MORE THAN 100 business representatives attended the launch of a scheme to promote North Worcestershire as an area to invest in.
Those who went along to the event at Avoncroft Museum, organised by the North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWEDR), heard how the north of the county was the perfect place to start a business, grow an existing one or invest in business.
Among the advantages outlined for North Worcestershire were the area’s excellent transport links, skill levels and how its motivated workforce made it conducive to high productivity.
Current and planned investment in North Worcestershire already totals almost £350 million, and more major projects are in the pipeline.
Projects in Bromsgrove include the £17.4million building of the new railway station and permission for a £12million Extra Care facility, as well as the proposed £11million new leisure centre and the retail-led regeneration of the Market Hall site.
Steve Hollis, deputy chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), who gave the keynote address at the event, said: “North Worcestershire is already an area of choice for people looking to do business, but there is even more that we can do to support existing businesses to grow and to attract new ones to the area.
“This includes promoting the funding and advice that is available, improving transport links and developing greater connections between schools and employers.”
He added he had been thoroughly impressed by the dynamism of businesses in North Worcestershire, saying the area was performing well and had a strong and complementary offer to Birmingham ‘which was key continuing to achieve greater growth, connectivity and ‘liveability’ across the region’.
Dean Piper, head of economic development and regeneration for NWEDR, said his team could provide a range of support to businesses looking to set up, grow, or invest in the area.
“This could be in the form of dedicated business advice, access to finance including grant support, information on available sites and premises or access to support the training of apprenticeships.”
The NWEDR website – www.nwedr.org.uk – was officially launched at the event and, added Mr Piper, it would become the ‘go-to’ place for businesses looking at North Worcestershire as an investment and business location.
The site includes information and facts about the area, business support schemes and data on key development and regeneration projects, along with an interactive map.
