Business growth top priority for Stratford Vision

In June Stratford-on-Avon District Council held a consultation meeting with Stratford Vision as part of the District Council's new Business and Enterprise Strategy for the District.

The new Business and Enterprise Strategy aims to focus on business growth for the District looking at the availability of business space; training and skills and the role of developer's contributions.

The feedback received looked at a number of issues for local businesses including:

• Neighbourhood planning.
• Future development requirements of local businesses, more 'development friendly' approach and being more influential on planning policy.
• Help to secure funding for business development and creating more inward investment opportunities.
• Securing access to appropriate funding i.e. Regional Growth Fund.
• More provision and opportunities for apprentices.
• Development of a district portal to access a list of empty commercial properties.
• A 'Town Team's approach should be advocated across the District.
• Opportunities to coordinate work experience placements and generate a database of offers involving schools/colleges.
• Looking at future transport links between Birmingham and Coventry.

Other suggestions include indentifying district wide business champions; involving Warwickshire County Council in future meetings; promoting the District Council's business support and improving broadband.  

It was also suggested that District Council senior managers could shadow business equivalents and vice versa to gain a greater understanding of business/Local Government issues.

Cllr Maurice Howse, Enterprise, Housing & Revenues Portfolio says: “The District Council welcomes the views and suggestions of Stratford Vision and will take them into account when finalising the new Business and Enterprise Strategy for the District.  These consultations are important and it's vital that the District Council listens to the needs of local businesses.  The District Council wants to act as a conduit to provide advice and ideas whilst working in partnership with local business in making the District a good place to do business in and to create a vibrant and economic success for the District."

This consultation will now help shape the new Business and Enterprise Strategy and Delivery Plan which will be considered by the Council's Cabinet on the 16 July 2012 and subject to agreement will be published shortly after.

Denys Shortt, founder of Stratford Vision commented: “It is vital that we focus on the jobs and growth agenda to build our local economy – it will not happen unless we formulate a clear plan with Stratford District Council.  We are lucky in Stratford to have some good businesses but we are not immune to closures and recession – we need to make sure we stay ahead of the game."