Midland LEP named in top three UK best for attracting investment
STOKE-on-Trent and Staffordshire has been ranked in the top three Local Enterprise Partnership areas for attracting inward investment.
Research into the performance of the 39 LEPs around the country conducted by a team of investment analysts and experts found that the West of England LEP, Liverpool City region and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire were the top in their field for attracting investment.
The study, conducted for fDi magazine, identified the LEP’s Make It Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Inward Investment Service as one of the drivers of growth.
The service works on behalf of the LEP and aims to differentiate the area by championing its key sector strengths and major developments. Promotional activity focuses on direct contact with target companies with investment plans in sectors for which Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire has a tangible selling point or key asset.
The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP recently launched its 2012/13 strategic business plan – setting out its aims for further success.
Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk, speaking on a visit to the LEP, said: “The Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford Local Enterprise Partnership is really driving local economic growth and it is encouraging that a new 12-month business plan has now been agreed.
“There are business success stories right across the region and it is fantastic to see ambitious firms growing, creating jobs, and demonstrating that this is a great place to do business.”
LEP chairman Maitland Hyslop said: “We are widely recognised as being one of the best LEP’s in the country – forward thinking and ensuring we offer a red carpet approach to investors.
“We have a range of talented professionals and have recently welcomed four new board members and associate members; strengthening our organisation further.
“There are numerous inward investment success stories in our area, notably Jaguar Land Rover, Amazon and APC Logistics in addition to the continued growth of firms like JCB, Alstom and Michelin.”
He said being ranked in the top three LEP areas by experts was a great accolade but had come as no surprise.
“We will continue to build on our strengths and forge ahead with our ambitious plans as set out in our business plan,” he added.
