The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Economic Partnership’s (GBSLEP) new 15-year Strategic Economic Plan for the region forecasts the creation of 250,000 jobs and economic growth valued at £29 billion.
The plan highlights the area’s growing sector strengths in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, financial and professional services, plus the digital and creative industries as key to bringing more jobs, businesses and talent to its towns and cities.
“John Clancy, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is the blueprint for our own regional industrial strategy, and we must use it as our guide if we are to make a difference to the lives of everyone in our region.”
Steve Hollis, who recently replaced Birmingham mayoral candidate Andy Street as chairman of the GBSLEP, said: “Greater Birmingham has put its ‘best foot forward’ in creating a compelling offer for inward investors in recent years, and our track record speaks for itself.
“This is the foundation of our thinking on ‘industrial strategy’; it lays out what we must do now to build on our status as the major driver of the UK economy outside of the capital, take advantage of the opportunities presented by HS2 and stake our claim as a truly global business destination.
“The LEP will now work with the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Midlands Engine and other partners to produce an implementation plan in the New Year.”