Delivering growth: How!?
The meat of Delivering Growth rests within six “enablers.” There will be a new Business Support Solution. The target sectors are identified and there will be bespoke programmes of activity for them and a new approach to Strategic Relationship Management. There will be a refreshed focus on innovation using the principles of collaboration, alignment and mobilisation. The skills eco system needs radical reform so business engagement in schools and growing the number of apprenticeships will be paramount. Physical and digital connectivity need to be significantly improved, so the Airport and HS2 remain strategic priorities. Finally, more needs to be made of the region’s assets so the areas of greatest potential economic benefit will be targeted, a stronger pro-growth planning offer created and housing provision aligned to areas of growth.
There are some interesting points in the document. It conveys a real sense that culture and its importance to quality of life and sense of place are truly recognised. A Strategic Transport Alliance is to be embedded by the end of the year, with the inference this would include the Black Country. The notion of selling the “GBS region” as an innovative place is highlighted.
If you are looking for anything radically new or some concrete examples of exactly what will drive growth over and above what the market would deliver without intervention or support, they are hard to find here.
Delivering Growth is a “Strategic Framework” document and will be accompanied by an online “Delivery Portal,” a “Spatial Plan” and an “Evidence and Consultation Base.” We may find that these tools, particularly the Portal, will begin to shed more light and answer the fundamental question posed in this post.
It is also worth underlining the fact that GBSLEP aims to be the holder of the strategy and its primary role is as “enabler”. It does not have the direct powers, resources or delivery capability to do everything either quickly or alone.
