Coventry City Council’s new chief executive shared her high hopes for growth in the region as industry leaders addressed a major Coventry and Warwickshire business event.
Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub welcomed a record number of delegates to its September Champions meeting at Coventry Building Society Arena.
More than 200 members heard from Coventry City Council’s new CEO Julie Nugent about her first impressions since taking the post in June and the importance of collaborating with her Warwickshire counterparts.
The former Executive Director for Economy, Skills, and Communities at the West Midlands Combined Authority was joined by Lee Thomas, Founder and Managing Director of Aesthetics Events Staff, who reflected on the challenges and opportunities of the pandemic, which saw her business pivot to support Covid-19 testing at events across the globe.
Nick Turner, Group Chief Executive for NFU Mutual, also spoke at the event, detailing the firm’s ethos of shared success which helps it to serve its 950,000 customers with a 95 per cent retention rate.
Paul Michael, Managing Director at Coventry Building Society Arena, reflected on a period of growth for the city’s visitor economy after a string of major music concerts and sporting highlights at the arena.
Julie said: “Coventry is a city I have visited many times over the years and one that I thought I knew well but since starting in my role, what I have learned and discovered has really has blown me away.
“The city is at the forefront of new green industries, tackling climate change and driving economic growth. I want to make sure that our residents benefit from this – where we can ensure they gain the skills and opportunities to take advantage of new jobs.”
Nic Erskine, Executive Director of Coventry & Warwickshire Champions, said: “It was fantastic to welcome so many new members this month as we heard from some of the finest business minds in Coventry and Warwickshire at Coventry Building Society Arena.
“Our speakers showcased the incredible scale and ambition of our region’s businesses, so to have a record number of attendees joining us encapsulated everything that Champions is about – celebrating our achievements and creating a platform to help others strive for new heights.”
For more information about Coventry & Warwickshire Champions visit www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk
Photo Caption:
Back, L-R: Nic Erskine, Coventry & Warwickshire Champions & Place Board, Paul Michael, Coventry Building Society Arena, Nick Turner, NFU Mutual & Les Ratcliffe, Coventry & Warwickshire Champions & Place Board.
Front, L-R: Lee Thomas, Aesthetics Event Staff Ltd & Dr Julie Nugent, Coventry City Council.