Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire’s inward investment team – responsible for attracting new business to the area and helping existing firms expand – exceeded its jobs target for the last financial year.
Staffordshire County Council’s economic growth leader Mark Winnington said that the focus remained on a drive towards the creation of better paid, better skilled jobs – with the inward investment team playing a major part.
In 2016/17, the Make It team had a target of supporting the creation of or safeguarding 2,000 jobs across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Its final figure was 2,138 jobs, with 20 companies supported. Successes have included securing Spanish automotive supplier Gestamp’s relocation to the Bericote site in South Staffordshire, communication solutions specialist Ascom Wireless relocating to Lichfield and WaterPlus to Stoke-on-Trent.
Mark Winnington said: “It is pleasing to see our inward investment team exceeding its job target and demonstrates the strength of the local economy. We have seen some real inward investment successes over the last 12 months and in our key industry sectors. This ultimately means more and better paid jobs for Staffordshire people and in turn builds on the confidence we have to attract further investment.”
Make It Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire covers the local enterprise partnership area of both county and city.