The development of the economy in

East DevonMike Allen Councillor

Unemployment 2015

East Devon Development

What businesses say of East Devon

Quality of life is vital – ours is excellent with longer life, quality landscape, leisure and entertainment

Education is critical for the future and our schools are among the very best in the country

Housing and staff costs are significantly lower than in the Southeast or South Midlands

Location is a vital key for our success. We are positioned within easy access of the UK’s main business centres, via 2 airports, extensive motorway connections and sea ports at Poole, Plymouth and Bristol

The quality of life which East Devon offers is high, and the businesses who are here rate the area highly but those outside have little knowledge of this area

We have highly skilled people, land for businesses, business support and transportation The only restrictions we face are the limits of our imagination

Key Facts: East DevonIn 2011, resident population of over 132,000 Age profile is older than the national average but the inland towns are younger than the regional profileAbove national average population growth over the last 25 years (19% compared to 10%)Excellent location in southwest England, easy access to London, Bath, Bristol, Plymouth and ExeterAn established, steady and successful economyLocation of world-class companies such as MET OfficeExcellent opportunities for small businessesKey Partnerships include Exeter University and Airport

Demand for Business LandStudies of workspace found a demand for additional workspace across the District estimated at some 46,229m² and this requirement was confirmed by a 2012 survey. Much of this was expansion on existing or immediately available land. These aspirations are likely to be low-end as the current economic situation improves

Farmland

Business sizeEast Devon has 91% of enterprises employing 0 to 4 people with a large number of sole traders

Demand for expansion above 3,000 sq.ft premises is low but still needed. Most expansion needs are for space 1,000 – 3,000 sq.ft,

There is large demand for new business premises below 1,000 sq ft but of more modern quality

Some rural sites

Key Facts: Business and Enterprise

Significant Growth Point and Science Park linked with Exeter UniversityAbove average output per workerGrowth expected in technology, business services, transport and communications in particularHigh business start up and survival ratesProximity to via A303 to London, rest of SW North-South Rail and Road routes to Bristol and M4, South Wales and MidlandsIt is outstanding as a place to live as well as to workIt is located in close proximity to other major economies which provide large numbers of quality employees growth sectorsOngoing gradual employment decline of Manufacturing and Defence is cushioned by Science-based, Business and Financial Services, leisure, hospitality, food and tourism industriesGood employment growth in higher added value growth employment service sectors

Key Facts: Employment and Skills

History of high economic activity rates and employment rates High proportion of residents qualified to NVQ 3 and aboveHigh proportion of higher level occupations amongst the resident populationLower than UK average resident based earningsMany higher skilled residents commute to jobs outside in ExeterMany young labour market entrants have the skills they need for employmentAging population represents a significant source of income to the economy

Requirements and Challenges: Recent Feedback

We ensure an adequate supply of land and premises for business growthWe Focus on attracting and establishing Science – based businesses We Prepare for the low carbon economy with Environmental businessesSignificant ICT/Mobile/Broadband Connectivity improvementsImproving road and rail transport networkMaximising proximity to M4 and attracting investmentWe attract graduates and graduate level jobs because of the lifestyleWe are developing people for new economy jobs

Strategy for the development of the economy in East Devon from 2015 to 2025

‘A resilient, sustainable and competitive economy characterised by a greater proportion of higher value, higher skilled jobs

Resilient –better able to respond to shocks in the global economy by broadening the employment base so the economy is less dependent on public sector employment and on activity in neighbouring areas for trade and jobs. Ensuring that the right environment for new business starts and the survival of existing business is provided. Sustainable – enabling the transition to a low carbon economy characterised by reduced waste, greater energy efficiency, improved transport movements and greater renewable energy production. We support key growth sectors that have the greatest prospects of growth in the future and which deliver higher productivity and value to our economy. Competitive – creating a location of choice where businesses are attracted, welcomed, listened to, involved in setting local economic priorities and supported in terms of the availability of appropriate infrastructure and skills

This is about building confidence to encourage private sector investment in this area

Strategic Objective 1Broaden the employment base so that East Devon is less dependent on low wage employment, low value-added economic activity and improves trade with neighbouring areas and export markets

Identifying and supporting key growth sectors that deliver high productivity and value

Creating a supportive environment for business start-up and survival

Attracting inward investment Supporting skills development, enterprise and innovation Promoting social enterprise and sustainable communities

Strategic Objective 2Provide the infrastructure that will create a business location of choice Providing the opportunity to listen to and involve

businesses in setting local economic priorities Removing unnecessary institutional Council bureaucracy Create vibrant places where people wish to live and work

and businesses wish to invest – priorities include: Regeneration of key town centres The provision of adequate employment land and

workspace served by next generation ICT infrastructure Improved entertainment and leisure in and around

town centres Successful lobbying for a more effective transport network

which supports the growth of the economy

Strategic Objective 3Improve the skills and employability of locally based workers and unemployed residents. Bringing business, community and civic leaders together

in partnership to set clear local priorities that reflect the future needs of employers and small business growth

Develop effective Careers Counselling and graduate retention opportunities, encourage and supporting the provision and take up of apprenticeships

Encourage and enable people to enter and re-enter the labour market. Raise the basic ICT and language skills levels of Area East young people and locally based workers

Encourage and develop access to local further and higher education access and business training provision

Strategic Objective 4Enable the transition to a sustainable economy Encouraging the reduction of commercial waste and

the introduction of energy efficiency measures within new developments

Promoting sustainable transport Promoting renewable energy production Encouraging sustainable practices, especially

recycling, energy reduction and waste reduction within existing businesses and services

Questions and Comments