Economy, skills and enterprise

Our vision of the economy of the district and the Skills of our workforce in 2021

Our vision is that in 2021 we have developed a strong and diverse economy where Young People and Adults have the opportunity to work, earn and improve their life chances.

We have a workforce that posesses appropriate skills for local employment, and suitable employment opportunities exist. The education and skills sector is providing the right skills base to secure future employment in a growing knowledge based economy. Enterprise is encouraged in our rural areas and market towns and more affordable housing enables the workforce to live and work locally.

Business wants to locate to the district and planning policies support the right environment for strong economic growth. Our small and medium sized businesses grow and prosper and social enterprises have an increased role in providing services.

The transport infrastructure, in particular the rail network and the A12 and A14 have developed to support business growth.

Overall the economy in Suffolk Coastal is still strong and diverse employment has spread wealth across our communities. In particular wealth is created more widely throughout our rural areas and important regeneration initiatives have been developed for Felixstowe.

Growth point status has brought real benefits to the district by ensuring that the increased jobs and housing have been planned with the required infrastructure whilst maintaining the quality of our local environment. Focus has been placed on the Ipswich policy area and Felixstowe as part of the Haven Gateway as one of the fastest growing sub regions in the Eastern area.

Priority Outcomes for the LSP

• The maximum number of individuals will acquire employability skills
• Better links between businesses, employers, education providers and young people to raise awareness of opportunities available and raise aspirations of young people.
• Integrate basic skills provision with other agencies and services
• Explore, increase and improve access to routes out of poverty for adults
• Improved awareness of rural transport issues with relevant agencies at local, subregional and regional levels.

A working group has been formed to oversee delivery of an action plan for 2010/11 to deliver these outcomes.

Economy & Skills Working Group:

• Suffolk Coastal Business Forum
• Suffolk ACRE
• Business Link EAST
• Haven Gateway Partnership
• Heritage Coast Market Towns Initiative
• Job Centre Plus
• Choose Suffolk
• Otley College
• Suffolk County Council
• Suffolk Eductation Business Partnership
• Suffolk Coastal District Council

To see the annual performance report showing our progress towards delivering our outcomes for this key priority, please click Economy and Skills Progress Report 2010/11 

For further information on economy and skills and the work of the LSP in this area, please see www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourbusiness/forum, or contact Nick Boulter by emailing nick@suffolkcoastalbusinessforum.org.uk