Fourth Transnational Thematic Workshop

All JobTown partners met again for the Fourth Transnational Thematic Workshop in the UK, June 17-19, 2014.The Workshop was co-hosted by two different city partners, Enfield & Thurrock.This co-hosting allowed JobTown – on the same tight budget as for a single-host Workshop – to maximise the showcasing of different JobTown partners, the range of practices presented, and opportunities for local stakeholders to network with European partners. The meeting was focused on:• Support for business creation and development• Self-employment• Acquisition of Entrepreneurial skills • Improving the business environment.Workshop contents were structured around what the 2010 G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance summit defined as the 5 pillars of any Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (see diagram below).

The first day, after a welcome by local authorities and a brief outline of Workshop contents and goals by Lead Expert Ian Goldring, two expert panel discussions took place, the first on UK Business Environment and Support.

The second Panel featured a selection of successful young entrepreneurs from Thurrock itself, who spoke directly from their own experience. In the afternoon, attendees split up for an assortment of Parallel Training & Exchange sessions and Study Visits.

Day 2 in Enfield, included a site visit to Unity Hub, a centre where some inspiring youth work was taking place, and an extensive gamut – from Enfield and the Greater London Area – of presentations on concrete approaches to supporting business initiative and entrepreneurship among the young, as well as direct testimonials from a selection of Young Entrepreneurs from a variety of fields.

It was notable how these young business people expressed some very clear views and what businesses need and do not need from local government and other stakeholders. The day wrapped up with a set of parallel study visits, followed by a group visit to central London and a London’s emblematic City Hall, where JobTown partners were welcomed by GLA officials who were, in turn, briefed on JobTown.

On the whole, attendees were impressed by the high level of expertise and practical insight offered by the speakers. The agenda was pretty packed, and everyone was kept very busy, but people got a lot out of the Workshop and went away charged up to take action back home.