WORCESTERSHIRE Local Enterprise Partnership's chairman said it was "fantastic" to see the area setting the standard for productivity growth.

In the five-year period from 2010 to 2015 the county's productivity rate grew by an annual average rate of three per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics.

This edged it past 38 other parts of England with their own Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), and is second fastest rate of all LEP.

In addition to this, the county’s Gross Value Added - an estimate of the county’s overall economy - grew to a total of £11.79billion during this period.

And the good news has kept coming, with Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership also highlighting that the county achieved the strongest growth in higher level workforce skills for the second year running.

The Inclusive Growth Monitor 2017 report by Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), measured that Worcestershire has achieved the strongest growth in higher level workforce skills in all LEP areas, between 2010 to 2015.

Worcestershire LEP attribute this growth to a larger number of people in the county having higher level occupations and a higher quality of educational attainment, which forms a key part of inclusive growth, economic growth that benefits all parts of society.

Mark Stansfeld, chairman of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It is fantastic to see that Worcestershire is setting the standard for productivity growth.

"This highlights the exceptional quality of workforce that our local companies benefit from as well as the high level of innovation that exists within the county’s businesses.

"We will continue to invest growth deal funds into key projects that will further boost local productivity, and continue the county’s development as an innovative, creative and dynamic economy.”

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “I am delighted that Worcestershire continues to lead the way in terms of growing higher level workforce skills and local prosperity.

"The latest figures show that we are continuing to drive forward skills development opportunities and, by raising the skills of our local workforce, we are continuing to ensure that our local businesses are well equipped for the future of business with access to a talented employment base.”

Councillor Dr Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy, skills and infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council, said: “It is great news that Worcestershire has achieved the highest growth in productivity - these figures are clear evidence of the fantastic progress our county’s businesses are making."

For more visit wlep.co.uk.