LEP DELEGATION MEETS STOKE-ON-TRENT AND STAFFORDSHIRE MPS

A delegation of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership board members has visited Parliament to meet the area’s MPs and update them on the LEP’s achievements and ambitions.

LEP chairman David Frost CBE outlined the LEP’s achievements to date and explained its key priorities for growing the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire economy, improving skills levels and creating more and better jobs.

The meeting, which was hosted by Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling at Portcullis House, also sought feedback from local MPs and their input into future plans.

“We aim to build a strong relationship with all the MPs representing Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, as well as with Government,” David Frost said. “By involving some of the business representatives on the LEP’s executive in this meeting we were able to improve everyone’s appreciation of the economic opportunities and challenges in our region.

“It was a very positive and constructive meeting and an excellent opportunity to promote Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire’s strengths as a great place to live, work and invest.”

Topics discussed at the meeting included improving transport links and digital infrastructure across the area, encouraging graduates to remain in the area and develop their own businesses and addressing housing need through encouraging a diverse range of developments.

The LEP delegation included business board members Mohammed Ahmed, senior finance business partner with National Grid and proprietor of the Qarma Restaurant, Leek; James Leavesley, CEO of the Alrewas-based Leavesley Group; and Alun Rogers, director of Stafford-based IT firm risual.

The LEP delegation also included Cllr Abi Brown, deputy leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Cllr Mark Winnington, cabinet member for economic growth, Staffordshire County Council and Prof Martin Jones, deputy vice chancellor, Staffordshire University.