The Chamberlain News

Greater Birmingham LEP’s growth plan underpinned by ‘we will deliver’ pledge

The strategy document states: “Underpinning our confidence is the fact this strategy that has been agreed rather than imposed, and is owned by the city region. Working with the private sector, local authorities, third sector organisations, universities and colleges we have been able to set a strategy with those who are most closely involved in local growth and local employment.

“We will not squander resources by spreading our efforts too thinly. Our focus will be on those actions that have the greatest potential, and can create the biggest impacts towards our fundamental aim – delivering jobs and growth for the city region.”

Picking up on the theme of consultation and co-operation between local authorities, businesses and universities, the LEP directors’ statement concludes:

“What is different about this strategy? We believe our journey is the difference. Our partnership has demonstrated unparalleled political unity coupled with much greater private sector responsibility to work together to address the issues and exploit the opportunities that face our City Region economy. Together we are committed to this journey.”

Six ‘enablers’ are to be at the heart of the LEP’s approach. These are:

• Growing the number of successful businesses.
• Building sector strengths and opportunities.
• Stimulating innovation in products, services and businesses.
• Improving our skills talent pool.
• Improving physical and digital connectivity.
• Optimising physical, cultural and environmental assets.

Certainly, the potential of the GBSLEP area is huge, taking in as it does Birmingham, Solihull, Bromsgrove, Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Redditch, Tamworth, Wyre Forest and already generating £35 billion of economic activity.