A new initiative aimed at professional services in southern Staffordshire has had the green light.
The SucceSS initiative in Tamworth, Lichfield and Burton has won Advantage West Midlands backing.
Just under £100,000 has been promised for the first two years.
SucceSS chairman Sue Arnold, said: "Professional services companies have been identified as having major potential wealth and employment creating opportunities. We want to encourage within this sector a spirit of collaborative working and growth. This will ensure our professional services companies can compete effectively with the biggest and best in the Midlands."
Claire Holden, business development manager for the business and professional services cluster at AWM, said: "The development and launch of new professional networks is an important part of our plan for supporting business growth in the region's professional services.
"We have already supported similar initiatives in Coventry, North Stafford-shire and Telford. Our experience confirms professional networks provide a strong and effective way for smaller businesses to collaborate and exploit opportunities."
Ms Arnold went on: "Roadshows in Burton, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tam-worth and other southern Staffordshire locations have all proved there is great support and enthusiasm for what we are trying to achieve and confirmation of AWM funding is the icing on the cake."
SucceSS will be officially launched in the spring and will promote the 3,200 professional services companies in southern Staffordshire and encourage investment and relocation assistance to strengthen the sector.
Backed by AWM, Staffordshire Learning and Skills Council, Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, Southern Staffordshire Partnership, councils including Cannock, Burton, Lichfield and Tam-worth, and In Staffs, SucceSS is setting out "to enthuse and galvanise" the professional sectors and generate interest and support from so-called movers and shakers in the region.
It will involve lawyers, accountants, architects, estate agents, human resources specialists, advertising and public relations, marketing experts, graphic designers, writers and photographers.
