Published on:
01
June 2012
The Council's plans to co-opt members of the local business community on to the newly established Enterprise and Environment Committee have been widely welcomed.
The new committee will have four co-opted members, at least two of which will be nominated by Clackmannanshire Business.
Council Leader Gary Womersley said: "This decision is part of a whole tranche of measures by this Administration that seeks to modernise how we do business and reinforces the priority we place on economic development and associated issues such as unemployment.
"This means that representatives of the local business committee will sit at the Council table formally, allowing them to input into decisions and create a real partnership in taking forward the interests of the business community, which the whole community will reap the benefits of.
"We are committed to ensuring that Clackmannanshire is a place ready to do business and the Council will do everything within its power to assist in this. If we really want to use every tool at our disposal to create a better environment for businesses and the local jobs they create, we need to be serious in our desire to do things differently."
Councillor Donald Balsillie was appointed Convener of the new committee.
He said: "I am delighted to be appointed Convener and look forward to taking the lead on this innovative committee which will invite Clackmannanshire Businesses to be part of the Committee.
"This sends a clear message that Clackmannanshire is better for business, that we wish to learn from and work with local businesses to secure the best for Clackmannanshire in terms of employment and business environment.
"Times are tough financially for both the Council and businesses and it is important that everyone works together and uses local services. I'm sure we can learn from local business on how the Council can assist them to create and sustain jobs, particularly for local young people."
Mike Mulraney, chairman of Clackmannanshire Business said: "In these challenging times, I think this initiative gives Clackmannanshire an opportunity to see our business community and Council work together to build a better future. This innovative change will build further on to what has already been achieved.
"We must take every opportunity to see as many businesses and jobs move here from outside the county, while developing the many businesses which are already here.
"If we want to see a sustainable and vibrant economy develop, then this is the kind of development we need to embrace, where we work together to build a sustainable future for our towns and villages and everyone who lives in them."
Graham Struthers, chairman of the Forth Valley branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: "The FSB applauds Clackmannanshire
Council for taking this innovative step. The local economy is everyone's business and we look forward to fortifying the council's relationship with local firms."