The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership has become one of the largest in the country.
Redditch BC and Wyre Forest DC are joining East Staffordshire BC, Lichfield DC, Tamworth BC, Bromsgrove DC, Cannock Chase DC, Birmingham City Council and Solihull MBC to create an LEP covering two million people and almost one million jobs.
The development board has identified areas where private sector growth is needed, including securing cash for SMEs. Interim chairman Bridget Blow said: ‘More than 80 responses were received – testament to the important role local business people think the LEP can play in driving economic growth.’