Mark Pawsey has welcomed the announcement of new funding to support businesses and infrastructure in Rugby – helping local businesses to create new jobs and train more young people.
£18 million has been allocated for 2015/16 to Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for Rugby and the local area.
This money is being put directly in the hands of Coventry & Warwickshire LEP so local authorities and businesses are able to make sure it goes on the projects which will get the maximum benefit for local people, like new investment in helping small and medium sized enterprises at Ansty Park in Rugby.
In total over £6 billion of projects will be supported by the Growth Fund across England in 2015/16, with funding being used to deliver better roads and public transport; increase the support for small businesses and young people looking for work; and improve internet links, skills and housing availability, strengthening the local economy and backing businesses to create jobs.
Mark commented: "This Growth Deal is excellent news for local people in Rugby. £18 million for Coventry & Warwickshire LEP will make a huge difference in our area. And because it’s going straight to the LEP, local businesses and local authorities have been able to make sure local people get the biggest possible benefit, with much-needed investment for things like the provision of new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering “Grow On” Space for small and medium enterprises at Ansty Park in Rugby. This new facility will complement the work of the Manufacturing Technology Centre already on site.
"This will help local businesses create the jobs we need so more hardworking families can have the security of a regular pay packet, and will help ensure our young people have the skills they need to compete in the global race. This is a key part of our long-term economic plan, and will help secure a better and brighter future for people here in Rugby."
Greg Clark, Minister for Cities, said: "This is a landmark day for local economies across Britain. National growth is the sum of local growth, so for Britain to prosper every part of the country needs to fulfil its potential. But no two places are the same and the people who live, work and do business in each place know best what their area needs to do well. That’s why we’re backing local leaders in Rugby to create jobs and prosperity in their own area."