News: Rotherham Business Ambassadors sign up to support the region

Rosie Winterton, Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber, has recruited nearly 30 leading business people to support the region. She is using their business knowledge and experience to help other businesses in the downturn as well as to support the region’s inward investment plans. Their first activity is an open letter to all regional media, urging businesses to continue investing in skills through the downturn and to use the free business support available. The open letter is signed by 19 of the Ambassadors focusing on skills and business support and includes Rotherham based business figures Nick Cragg of Nicholas Associates, Gordon Bridge of AESSEAL and Julie Kenny of Pyronix. The letter highlights that these business leaders have successfully survived a number of recessions, and are pooling their experiences to identify what they believe are the priorities now for Yorkshire and Humber’s businesses. They urge businesses to continue investing in skills. The letter states: "A big issue for many businesses right now is cost cutting – and training budgets are often the first to go. But it is a false economy. "Even in these difficult times, there are real opportunities we should seize. In many businesses, it may be easier now to release staff for training. Larger businesses could strengthen their supply chains by developing training in partnership with suppliers." Other areas they highlight include a focus on marketing and the pursuit of excellent customer service. Rosie Winterton said: "I am extremely grateful for this commitment by Business Ambassadors to support the region in whatever way they can. "They are also urging businesses to use the free support available and to contact Business Link to maximise every opportunity. "Other Ambassadors are keen to support us in our plans for inward investment and promote the region as a great place for business both nationally and internationally. "My priority as Regional Minister is to work with regional partners to ensure businesses and the wider community have the help they need to get through difficult times."
Government Office website

Business Link Yorkshire website
Rotherham