CBI sets out goals for our next mayor

The next West England mayor must champion the region’s “unique strengths” in green industry and tech to lead its recovery from the pandemic and create a regional economy to “rival London”, according to one of the UK’S biggest business organisations.

The metro mayor is the political head of the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) which has responsibility for regional transport, strategic planning, economic growth and adult skills.

Ahead of local elections on May 6, the CBI said outgoing metropolitan mayor Tim Bowles’ replacement had a “pivotal” role to play and should look to work alongside business in setting out a vision that prioritises job creation, inclusivity and productivity growth.

The current candidates for the position are: Labour’s Dan Norris; the Lib Dems’ Stephen Williams (both former MPS); Jerome Thomas of the Green Party; and Conservative candidate Samuel Williams.

The CBI highlighted that big employment sectors in the South West, including aerospace, retail and hospitality, had been heavily impacted during the pandemic, with 30 per cent of the South West’s workforce furloughed and more than 23,000 jobs lost.

It added that the region was well placed to bounce back as it is “rich” in green industries, boasts high rates of start-up businesses as well as prestigious universities which fuel research and innovation.

Among the proposals featured in its own revival plan for the region, the CBI said the mayor needed to:

■ Promote the region on a global stage to attract and grow worldclass businesses through a strong economic vision and a pro-business authority;

■ Reinforce the region’s status as a global centre of innovation, in areas including engineering and manufacturing and the creative industries;

■ Improve regional and international connectivity, and champion the region as a tourist destination;

■ Lead a region “which stands at the forefront of green technologies” to become a national example in the journey to net-zero carbon emissions;

■ Champion education and inclusivity to boost social mobility and ensure opportunity for younger generations and minority groups;

■ Engage with business and education providers to deliver a workforce for the future which “leaves no communities behind”.

Deborah Fraser, CBI South West director, said: “Success requires prioritising hard-hit sectors such as aerospace and advanced manufacturing, in addition to those sectors that can deliver future growth and support a low carbon future.

“New digital and physical infrastructure must be predicated upon creating more inclusive communities,

❝ The mayor must champion jobs and re-skilling of the workforce so that it is responsive to changing patterns of employment. Deborah Fraser, CBI South West director

employment opportunities and progression for all.

“Simultaneously, the mayor must champion jobs and re-skilling of the workforce so that it is responsive to changing patterns of employment.

“To realise this vision the mayor should work strategically with business, neighbouring authorities, and all parts of government to build a sustainable recovery and longterm prosperity.”

Last year, Mr Bowles revealed he planned to step down as leader of Weca when his term ended this year, and retire after nearly 20 years of political service.

Over the past four years Mr Bowles has overseen and developed ambitious transport plans for the region, including the Metrowest rail network and the extension of Metrobus.

Weca was formed in 2017 and includes the councils of Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset.