11:30am Monday 27th April 2009
By Alex Cameron
A STRATEGIC plan to invest in the South-West’s economic and industrial future has been launched by the Government.
The policy statement "Building Britain's Future - New Industry, New Jobs" identifies key areas where Government action can have most impact, investing in growth to speed recovery and building manufacturing and services essential to ensure British people and businesses can compete successfully for the jobs of the future.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, speaking at Loughborough University Innovation Centre, said: "The world's economy, emerging from the downturn, is set to double in size creating major new opportunities for British business. But global competition is getting tougher and technological change is happening faster. We can't afford to stand back as other countries invest and skill-up to win in high-value markets and sectors.
"To succeed in this hi-tech, low carbon economy of the future, to drive growth and to secure more high-value jobs in the UK, we need to act. It's not about picking winners or ignoring market signals but removing barriers which hold business back.
"Britain has the skills, resources and knowledge base to do well but the Government's job is to do everything it can to strengthen our competitive position further. It's about creating the best possible conditions in which UK businesses can thrive; removing barriers to success and offering targeted support to unlock new potential in existing and new technologies."
Key areas identified for immediate action and reform to win a bigger share of the opportunities ahead are centred on innovation, skills, finance, infrastructure and trade.
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