The West of Economy and Skills Group was set up to:

• Promote and guide the sustainable economic development of the West of England
• Advise and act in support of the partnership on the economic development of the sub-region
• Recommend joint action on these issues to the partnership and secure the outcomes approved
• Advocate responses on the economy and workskills to influence national and regional policy and resource allocation
• Work with the other specialist groups of the partnership on issues of common interest.

The group's aims include:

• Promoting private and public investment in the sub-regional economy
• Raising skill levels of the workforce
• Improving business competitiveness and productivity
• Regenerating urban and rural competitiveness
• Increasing economic inclusion.

The membership of the group consists of the Cabinet members with lead responsibility for economic development from each of the four local authorities; the relevant chief officer from each authority; and a number of social, environmental and economic partners. The group meets six times per year at two monthly intervals and at other times as its members decide.

The following pages give you access to meeting papers and reports, information about forthcoming events, and updates on news relating to the group.