INVESTMENT in Malvern Hills Science Park, 1,000 new apprenticeships, better M5 signs to alert drivers to Worcestershire and a greater choice of quality hotels – these are just three of the key aims contained in an ambitious county blueprint.

A new body which is aiming to transform the area has rallied investors to “believe in Worcestershire”

amid concerns too many people are failing to realise its potential.

Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – a group of industry chiefs and politicians – launched its business plan for 2012.

The document, which is being launched with £566,000 of initial funding, aims to attract new investment and jobs by marketing the county.

Malvern Hills Science Park secured a £4 million expansion back in the summer, which is going towards a new 25,000 sq ft of office space and accommodation for high tech businesses.

Chief executive Alan White said: “The LEP is trying to stimulate economic growth and pull together all the strands of development.

“From a science park perspective it’s great they are supporting us and we are looking at how we can grow further, because we are virtually full.”

The business plan for Worcestershire LEP, which runs to March next year, also says by January 2013 it will set up funding advice clinics for private firms.

For more details, visit worcestershirelep.org.