A plan to create growth in the local economy has been agreed.
Lichfield District Council is one of nine local authorities that have launched the strategy, which is designed to re-establish the region as a major driver of the UK economy.
The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has set a target of increasing private sector jobs by 100,000 by 2020.
Cllr Mike Wilcox, leader of Lichfield District Council, said: “The Strategy for Growth will be key in terms of Lichfield’s economic development activity in the coming years and it is important we get it right.
“From our point of view, business innovation and growth has long been a priority for Lichfield District Council and I am delighted this principle is shared by the LEP.
“The Strategy for Growth will put us in the vanguard amongst the LEPs and will, we hope, continue to demonstrate the benefits of us working together.”
The new plan features six key aims:
- Growing the number of successful businesses.
- Building sector strengths and opportunities.
- Stimulating innovation in products, services and businesses.
- Improving our skills talent pool.
- Improving physical and digital connectivity.
- Optimising physical, cultural and environmental assets.
Steve Hollis, deputy chair of the LEP, added: “The Strategy for Growth, we believe, is a bold and ambitious bid to not only provide a step-change in our economic fortunes but contribute to the UK’s economic recovery.
“Ambitious targets have been set and all stakeholders will have to play their part in helping us achieve them.
“While we are acutely aware of the challenges we face here in Greater Birmingham, it is important to remember we are on the cusp of a breakthrough in our economic fortunes.”
