As part of techUK’s Nations and Regions work we have arranged for a briefing for techUK members on the Local Growth Plan with a particular reference to the UK tech sector, digital economy and business engagement to help inform members, meet with some of the team from the Combined Authority and understand more how they can engage with the process and the agreed Local Growth Plan,

Join us for this briefing with colleagues from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and techUK’s members to discuss the next steps for the Local Growth Plan.

Local Growth Plans are a Government priority for Mayoral Combined Authority areas as set out in the recently published Devolution White Paper. In October, the Government launched a consultation on a Green Paper for a Modern Industrial Strategy. The Green Paper identified eight ‘growth-driving sectors’ that offer the most opportunities for business and the economy.

In December 2024 the Combined Authority, the West Yorkshire Mayor and political leaders agreed a ten-year local growth plan for West Yorkshire to transform the region, boost the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.

The five priorities of the Local Growth Plan are:

  1. Boosting the region’s fastest growing business sectors, including financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing and engineering, life sciences and health technologies, and the creative industries.
  2. Supporting small and medium-sized businesses to grow and succeed, with greater access to finance, skills, workspace, innovation, markets, promotion, and a supportive eco-system of public-private partnerships.
  3. Building a region of learning and creativity, where people of all ages and backgrounds can access the qualifications, skills and employment support they need to secure well-paid work and fulfil their potential.
  4. Creating a better-connected and integrated transport network, with more reliable and frequent bus services under local control, greater rail capacity to reduce congestion and journey times, and a new tram system fully integrated with bus and rail to connect the entire region.
  5. Developing thriving places, with warm and affordable homes for all, safer communities free from crime and antisocial behaviour, neighbourhoods resilient to flooding and the impacts of climate change, and greater access to culture, heritage and sport for everyone.

The identified sectors align well with existing strengths in West Yorkshire and the priorities set out in the Local Growth Plan. Further engagement with Government is taking place.

Ahead of the meeting you can find a link to the published West Yorkshire Local Growth Plan here.

Nations and Regions Programme activities

techUK champions the tech sector throughout the UK. We work with local authorities, devolved government, and local and national policy makers to advocate for the tech sector in strengthening economic growth and resilience across the nations and regions. Visit the programme page here

 

Upcoming events

20 January 2025

North West Telecoms Showcase – Accelerating growth and connectivity across the region

Liverpool John Moores University Exhibition
23 January 2025

West Yorkshire Local Growth Plan 2025-2035

Hybrid Market briefing
4 February 2025

Public Sector Cyber Security Scotland 2025

Edinburgh Partner event

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Meet the team 

Matt Robinson

Matt Robinson

Head of Nations and Regions, techUK

Ileana Lupsa

Ileana Lupsa

Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK

Stephanie Barr

Programme Manager, Small Business Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK

Tracy Modha

Tracy Modha

Team Assistant - Markets, techUK

 

 

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