Region is ‘ready to play its part’ in delivering aims of Government’s Industrial Strategy

Greg Clark with Andy Street during a previous visit to the West Midlands

The Government launched its long-awaited industrial strategy as it looks to shape the direction of the UK’s economy in a post-Brexit environment.

The document focuses on four areas – artificial intelligence; mobility, including driverless cars; the move to a low carbon economy; and an ageing society – as “grand challenges” to be addressed to boost productivity, earning power and competitiveness over the long term.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “Through our modern Industrial Strategy we will work with the Mayor and the Midlands Engine Partnership to build on these extraordinary local strengths, creating new opportunities and jobs.

“The Midlands is vital to the UK economy and this strategy, through investment in infrastructure, skills, 5G connectivity and clean growth technologies, we will build an economy fit for the future.” 

It also highlighted the importance of local industrial strategies, “tailoring national approaches to tackle the specific barriers local areas face, whilst empowering them to do more”. From 2019, local industrial strategies will identify local strengths, future opportunities and the action needed boost productivity, earning power and competitiveness.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street welcomed the strategy, and said “we stand ready to play our part to deliver these aims”.

He added: “The Government’s Industrial Strategy fits with the approach we have been taking in the West Midlands for some years in focusing on our key economic sectors, from high speed rail to future transport technologies.”

Tim Pile, recently-appointed chair of the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP, believes the strategy is “a positive statement for Greater Birmingham and Solihull” because it recognised the importance of the regions to the UK’s economic growth.

He said: “It recognises the important role of LEPs – as private sector-led partnerships – in supporting local growth through the creation of local Industrial Strategies, which will be led by Mayoral Combined Authorities where they exist, as in the West Midlands.

“The Strategy also announced a new £115 million Strength in Places Fund, which will support the growth of science and innovation in local areas.”

Glenn Caton, Northern Europe President of Cadbury owner Mondelez, welcomed the specific measures to address its sector.

He said: “The Food and Drink Sector Council, announced today as part of the government’s industrial strategy, is a very welcome first step for the food and drink sector. We would like to see it lead to a Food and Drink Sector deal backed by government investment soon.
 
“Food and Drink is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector – bigger than the automotive and aerospace industries – contributing £28.2 billion to the economy, employing 400,000 people, and feeding the nation.”

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