Over 150 business leaders attended the year's first Business Leaders Briefing to hear from the Leader and Chief Executive of Basildon Council and Martin Whitely, CEO of Thames Freeport.
The Business Leaders Breakfast Briefing, held quarterly, provides a platform for business leaders across Basildon to network, discuss infrastructure and investment plans, and gain insights into the borough's growth initiatives.
The most recent briefing took place on today, Monday, 3 March, at the Holiday Inn in Basildon, offering attendees an opportunity to meet Basildon's new Chief Executive, Gary Jones, and hear his vision for the future of the borough and the council's support for businesses driving local economic growth.
Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, emphasised the importance of backing local businesses, stating: "Supporting Basildon's business community is one of my top priorities. We're committed to funding initiatives that promote local businesses and encourage investment in our economy.
"Today's event was also an opportunity to update our business partners on the devolution, which will reshape decision-making across Essex. It's crucial for businesses to understand both the opportunities and challenges that these changes will bring."
Billericay based construction company Re-Gen UK Ltd has been awarded the prestigious Basildon Good Employer Charter Gold Award at the end of the briefing. The Good Employer Charter is a fully funded accreditation scheme from Basildon Council which seeks to support a network of responsible local businesses. It aims to build a network of Good Employers from right across the borough, that do business responsibly, enabling both employers and employees to benefit as the economy grows.
Jeremy Hartland, Managing Director of Re-Gen UK, added:"We are incredibly proud to receive this award in recognition of our support for Basildon Council and our local economy. It is inspiring to see Basildon's commitment to fostering the local supply chain and empowering business growth.
"We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Basildon Council and contributing further to the development of the local community."
The Charter supports the success of the local economy by promoting and encouraging the use of local supply chains, creating local job opportunities on a fair wage, paying attention to staff wellbeing and development, best practice in equality and diversity and environmental sustainability.
To find out more about the scheme and explore the list of accredited businesses, visit the Basildon Council website.