Bristol businesses have just a few weeks left to comment on a new economic blueprint for the West of England which aims to make it a “beacon of growth and innovation”.
The draft strategy was launched in July by West of England Mayor Tim Bowles and interim chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Prof Steve West. 
Drafted by the recently formed West of England Combined Authority (WECA), it is focused on economic growth to benefit every resident, concentrating on three key areas – infrastructure, skills and housing.
During the summer individuals and organisations have been able to make comments online and take part in drop-in sessions across the region. The closing date for comments is midnight on Wednesday September 27.
There are three remaining sessions for one-to-one discussions about the strategy taking place on:
- Monday September 18, 10am -12 noon at Filwood Green Business Park, Bristol
- Monday September 25, 10am -12 noon at The Guildhall, Bath
- Tuesday September 26, 2-4pm, Bristol & Bath Science Park
To book slots at these events call Melissa Houston on 0117 370 1957 or email Melissa.Houston@WestOfEngland-CA.gov.uk
Feedback will be used to inform the West of England Combined Authority’s more detailed plans, priorities and funding decisions.
The draft strategy is available on the WECA website – www.westofengland-ca.org.uk/WEstrategy/– where there is also an online questionnaire to provide feedback, which will be incorporated into a final strategy to be published in the autumn.
This will then be used to inform the authority’s more detailed plans, priorities and funding decisions.
The combined authority covers Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset. The LEP also includes North Somerset.
Pictured at the discussion paper launch: LEP interim chair Steve West, left, and West of England Mayor Tim Bowles
