Jobs boost in pipeline

Thousands of jobs could be created under a new scheme in the Black Country for people to come up with pioneering business designs to boost traditional industries.

It is hoped that a new business centre will be launched in the heart of Dudley by the year 2009 to give people all the support they need to come up with innovative business ideas – which could then be created in the Black Country.

The local authority is now trying to pinpoint an appropriate site which could be used to set up the centre in Dudley.

The Incumbent Innovation Centre would help people develop ideas, obtain funding and then give them support in finding a business to make the product.

Similar centres, part of nationwide project, have already helped launch very successful ideas including a new greener aircraft, Councillor Ken Turner said.

The chairman of the Select Committee on Regeneration, Culture and Adult Education told a meeting last night that a new centre could be a huge boost to the area. It would give people the confidence to use their ideas and would then help them set up their own companies, he pointed out.

Speaking after the meeting he said: "I would say one of these centres would generate about 2,000 jobs. It would be the starting point for many people who have an idea but need help to get it off the ground.

"The idea would first have to be considered acceptable but then they would be put in touch with the right people to make it happen. It is also a way of boosting traditional industries which the Black County is famous for."

The meeting heard that one of the council's key aims is to reverse the trend of people leaving the Black Country to get better jobs.

By Rebecca Jones