So, I was absolutely delighted that Government chose our area to launch the much-needed Industrial Strategy – something the Chamber at a regional and national level has been pushing for over many years.
Not only did they launch it here, they also brought the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Secretary of State for Business along to MIRA Tech Park just outside Nuneaton to make the announcement.
Make no bones about it, this was the most important document relating to future economic growth from a government in nearly a decade and they chose our patch to launch it which is an incredible endorsement.
In my view, the Industrial Strategy needs to mark a shift in the UK’s narrative and a focus on harnessing the untapped potential of our post-industrial heartlands, and when you look at the different strands to the Strategy there is nowhere better placed than Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands to deliver on the ambitious plans.
It was great to be able to discuss this with Jodie Gosling, the MP for Nuneaton, at our most recent Local Business Forum at the Weston Hall Hotel.
Along with the news around the strategy, it was good to hear Jodie talking so positively about the area and developments such as Transforming Nuneaton which is bringing new opportunities to our region.
However, she was also realistic about the challenges and said that our part of Warwickshire still has £100 per week less in disposable income than our regional neighbours.
Lower disposable income has an impact on the foundational economy – on leisure, retail, hospitality – damaging future prospects for the next generation and creating a cycle of low aspiration. So, it’s vitally important that the potential for growth provides more high value employment and career pathways for our young people.
Jodie also talked about being an affiliated member of the West Midlands Combined Authority and how we need to make that count for us now because our place in the region is vitally important as we move towards more devolution.
People and businesses don’t operate based on constituency boundaries so, whatever the future holds, we must make sure the businesses of Nuneaton and North Warwickshire have access to great regional talent to grow but also that they benefit from more devolved powers in the regions.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce will definitely be at the forefront of that conversation.
The Forum included many future-facing businesses working in AI development, creative media, clean transport, and digital marketing alongside organisations working with those furthest from the job market. But we can’t do it all alone.
Our regional and local Government needs to play its part and not wait until Local Government reform has played out and, again, your Chamber will ensure your voice is front and centre in that debate.
Please look out for our manifesto coming in the autumn which has more detail from across Coventry and Warwickshire on how to turn the Industrial Strategy into a delivery plan for real growth. It has been created alongside businesses across the patch, taking in views and comments from every part of the city and county.
