UNDERSTANDABLY, everyone is focused on national politics.

With national politics so fractious and disconnected, it is reassuring to see how much good can be achieved when local politicians and citizens put their shoulder to the wheel, together. The experience of creating, launching and building NMITE is an example of the transformative power of local communities succeeding, whatever partisan national divides exist.

Launched in 2021 following years of work led by our local MP in Hereford, who continues to be a driving force behind its current success; supported by local businesses, community groups and farsighted individuals, we are now producing our first graduates who will join the local workforce as professional engineers. Local lives transformed.

NMITE is attracting new investment to help it grow and working with Herefordshire Council and other partners, to help deliver on their commitment that the county is “open for business” and a place for innovation and sustainability, by focusing on those three priorities for economic success: skills, skills and skills.

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Local political leadership, and collaboration by people from all viewpoints and backgrounds, can achieve what national politics often cannot: lasting and impactful change rooted in the needs and aspirations of the community. I still believe in that old adage – that all politics is local.

JAMES NEWBY

NMITE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE