Businesses urged to help shape growth plan

Businesses across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are being urged to have their input into a new strategic plan to help unlock millions of pounds of future investment in the region.

The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has joined forces with the Shropshire and Telford Business Boards to host the Have Your Say – Grow Our Economy event.

The LEP, which drives growth across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin,  is drawing up a Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) for the Government highlighting the region’s key industrial strengths. It says businesses can help make the LIS a compelling case for future investment in the region, boosting growth, jobs and the economy.

The Have Your Say workshop for businesses will help shape the final document at Shrewsbury Town’s stadium on October 18. The event will also see the launch of the LEP’s annual report.

The Marches LEP says it is vital that businesses use the event to make sure the LIS accurately reflects growth and investment opportunities across the area.

A consultation process began in June, and an evidence base has been developed which outlines what holds local businesses back from achieving their full commercial potential and the sectors where there is the opportunity for future growth.

Paul Hinkins, chair of Telford Business Board, said: “This hugely important strategy will help shape our region for years to come. It is essential the business community throws its weight behind it to ensure our case is made in the most powerful way possible.”

Paul Bennett, chair of Shropshire Business Board, said: “I would urge as many of our business owners and investors as possible to attend this workshop and have a direct input into this strategy. It is of the utmost importance to the future of our region.”

The workshop will feature an introduction from Marches LEP director Gill Hamer and an in-depth look at the LIS and chance to discuss it led by Patrick White, of consultants Metro Dynamics, who have been gathering evidence over recent months.

The event – which starts at 8.30am  – will also include the launch of the 2019 Annual Report – detailing the LEP’s progress to date in its work to achieve economic growth across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

The launch provides the opportunity for businesses to engage with the Marches LEP’s vision to ensure future productivity, growth and investment in our region.

And the morning session – expected to last until 11am – will then be followed by a special Ready to Trade event run by the Department for International Trade and the Marches Growth Hub to help get businesses ready for the post Brexit import and export markets.

To book a place at the LIS workshop visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/have-your-say-grow-our-economy-shropshire-and-telford-wrekin-registration-71770662985