New report shows Black Country on course to meet economic targets as employment grows
A NEW report has painted an encouraging picture of a strengthening economy in the Black Country with thousands of new jobs being created across the area.
The Black Country Economic Review 2014, which is being presented to local business leaders and public sector policy makers today, shows the area is performing well against a series of national economic indicators.
The report, now in its 11th year, is used to assist future decision-making in the three boroughs of Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall, together with the city of Wolverhampton.
Highlights of the report, which is set against 2033 targets, are:
• An additional 3,000 jobs created, bringing the total up to 432,300, with the largest growth in transport technologies
• A 5.3% (6,250) fall in workless working age adults between 2012 and 2013 compared to a 1.2% increase in the previous year.
• A 58.2% increase in the number of pupils achieving 5+ A* – C GCSE grades (including English and Maths) in 2013, up from 56.7% in 2012 and 37% in 2006
• An increase in the amount of High Quality Employment Land of 39.4 hectares, rising to 634 hectares across the whole area.
• The construction of 2,296 new homes in 2013, meaning the Black Country is on course to achieve its 2033 target.
• A 0.4% reduction in carbon emissions targets – above the English average of 0.3%.
Stewart Towe, chair of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This review demonstrates we are serious about applying economic intelligence to ensure the LEP tackles the barriers to business growth. We have unique strengths in advanced manufacturing and are working to globalise supply chains to increase exports for products that are made in the Black Country and sold around the world.”
Cllr David Sparks, leader of Dudley Council, said the Economic Review was vital because it helped policy makers understand if they were making progress towards “a prosperous and successful Black Country”.
