Businesses from Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent along with members from successful business networking clubs Torfaen Business Voice and the Blaenau Gwent Effect Network, are forging closer trading partnerships following an event earlier this month.

The recent event was the first of its kind, created and hosted by Torfaen Economy & Enterprise and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s Economic Development Unit and was held at the General Offices, Ebbw Vale.

Over 65 businesses from across a wide range of sectors took advantage of the free opportunity to introduce their businesses to each other over both informal and facilitated networking, and a buffet.

Councillor Richard Clark, Deputy Leader & Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration at Torfaen Council said

“It was a real pleasure to attend and speak at this event. Forging business relationships across county boundaries is a really positive step towards strengthening our local economy. I hope this is just the beginning of a number of successful joint initiatives that will help build and capitalise on the fantastic energy and commitment local businesses in this part of south east Wales have.”

Blaenau Gwent Councillor David Davies, Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said:

“The meet your business neighbour event for businesses in Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen, which was hosted in the General Offices Ebbw Vale, provided local business with the chance to interact with new contacts and suppliers. It was also an opportunity to share best practice and keep up to date with political, legislative and economic developments.

This is such a good example of how businesses from neighbouring boroughs can engage and work together, which is not only beneficial for the local economy but also strengthens business networks in the region”.