Coventry and Warwickshire’s strong economic performance has been recognised in a host of awards at a major investment show.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and the city of Coventry picked up three awards each at the European Cities & Regions Of The Future Awards, organised by FDI Magazine.
Coventry was up against all mid-sized cities across Europe and was eighth for economic performance, eighth for economic potential and fifth for business friendliness – coming out higher than any other UK city.
The CWLEP was placed fourth for economic potential, fifth for LEPs of the future and sixth for business friendliness at the awards held at MIPIM – the world’s largest property investment and development show.
Coventry was one of only two English cities named in the cities of the future category – along with Bristol – and was in the company of Zurich, Gothenburg and Bonn.
Nick Abell, vice-chair of the CWLEP, said the progressive approach by the city and county had clearly been recognised.
He said:
The CWLEP and all parties across Coventry and Warwickshire have worked very hard in recent years to ensure we make the most of the economic assets and potential that we undoubtedly had.
That has involved presenting a strong case for investors, helping our existing companies to achieve their growth plans and working closely with our two universities to help drive forward our technical excellence.
That combined determination and a willingness to work in partnership is clearly bearing fruit which is rewarding, but will just act as a reminder that more needs to be done and that we have plenty of more potential to fulfil.
Caption: From the left, Nick Abell (Wright Hassall and vice-chair of the CWLEP), Paula Deas (operations director at the CWLEP) and Cllr Peter Butlin (deputy leader of Warwickshire County Council and CWLEP board director)