our region:

Our economy

Our economic strategy combines our vision and values with a clear plan towards achieving our ambitions for significant growth by 2038.

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It’s our abition to grow our economy in the most inclusive and sustainable way possible.

Our economy contributes £14.3bn in economic output measured as Gross Value Added (GVA) or £21,178 per person. Over the last five years for which we have data, our economy grew by 5.9%, adding £800m to UK output. Exports are worth £1.8bn annually.

Our economic goals:

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Be in the top 25% for life satisfaction nationally

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Create 1,000 new jobs in low carbon sectors by 2030

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Move to 50% renewable electricity by 2030

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Reduce 1990 carbon emissions by 57% by 2032

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Lower fuel poverty to below 10% by 2030

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Grow our economy to £23.8BN by 2038

The Marches in numbers:

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£14.3BN
Total GVA

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£27.76
GVA per hour worked

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684,300
Population

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286,000
Number of jobs

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30,775
Number of businesses

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32.5%
Residents with level 4+ qualifications

Key insights into our economy

Figures from 2019 showed that more residents here were engaged in the economy with an economic activity rate of 80% compared to 78.2% nationally.

80% economic activity rate compared to the 78% national average

There are traditionally low levels of benefits dependency based on claimant counts within our working age population.

 

Significant sectoral strengths

We have significant sectoral strengths in advanced manufacturing with specialisms in metals, machinery and automotive, particularly light weighting and composites, as well as business and professional services and food and drink, especially in meat and dairy processing.

And we have emerging, nationally important strengths in environmental technology, cyber security and resilience, agri-tech, and innovative health and social care.

Overall, our productivity is lower than the UK average at £27.76 per hour worked, compared to £33.99 nationally, and has been relatively static since 2004.

The productivity challenge is not unique to the Marches, but does reflect our demographics, skills and physical and digital connectivity. We will continue to support innovation and investment to improve productivity.

What we offer

The Marches provides an outstanding business environment, offering both employers and staff the best of work and home life.

Learn more

Our vision

Together, we are developing a vibrant regional economy, putting business at the heart of our work and removing the barriers to growth through investment in our key projects.

Learn more
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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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