A survey to better understand the capacity of the Cessnock local industry is being conducted by representatives of Cessnock City Council and the local Chambers of Commerce, otherwise known as the Cessnock Economic & Innovation Zone (CEIZ) partnership.
The role of the CEIZ in the city’s economic development will be to facilitate a process that sees the local government area of Cessnock become a place of choice to invest and conduct business.
Cessnock Council’s Economic Development Manager, Jane Holdsworth, says the research and information gained from this survey will allow the CEIZ to market local businesses to other businesses through the understanding and building of a comprehensive regional profile of businesses and their capabilities. It will also enable Council and the CEIZ to identify gaps in the supply chain and attract sustainable, complimentary businesses to relocate to the region.
“This survey will provide a snapshot of each business including size, activity, export activity, skills shortage, ICT uptake and opinions of the advantages and disadvantages of doing business in the region,” Jane said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity because this survey is the first of its kind to be conducted in this area.”
“Analysis will then be conducted on an on-going basis to identify and improve the efficiency in the supply and demand of the city’s economy.”
Mayor of Cessnock, Councillor Bob Pynsent, urges local businesses to complete the survey. This data will provide solid foundations to assist Cessnock City Council and partners to develop and implement programs to assist in communication between government and business; as well as develop and implement programs that support and assist the growth and retention of local businesses.
“The best part about this study is that any opportunities identified will be used to assist businesses in further growth and to connect our local businesses with other local businesses and inter-regionally,” he said.
“Listing in the database is free, and will be used to provide better support to our businesses. We envisage that the Cessnock area will become a landmark for business investment and opportunities.”
All local business owners/operators are invited to participate in the survey. Email council to receive your unique link to complete the survey online.
Image | Mayor Pynsent discussing the Business Capability Study plans, and the team of representatives from the Cessnock Economic & Innovation Zone (CEIZ) partnership.
