New constitution adopted

New constitution adopted

Members of the Newcastle Business Forums voted unanimously to adopt the Constitution and become an incorporated, not for profit, voluntary organisation, at a meeting on 3rd October in the Newcastle University Business School.

Since the announcement of the spending cuts, as a result of government fiscal policy, the Area Chairmen worked diligently with Newcastle City Council to save the Forums. Sheila Walker, Chairman of the Newcastle North West area committee said, 'We couldn't let 10 years of work and development, particularly in the disadvantaged areas of the city, disappear without a determined effort to find a mutually benefitial arrangement with the City Council, which has funded the project for so long.

‘We will continue to work towards making Newcastle a great place to be in business and become the identifiable force of business in the city.

’As well as being a source of vital business support, Newcastle Business Forums provide real representation for businesses to raise issues directly with Councillors.’

Cllr Michael Johnson, Deputy Cabinet Member for Skills, Business and Enterprise said: “It’s encouraging to see the city's business community working together and contributing their services on a voluntary basis to maintain the Newcastle Business Forums.

“Over the past 10 years the Business Forums have played an important role in supporting the growth of local businesses, especially new and small enterprises. I am confident that they will continue to play a role in strengthening Newcastle’s economy, which the Council has identified as a priority.

“The Council will continue to offer its full civic support to the Forum and its newly constituted board and I wish them success in the future.

Many members have expressed a keen interest and enthusiasm about the prospect of ‘ownership’ of the future of the long established Newcastle Business Forums. Several suggestions for events have been received and offers of help have come from members in all areas of the city. Newcastle City Council continues to support the work of the new organisation and members can look forward to a working partnership with Area based staff.

An exciting new chapter has now begun for the Newcastle Business Forums.