Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership has commissioned a major survey of manufacturing across the County.
The aim is to find ways by which the sector can generate further growth and jobs.
Gary Woodman, WLEP executive director, said: “It is has long been recognised that the West Midlands has a reputation for its strong diversity of manufacturing. This remains true too in Worcestershire – manufacturers and producers such as Worcester Bosch, Morgan Motor Cars, Harris Brush, Brinton Carpets, Yamazaki Mazak, Titan Steel Wheels, Kanes Foods, Thorlux Lighting and Morgan Ceramics.
“All find the benefits of a skilled workforce and excellent communications mean they have made a positive decision to locate and remain in Worcestershire.”
In addition there were links to the supply chains of the automotive and aerospace sectors and all this was complemented by food and drink and agriculture.
However there was a need to pinpoint manufacturing’s needs, explore the differences in product between geographical areas and identify the barriers to growth that companies face.
“We want to create a basis for support going forward and the conditions that would allow the County to attract further manufacturing companies to the region,” said Mr Woodman.
“Our vision is to create the right economic environment to inspire businesses, encourage investment and to create lasting sustainable employment in Worcestershire by 2017 and beyond.
“In delivering the vision, Worcestershire LEP is focussing on a number of business sectors that are considered to be capable of providing the required private sector job growth that will assist in re-balancing the economy away from public sector jobs. Manufacturing is one, with over 14 per cent of employees working in it.”
The LEP believes there are approximately 1,650 to 2,100 manufacturing companies within its area.
But a more detailed snapshot is required, pulling together basic statistics like exactly who these businesses are and how many people they employ.
The survey will inquire as to their growth prospects, future expansion and location plans.
And it will seek to identify major barriers to growth both locally and in the wider UK context; the nature of supply chain linkages including procurement within and outside the LEP area; and where the companies are getting their business advice and support from including trade bodies and networks.
Mr Woodman explained: “The manufacturing sector does not know county boundaries and therefore it is vital that we recognise the supply chain linkages with Jaguar Land Rover and first tier suppliers; links back to the traditional sectors in the county such as carpet making and food and drink; the number of businesses that are in higher technology sectors and undertaking research and development; and the number of businesses within the key sectors identified in the Government’s industrial strategy – such as aerospace and automotive.”
The report will be completed by the end of June. Worcester Research are conducting the work.
