Over 1,000 jobs were secured in Worcestershire during 2015/16 due to investment from overseas.
This is according to the latest figures released by the Department of International Trade which showed that in that year, a total of 1,178 jobs were created or safeguarded as a result of Foreign Direct Investment in the County.
These jobs are in addition to the investment and growth seen from companies within the UK, with all partner organisations in Worcestershire working together to secure further investment.
Worcestershire has had a significant presence at investment shows, for example, at MIPIM UK the UK’s largest exhibition and conference for property professionals, hosting developers and investors to see first-hand the opportunities available as well as being profiled at industry specific events around priority growth sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Cyber Security, IT and Defence and Agri-Tech.
Work has also taken place to raise the profile of the County on an international basis. The latest activity includes the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) working alongside the Marches LEP, Department for International Trade and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce to lead the Midlands Engine Cyber Security Mission to Baltimore, Maryland in October 2016 (18-22 October) with Maryland being recognised as a cyber-security leader both nationally and internationally with the world’s largest concentrations of cyber security companies.
The figures are in line with the previous year (2014/15) which saw 1,092 jobs safeguarded and created, however, this year there were further projects – 14 investments against the previous year’s 9 schemes with the greatest successes being seen in automotive and food and drink, reflecting success within the County’s priority growth sectors.
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We already have some excellent companies in Worcestershire, which are growing, and may others are recognising the opportunities available.
“Since these figures were released I am pleased to say we have continued to see development within the County, as well as further economic growth, and we continue to raise the profile of the County on a regional, national and international basis to secure further investment.”
For the full report for the UK, visit the Department for International Trade website.