Chase Chase Chamber Patrons
Contact: Chris Plant T: 0845 603 6650
Cannock prospers as local economy booms
Booming Cannock’s economy is thriving, according to a new economic report by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP). Data produced by the Office for National
Statistics (ONS) that has been published by has revealed that Cannock Chase saw the largest proportionate increase of gross value added (GVA) within the GBSLEP area during 2017. The GBSLEP area includes Birmingham,
Bromsgrove, Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Redditch, Solihull, Tamworth and Wyre Forest. GVA is the value generated by any business engaged in the production of goods and services and is commonly a measure of productivity. The GBSLEP area’s GVA grew by 1.56 per cent
Workshops no joke
for young comics Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has announced a new young persons’ stand-up comedy project, ‘Stand Up If You Think You Are Funny’. The project will be a series of workshops
aimed at anyone aged 11-16, where participants will be able to devise, write and rehearse their own five minute piece of stand-up comedy. The workshops will happen under the
guidance of actress and comedian Janice Connolly (pictured), best known for starring with Peter Kay in ‘Phoenix Nights’. She also appears on the stand-up
comedy circuit as her alter-ego, Mrs Barbara Nice. Janice is a founder member of the award
winning Birmingham-based theatre company ‘Women & Theatre’ and has been artistic director for the past 20 years. The workshops will begin on 18 May 2019
and will run every Saturday until 29 June 2019. The Grand’s James Collins said: “To be
able to work with Janice to offer these workshops is just another way that we’re able to reach out to the community, especially to local young people. “I’m thrilled to be able to offer them the
support of one of the region’s most respected comedy performers, Janice Connolly, known for her work both locally and nationally across stage and screen. “It will be an invaluable opportunity for
anyone who takes part to learn the craft of stand-up comedy and an opportunity to perform at the theatre where so many comedians have made the city laugh.”
44 CHAMBERLINK April 2019
in 2017, rising from £49.5bn to £50.3bn. Between 2010 and 2017, the GBSLEP economy grew by 20 per cent, which is higher than other cities such as Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. The ONS data reveals that in 2017 the
Cannock Chase economy in particular has performed exceptionally well, enjoying an increase in its GVA of 9.11 per cent. Between 2010 and 2017, more 9,000 additional private sector jobs have been created in Cannock Chase, an increase of 30 per cent during this period and higher than the growth rate of Birmingham. Council deputy leader Gordon Alcott said:
“This is excellent news for Cannock Chase District, not only is this the biggest growth rate in the GBSLEP area, it is above the national average. It shows that economic growth is strong in our
Booming Cannock: Cllr Gordon Alcott
district, and so far investment and support from the GBSLEP has helped many of our local businesses to invest and grow. “The council continues to be focused on
promoting prosperity and with the opening of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cannock in 2020, proposed regeneration of Rugeley Power Station and planned investment in a new engineering academy for the district, the economy in Cannock Chase should continue to prosper.”
Sites will contribute to growth
Business development sites currently under construction in Staffordshire will generate an estimated £10m a year in business rates, according to a new a report. And figures show the county is also
developing a skilled local workforce to meet the growing demands of business. Sites such as Liberty Park in Lichfield, Four
Ashes in South Staffordshire, Meaford near Stone and the MacArthurGlen Designer Retail Outlet in Cannock will bring in around £10.3m in business rates when completed. Half of this will be retained locally and help to fund public services. Whilst business development continues at
pace across the county, and Staffordshire County Council’s long term economic growth programme is focused on ensuring people have the right skills to take advantage of increased employment opportunities. Working with the Stoke-on-Trent and
Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the county council’s skills development programme
has led to more than 18,200 people improving their employability prospects or improving their in-work skills – directly benefiting local businesses. Nearly £60m has been invested in this programme so far. In addition, the LEP’s Advanced Manufacturing
and Engineering Hub, located at six sites, provides state-of-the-art facilities and equipment giving people the skills they need to work in the county’s key industry sectors. The £13.2m hub has already supported more
7,300 learners since its launch in 2014. The council’s economic growth leader, Mark
Winnington, said: “Our economic growth and skills programme is delivering some fantastic results which are making a real difference to our economy and to people’s lives. “It is vital that we are creating the right
conditions for business growth and job creation and it is equally important that people gain the skills they need to take advantage of growing opportunities.”
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