GM looks to R&D, green growth for post-Covid recovery

A roadmap to position Greater Manchester for economic growth in the years ahead is to be unveiled by the local enterprise partnership on Wednesday.

Entitled Building a Greater Manchester, Making a Greater Britain, the strategy is expected to outline how the city region can attract investment into research and development and drive innovation, while also tackling economic inequality across the 10 boroughs and encouraging diversity.

There are also proposals for better aligning skills with the requirements of the job market, improving productivity and stimulating investment in new infrastructure.

The strategy will be unveiled by the leaders of the Greater Manchester LEP at an online event this week. The intention is set out practical steps to create a “fairer, greener, growing economy” in the wake of Covid-19, working in partnership with Manchester’s Growth Company, the 10 Greater Manchester boroughs and other partners, the LEP said.

Meanwhile, Manchester City Council is working on its own proposals for a post-Covid economic recovery plan, which will be unveiled on 25 November.

Together with the updated Local Industrial Strategy for Manchester, published last summer and being updated at present, the proposals will a “blueprint for reshaping the city-region’s economy” after the economic blows suffered during the pandemic this year, according to the LEP.

Lou Cordwell, co-chair of the GM LEP, said: “While the LEP and its partners remain dedicated to helping businesses navigate the difficult months ahead, we also think it is the right time to consider how we can improve our economy and our society.

“Living with Covid has given us the chance to pause, reflect and reimagine what comes next. We’re determined to build back better, and this event will see us set out our blueprint for how this can be achieved.”

LEP co-chair Mo Isap added: “Our vision is one of sustainable growth that works for all of Greater Manchester’s people and the planet. The plans we will outline are the first steps towards realising this.

“The vision plays to our sector strengths while leveraging the spirit of collaboration and heritage for innovation that have made Greater Manchester what it is today. We look forward to sharing it with the wider business community and inviting them to join us on the journey.”

Cllr Elise Wilson, leader of Stockport Council and portfolio lead for business and economy at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, will also be speaking at Wednesday’s event.