Consulting on five-year economic strategy for Harrogate district 19 Jan 2010

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19January 2010

 

Harrogate district's businesses, organisations and residents are being encouraged to take part in a consultation on Harrogate Borough Council's Draft Economic Development Strategy 2010-2015.  

The consultation period will run until 4 February with the strategy being adopted by April 2010.

The purpose of the document is to provide a clear vision for protecting and maintaining the Harrogate district economy through the current period of recession as well as ensuring continued growth and vitality in the future.  The strategy centres on an ambition to generate wealth, investment and jobs for all residents, across the Harrogate district. 

Acting Leader of the Council, Richard Cooper says that although the council has directly invited businesses, chambers of trade and other economic partners to get involved he is keen to hear from the wider public.   He added: "The district boasts a strong, resilient economy centred on a high quality built and natural environment, a culture of enterprise and a highly skilled resident workforce.   However in the current economic climate it would be foolish to think that anywhere is 'untouchable'.

"It is therefore essential that the council has a clear vision about how to protect and maintain our economy through this recession and to be equipped for future growth as we come out of this difficult period.   The £13m investment in the Harrogate International Centre and our renewed focus on leisure tourism are good examples of our ambitions for the future."

Kathryn Daly, the council's Economic Development Manager said: "Whilst the council is taking the lead on this document to shape the future of the district's economy, we know that we cannot achieve these ambitions alone.   We fully recognise the importance of working closely with resident businesses and economic development partners in order to achieve the vision and help secure future prosperity and growth for the district. 

"The health of the economy affects a wide range of people, whether they live in the district, run a business or travel here to work.   We are therefore encouraging anybody with an interest to get involved by sending us their views." 

 

Written comments can be made by writing to:

Harrogate Borough Council

Economic Development Unit

Knapping Mount

Harrogate

HG1 2AE

or by email edu@harrogate.gov.uk

To read the draft strategy and find out more about how to get involved online, visit the council's website at www.harrogate.gov.uk/economicstrategy, email the Economic Development Unit at edu@harrogate.gov.uk or telephone 01423 556077.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION:   Councillor Richard Cooper is available for comment on 01423 705074 or 07792 655535.    Further technical information is available from Kathryn Daly on 01423 556054.