Driving Staffordshire’s growth: Why business must lead devolution
Written by Jonathan Roberts, Chair of the Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel and CEO of M6Toll
If there’s one thing my career in transport has taught me, it’s that growth doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens when the right connections are in place – between places, people and those making the calls.
And in Staffordshire, getting those connections right is both our biggest opportunity and our biggest challenge.
Transport, infrastructure – and the everyday reality for businesses
For businesses across South and East Staffordshire, infrastructure is still the make-or-break issue for business. When it works, companies grow and move forward. When it doesn’t, they feel it immediately.
We’re incredibly well placed geographically. The M6toll provides fast access to Birmingham, the wider Midlands and beyond, and it’s not just a freight corridor – it brings in visitors, supports leisure and investment. Connectivity shapes how attractive we are as a place to live, work and do business.
That’s not just a professional view – it’s personal too. I drive an EV, and not long ago I managed to run it out of charge. Completely my fault – but it was a very real reminder that infrastructure must keep up with ambition. If we want greener choices to become the norm, the charging network, grid capacity and planning system all have to work together.
And it’s not just roads. Businesses tell us they struggle with public transport, local congestion, digital gaps and a shortage of modern workspace. These are issues that affect whether firms can grow, recruit and invest locally.
How devolution could change the game
This is where devolution really matters. Done well, it gives Staffordshire the chance to think long-term and regionally – rather than town by town, year by year.
A new strategic authority, with real powers over transport, skills, housing and economic development, could finally allow joined up decisions. Decisions that reflect how businesses operate, not just how council boundaries are drawn.
But structure alone won’t make the difference. Culture will. Business needs a genuine seat at the table.
That’s why I took on the role of Chair of the Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel, and why my organisation is a proud patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Business leaders don’t want special treatment. We want partnership – to bring evidence from the front line and help shape workable solutions.
The “Lichfield approach” that many businesses reference – where there’s a consistent, human point of contact who understands the local economy – shows what’s possible when engagement works well. Scaling that mindset across Staffordshire would be a real win.
What would help businesses most
If I had to narrow it down, there are a few things I’d love to see from government and regional partners:
First, better infrastructure investment, particularly in transport, digital and energy capacity. Planning needs to support business growth, not slow it down.
Second, a simpler, effective business support ecosystem. Help is out there, but is hard to find or navigate. A “one front door” approach would save time and frustration.
Third, buy local procurement. Keeping public spending local strengthens supply chains, builds skills and helps SMEs grow. The appetite is there – the system just needs to make it easier.
Fourth, space to grow. Flexible workspaces and incubation space matter hugely for culture and productivity. We’ve recently upgraded our own office, including adding solar panels, because environment and work culture go hand in hand.
And finally, skills. I’m a huge believer in apprenticeships, and have seen some real successes – they’re not just about filling roles, they’re about creating opportunity. Businesses want to invest in people, but the system needs to be simpler and better aligned with what employers actually need.
The message I want businesses to take away
Devolution is not something being done to business. It’s something that must be done with business.
This is a rare chance to shape Staffordshire’s future. If we stay engaged and speak up with a collective voice, supported by the chambers, we can help shape something that works.
Get the connections right – physical, digital and human – and Staffordshire can go even further as a place to grow and invest.
The Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel, convened by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is currently preparing a roadmap for unleashing the potential of Staffordshire Gateway businesses. The report will be launched on Friday, March 27 at The Hub at St Mary's.