Pembrokeshire Chamber of Commerce

The Pembrokeshire Chamber of Commerce took more than 30 local business people and Town Councillors on a visit to South East Ireland on 13/14 April to discuss the economic development of their region under Objective 1. With the annual Irish GDP (Gross Domestic Product) doubling in recent years, and a dramatic increase in the number of tourists visiting the region, there is no doubt that there are important lessons to be learned!
Representatives from the South East Regional Authority and the Tourism Association gave presentations on their successful applications for European funding, and subsequent project implementation. Delegates were also taken to view at first hand how European money had been used to develop the region. Here are some of the comments received:
"All the representatives from the various agencies gave excellent presentations and it was pleasing to see that they were so willing to share their knowledge with us. I hope that Pembrokeshire will take full advantage of our links with Ireland to ensure that Objective 1 funding is used as successfully in Pembrokeshire as it has been in Ireland" Barrie Woolmer, President, Pembrokeshire Chamber of Commerce "It was an extremely informative and eye-opening visit. I did not expect to learn nearly as much about the Irish economy, their tax points and interest rates, and how they optimised their Objective 1 status. I was especially impressed by their enthusiasm to get the job done… One of the best conferences I have ever attended" Graham Fry, Proprietor, Royal Gate House and Royal Lion Hotels, Tenby "It was a pleasure to represent Haverfordwest Town Council on such an informative fact-finding visit. The information our Irish friends shared with us was invaluable I would like to congratulate the Pembrokeshire Chamber of Commerce for taking the initiative in this matter." Cllr Philip Llewellyn, Haverfordwest Town Council Members of the Chamber of Commerce Council attended a meeting held recently at Pembrokeshire College organised by the TGWU which brought together key players in the County to discuss Objective 1 funding.
	The formal consultation process relating to Objective 1 was held back until after the European Elections on 10 June on the specific instruction of the Prime Minister. The Economic Development Unit is now planning a series of public meetings at which interested individuals may put forward their views on the ways in which the Objective 1 programme should be implemented in Pembrokeshire.
The County Council is anxious to draw on the experience and expertise of those in the business community, including organisations involved in the business support function. Representatives of the business community, including the Pembrokeshire Chamber of Commerce, will be invited to take part in Visioning Focus Groups, which will have a significant input into the local and national Objective 1 process. These groups are scheduled to meet in July, and the amended single programme document will be forwarded to the National Assembly in September for approval. Focus Group meetings have now been held as part of the Objective 1 consultation process. Please join our Objective 1 on-line discussion forum and make your views known. Back