Warwickshire can claim to have one of the most successful economies in the West Midlands. In the national context, however, our achievements are only average and if we compare ourselves with our neighbours to the south and east we are hardly in the same league. To sum it up, we are on the right track but need to do better!
The new Strategy, therefore, builds on past progress and is evolutionary rather than a radical departure from our previous plans. There is a new emphasis on skills and tourism and we take account of new external influences and ‘drivers for change’. We have set out the Council’s current intentions but within the next few months we will be establishing a Local Area Agreement on economic development and enterprise with our partners which will further build on the Strategy to deliver a shared agenda. As the recent announcement from Peugeot reminds us only too well, we cannot always predict the future perfectly. However, if we are well prepared, well connected and set our sights on striving for the best for the residents and economy of our county, then we will can look forward to the next five years with confidence.
Chris Saint
Economic Development Portfolio Holder
June 2006
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