The support of the Shropshire Economic Partnership (SEP) will play a key role in the effort to bring about a new direct train service between Wrexham and London.

As a collective voice, its members got wholeheartedly behind Lezley Picton, Leader of Shropshire Council, and have written to the Secretary of State for Transport to support the application for the new rail route proposed by Wrexham, Shropshire and the Midlands Rail Service.

The Shropshire Economic Partnership (SEP) is an advisory board consisting of representatives from the private, public, education and voluntary sectors in the county.  It was formed in 2023 to drive economic growth in Shropshire.

Jeannie McGillivray, Co-founder& CEO of software development company Remote and Chair of the SEP, said,

“ A key theme in our economic strategy for the county focuses on long term growth and championing wider infrastructure developments to encourage business investment. This new route could bring major opportunities to the county and so the Board’s decision to back this exciting proposal was unanimous.”

Mark Barrow, Executive Director for Place at Shropshire Council, said,

“ The Shropshire Economic Partnership brings various aspects of the economy together to work in collaboration. Our ability to recognise this as a key project and move quickly with a single voice to support this initiative proves how effective this approach is.”

In the last year the SEP has also endorsed and supported a range of projects that received funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Consequently, nearly £15m of funding has found its way into the Shropshire economy to support individuals and businesses.

Mark Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said,

“The Economic Growth Strategy belongs to the businesses and people of Shropshire, not just Shropshire Council. The SEP Board has established a collaborative and inclusive process. It’s involvement in the award of UKSPF funding and support for this new rail route clearly demonstrates support of and delivery against the key objectives of the strategy.”

For further information about the Shropshire Economic Partnership please see https://www.investinshropshire.co.uk/shropshires-economic-growth-strategy-refresh-2022-2027/

For more information about the variety of projects supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund see  https://www.investinshropshire.co.uk/relocating-and-investing/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/