To receive an update on how the Council secures investment in Shropshire.

Contact: Gemma Davies, Head of Economic Growth, tel 01743 258985

The Head of Economic Development advised Members that the Shropshire had to compete both nationally and internationally to attract and retain companies to support economic growth in Shropshire.  This was done through a targeted approach linked to the key sectors, sites and corridors identified by both the Council and Marches Local Enterprise Partnership [LEP].

The Business Growth and Investment Manager explained that there were three target areas:

·         Key accounts;

·         Inward investment; and

·         Lead Generation.

He continued that the Key accounts were either in the top 100 businesses in the County defined by turnover and staff numbers, or identified as the fastest growers, this included an international company which had located its fifth unit in Craven Arms. Members agreed that it was vital for companies to be able to attract and retain the right staff.  The Head of Economic Growth suggested that this need for appropriate housing and facilities was identified and provided for through the Local Plan and that it was vital that Council policies showed co-ordination.

Members noted that Members of the Shropshire Business Board jointly delivered the new Shropshire Economic Growth Strategy and acted as business ambassadors for the County both nationally and internationally.  

The Business Growth and Investment Manager explained that the current Invest in Shropshire brand had been in place for around ten or eleven years and was looking dated.  Work was being undertaken to redesign the brand to make it more commercial and interactive.  Prototype leaflets reflecting the new brand had been launched and feedback on them was being sought.  This project was to be extended to the refresh of the website and social media offerings in the new year.

The Head of Economic Growth explained that MIPIM was a four-day conference and exhibition hosted in France in March. This was the construction industry’s largest conference.  Officers had attended in 2018 in partnership with the Midlands Engine.  This had been an opportunity to establish new relationships with contacts across the property industry.  In response to Member’s question the business Growth and Investment Manager explained that contacts made at MIPIM did not have immediate impact but that was where the dialogues began that could be developed. Members observed that they received criticism over the Council’s attendance at the conference and it was suggested that more information on the benefits of attending could be conveyed to Members.    

In response to Members’ comments about difficulties encountered by companies wishing to relocate to the county and trying to negotiate their way around different parts of the Council. The Director of Place agreed that there was more to be done to increase collaborative working, to remove blocks currently in place and to create a ‘can do’ culture.

Members observed that the current Economic Growth Strategy was sector driven and did not differentiate between the needs of companies in rural and urban areas.  The Business Growth and Investment Manager agreed that the nature of the rural economy differed from that of the urban areas, but both were equally important in the development of the County’s economy and both had different challenges to be met. 

RESOLVED: that the contents of the report be noted and that continued support and feedback be given to the activities of the Business Growth and Investment team as part of the Economic Growth service with the aim to develop a more co-ordinated and co-operative service for businesses.