Government business support welcomed as LEP continues high-value job focus in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire

A support package for businesses and workers announced by the Chancellor today will give those in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire security as the area’s local enterprise partnership continues its efforts on high-value job creation.

LEP chairman Alun Rogers welcomed the further commitment from the Government to support the economy through ongoing challenges presented by the Covid-19 crisis.

Alun said:

Since the Covid-19 outbreak the LEP has worked tirelessly with our local authority and business partners to do all we can to stabilise the local economy as much as possible and to ensure easily accessible support measures have been in place from the beginning.

This really has been a collective effort – drawing on the knowledge, expertise and hard work of our members and partners. From the outset we have said how pleased we were that the Government quickly put in place initiatives such as the Job Retention Scheme.

We broadly welcome today’s announcement of a comprehensive package of support which includes getting young people into employment and retaining furloughed staff wherever possible. The visitor economy in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire is essential to us and so the VAT cut for the hospitality industry is great news.

We face tough and uncertain times ahead, but as a LEP we are determined to maintain a focus on ensuring jobs protected and created are sustainable and of higher value, in addition to our commitment to build a greener economy in our area.”