Warwickshire News Mine

The work on the M40, a dual three-lane motorway connecting the Midlands and London, was completed 20 years ago this week in January 1991.

Cllr Helen Walton, Warwickshire County Council’s economic spokesman, said: “The opening of the M40 twenty years ago provided a major boost for Warwickshire’s economy. It has had such a positive impact on the county by bringing improved access to industry and offering commuting prospects.

“The motorway is part of the excellent transport network in the county which has led to continuing investment by big business such as Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin, who are located close to the M40 at Gaydon. We have seen an increase in high end innovation and technology businesses in the area, including at the Warwick Technology Park and the new Tournament Fields development close to junction 15.

“The M40 has also been vital in helping to consolidate Warwickshire’s role in the tourism industry, which is worth an estimated £19 million per month and supports 5,000 jobs locally.

“In the two decades since the motorway opened, world class visitor attractions such as Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick and Kenilworth castles have benefitted from being less than two hours from London and are now more accessible for overseas visitors to the UK.”

Warwickshire’s motorway network includes the M6, M40, M42, M45 and M69 and the M1 and M5 are within close proximity. This network, along with the A14, provides convenient access to all parts of the UK – as the entire nationwide market is within a five hour drive time.

Warwickshire draws on a highly skilled and diverse workforce with a thriving business environment and high quality business and technology parks. The county’s central location has already attracted a variety of leading companies including IBM, National Grid, TNT and GAP.

The county council has continually supported the growth of the local economy, which is currently seeing an increase in knowledge-based, technology-led industries.

The Warwickshire Investment Partnership – a working arrangement between Warwickshire County Council, its five district and borough councils and other government agencies – aids businesses with property searches, grant information and expert advice.

The partnership has developed a strategy to work with companies specifically in professional services, ICT, automotive, aerospace, medical technologies and public sector relocation. The development of business clusters in these sectors will continue to play to existing industry strengths and promote emerging opportunities across Warwickshire now and in the future.

Link to WCC