Staffordshire business leaders unite to shape future of local economy and devolution
Business leaders from across South and East Staffordshire came together for the inaugural meeting of the Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel, a new business-led initiative launched by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) to guide local economic growth throughout the process of devolution and local government reorganisation.
With Staffordshire on the verge of significant local government change, the panel has been formed to ensure that the voice of business is central to shaping future policy and investment priorities.
The first roundtable, hosted by M6toll on Thursday 2 October, brought together representatives from a broad range of industries including retail and hospitality, logistics and infrastructure, and professional services to identify the key opportunities and challenges facing companies across the county.
Representatives from Burton and District, Cannock Chase, and Lichfield & Tamworth Chambers of commerce attended the roundtable and contributed the insight of SMEs across the region.
Over the coming months, the Chamber will combine qualitative and quantitative research to develop a set of policy recommendations to support our members and businesses across the South and East Staffordshire region during the devolution process.
Discussions at the first panel meeting focused on connectivity, apprenticeships, planning, and tourism.
Speaking after the meeting, Jonathan Roberts, CFO at M6toll and chair of the panel said: “It was a highly productive session, with plenty of ideas debated and a real passion for unlocking opportunities in the region on display.”
Ruth Fleet, senior policy advisor at GBCC said: “The first roundtable was an energetic discussion, with clear challenges and opportunities for businesses in the region explored.
“We strongly encourage businesses across the South and East Staffordshire region to engage with their committee representatives, both to learn more about the project and to feed their views in the research.”
