Economic priorities to be set for next five years after successful event

Digital connectivity, better transport, being green and tackling skills shortages are all vital as we aim to shape the future of Shropshire’s economy.

More than 90 businesses took part in a major event to help form Shropshire Council’s Economic Growth Strategy 2022-2027.

A series of high-level talks and workshops were held with a wide range of businesses from across the region at Shrewsbury Town Football Club.

Shropshire Council’s Executive Director of Economy and Place, Mark Barrow, at the event

The key points fed back through the event highlighted six key areas that firms feel are vital for the next five years as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic – and they will now be analysed and worked on as the draft strategy is written.

The key points raised were:

• Digital connectivity remains critical to the Shropshire economy – including better broadband and 5G.
• Transport connectivity for employment, learning, leisure and the night-time economy is a necessity.
• The ‘green agenda’ provides a massive opportunity to position Shropshire nationally.
• Potential new employees place greater emphasis on their work location now (including remote working) choosing businesses that best meet their value – Shropshire’s offer must be stronger than ever.
• The need to use our strategic location positioned adjacent to Wales, the North West and West Midlands to drive cross-border business opportunities and collaboration.
• Unlocking and communicating in-demand skills shortages and upskilling – what do businesses need and what is available?

A series of asks, such as more affordable housing, engagement with the younger generation and improved networking will also feed into the strategy.

Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Economy and Place at Shropshire Council, said:

This was a fantastic event, we have had really positive feedback from businesses and partners who attended, which really gave everyone a feel for what the burning issues are for Shropshire’s economy.

We want to work closely with businesses across the county to ensure our strategy for the next five years is robust, ambitious and provides support which will enable significant growth.

If you missed out on the event but still want to have your say, you can e-mail invest@shropshire.gov.uk before December 3^rd.

The content of the proposed strategy will be discussed with the Economic Recovery Taskforce in December, with a draft strategy and consultation planned for Spring 2022.

The final strategy will be launched in Summer 2022.

All material: feedback forms, pdf information and footage of the event are available at http://www.investinshropshire.co.uk/