Business
We are creating a region full of opportunity, where every business can thrive. Discover how our policies and partners are promoting an inclusive economy.
We are creating a region full of opportunity, where every business can thrive. Discover how our policies and partners are promoting an inclusive economy.
Our region is an incredible meeting place of diverse people, businesses and communities. We are the home of the NHS, a network of world-class universities and cutting-edge research institutes. We are home to innovative start-ups and heritage brands. But most of all, we are home to more than two million hard-working, practical people.
We are a region of huge opportunity. Over the next decade, we have the potential to add £26 billion to the UK economy. We can build a stronger, brighter region where people have the skills they need to find good work and the connectivity to reach it. We can make sure that our key sectors are known worldwide as centres of excellence for innovation and expertise.
Growing the inclusive economy is a big priority for the Combined Authority. A more productive and innovative economy means better jobs and wages for our people. It means more opportunities for our young people. It means fewer children growing up in poverty.
It is so important that every business can contribute to our growth. That’s why we are focused on making sure that every business has the resources that it needs to thrive. We are working with partners across the region and beyond to make sure that businesses can access the right skills, advice, finance, networks and opportunities to suit them.
We are home to six clusters of businesses that are driving growth in their sectors. There is huge potential to invest in companies that are known around the world for their innovation and quality. From established manufacturing to cutting-edge technology, West Yorkshire is where opportunity lives.
These clusters offer the greatest opportunities for business to start, grow and locate in West Yorkshire. They attract investment from around the world. They open up new international trade opportunities and fly the flag for West Yorkshire on the global stage.
We have several policies that guide our efforts to build an inclusive economy.
The West Yorkshire Plan is our main strategy for the region. It outlines five key ambitions: to make West Yorkshire prosperous, happy, well-connected, sustainable, and safe. Growing the inclusive economy is vital for our prosperity.
The West Yorkshire Local Growth Plan details how we will develop the inclusive economy. It examines our region's strengths and opportunities. It also highlights five growth priorities we will pursue to make the most of these opportunities.
Our policies on transport, the environment and public safety all impact our economy in many ways. It’s crucial for people to have the connectivity they need for work and skills. They must feel safe and secure while they work and learn. We must also support the shift to a greener economy and seize the opportunities it brings.
Sustainable growth can happen only through partnership. When we work together, we can build an inclusive economy.
West Yorkshire has a close-knit group of organisations offering skills, advice, and opportunities for businesses. Our world-class universities, local authorities and private sector providers all play vital roles in helping businesses thrive.
Progress occurs when businesses, government, academia and communities work together. That's why we build strong relationships among all these groups. We ensure everyone has a voice in driving our economy.
Our committees and boards make sure that we focus on the right priorities and make sound decisions.
The Combined Authority committee is our top decision-making body. It sets the long-term strategy and approves key investments and programmes that impact our businesses and people.
The Economy Committee allows Local Authority and private sector partners to closely monitor our business growth agenda. They can also provide feedback on our progress.
The West Yorkshire Business Board represents the private sector in our region. It unites business leaders from various industries with support providers from the private sector and academia. Mandy Ridyard, the Mayor’s Business Advisor, chairs the board.
We are focused on serving the best interests of West Yorkshire’s residents. This means making the right decisions, being clear about those choices, and providing good value for money.
All our committee meetings are broadcast to the public. Meeting papers and minutes are available online. We also share information about our spending and the contracts with various providers.
If you want to make a Freedom of Information Act request, file a complaint or learn more about our scrutiny and audit processes, visit our governance centre.
We work with partners to provide business support mainly through the West Yorkshire Growth Hub. This hub is part of a national network backed by the UK Government.
The Government also aids businesses across the country through the Business Helpline and the Business Growth Service. These services change how businesses reach government and partner support. They connect businesses to the right advice when they need it.
Learn more about the West Yorkshire Growth Hub to see if it suits you.
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