Birmingham LEP targets 30% increase in GVA
AMBITIOUS plans to increase Greater Birmingham’s GVA by 30% (£8.25bn) by 2020 have been targeted as a number one priority by the area’s Local Enterprise Partnership.
The move would create 100,000 private sector jobs by the deadline date and boost investment in the area, which also includes Solihull, southern Staffordshire and north Worcestershire.
Andy Street, chairman of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, outlined the LEP’s emerging ‘Strategy for Growth’ at a meeting with key business partners.
He said: “Our emerging strategy aims to make the LEP area a world-class city region by focusing on a small number of priorities we can really deliver on. We now have a framework in place based on ‘Business; People; Place’ – these elements are interlinked and fundamental to driving economic growth and investment in the area.”
However, he said the strategy would only work if all the various business support organisations worked together.
“There are many organisations that are already delivering in these areas and we want to partner with them to ensure we have a collaborative strategy,” added Mr Street.
Neil Rami, chief executive of inward investment body Marketing Birmingham, said: “While these are challenging times, the city’s investment story is positive. Skills are a key draw for investors; business and education must continue to work together to ensure that our workforce has the skills needed to support the growth sectors of the future.”
Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby said the public sector was committed to supporting the growth of the city.
“From the £188m building of a new Library of Birmingham to the £650m redevelopment of New Street Station and Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to open a £355m new plant in the area – Birmingham is a hub of investment activity that is building its way to a more prosperous future,” he said.
“Working in partnership with a strong voice and stronger message about the city’s strengths is key.”
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