The Rochford District Growth Strategy sets out a number of practical actions that are intended to assist local businesses to grow and develop, to promote new business start-ups, to nurture and inspire entrepreneurial talent, and to encourage existing businesses to relocate to Rochford District.
This strategy does not sit in isolation but aligns with the objectives of our corporate Business Plan 2016-2020 and our Local Development Plan. Our strategy incorporates the Opportunities South Essex (OSE) Growth Strategy, Essex Economic Plan 2014 and operates in tandem with the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) Strategic Economic Plan 2014, that encompasses Essex, Southend, Thurrock, Kent, Medway and East Sussex and acknowledges central governments’ Industrial Strategy.
The Strategy is underpinned by an Implementation Plan. The Implementation Plan sets out how the Council’s Economic Regeneration function will deliver against the four priorities agreed in the Economic Growth Strategy 2017 throughout the financial year of 2018/19. The implementation plan will be regularly reviewed to ensure that it remains relevant to the aims and priorities of Rochford District Council and those at a sub regional and national level. It will take into account new and emerging evidence and priorities published by the Government, as well as the more local priorities identified at the District, Essex and South Essex level.
Our current 2017 draft strategy shows what we intend to do to support long term economic growth within the Rochford District and we have identified 4 priorities:-
- Supporting new businesses
- Growing and retaining businesses
- Encouraging inward investment
- Developing skills and employability
This, being a living document will continue to evolve through conversations with partners, businesses and residents. An example of this on-going communication Rochford District Council undertakes, is through the business networking and training events and by working collaboratively with the Rochford Business Network (Tell Me More Business Subscribers*) and 3 Chambers.
*If you would like to find out how you can get involved with Tell Me More, our FREE online business forum, please click this link
Please also see Related Content to download some of the documents mentioned above and a link to Essex Employment Skills and Business Board, where you can download a District Profile for Rochford.
The Government has launched their 'Industrial Strategy' white paper which sets out a long-term plan to boost the productivity and earning power of people throughout the UK. It sets out how they are building a Britain fit for the future – how they will help businesses create better, higher-paying jobs in every part of the UK with investment in the skills, industries and infrastructure of the future. Their 5 foundations align to their vision for a transformed economy:
- ideas: the world’s most innovative economy
- people: good jobs and greater earning power for all
- infrastructure: a major upgrade to the UK’s infrastructure
- business environment: the best place to start and grow a business
- places: prosperous communities across the UK
The Government will use this strategy to work with industry, academia and civil society over the years ahead to build on the UK’s strengths, make more of the untapped potential and create a more productive economy that works for everyone across the UK.