The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “BH”) which seeks endorsement from Executive on the District’s Economic Growth Strategy. The purpose of the strategy is to provide a framework for joint activity, across a range of partners, to drive economic growth across Bradford District that everyone can contribute to and benefit from.

Recommended –

It is recommended that:

(1)  Members recognise the changes in partnership arrangements.

(2)  Members acknowledge the oversight role of the Bradford District Economic Partnership in delivering the Economic Strategy.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration and Economy

(Shelagh O’Neill 0 01274 432076)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “BH”) which sought endorsement from Executive on the district’s Economic Growth Strategy. The purpose of the strategy was to provide a framework for joint activity, across a range of partners, to drive economic growth across Bradford district that everyone can contribute to and benefit from.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder stated that the full launch of the district’s economic strategy would be taking place later in the day, he thanked officers for their hard work in devising the Strategy, adding that in setting out the economic vision for the district for the next 12 years it would add dynamism to the Strategy, as well as working with the business sector to develop goods and services.

During a PowerPoint presentation the Assistant Director alluded to the following:

• That an Economic Strategy for Bradford District 2018 – 2030 sets out our ambition to be the UK’s fastest growing economy by increasing the number of productive businesses and supporting young and enterprising people to innovate, invest and build fulfilling lives in the district.

• Aim to be the UK’s fastest growing economy over the coming decade, increasing the value of our economy by £4 billion, getting 20,000 more people into work and improving the skills of 48,000 residents.

• Three Strategic Assets: People; Our young, diverse and growing population provides Bradford with a unique asset that can drive innovation and business growth. Business; our strong and productive businesses provide the platform for growing our business base and creating more and better jobs, and Place; our diverse places and communities provide an attractive range of live, work and investment opportunities.

• Four Key Opportunities: Our Young and Enterprising Population, we will ensure all our young people are equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed and Our Distinctive Offer, we will use our unique architecture, heritage and cultural assets to create compelling investment propositions and an environment for growth.

Our Growth Potential, we will build on our business and sector strengths to drive innovation, increase productivity and create wealth and Our Globally Connected District, we will improve our transport infrastructure and digital connectivity to strengthen our global trading links and access to markets.

• The Bradford Economic Partnership brings together a team of senior leaders from key organisations, local businesses, Bradford Council, the University of Bradford, the City Region LEP and the Chamber of Commerce.

• The Partnership will set the direction of future economic development and regeneration in Bradford, and provide a credible voice for the city in regional, national and international forums.

The Chair of the Economic Partnership was present at the meeting and stated that in meeting community and business leaders, the key components of the Strategy was a passion to build on the assets of the city as well as its strengths and achievements, and promoting the ‘Made in Bradford ‘ concept, and he hoped that this energy and enthusiasm would filter into the Strategy.

The Leader welcomed the input of the business sector and she hoped that economic growth would be accelerated via the Strategy, in particular she welcomed the investment potential of young people in the district, which was a crucial element of the Strategy.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder explained that skills and transport were essential components of the Strategy, and that Bradford’s’ strengths such as a good place to start a business; its young population were distinct elements in this.  He added that the Strategy would not just focus on the city centre, but build growth across the district, incorporating our rich cultural heritage, unlock the growth potential, increase jobs and prosperity, and that Bradford was key to realising the ambitions under the Northern Powerhouse proposals.  He added that the delivery of Low Moor and Apperley Bridge stations had shown how improved connectivity had transformed the lives of people and businesses.

The Leader stated that these were exciting times for the district and that the Strategy had the potential to transform lives, and that she welcomed the launch of the Strategy later in the day.

Resolved –

(1)        That the changes in partnership arrangements be recognised.

(2)  That the oversight role of the Bradford District Economic Partnership in delivering the Economic Strategy be acknowledged.

ACTION:       Strategic Director Place

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration and Economy