Council adopts Local Industrial and Economic Strategy

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Press Release

Published on 18 December 2018
Archived on 18 January 2019


Stratford-on-Avon District Council has agreed to formally adopt the Local Industrial and Economic Strategy (LIEDS) for Stratford-on-Avon District 2018-2031.  

The Strategy highlights the issues and challenges that impact on economic activity and identifies realistic actions that can be achieved over the next five years and ultimately up to 2031 between the District Council and key partners.  

The Strategy seeks to increase productivity across the District and achieve indigenous business growth, retention and new inward investment both from the UK and abroad.

The vision for the Strategy is: "To ensure that Stratford-on-Avon embraces all opportunities for economic growth and that resulting prosperity is inclusive and maintains the attractiveness of the District for future generations to enjoy."

The Strategy focuses on 9 priority areas under three main aims:

Aim 1: The best place to start and grow a business (Business)
* Automotive
* Agriculture and Rural Enterprise
* Business Growth and Start-ups

Aim 2: Prosperous communities (Place)
* Retail and Town Centres
* Connectivity
* Infrastructure

Aim 3: Good jobs and greater earning power (People)
* Culture, Tourism and Heritage
* Skills
* Incomes and Jobs

The Strategy can be viewed at www.stratford.gov.uk/enterprise

Cllr Maurice Howse, Business, Tourism and ICT portfolio says: "A considerable volume of work has gone into producing this Local Industrial and Economic Development Strategy which clearly states Stratford-on-Avon District's vision for the future. There is considerable uncertainty about the future as we move forward and this document sets out how best the District can deal with the changes that are necessary to secure our growth and prosperity.

"The District does not act in isolation and requires co-operation from our neighbours, including Warwick District and Warwickshire County Council. In addition it also requires funding and help from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).  

"We have much to offer our partners not least of which is The Shakespeare Brand, so successful in attracting tourists from around the World and thus boosting the local economy. We are the centre of excellence for the Automotive Industry with JLR and Aston Martin and with crossover technology in the Rail Industry.  In this document we have a road map for the future clearly laid out."

The preparation of the Strategy followed the publication of the UK Industrial Strategy as well as the emerging West Midlands Industrial Strategy prepared by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Stratford-on-Avon District Council is also the only Council across Coventry and Warwickshire to have prepared a Local Industrial Strategy, which now sits alongside the District Council's Core Strategy adopted in July 2016.

  • The Strategy is based on robust evidence and consultation including, the results of the Business Survey carried out by the District Council in summer 2018.
  • Comments of key stakeholders have been incorporated into The Strategy to ensure it remains both relevant and informed.
  • Progress towards objectives will be monitored, continued relevance assessed at 2023 and a further Action Plan up to 2031 will be put in place to address any new issues that have arisen in the meantime.

Contact details

Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575

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Last updated on 21/12/2018