Minutes:
Considered –
A presentation from
David Caulfield, Assistant Director for Growth Planning and Trading Standards,
providing Members with an update on the Economic Growth Strategy and the
Destination Management Plan.
David Caulfield gave a
presentation, providing Members with an update on the economic development
strategies. The following key points were raised:
-
That
there are two key strategies: the Economic Growth
Strategy and the Destination Management Plan (tourism strategy). The public and
stakeholder consultations for these strategies are currently in progress.
-
The
Economic Growth Strategy is being developed as one clear approach is required
when it comes to economic development. The consultation has received positive
feedback and engagement. The key challenges facing economic growth currently are; energy supply infrastructure, skills and access to
labour, transport, assisting businesses to achieve net zero and the supply of
sites and premises. However, opportunities for economic growth include; LGR has provided the perfect opportunity to be
bold, ambitious and innovative, Covid has increased the number of remote
workers who can now live rurally, there is support for growth in agri-food
energy, a bioeconomy and natural capital and it is a good opportunity to
support the net zero transition in agriculture. Further consultation is taking
place before the Strategy goes to the Executive.
-
The
Destination Management Plan (tourism strategy) has received positive feedback
during the consultation period and further consultation is taking place before
the Plan goes to the Executive. There has been a focus on ‘place’, ‘people’,
‘product’ and ‘data and intelligence’. The Skipton and Ripon workshops were
well received with the following feedback being provided: disperse people to less known places, use gateways such as airports and ferry
ports to advertise, improve wifi connectivity,
improve transport, attract a younger market and extend the season. A product
audit is underway to identify what stakeholders in the area have to offer.
Following the presentation, the below key points were raised in the
discussion:
-
Once
the strategies have been approved, a more detailed action plan will be produced.
Members of the ACC will be consulted on this so that a local perspective can be
integrated. The action plan should include the expected outcomes and timeframes
for policies.
-
The
strategies will go to the relevant Member working groups and Overview and Scrutiny
Committees before being adopted.
-
A way
for those visiting North Yorkshire to see what is available in the area should
be produced.
-
There
should be more of a focus on NYC’s ambition to reach net zero.
-
A
bioeconomy and natural capital should only be aimed for where appropriate as
they often contradict each other.
-
Old
sites and premises should be transformed, rather than relying on building new
sites.
-
North
Yorkshire shouldn’t be sold as a product, but rather an experience. This should
be across North, South, East and West Yorkshire and these areas should not
compete.
-
There
was interest in creating a separate Ripon brand.
-
Getting
better connectivity for residents was a key concern.
-
The strategy
should refer to working with the BIDs more.
Resolved –
a)
That
the verbal update is noted.