First Published in the Worcester News on 19.12.2014
World Class Worcestershire – looking back at 2014
Looking back at the last year, there have been many successes, too many to list here, and it was only possible to include some of these in the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership’s (WLEP’s) Annual Report 2013/14 which was published earlier this year. For those who haven’t seen this, it is available on the website at www.wlep.co.uk and I would urge businesses to take a look.
The Annual Report shows some of the many developments that are taking place across the County in a relatively short period of time as we work to increase the number of jobs and secure economic growth. For example, the number of young people engaged in apprenticeships within Worcestershire has increased to more than 10,000, exceeding the target. This number is continuing to rise, providing a wealth of opportunities, and excellence was recognised at the recent Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards.
In the last year, there have been many other highlights including hosting Stage Four of the Tour of Britain where over 75,000 people lined the roadside within Worcestershire. We will explore other opportunities in the year ahead which will bring people to the County as this high profile sporting event alone provided a boost of almost £1m to the local economy.
Worcestershire’s businesses have also achieved excellence in local, regional and National Awards and congratulations to all those who have received accolades in the last year. We and other local organisations continue to raise the profile of the County. During 2015, please do tell your supply chains and contacts about Worcestershire being a World Class place to do business and Twitter users can get involved via #WorldClassWorcs.
On a final note, I would very much like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Peter Pawsey,
Executive Chairman
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership