More than 70,000 new jobs promised for the West of England
The combined authority has published a ten-year Growth Strategy
Plans to grow the West of England's economy is set to bring in 72,000 new jobs to the region.
The combined authority has published a ten-year Growth Strategy including a new mass-transit system, investment in AI technology and a target for 28% economic growth.
The West has delivered 21% economic growth over the last decade – significantly higher than the national rate, with job growth exceeding any other region in the country.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, hopes to maintain the momentum with investment into Airbus, Bath Fashion Museum, Boomsatsuma, Step and Stone, and the YTL arena.
“The future starts here. Every pound invested into the West of England delivers a real return," said Helen Godwin.
“Our new Growth Strategy is about securing investment for our part of the world to make a difference that we can all can see and feel, including new jobs for local people and better transport to cut congestion and boost productivity.
“Growth must not be an intangible economic concept. It is about all of us – it is about our whole region working together for a brighter future in this new chapter for the West.”
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said:
“I welcome this ambitious Regional Growth Strategy, particularly its vision for the UK’s first AI Supercluster, centred on Isambard-AI—the nation’s most powerful and sustainable supercomputer.
"The University of Bristol is proud to collaborate closely with our regional partners as a driving force for growth in digital, tech, creative, and clean energy sectors."
The West of England Growth Strategy will be taken to Government next week at the Labour Party Conference.