New Mayor must use powers to boost West Midlands manufacturing
The first West Midlands Mayor must use their game-changing powers to boost manufacturing and create a stronger business environment in the region, manufacturers’ organisation EEF has said.
The requirements are outlined in a new manifesto published by the organisation.
It said the devolution deal agreed with the government would provide essential investment in the West Midlands infrastructure and transport assets and give the region a powerful and unified voice.
The manifesto, Manufacturing Local Growth – a manifesto for the West Midlands, sets out the opportunities for the new Mayor.
It said the actions identified in the manifesto would also help to boost the image and visibility of West Midlands manufacturing.
It said that from their first day in the office, the Mayor must make it a priority to use their new powers to tackle long-standing barriers to growth.
The focus should be on improving rail and air transport links to better facilitate the movement of goods and enable people to access the opportunities available to them in remote manufacturing sites.
Skills will also be right at the top of the agenda, with the new incumbent working to build better links between education and local employers to ensure trainees receive the skills necessary to support the growth of employment and productivity in the region.
Charlotte Horobin, interim Midlands region director at EEF, said: “The devolution deal and Metro Mayor are welcomed as positive steps for West Midlands industry. However, the real work that can boost industry begins on the Mayor’s first day in office.
“Above all this means improving local transport links to ensure goods and people can move around as quickly as possible, improving the region’s access to the right skills and being the ambassador for why the West Midlands is a superb place to do business.
“Our manifesto sets out the priority actions for industry that all candidates should back. These elections can be a game changer for West Midlands manufacturing, however the ambition of the sector must be matched by the ambition of the first Mayor.”
