Councils conclude deal to create 3,500 jobs

A DEAL to support the creation of 3,500 jobs and 660 start-up businesses in South Staffordshire over the next four years has been agreed by the county and district councils.
 
The second South Staffordshire District Deal sets out a four-year plan which will also see the creation of a skills federation to enable young people to meet the needs of local employers and work clubs set up to support people back into employment. A new health and wellbeing programme will also be established for district residents.
 
It will build on successes achieved at i54 South Staffordshire (which now employs more than 3,000 people) and at the Bericote Four Ashes site where automotive parts manufacturer Gestamp will be relocating its operations and 800 employees.

With the former munitions site at Featherstone set for imminent development; the drive to attract new investment will continue as part of the deal, the two authorities have said.
 
Staffordshire County Council leader Philip Atkins said: “Our two councils already work closely together to bring in major investors and create the right environment for businesses of all sizes.

“The achievements at i54 South Staffordshire have been recognised as a leading national example of how councils can work together to bring jobs and investment to their area.”

He said efforts to develop the right mix of businesses was succeeding and cited Dunston Business Village, between Penkridge and Stafford as an example of this.

Cllr Brian Edwards, leader of South Staffordshire Council, said the agreement was a positive one for the district.

“Building on the foundations of the original, this deal will help increase economic growth across the district and create conditions for new and existing businesses to thrive,” he said.

The deal was signed during a visit to Dunston Business Village, currently home to 58 small businesses – many of them growing.

Adrian MacLaughlin, who runs the site, said: is “Dunston Business Village is home to a broad range of companies which demonstrates Staffordshire’s diverse and thriving economy. We are currently expanding and look forward to welcoming new businesses very soon.”