We are proud to support the West Midlands Combined Authority’s High Growth Programme, which is helping drive meaningful change in the region’s everyday economy, in sectors like health and social care that are vital to community wellbeing and economic resilience.
During a recent visit to ASRA Health and Social Care in Smethwick, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker praised the organisation’s commitment to raising standards in the care sector and recognised the critical role of everyday economy workers. ASRA, a fast-growing provider of social care services, is one of many businesses benefiting from the High Growth Programme, which is delivered by our teams.
The Mayor’s visit highlighted the importance of investing in the 750,000 people who work in the everyday economy across the West Midlands: those who care for families, drive buses, deliver goods and keep essential services running. His Growth Plan sets out a vision for making these roles more secure and rewarding through better training, fairer pay, and improved working conditions.
ASRA’s participation in the High Growth Programme has already delivered tangible results. With tailored support from us, the organisation has increased its turnover by more than a third, expanded its service capacity, and created new jobs, including an apprenticeship in business operations. Plans are now underway to launch a new Social Care Hub and Care Academy in Smethwick, offering training and employment opportunities for women, young people, and underrepresented groups.
The Mayor said: “Our Growth Plan is about opportunity and prosperity for everyone. That means backing people working in the everyday economy who care for our families, drive our buses, deliver our shopping, and keep our pubs, clubs, theatres and cinemas alive.
These jobs are the backbone of our communities and can offer long and rewarding careers, but too often they can be low-paid and insecure. It is crucial that we invest in advanced manufacturing, digital, hi-tech and green industries to create jobs in fast-developing sectors and turbo-charge economic growth for our region.
But it is just as vital to strengthen the everyday economy – so we can put more money into the pockets of some of our lowest paid workers and improve their living standards, as well as providing meaningful career pathways within those essential services that our region needs to grow.”
Javed Parvez, ASRA director, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the Mayor’s support and for the backing we’ve received through the High Growth Programme. His interest in our work means a great deal to us.
“The programme has been hugely successful, adding real value to the business and accelerating our growth. It has enabled us to expand our service capacity, strengthen our infrastructure, and modernise both our business and marketing approach.
We’re proud to be growing sustainably, with the creation of a new Social Care Hub and Care Academy in Smethwick soon to become a reality. Together, they will provide training, employment, and career opportunities for women, young people and underrepresented groups in the local community while delivering quality care and strengthening our community.”
Rebecca Bekkenutte, Managing Director at Gateley Global, said: “ASRA Smethwick is a fantastic example of how the High Growth Programme is driving real, measurable impacts for local businesses. Through strategic guidance and tailored support, ASRA has unlocked new opportunities, strengthened its operations, and contributed meaningfully to the regional economy.”
At Gateley, we believe in supporting businesses that make a difference. The High Growth Programme is one of many ways we help organisations scale sustainably, create jobs, and build stronger communities.
