“To have a dynamic, entrepreneurial culture … to be a natural choice for business location … to have a strong support network to help businesses and individuals to reach their goals.”
The Economy and Employment Group was formed in July 2002 and came together initially to provide professional and knowledgeable input into Hyndburn’s Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy and Community Strategy. The Group currently has a range of committed members, representing professional or community based organisations with a stake in Hyndburn’s economic future (see below).
The over-arching aim of the work is to increase income and employment levels in Hyndburn. A series of objectives contribute to achieving this: easier access to jobs and training; opening up new opportunities through increased awareness and knowledge of ICT; increasing the community’s awareness and ability to contribute to economic improvement; establishing a culture of entrepreneurship; providing opportunities for business location and expansion; ensuring the future vitality and viability of Accrington town centre; enhancing existing business support to enable companies to become more competitive. A vast range of projects are underway, many being implemented by partner organisations represented on the Economy and Employment Group.
The Group has identified some key projects to help deliver Community/Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy objectives such as the development of the 90 Whitebirk greenfield site on the M65, implementation of the Elevate Housing Market Renewal programme, the Hyndburn Portal. The Group considers that its added value is in being the mechanism to drive forward economic development links to these significant projects. In terms of existing and emerging priority activities there has been detailed discussion around entrepreneurship, social enterprise development, links to the Lancashire Digital Development Agency, lack of ‘A’ level facilities in the Borough. A number of agencies on the Group are involved in these issues and by developing joint solutions a more co-ordinated approach can be offered.
The Economy and Employment Group recognises that its theme is instrinsic to the well-being of the borough and its residents. It has expressed a willingness and enthusiasm to continue to meet regularly and is working hard to effect a meaningful transition from strategy-focus to action-focus. Membership of the Group is to be expanded further but where appropriate, representatives are to be invited onto the group to give specific input on a time-limited or task-focused basis.
Members of the Economy and Employment Group:
East Lancs Chamber of Commerce (business development and E-envoy);
Hyndburn FIRST (economic development, community enterprise development, portal development);
Neighbourhood Renewal Community Voice;
Asian Business Federation;
Employment Service Job Centre Plus;
Trinity Partnership;
Inland Revenue;
Hyndburn Enterprise Trust;
Lancashire County Developments Ltd.;
Welfare Rights;
Citizens Advice Bureau;
Lancashire County Council
For more information on the Economy and Employment Group contact Gill Barton, Economic Development Manager at Hyndburn Borough Council:
TEL. 01254 600610
E-MAIL gill.barton@hyndburnbc.gov.uk
