Business planning

Surprising city named most entrepreneurial in Britain

Birmingham has been named the most enterprising place in Britain? by the Enterprising Britain Awards, small business minister Margot James has announced.

The awards are commissioned by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and aim to recognise the regional initiatives that boost economic growth and enterprise in local communities.

Birmingham City Council teamed up with six Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) as part of plans to create a Midlands Engine for Growth, targeting investment in the region’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The city was named was the UK’s most entrepreneurial after creating or safeguarding 4, 300 jobs and generating 87m in private sector investment. A total of 1, 000 business were supported in some way by the council and LEP partnership.

Awarding the title to the city, James said: We have 900, 000 more small businesses than in 2010 and they have an important role to play in building an economy that works for all. it’s great to see the support available for business owners making a real difference and driving entrepreneurial spirit across the UK.

In a statement, Birmingham City Council leader John Clancey championed the role of the council in working alongside the LEPs to create a strong entrepreneurial environment in the city.

birmingham is fantastic place to do business and this award shows that when we work together and invest in people, the city really can thrive.

were supporting Birmingham’s natural creativity and entrepreneurial drive to create jobs, improve skills and give people across the city the opportunities they need and deserve, Clancey said.

The recognition of enterprise in Birmingham represents a success of the government’s industrial strategy that put regional economic growth at its centre.