Kendal to host major conference (From The Westmorland Gazette)
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Kendal to host major conference
1:20pm Tuesday 7th 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 it will bring its annual convention to the town in October.
More than 200 delegates are expected to converge on South Lakeland, bringing an estimated £100,000 in ‘spend’ 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 in December.
“Our national convention is a key date for representatives from towns all over the UK to learn about new, practical solutions to challenges, to debate, to share ideas, and to network,” said Mr Wade.
“If they can’t attend they follow the action through AMT’s online coverage and news – 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 2012.
“It matches AMT’s vision of a ‘Town Alive’ and put in an incredibly impressive bid to stage the event – which we want to make 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, making it ideal 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 more to this thriving market town.”
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 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.
Peter Hensman, chair of the Kendal Futures Board, said: “This is just one of several examples in the town where partnership working supports the local economy, and we look forward to showcasing some of Kendal’s key initiatives and successes to a national audience.”
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
Comments(2)
Moonbase
says...
6:53am Wed 8 Feb 12
Hope none of the delegates trip over the 'A Boards'.
It will be interesting to see how many business's go under before the gas bags start debating,it's february now and there are no plans to replace the air show or bring in regulated speed boating on one of the lakes............
That is what this area needs to bring money into the economy.
In the words of 'Jim Royale'....October 'My A**e'.
And as for the estimated 100k that it's going to bring in,I wonder how much of that is on overnight parking.........or is this just a cunning plan by SLDC?
bantambelle says...
3:39pm Tue 7 Feb 12
Hope the delegates use the shops and restaurants whilst they are here and then perhaps revisit as tourists!!