Like many district councils, we hold regular business receptions where we discuss current national and local issues. These also provide an opportunity for business-to-business networking.

Big issues for businesses at the moment are apprenticeships and the levy, business rates revaluations, Brexit and the Industrial Strategy. Although the businesses I spoke to welcomed the issues the strategy raises, they asked why it isn't being business-led and why there isn't more focus on place-based growth? These issues echo key points raised by districts.