First published in the Worcester News 29 August 2014
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership is now focusing on the delivery of identified projects funded by Government in the Worcestershire Growth Deal.
One of these projects is the development of Worcestershire Parkway Station and I was pleased to hear that proposals are due to go before the County Council’s cabinet on 25 September to commence a public information exercise. It is our firm belief that Parkway will be key to building the County’s prosperity, aiding connectivity to and from London, Bristol, Birmingham and beyond and helping to alleviate traffic congestion on the M5.
The news from the north of the county that Amtek Auto Group will be building a new £5 million factory in Kidderminster, resulting in up to 100 new jobs, is very welcome. The Worcestershire Growth Deal included funding for the nearby Hoobrook Link Road and as development of this vital artery continues, we are confident that even more investment will be attracted to the South Kidderminster Enterprise Park.
Further good news has come via Wychavon District Council with the announcement that the former Polestar factory in Pinvin which had lain empty for over a year will become the new home for Arc Tableware International UK Limited, part of a French based international empire.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this new investment was the praise given to the pro-business, positive attitude, help and support given by the County, Wyre Forest and Wychavon District Councils. Without this, Worcestershire could well have lost out to other locations, with the resultant effect on our jobs market, future prosperity – and reputation. Well done to all concerned in both these inward investment successes.