Marches LEP celebrates 40% increase in investment from overseas firms

July 11, 2017

More than 830 new jobs created during 2016-2017

Figures released last week show that the Marches secured a significantly increased level of investment by overseas businesses during the year 2016-2017. Collectively, these investments created 832 new jobs.

The report, published by the Department for International Trade, also shows that the 21 investments, up from 15 in the previous year, safeguarded a further 320 jobs in the Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin region.

The Marches LEP directly supported 15 of the investments, including an investment by automotive manufacturer Magna for a new facility being built in Telford. This alone will create up to 295 new jobs.

Speaking in response to the publication of the report, Gill Hamer, Director of the Marches LEP, said: “To see a 40% increase in the number of foreign businesses choosing to invest in the Marches region over the past year is fantastic and serves to highlight just how much the region has to offer – not just to those already familiar with the area, but to new businesses too as ten of the investments were made by firms completely new to the Marches.

Nine investments were made by manufacturing companies which demonstrates the continued appeal of the region to these firms. It is, however, also encouraging to see that almost a quarter of the investments made were in the establishment of Head Offices, a fact which underpins the region’s attractiveness and competitiveness vis-à-vis other areas.

Of course, without the support and hard work of the investment teams at our three local authority partners, it would be impossible for the Marches LEP and the Department of International Trade to convert these investment leads in to tangible growth in the region.”

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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