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Business bosses welcome MPs’ visit
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| TOP TRIO: Local MP Peter Luff, left, with Madeleine Atkins and Nick Paul. from Advantage West Midlands. |
MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff led a House of Commons Committee visit to Worcestershire as part of an inquiry into the impact of innovation on West Midlands businesses.
The Commons Business and Enterprise committee took the unusual step of taking evidence outside of Westminster from representatives involved in driving innovation and business support including Advantage West Midlands and regional universities.
The tour included visits to the research and development centre at QinetiQ on Malvern Hills Science Park, where the committee saw a number of technology showcases, some supported by Advantage West Midlands.
Malvern-based Nick Paul, chairman of Advantage West Midlands, said: "We welcome the Business and Enterprise committee taking the time to visit the West Midlands to see how partners here are adding value to the regional economy and helping UK Plc punch its weight internationally.
"The West Midlands Economic Strategy identifies innovation as a key priority for the region's future prosperity and an area in which our region's record could be improved."
Mr Luff, chairman of the select committee, said: "The future of the UK's economy hinges on innovation and the move towards a value-added economy.
"We hear a lot of talk about India and China, but there can be a tendency to assume these countries will continue to stay at the bottom end of the market using cheap and unskilled labour. In fact, they are going to invest a fortune in training scientists and developing skills.
"This has been an excellent opportunity to collect evidence so we can assess the impact of the efforts of those in the West Midlands who are driving innovation.
"The evidence session and visits we have conducted around the West Midlands will be invaluable to us as we look at how Britain can innovate and stay ahead of the game."
10:33am Wednesday 14th May 2008
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