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The Business Plan identified the LEP’s Vision as follows:
“to create the right economic environment to
inspire businesses, encourage investment and to
create lasting and sustainable employment in
Worcestershire by 2017 and beyond.”
Delivery of the vision was to be achieved by focusing on
four strategic objectives identified in the Business Plan:
Strategic Objective 1:
National Profile & Promotion
Worcestershire is a magnificent location for businesses
with unrivalled logistical access to the whole of mainland
Britain and overseas, due to its proximity to Birmingham
International Airport. It is home to a flourishing business
community, with world class organisations competing
in the global market. In addition, the county benefits
from many areas of outstanding natural beauty and top
cultural and sporting facilities.
For a long time, however, Worcestershire has hidden
its light under a bushel. WLEP is therefore focusing
activity on raising the profile of the county with
potential investors through a concerted and targeted
promotional campaign.
Strategic Objective 2:
Access to Finance
Research shows that access to finance remains one
of the main barriers to business growth. WLEP is
taking a pro-active approach to ensure that businesses
can access the financial support that they need.
An example of the work undertaken so far is the
establishment of the Access to Finance web portal at:
Strategic Objective 3:
Employment and Skills
WLEP is committed to working with partners to
strengthen skills provision in the county. We are
aware of skills shortage areas, particularly in precisio
engineering and high tech businesses, and are workin
with employers to address this issue. In addition, we
are undertaking ground-breaking work with schools
and colleges in the county to ensure that students’ sk
sets match employers’ needs.
Strategic Objective 4:
Planning, Development and Infrastructure
Poor infrastructure has the potential to impact
on business and may cause barriers to growth.
Protracted planning processes result in frustration
and potentially the reluctance of developers to invest
in the county.
WLEP works with partners to support joint aspirations
for planning, development and infrastructure and to
nurture business growth. We have worked to develo
a Regulatory and Business Partnership Charter and
continue to lobby Government to invest in the county’
road and rail networks.
To get in touch or for further information about WLEP’
work, please visit
ll 01905 346180
or email:
What is Worcestershire.Business.Central?
In response to feedback from businesses, over 20
partners came together to offer a single point of
access for all your business needs, whether it is
business creation, business growth, skills, finance,
business to business or news and events. We listened
and Worcestershire.Business.Central is the result.
All your business needs. All in one place.
Benefits of Worcestershire.Business.Central
All the information needed to start or grow a business
all in one place.
Business response desk:
• One point of contact for all business enquiries.
• One route to access the services, programmes,
funding and initiatives from Worcestershire’s Count
and District Councils and other partners.
