Advantage West Midlands

Advantage West Midlands is the regional leader for developing economic prosperity. AWM works with a range of public sector partners, voluntary and community organisations and the private sector, to develop strategies and support projects that will help transform the West Midlands’ economy.

Advantage West Midlands invest around £300 million each year into activity that will help transform the West Midlands’ economy, focussing on:

• Business - improving the collective performance of traditional industries and diversifying our business base

• Skills - leading the work of the West Midlands Regional Skills Partnership to set skills policy and priorities

• Infrastructure - working to improve our transport, communication and land and property infrastructure

• Communities - helping both urban and rural communities enjoy a better quality of life

• Promoting the region nationally and internationally

The Agency is involved in a number of different projects to support businesses across the region.

Part of the Malvern Hills area is within the Rural Regeneration Zone and therefore businesses qualify for a number of initiatives aimed at creating and retaining good quality jobs in rural areas and supporting local businesses.

Redundant Building Grants are available for the conversion or refurbishment of redundant buildings to bring them back into productive business use or to enhance their current business use. Contact 01432 260662 or email rbgscheme@herefordshire.gov.uk for further information.

Advantage West Midlands has funded £6.2 million towards phase three of the highly successful Malvern Hills Science Park, which is set to be completed in early 2007. A variety of different sized offices and labs are available for technology based businesses. Contact 01684 585200, or enquiries@mhsp.co.uk

For more information on other Advantage West Midlands projects please visit www.advantagewm.co.uk or call 0121 380 3500.