Final Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel roundtable sharpens devolution recommendations

Business leaders from across South and East Staffordshire joined Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) for the concluding roundtable in the Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel series.

The roundtable, held on 18 December, provided detailed feedback on a draft report that sets out policy recommendations to support further devolution of powers to a Strategic Authority in the region.

The project is a collaboration between the Chambers in Burton and District, Cannock Chase, and Lichfield & Tamworth.

Previous meetings brought together leaders from sectors including retail and hospitality, logistics and infrastructure, and professional services, alongside representatives from the Chambers across the region.

The discussion focused on sharing of knowledge and resources and ensuring that policy recommendations could be delivered in a collaborative way.

Businesses were also keen to see responsibility and accountability built into the report to ensure that the recommendations were deliverable.

Jonathan Roberts (pictured), CFO of M6toll and Chair of the Panel said: “This productive roundtable focussed on ensuring the voice of business is heard and we can positively influence the future of South and East Staffordshire.”

“Using the evidence from the recent Chamber survey of businesses across the region enabled a detailed debate and results-oriented feedback.

“It was so great to see so many local business leaders give up their time to collaborate and contribute and bring their insight and passion to this process.”

The report will be formally launched at the end of March 2025 with an event open to businesses and other stakeholders across the region.

To keep up-to-date with the project, its outcomes and to learn more about the launch event, register your details here.