Identifying opportunities to unlock business growth in South and East Staffordshire
As Staffordshire sits on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation change in local government, the Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel champions what local businesses in the area need from policy makers to thrive and grow.
The Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel is a research exercise led by business, for business, working to develop a roadmap for unleashing the potential of Staffordshire Gateway businesses.
Delivered by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Insight & Intelligence Unit, in partnership with the Lichfield & Tamworth, Burton and District, and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce, the Growth Panel will harness the knowledge of business across the region on key enablers for local economic growth. To achieve this, the Chamber will conduct both qualitative and quantitative research with business leaders across the geography, on their priorities, ambitions and the key barriers they’re facing. The findings from the Growth Panel will be utilised to directly influence local, regional and national stakeholders.
*Statistics taken from Nomis, using Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth and East Staffordshire regions. National statistics from ONS.
** UK data: Employment in the UK - Office for National Statistics
Why has the Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel been convened?
The Staffordshire Gateway is a cohesive economic corridor, linked by major industries like manufacturing, logistics, retail, and services, and facilitated by a strong transport corridor which makes it an excellent place to start, grow, or invest in a business.
Staffordshire is going through a process of local authority change. The government is currently consulting on extending its devolution of powers, with multiple proposals about how Staffordshire might be governed under consideration. Whatever the outcome of this consultation, the voice of Staffordshire businesses will be important for shaping the specific needs and priorities of the region.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Insight & Intelligence Unit will work with elected committee members across Lichfield & Tamworth, Burton and District, and Cannock Chase to identify key opportunities and challenges for the region. These will then be explored in depth with a dedicated panel of 12 high-profile local business leaders, with a particular focus on:
-
Cash & finance
-
People, Process & skills
-
The Built Environment
-
Business Ecosystem
The Insight and Intelligence Unit will also conduct quantitative research via a standalone survey of businesses across the area to inform this research.
Following this, the Chambers will host discussions with key stakeholders to get their input on the initial findings and recommendations, engaging civic and public sector leaders in the project.
The various strands of research will be brought together by a report launched at a high-profile event, and consist of:
-
Commentary from representatives on the Growth Panel
-
An economic snapshot of the area
-
In-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis
-
Recommendations to drive local economic growth
What is the timeline for delivery?
The Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel will deliver the following:
-
June 2025: Roundtables with elected Chambers committees
-
July-October 2025: Meetings of the Growth Panel
-
November 2025: Staffordshire business survey
-
January 2026: Working with the Growth Panel to finalise the recommendations
-
March 2026: Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel report launch
Find out more:
To receive a copy of the Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel report on publication, please complete the form below: