Shropshire set for a 12,000 job boost
Up to 12,000 new jobs and 3,000 new firms will be created as part of an ambitious plan released today to drive Shropshire's economy over the next decade.
An extra £3.8bn of wealth is expected to be unlocked in the region, growing its economy by a third.
The plan was today unveiled by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, which has submitted its strategy for growth to the government.
It reveals that the Marches area, of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire, already contributes £10 billion to the UK economy.
But it expects to expand that significantly by helping business directly and improving infrastructure in the region.
Marches LEP chairman Dr Geoffrey Davies said: "Our region is ripe for investment.
"We are home to more than 630,000 people and 28,000 businesses – the foundations are in place but we need to ensure we build upon these in a way that will ensure continued growth and success.
"By driving business growth, creating economic advantage, and delivering private sector jobs, the LEP will help create a minimum of 12,000 new high value jobs, unlock £3.8 billion of gross added value and create more than 3,000 businesses over the next decade."
He said broadband, road access and rail routes need to be tackled and he plans to create centres of excellence in key areas of industry.
Supporting businesses and improving the skills base of the county workforce are two issues laid out as priorities for the area in the 10-page document.
He added: "Ideas that changed the world were born here – the Industrial Revolution in the Ironbridge Gorge, the first modern skyscraper in the Flaxmill in Shrewsbury, the modern Olympic movement in Much Wenlock.
"These big ideas are evidence of the Marches' pioneering industrial heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
"It has demonstrated its ability to change and adapt to emerging technology and innovation, without losing sight of its rural advantage and the quality of life this offers."
