Issue - meetings

The updated Strategy was agreed by the Council’s Cabinet in September 2013 and subsequently published in November 2013. This report sets out progress against the Key and Strategic Measures of Success which were included in the Review document.

The Group Manager for Economy & Culture explained that the context of the review was cross cutting to include the areas of; A Whole Economy Approach, External Governance, Public Service Board, Welfare.

He said that the Economic Strategy Review document was developed with a group of key partners and stakeholders and that together with the Health & Wellbeing and Transport Strategies it forms a suite of high level strategies to guide the future of the B&NES area. 

He stated that the updated Strategy was agreed by the Council’s Cabinet in September 2013 and subsequently published in November.

He spoke of how the review identifies eight priority sectors which will be the focus for future economic and employment growth, these are split into Key and Core sectors:

• Core sectors currently employ significant numbers of people locally and will continue to be important in employment terms. They cover: tourism, leisure, arts and culture / retail / health & wellbeing / finance & professional business services
• Key sectors are generally smaller in employment terms but higher value added and offer the potential for significant future expansion. They cover: creative & digital / ICT / advanced engineering & electronics / environmental & low carbon

He informed the Panel that Appendix one to the report sets out progress against the Success Measures for the period 2010 – 2014. It shows:

• That against the key measures of growth in jobs / GVA / productivity the area’s economy has performed well and running ahead of target
• That employment growth in the Priority Sectors is ahead of target but with a focus on growth in the Core Sectors including retail, the visitor economy and health
• That because of the focus on the Core Sectors and the increase in part-time employment:
• The average productivity (GVA) per worker has not grown as much as projected to date

• The average annual income per employee has fallen, however in contrast resident earnings have risen by 2.3% between 2010 – 2014 reflecting the fact that the B&NES resident workforce has above average qualification levels

He explained that the Digital B&NES project was seeking to support all residents and businesses to be able to use the best technology. He added that a pilot Wi-Fi system was being trialled across the duration of the Christmas Market and that the Panel could expect to receive further information regarding this work at a future meeting.

Councillor Colin Blackburn what the level of business space demand was.

The Group Manager for Economy & Culture replied that there was a 250,000sqft unmet demand which equates to a size bigger than the planned Enterprise Area.

Councillor Colin Blackburn asked what the Council does when people or companies choose to work in Bristol because they cannot wait until the Enterprise Area is ready.

The Group Manager for Economy & Culture replied that they do work hard with those that have identified a desire to be here and keep them informed of progress.

Councillor Colin Blackburn asked how the demand for space will be broken down into the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31