The government has announced that 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are coming together to boost productivity and growth in the Midlands.

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Government puts fuel in the fire of the Midlands Engine

Following hot on the heels of the Northern Powerhouse, the 'Midlands Engine' initiative is the latest attempt by Whitehall to boost business in the regions outside London.

At an event in Birmingham on Friday business secretary Sajid Javid launched the partnership between the LEPs, local collaborations of public and private sector organisations, supported by a Â£5m trade and investment package to help promote Midlands businesses overseas and boost exports.

According to the government, if the Midlands region matches the predicted growth rate for the UK over the next 15 years, it could create 300,000 jobs and boost the UK economy by Â£34bn.

 focuses on areas including finance, skills, transport and business support. A Midlands Engine trade mission will also take place as well as the building of new science parks.

Javid said: "The Midlands is the heartland of our thriving manufacturing sector and home to 25 universities, playing a strong role in the recovery of the UK economy. Over the last year, private sector employment in the Midlands grew more than three times faster than London and the South East.

"But there are more opportunities to capitalise on the Midlands' natural strengths and assets and make it an engine for growth. Through this prospectus, which sets out the region's own vision to unlock greater economic growth, it's time to fire up the Midlands Engine."

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Paula Bellamy grew up in Felixstowe, left school at 16 and started her career in H M Customs &amp;amp; Excise, then moved into logistics learning accounting, imports, exports, road haulage and also trying a shipping Line, finally choosing freight forwarding as her career of choice. She was employed as General Manager by an American firm to run their UK office and warehouse, a position she held for 10 years, 2001 - 2011.In 2011, her husband and family moved to Dubai in order to explore other opportunities and further their careers. To this end, she was able to set-up a freight forwarding company from zero, creating a very successful office from 2011 through 2016. In 2016, Paula set up OL Dubai again from zero, the team followed her leadership and together they created a very nice successful freight forwarding office in Dubai with many good relationships such as 3rd party warehousing, good sea-freight and airfreight carrier contracts and in-house customs clearance processing. The knowledge combined in this office ensures the clients receive everything they need for local Middle East end of end logistics with their freight forwarding movements Internationally.This bring us upto date for 2020 'The year of change' and like many others Paula's personal situation changed, her husband was made redundant, children had moved onto University and work based placements and therefore they chose to re-locate back to the UK.So in March 2021, Paula decided to use the relocation to her own and OL's advantage. Together with the support of the president of OL USA Alan Baer, it was decided that Paula would strengthen OL relationships in the UK &amp;amp; Europe for commercial shipments to the UAE the USA and beyond, Paula also continues to be Remote Managing Director for the UAE and travels between the UK &amp;amp; Dubai every quarter. For the UK development, Paula will work to build a recognized OL office for clients and partners alike to again ensure local knowledge is readily accessible for any Client that requires more in-depth information, or just a seamless logistics end to end move which can only serve to strengthen the Global network of OL own offices.Relationship building and networking is a strength and passion for Paula so she will continue to help clients, partners and friends across the world to connect in a stronger and more enjoyable way.

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Export Ocean or Air Freight bookings via vessel or aircraft

&lt;p&gt;I have worked as a freight forwarder for over 35 years and have an international network of agents across the world who assist me in this task, meaning I can offer you a complete door to door solution.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;For eample if we collect in Spain and deliver in Australia I have agents in both of those countries who will assist me in moving your goods via air or sea (whatever you prefer) and all local documentation and customs clearance can also be done and necessary taxes / dut

&lt;p&gt;I am a seasoned sales and marketing professional with over two decades of experience working in private and public sector organisations. Over the years, I've developed a passion for small businesses&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As the Marketing Co-ordinator for Business Enterprise Fund (BEF), I am the go to person for all things marketing. This covers everything from daily&amp;nbsp;website updates&amp;nbsp;and social media posts through to campaign planning and delivery to the production of our annual Social Impact Report.&lt;/p&gt;

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Shaun Connell

&lt;p&gt;I am a seasoned sales and marketing professional with over two decades of experience working in private and public sector organisations. Over the years, I've developed a passion for small businesses&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As the Marketing Co-ordinator for Business Enterprise Fund (BEF), I am the go to person for all things marketing. This covers everything from daily&amp;nbsp;website updates&amp;nbsp;and social media posts through to campaign planning and delivery to the production of our 

Government puts fuel in the fire of the Midlands Engine

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