Ambitious Growth Strategy Aims to Create 72,000 Jobs in West

Tens of thousands of jobs could be created in the Bristol and Bath area under a new ten-year Growth Strategy unveiled by the metro mayor, Helen Godwin. This comprehensive plan aims to stimulate economic development across the West Country, focusing on attracting investment, utilizing artificial intelligence, and enhancing transport infrastructure. The strategy seeks to achieve a robust 28% economic expansion over the next decade.

The Growth Strategy encompasses the regions of South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, and Bath and North East Somerset (BANES). It outlines initiatives to combat child poverty, enhance affordable childcare access, and generate 135 megawatts of renewable energy. To address the ongoing housing shortage, the proposal includes the establishment of a new £500 million West of England Land Acquisition Fund, which aims to ensure necessary developments keep pace with the needs of both residents and businesses.

During a collaborative meeting at the Bristol Digital Futures Institute, Godwin emphasized the significance of this strategy. “The future starts here,” she stated. “The West is the best place to invest. Our new Growth Strategy is about securing investment for our part of the world to make a difference that we can all see and feel, including new jobs for local people and better transport to cut congestion and boost productivity.”

The Bristol and Bath area, home to over 1.2 million residents and boasting an economy valued at £53.7 billion, has experienced a 21% economic expansion since 2015. The 120-page strategy identifies sectors that have generated significant employment growth over the past decade. The everyday economy saw a 17% increase, while digital and tech industries surged by 52%. The creative sector experienced an impressive 82% growth, and clean energy sectors soared by an astounding 140%, marking the region as a leader in job creation surpassing even London.

The strategy also designates specific ‘growth zones’ for the upcoming decade, including the West Innovation Arc, Central Bristol and Bath, the Severn Estuary, the Somer Valley, and the North Somerset Growth Gateway. Kevin Guy, leader of BANES Council and deputy mayor of the West of England, expressed his support for the plan. “I warmly welcome this ambitious ten-year growth strategy which seizes on the amazing opportunities we have here in the West of England,” he stated.

The announcement follows a recent commitment from regional leaders to address environmental challenges as part of their growth strategy. It also comes in the wake of investments in Visit West, which supports the tourism sector that contributes approximately £2.5 billion annually to the regional economy, employing around 45,000 individuals and attracting 32 million visitors each year.

Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, highlighted the city’s strengths in creative industries, clean energy, and innovation. “By working together across the West, this strategy will help us deliver homes, jobs, and opportunities for all our communities,” he noted.

The West of England Growth Strategy is set to be presented to the UK Government at the Labour Party Conference next week, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for October 17, 2023, involving the Mayor and local council leaders. The plan aims to create a sustainable economic future that benefits all residents, ensuring that prosperity is a shared experience across the region.