The previous strategy ran until the end of 2005. It has helped shape our work programme to maintain a relatively strong economy across the county and, in particular, to prioritise effort in addressing specific areas of deprivation.
Following a Best Value Review in 2004 we commissioned research to help us determine the direction a new strategy should take. Amongst other factors we considered new deprivation figures, a review of the automotive sector and high technology growth clusters, the Government’s Skills White paper, the Treasury drive to see Regional Development Agencies focus more on competitiveness and the impact of globalisation.
The Strategy has also been prepared in the context of regional and sub regional economic strategies. We will continue to work with Advantage West Midlands and partners through Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire Partnership on delivering our plans and to ensure that Warwickshire takes best advantage from being within the West Midlands region.
However, whilst the County is performing well in the regional context, it is less impressive when measured against a number of national indicators. The new Strategy will build on success to date but is also influenced by a need to acquire the attributes of growth areas such as the South East. To do this we will need to;
- anticipate and respond to new funding challenges
- significantly develop the skills base
- build and embed capacity to sustain regeneration at local levels
- focus on innovation and enterprise in securing a competitive edge and use this to drive regeneration
- encourage cross border working.
|  | |