UK Leads European Growth

An international conference focusing on the sustainable development of smaller cities within the European Union is being hosted by Preston City Council in the UK.

The Hubs for Growth conference, which runs between 3 February to 5 February will see 25 representatives from Preston’s twin towns, Alemo (Netherlands), Nimes (France), Recklinghausen (Germany), Kalisz (Poland) and Alemo’s twin town Iserlohn (Germany) visit the city to see how hey can grow together in the future.

Topics up for discussion include economic growth, the possibilities of being able to share and learn from projects being undertaken by each city, and the opportunities presented from building networks to develop joint projects and identify possible funding streams.

“Whilst European capitals have long been recognised as the driver for national economies, the role of regional centres such as Manchester, Marseilles, Pozan, Frankfurt, Milan and Barcelona has only recently been recognised as key to their regional economic prosperity,” said Derek Whyte, assistant director for regeneration and property services at Preston City Council, in the UK.

“The role of smaller sub regional cities such as Preston and its twin towns and how they can act as an economic driver for the surrounding rural areas has yet to be recognised.”

There will be a series of workshops focusing on a number of specific issues including sustainable transport, the role of business in developing sub-regional cities, small and medium sized enterprise developments culture and much more.

The conference is being funded by the Europe for Citizens programme and follows the introduction of the Lisbon strategy. The conference will be co-financed by the European Union through the Europe for Citizens 2007-2013 programme.

To find out more about the conference visit:

http://www.preston.gov.uk:80/news/2009/jan/twin-towns-grow-together-brighter-future/

For more information email: info@preston.gov.uk

Last Updated: 2009. 02. 06. 18:52:29 By Charlotte Jacques