FORMBY POOL PROJECT

The event was held on the 8th - 10th October. It is a fact that North West Means Business is more than just a title at this year's North West in European Conference - it was a statement of intent!

Businesses throughout the North West are keenly aware of the importance of remaining competitive with the other regions of Europe and the conference offers the opportunity to meet and discuss the issues which affect their success in the heart of Europe.

This was the 5th Annual European Conference organized by the North West Regional Assembly. The three days in Brussels - Tuesday 8th to Thursday 10th October - also include workshops, a question time panel and provide an opportunity for a number of sub-regional meetings and events.

The Conference was be based at the Radisson SAS Hotel in the centre of the City. Delegates were also given an opportunity to visit the European Parliament and North West House on the Rue du Marteau as well as a number of more informal excursions away from the Conference venue.

Keynote speaker Erkki Liikanen, European Enterprise and Information Society Commissioner, address delegates on te subjects of - an indication of how seriously our European colleagues take this opportunity to engage with the economic and social community in our region. 150 delegates travel to Brussels, including regional business leaders, MPs, Council Leaders and media representatives. They were joined at the event by MEPs, including Gary Titley the new Leader of the largest group of British European Parliamentarians, and representatives from the European Commission.

Four workshop options had been arranged, so delegates could choose to look in greater detail into one aspect of North West region in Europe, the following were the options:-

* Competition
* Trading in Europe, manufacturing and support for small businesses
* Inward investment
* Regional European strategy and structural funds post 2006

The workshops led by influential members of the business and political community in the North West and Europe, including Arlene McCarthy MEP, Eric Hudson (Chair of NWRA Economic and Social Partners), Mike Damms (CEO of East Lancs Chamber of Commerce), Vicki Treadell (North West Trade Partners UK), Alan Manning (TUC Regional Secretary) and Peter Hall (Hall Aitken Consultants).

The event is was supported by BT, O2, the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA), Lancashire County Enterprises Limited, Rippleffect and the NWRA's Economic and Social Partners.

Cllr Derek Boden, Leader of the North West Regional Assembly, said:-

"Now in its fifth year, the North West in Europe Conference has become a significant part of the Brussels calendar. This year's theme of 'the North West Means Business' could not be any more timely.

The North West Regional Assembly, together with the other agencies and organisations who are supporting this event, believe passionately in boosting the region's competitiveness. Increasingly this means accessing emerging markets in the East of Europe and with European enlargement very much on the agenda within the corridors of power in Brussels, this conference will keep business delegates on the inside track to these developments.