Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report presenting the Economic Development Strategic Plan for Growth 2013-18.  This Strategic Plan was due to be published by the Council and comments were invited on the activities illustrated in the Plan and the proposals for the Council, its partners and key stakeholders to build resilience and grow the local economy.  The priorities for achieving growth were:

• a competitive workforce
• Business generation, retention and inward investment
• Physical and transport infrastructure

Arising from answers to questions, it was noted that the Council would be continuing to work with Aspire, the employer led public-private partnership to engage business with schools and the wider community, concentrating particularly on the element of the scheme supporting local residents into employment and skills development.  On apprenticeships, the East Berkshire College worked with employers in the town to increase the number of apprenticeship opportunities and promote them to young people as a viable alternative to more academic routes to further education.  The Council (with Arvato) had its own apprenticeship programme leading to a level 2 or 3 NVQ in business administration.

From the data in Appendix 1 to the Strategy, the high proportion of economically inactive females was noted and a piece of work was to be undertaken on this.  Generally, services and programmes were aimed at being available for and reaching all sections of the community, for example the provision of job clubs in community centres across the Borough.  A strand of the Aspire programme focused on business support and ran start-up sessions for small businesses.  Use of the small business units provided on the Plymouth Road estate was continuing at a high level with virtually all units currently let.

The Committee supported the Strategic Plan as set out and looked forward to reports on progress in the future.

Resolved –

(a)  That the direction the Economic Development Strategic Plan for Growth is taking on supporting the local economy to grow and prosper be endorsed.

(b)  That the Slough Wellbeing Board and the Cabinet be recommended to approve the Plan.