We are continuing to work to deliver the schemes we have funding for as well as secure additional investment to drive forward plans and maintain the success already seen in delivering the Strategic Economic Plan.
I am pleased that in recent years statistics have positioned Worcestershire at the top of the tables for economic growth out of all 39 LEP areas; 1st with the strongest growth in higher level workforce skills, 2nd highest growth in productivity, 3rd highest growth in prosperity and we are working to continue this momentum.
Worcestershire also has a key part to play in the Midlands Engine and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is working with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce to deliver the Midlands Engine cyber mission to Baltimore, Maryland in October 2016. The mission is a fantastic opportunity for local cyber security companies to make contacts within US organisations and create long-term partnerships with a reciprocal visit planned from Maryland in 2017. Places are limited and interested businesses can find more information here and I would urge you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.
I am looking forward to this year’s Apprenticeship Awards and I would like to congratulate this year’s finalists. We now have over 10,000 people participating in an apprenticeship programme within the County and the benefits are being seen by both businesses and the apprentices themselves. We are currently driving forward to significantly increase this number and businesses are vital in achieving this. The awards are the perfect opportunity to celebrate the success of our local apprenticeships and I would encourage those who are interested in employing an apprentice to visit the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website.
It is also great to see more businesses recognised in awards. I was pleased to see Guy Mucklow of PCA Predict has been announced as one of the ‘faces of a vibrant economy’. Grant Thornton’s national list of 100 leading figures from the public and private sector showcased individuals who display inspiring leadership, innovation and social purpose.
We will soon be releasing more details about the Conference on 4 November 2016 and if you would like to be added to the invitation mailing list, please email enquiries@wlep.co.uk and stay informed via our newsletter.
