our region:

Our vision

A clear vision and our strengths and assets give us a strong basis on which to further drive growth and productivity.

Building on the evidence and engagement with partners we have agreed a clear set of ambitions.

We do not underestimate these challenge but the prize is significant and our strategy is based on a strong evidence base. Delivering our goals could help the Marches achieve significant growth by 2038.

Our vision for the Marches:

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Open for business

Be known as a place that is open for business, stands up for business and takes a pro-growth approach to business support.

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At the forefront of change

A place that embraces new technology and improved connectivity to enable businesses and people to develop and succeed.

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A growing place

Attract more people to come, stay and build their careers and businesses in our fantastic region.

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A destination, not a boundary

A place with significant natural and cultural resources that attracts people looking for a high-quality experience.

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Pioneer for innovation

Digitally driven health and social care for dispersed populations, supporting healthy ageing and economic participation in later life.

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A centre of excellence

From advanced manufacturing and cyber security, to development of agri-tech, environment and food production.

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Inclusive of all communities

Enable residents from all communities to thrive and develop with quality jobs offering good wages, training and progression.

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Collaborative and proactive

Encourage business, education and public organisations to work together making the Marches a great place to start and grow a business.

By 2038, we have the potential to:

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Grow our economy by £8.7bn to £23.8bn

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Increase GVA per head to £29,425

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Raise our population to £807,500

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Build 54,400 new homes

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Create 5,200 new businesses & 58,700 new jobs

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Increase residents with Level 3+ qualifications to 60%

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 economy

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

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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