A PLEDGE for Warwickshire’s economy to be ‘ambitious, inclusive and sustainable’ has been made by the county council.
Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) Cabinet has approved a new Strategic Economic Plan.
The council says the plan will focus on ‘building a strong, viable and resilient economy’.
A WCC spokesperson said the plan’s ‘ambitious’ aspect would support businesses to start or grow, increase the numbers of businesses accessing finance, and support research and development.
They added: “The infrastructure of the transport system and digital connectivity, and ensuring that land supply meets the needs of growth, are key aspects.
“Attracting and retaining talent with high-quality employment is integral, and there are plans to work with the Department for Business and Trade to investigate potential for exporting.”
The ‘inclusive’ strand of the plan would, the spokesperson said, support employment to ‘raise aspirations in low output areas of the county’, adding: “Regeneration of priority areas and empowering communities will be key to achieving this.
“The strategy will seek to encourage enterprise in such areas as well as in under-represented groups such as women or minority ethnic backgrounds.”
Schools and colleges would also be supported to develop careers for the future.
The spokesperson said the plan’s ‘sustainable’ aspect would underpin businesses’ transition to net zero by supporting low carbon tech businesses, encouraging new ones, and ensuring relevant skills in the job market.
“Partners will be assisted in decarbonising transport, businesses will be supported to reuse, recycle and reduce materials, residents will be encouraged to increase the use of active travel, and businesses will be supported in a move to sustainable freight.”
WCC economy spokesman Coun Martin Watson said the plan was vital for the local economy.
He said: “It sets out the ambition recognising the amazing assets and economy we already have in the county, and looking to continue to be a leading economy for the region and the UK for the next 10 years.
“The plan has been created with the input of Warwickshire’s businesses and other stakeholders, to ensure the plan addresses local needs and supports our businesses and economy into the future.
“Together, we want our businesses to grow, our residents to have good jobs to improve their health and to ensure Warwickshire has a sustainable future.”
