Kendal to host national towns conference (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Kendal to host national towns conference

11:25am Monday 6th February 2012 in News

A NATIONAL towns conference to be hosted in Kendal is expected to give the local economy a massive financial boost.

Action for Market Towns (AMT) has announced that the South Lakeland town will play host to its annual convention in October.

More than 200 delegates are expected to converge on the town, bringing an estimated spending power of over £100,000 to hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and shops.

Kendal beat off strong competition from other areas to be awarded the event after AMT Chief Executive Chris Wade visited the town in early December.

“Our national convention is a key date for representatives from towns all over the UK – they come along to learn about new, practical solutions to challenges, to debate, to share ideas, and to network,” said Mr Wade. “And if they can’t attend they follow the action through AMT’s online coverage and news coverage – 2011’s event attracted widespread radio, TV and newspaper attention.

“It’s critical therefore that AMT chooses a host town that is itself exemplary and we are delighted to announce that Kendal is the host for the 2012 convention. Kendal matches AMT’s vision of a ‘Town Alive’ and put in an incredibly impressive bid to stage the event. We look forward to working with Kendal Futures, the town council and South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) to make this year’s event the biggest and best ever.”

Coun Brendan Jameson, leader of SLDC said: “Kendal has a mix of heritage, culture and festivals, a diverse shopping experience and a strong education offer with Kendal College, making it an ideal place for other town leaders to explore and engage with.”

Town councillor Austen Robinson, who sits on the Kendal Futures Board, said: “We may be well known for our mint cake, but this is a great opportunity to put us on the national map and show that there’s much more to this thriving market town. Our approach to partnership working is helping to address successfully the challenges facing us today.”

The convention will mainly be held in Kendal Town Hall and will feature study tours around the town to showcase projects, developments and share best practice. Workshops and case studies will discuss key topics affecting towns nationally and the programme will involve key national speakers and government leaders.

During the convention, a gala dinner will be held at Kendal College featuring the annual AMT awards ceremony which recognises key town projects from across England, Scotland and Wales.

Peter Hensman, chair of the Kendal Futures Board, said “This is just one of several examples in the town where partnership working directly supports the local economy, and we look forward to showcasing some of Kendal’s key initiatives and successes to a national audience.”

And Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron described the announcement as “fantastic news” for Kendal and the local economy. The event will take place over the weekend October 18 and 19.

AMT is a national membership group that provides small towns, local authorities and others with information and advice, examples of best practice and national representation