The Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP has drafted a copy of the district's local industrial strategy - now open to consultation from local businesses.
Businesses from across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are being urged have their say on the latest draft of the region's local industrial strategy.
Each area's LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) has been asked by central government to form its own industrial strategy, reflective of the region's individual identity, strengths and needs.
The local industrial strategy will set out clearly defined priorities for how cities, towns and rural areas will maximise their contribution to the UK's productivity.
The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SSLEP) has been developing the region's local industrial strategy over the past few months, working with industry consultant, Metro Dynamics, as well as carrying out extensive consultation with companies in the area, further education organisations, local authorities and other partners.
The local industrial strategy (LIS) is a ten-year strategy - once formally approved, the LEP will move forward with its implementation plan.
The strategy aims to support the growth of companies, infrastructure developments, and outlines plans to revitalise the economy in the area - mapping out the area’s key industries, skills levels, opportunities and challenges. It also sets out plans for how the LEP will invest resources to make the plans happen.
Click here to view a copy of the Draft Local Industrial Strategy.
Any comments, observations or suggestions should be sent to: samantha.hicks@staffordshire.gov.uk
The deadline for comments is midday on Monday 10th February 2020.
Alun Rogers, Interem Chairman of the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP:
“Our local industrial strategy is vital as it will steer our work as a LEP and ensure we can give the right support to our businesses.
“We have been working with industry experts to draw up our draft strategy using the invaluable input from businesses and partner organisations. The LIS will guide our future economic growth strategy and so it is crucial we get it right. It will help to enable our businesses to be as productive as possible and ensure our economy remains strong as we move forward. Once approved, we look forward to moving forward with our implementation plan.
“We want to demonstrate to Government that as an area we will continue to play a key part in UK economic growth at such a critical time for the country. Before we submit our final LIS, we want to give businesses and partners a chance to have their say on the draft document.”