to the area that we wanted to shine a spotlight on them.

"That is why we decided to hold an exclusive Driving Innovation & Growth Summit at the University of Warwick Wellesbourne Campus Conference Centre on February 17 since it ticks all the boxes in support of our needs.

"When deciding on the invitation list, we have been struck by the number, range and depth of the companies that fall into the categories of innovative and high-tech across a wide range of industry sectors in Stratford District.

"This event is already helping us to identify companies that were under our radar and we have been delighted by the support and interest that has been generated.

"The Summit will seek to address the challenges faced by these companies and share their experiences by showcasing their common issues.

"We also hope this will help to attract new investors to Stratford District because we want to continue enticing new innovative businesses to the region. We want to clearly demonstrate that as a Council we really are "open for business".

"There will be opportunities for companies to connect with senior political and business leaders at the Summit, because it is vital that we understand our strengths as well as the opportunities and challenges which lay ahead.

"It is intended that this will be the first of a series of events to support innovative and high-tech companies in South Warwickshire because we want to become the leading forum for high-growth industries in the region.

"So, if you have received your invitation, please RSVP by January 16 and we look forward to seeing you on 17 February!"