Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel

Identifying opportunities to unlock business growth in South and East Staffordshire

The Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel brings together business leaders, local stakeholders and policymakers to help shape the future of one of the region's most important economic areas.

Led by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, the Growth Panel provides a platform for businesses to share their experiences, identify opportunities for growth and influence the decisions that will support the long-term success of the Staffordshire Gateway economy.

Through research, engagement and in partnership with the Lichfield & Tamworth, Burton and District, and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce, the Growth Panel harnesses the knowledge of business across the region on key enablers for local economic growth. Its work provides valuable insight for decision-makers, ensuring the voice of local business remains at the heart of future plans for the region.

The findings from the Growth Panel will be utilised to directly influence local, regional and national stakeholders.

Staffordshire Gateway Report

*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: