A detailed plan to guide Staffordshire’s economic journey and future growth over the coming years and strengthen its position as the beating heart of the country has been approved.
It sets out five priorities to ensure the county is well positioned to capitalise on its connectivity, key sectors and a work-ready population to enable businesses, communities and residents to thrive.
Successful delivery of the strategy will involve collaboration with the county council leading where appropriate. It will work alongside partners on shared ambitions and advocate for investment and projects that support Staffordshire’s long-term goals.
By listening closely to local businesses and communities, the county council aims to build a dynamic and resilient economy.
The strategy sets out the county council’s five economic growth priorities:
• Place promotion and investment attraction: Helping to boost the county’s identity, strong connectivity, key industry sectors and quality of life will help to attract investment and encourage people to build their futures here. In May, the We Are Staffordshire place marketing partnership will showcase its strengths at the UKREiiF conference.
• Vibrant towns and visitor economy: A commitment to supporting towns evolve into lively, multifunctional spaces during the day and at night that reflect changing retail habits while retaining their role at the heart of community life. Stafford’s Eastgate and Gateway regeneration projects are now under way, with exciting plans in place in Newcastle, Cannock and Tamworth.
• Infrastructure and corridor growth: Unlocking growth along major transport and economic corridors such as the A50/500 and rail network, capitalising on Staffordshire’s location at the centre of the UK.
• Talent, skills and inclusive growth: A commitment to working with education and training providers to deliver a skilled, adaptable workforce. The county council leads on a range of initiatives such as Connect to Work, its own adult community learning courses and Ignite business programme for college students.
• Enterprise and innovation in urban and rural areas: Staffordshire’s start ups will be strengthened through better access to workspace, broadband, mentoring and finance supported through the county council’s extensive business support programme and enterprise centres. And its new county farms policy statement sets out a commitment to its estate – encouraging rural enterprise and diversification.
The strategy was approved at today's cabinet meeting.
Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s acting leader and cabinet member for economy and skills said:
Staffordshire is alive with opportunity and ambition. As the beating heart of the country, our vision is to ensure our county becomes a vibrant, future ready county that attracts investment, nurtures innovation and delivers inclusive growth for everyone who lives, works and visits here.
This strategy provides a clear and flexible roadmap, shaped in partnership with businesses, our educational institutions and our communities. We’re committed to working with our partners to deliver on these priorities and are already making great progress.”
