Agenda item

Report of the Head of Economic Regeneration

The Business Focus Team Manager presented the report to Members and gave a presentation highlighting the key messages of the plan.

Councillor N Smith commented on the low unemployment levels in the district and felt that officers were doing a fantastic job.

Councillor S Sheahan was happy to see growth in the district, but noted that average wage levels in the district were below those in the County, and the wider East Midlands, and questioned whether more and more lower wage, distribution jobs were a real benefit to local people. He asked what was being done to support the creative industries and to support individuals to gain higher skills.  The Business Focus Team Manager reported that there was a range of support programmes in place including start up exercises and these would continue going forward.  He added that his team worked with businesses across all areas to assess skill sets required and worked closely with the community to try to get the right skills for the jobs available.  The team were also working with employment agencies to utilise government funding available to improve people’s skills.

Councillor V Richichi asked what assistance was provided to the small businesses in the district.  The Business Focus Team Manager responded that the team worked with small businesses much more regularly than the larger ones by offering support for funding, recruitment and advice.  He explained that they engaged with small businesses that were on the cusp of growing as well as those that were at risk of closure to provide support.  Councillor V Richichi went on to ask if it was the responsibility of the business to make contact with the team.  The Business Focus Team Manager explained that that the team took a proactive approach and made contact with businesses when programmes became available, although businesses could and do contact the team when needed.

Councillor R Ashman found the report encouraging and was glad to see that people were a top priority as upskilling would be important when the Country leaves the EU and vacancies will appear.  He also felt it was important avoid being disparaging to the lower skilled jobs as these still need to be filled.

Councillor A C Saffell felt there was a number of inaccuracies as Castle Donington did not benefit from the inadequate ‘bypass’ due to the lack of traffic relief and the infrastructure was inadequate considering the amount of growth in the area.  He also felt that Formula E should be mentioned as it generated lots of income and that Norton did not have the credit it deserved.

Councillor T Eynon felt that the gap between the numbers of commuters working in the district and local residents should be addressed and a plan of support be established for residents to access jobs.  She believed that the level of qualification was a barrier for residents, as well as transport and a higher number of part-time vacancies rather than full-time.

Councillor P Purver highlighted the reference to digital infrastructure but shared concerns that there were industrial areas that did not have high-speed internet because of the refusal of providers to install.  The Business Focus Team Manager reported he was aware of the issue and assured that there were methods to improve the situation.  He added that he had engaged with the businesses at Bardon Industrial Estate to make improvements and urged Members to let him know if they were aware of any other areas affected.   

Councillor G Hoult referred to the shortage of plumbers some years ago which resulted in many people re-training to fill the gap, she asked who identified these gaps.  The Business Focus Team Manager explained that it was a coordinated approach between businesses, the college and job centres.

It was moved by Councillor G Hoult, seconded by Councillor V Richichi and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)     The working draft of the NWL Economic Growth Plan 2019-21 and associated evidence base be noted.

b)     Comments made by the committee be provided to cabinet when considering the report.