Telford business event sees businesses continuing to trade with confidence

That's the consensus from business owners who attended a major networking event at Telford's International Centre, which was the first event of its type in the county.

The conference heard from three keynote speakers, including beauty expert Deborah Mitchell, whose Heaven Skincare brand has grown to become a £30 million-turnover business, having started in a single room in what is now the International Centre.

Tim Luft from vitrual reality specialist Woote and marketing expert Teresa Heath-Wareing, from THW Marketing, also spoke at an event which attracted about 300 members of the county's business community.

Those present at the event said they were continuing to see buoyancy in the local economy.

Val Edwards, from Shrewsbury solicitors firm Hatchers, who is also part of Shrewsbury Business Chamber, said: "Things are pretty optimistic.

"My guess is that people are not really yet aware of what Brexit might or might not bring and are trying to carry on with doing their business and be upbeat.

"The climate is okay in the county. We see downturns at the beginning of their cycle in law firms, and are not seeing anything happening now."

Tristan King from Telford design agency Voodoo Design said: "I can only speak personally but I'm constantly busy.

"Easter was a bit quiet for people but only because of domestic commitments. Other than that it's back up to full force."

And Paul Bennett, from law firm Aaron & Partners, added: "Client feedback is that business is good. Everybody is slightly surprised it's as good as it is because of uncertainty of Brexit.

"Everybody seems to be very busy, and have positive growth plans, and whether dealing with consumers or other businesses they are reporting growth.

"The challenge is getting enough bums on seats in their business to give the service levels they want to."

The event at the International Centre was the first such collaboration between the Marches LEP, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, the county's branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, and the Marches Growth Hub.

It saw the launch of the LEP's annual report, presentations from the guest speakers, and an express networking session attended by about 90 people.

Chamber chief executive Richard Sheehan said: "This has been another demonstration of the Shropshire business community coming together.

"Feedback we have been receiving through our quarterly economic survey and engagement with businesses is that Shropshire is very much open for business, and there is an air of positivity around.

"The challenges they face are well-known, n terms of skills, and bringing goods and services into the county."

FSB chairman Ray Hickinbottom added: "We are finding confidence in general is cautious because of Brexit.

"It's not having a knock-on effect in terms of doing business at the moment, but some are nervous about inverting until they know more detail about what will happen."

LEP director Gill Hamer said: "Everybody is looking for new opportunities to grow and new markets.

"Some are still very vibrant, but uncertainty is affecting some."