LEP looks to market Greater Birmingham & Solihull to the world
THE Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership is aiming to identify how it – together with its regional partners – needs to promote the area on a national and international level.
The LEP is looking to target businesses, tourists and the media both in this country and globally.
To help it achieve its aim, it is inviting businesses and residents to share their views on their local area through a new website, www.birminghamregion.co.uk/.
Andy Street, chairman of the GBSLEP, said: “Locations from all parts of the globe are competing more closely than ever before – to attract the people, businesses, investment and talent that will generate more jobs and income for their areas.
“The Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP area is attracting more foreign investment and visitors than previously, but we cannot expect this to continue without growing the area’s international reputation. To fully realise the economic future of Greater Birmingham, we must ensure that it truly stands out against its competitors.”
He said firstly, the LEP needed to define exactly what it would say about the Greater Birmingham region.
“We must tell this story in a convincing and credible way, which reflects the area’s unique strengths and opportunities,” he added.
“We can only define the real personality of the Greater Birmingham area if our consultation is truly inclusive. It needs to cover all of the district authorities, as well as the urban core. We want to reach as many people as possible, so we’re inviting members of the public from all parts of the region to visit our new website, and post their thoughts about where they live and work.”
The site is now live and members of the public can share their stories, images and key words about the Greater Birmingham area until June 8.
The site is part of a wider consultation which has included group workshops, individual face-to-face meetings and analysis of existing research. The findings of the consultation will help to create a clear and engaging narrative about the area, helping the GBSLEP and its partners to promote the region’s story for years to come.
The positioning project is being managed by Marketing Birmingham, with place marketing specialist Heavenly leading on the consultation work.
