PROJECTS already underway and others about to start show that Worcestershire is a key player in the Midlands Engine, according to local government minister Sajid Javid.

Speaking at Worcestershire Local Enterprise's sixth annual conference at Chateau Impney, Droitwich, Mr Javid said: "Worcestershire LEP has had a great year with £54m investment from government through its Growth Deal. From the new Engineering Centre of Excellence at Redditch to the work about to start at Worcestershire Parkway station, this county is fulfilling its potential as a key part of the Midlands Engine. I look forward to continuing my work with chairman Mark Stansfeld and others to build a Worcestershire that works for everyone.”

The event, which consistently attracts a large business audience, saw the biggest attendance at any WLEP Conference with many others tuning in to watch the live broadcast.

It was hosted by business author, journalist and "Outrageously Optimistic" Guy Browning, with a keynote speech from Mr Javid, who was joined with other speakers from high-profile local businesses, futurist experts and other guests.

The event gave an insight into recent progress in the delivery of the county’s 10-year strategic economic plan with Worcestershire being recognised in recent years as having the strongest growth in higher level workforce skills, the second highest growth in productivity and the third strongest growth in prosperity out of all LEP areas.

It also looked to the future and the priorities for Worcestershire’s economy to ensure the long-term prosperity of the county. The event also provided details of the support available to local businesses, with organisations on hand to offer advice and guidance, to enable everyone to be a part of future growth. This included the launch of the Worcestershire Development Group, which is making funding and mentoring support available for local businesses to support innovation and promote business growth.

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire LEP, added: "We once again had an overwhelming response to the annual conference and it was great to bring together partner organisations across the private, public and third sectors to discuss the priorities for the future to keep up the momentum of economic growth. Worcestershire has seen some great successes, but this is no time to be complacent.

“We are focused on fulfilling the vision for the county to build a connected, creative, dynamic economy that delivers increased prosperity for all those who choose to live, work, visit and invest here and the contributions of everyone across the partnership are vital to fulfil this vision.”

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