250,000 new jobs targeted by ambitious economic plan
THE 15-year economic plan for Greater Birmingham and Solihull forecasts the creation of 250,000 jobs and economic growth valued at £29bn.
The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Economic Partnership’s (GBSLEP) new Strategic Economic Plan, goes up to 2030. It highlights the area’s growing sector strengths in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, financial and professional services and the digital and creative industries as key to bringing more jobs, businesses and talent to its towns and cities.
Cllr John Clancy, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “It is the blueprint for our own regional industrial strategy and we must use it as our guide if we are to make a difference to the lives of everyone in our region.”
The Plan is guided by three strategic priorities – taking greater advantage of global connections through expansion at Birmingham Airport and the arrival of HS2, becoming a world leader in innovation and creativity, and creating stronger conditions for growth locally by addressing key issues such as the skills challenge and high unemployment rates.
Steve Hollis, who recently replaced Mayoral candidate Andy Street as chairman of the GBSLEP, said: “Greater Birmingham has put its best foot forward in creating a compelling offer for inward investors in recent years, and our track record speaks for itself.
“This – is the foundation of our thinking on ‘industrial strategy’ and lays out what we must do now to build on our status as the major driver of the UK economy outside of the capital, take advantage of the opportunities presented by HS2 and stake our claim as a truly global business destination.”
The LEP will now work with the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Midlands Engine and other partners to produce an implementation plan in the New Year. This will set out how the SEP will be the basis for future bids for funds, the framework through which the LEP will seek to direct the resources under its control, and the means by which it will seek to corral and influence those of partners and wider stakeholders.
