First published in the Worcester News on 29.12.2017
With 2017 now drawing to a close, we can look back on another highly successful year for businesses in Worcestershire.
During 2017 we saw more evidence that the county is excelling as a business location. The latest research shows that the county achieved the strongest growth in higher level workforce skills and the highest growth in productivity of all 38 LEP areas. These statistics highlight the fact that all organisations are working effectively towards the vision of building a connected, creative, dynamic economy in Worcestershire that delivers increased prosperity for all. This success features prominently on our newly published Annual Report as an achievement that we can all be very proud of.
Our Annual Report, introduced by the Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility, The Rt. Hon Margot James MP, provides a summary of the recent progress we have made towards our objectives of creating 25,000 jobs, increasing GVA by £2.9bn and enabling 21,500 new homes by 2025. The report also provides details of delivery against the four areas of the Worcestershire LEP Business Plan – Planning, Infrastructure and Development; Employment and Skills; Business Growth and Profiling and Promotion.
Those of you who attended our 2017 Conference at the start of the month will have been able to pick up a copy of the report, however, if you were unable to attend, please do request a physical copy by emailing enquiries@wlep.co.uk or download your digital version on our website: www.wlep.co.uk
As always, I would welcome any feedback from local businesses on the work of Worcestershire LEP as we work to further increase the long-term prosperity of our county. I would like to wish you all a very prosperous New Year and I look forward to meeting with many of you in the year ahead.
