Leader s foreword. to help ensure that we can support businesses in every way possible, helping them to grow and generate employment.

Transcription

1 Economic Prospectus

2 Leader s foreword 03 Welcome to the revised Sandwell Economic Prospectus which sets out the direction we want for the local economy over the next few years. Centrica Plc, Oldbury. Photo courtesy of Stoford Since the first prospectus was produced in 2010 we have made real progress in creating a location where businesses and residents thrive. We aim to build a sustainable, local economy that provides local people with new jobs and businesses within the right environment. However, achieving economic growth continues to present a real challenge for Sandwell and its partners in an increasingly competitive world. We are therefore working with our partners to promote growth, particularly in the sectors that offer Sandwell the best potential to create jobs and increased output of products and services that customers need. The Prospectus focuses on three areas of activity: land and premises, employment and skills and business support. Here at Sandwell Council we have brought together Regeneration and Economic Development, Planning, and Property Services to improve collaborative working and the service offered to residents and businesses for all of three of these focus areas. As part of this improved offer we are also exploring new ways of integrating the work of other council services to help ensure that we can support businesses in every way possible, helping them to grow and generate employment. Overall, I want to see the Borough develop a strong identity, diverse economy and high-quality urban environment. Sandwell needs to be home to productive and innovative companies, and to residents who have had a high standard of education and training which gives them the right skills to compete in the jobs market of the Twenty First Century. Achieving this vision will ensure Sandwell s future as a great place to live, work and invest. Councillor Darren Cooper, Leader of the Council

3 Our economic 05 vision for 2020 Sandwell has a clear vision of where we aim to be by Our economic vision continues to be based on the three pillars of: land and premises (Page 12) employment and skills (Page 14) support for enterprise (Page 16). Our vision includes: Growing Sandwell s existing manufacturing base in terms of value of its products and the skills needed to make them. A diverse range of growing businesses, with more of them operating in the growth sectors we have identified for Sandwell (See page 8) Some will be supplying traditional markets. Others will be at the forefront of new technology, supplying new products and services to emerging markets. A developing portfolio of employment sites for commercial use. This portfolio will meet the needs of Sandwell s local economy as it adapts to changing trading conditions and grows. The council s approach to maximising the financial and growth potential of its assets will underpin the portfolio. Better education and training opportunities aligning residents needs with those of employers by making sure that everyone can get careers information and guidance at all ages. More job opportunities for residents with a greater variety at both lower and higher levels of requirement for skills and qualifications. Promoting community economic development that puts resources and support into Social Enterprises, town-based small businesses, and community assets with a long- term stake in Sandwell. Developing under-used public assets and private land productively and sustainably (for wood fuel for example, or possibly heat sharing, solar or wind power). Cutting CO2 output by the council and local businesses to give a lead on sustainability and value for money. We will achieve this by promoting technological innovation, energy efficiency and growth in the green sector of Sandwell s economy. Developing a more localised economy to cut the amount of wealth Sandwell residents and companies spend outside the borough. We will do this by promoting community-owned businesses and encouraging local spending in better shops and entertainment and leisure venues. Promoting regeneration across the borough and beyond through the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Artists Impression of New Square Development, West Bromwich

4 06 07 About Sandwell Sandwell is at the heart of the West Midland conurbation. More than 90% of the population of England and Wales live within two hours drive, a valuable and accessible market Manchester London Sandwell s Strengths: Sandwell has a vibrant and varied local economy with about 9,000 businesses, and an ethnically diverse workforce of approximately 140,000. Forty one per cent of the labour force is currently aged between 16 and 34, a percentage expected to grow significantly over the next eight years. Around 21% of Sandwell s businesses are involved in manufacturing, which is one of our priority growth sectors. Sandwell lies at the heart of the national motorway network with five junctions feeding into the M5 and M6 motorways serving the South West, South East and North West regions of the UK. Sandwell is 15 miles from Birmingham International Airport. We are also on the West Coast Mainline railway, providing access to London and Manchester, and the Birmingham to Wolverhampton Metro line. We also have a state of the art Further Education College and Regional Business Centre for BT. We have 1,200 hectares of parks, playing fields and green spaces, plus over 30 miles of canals, enhancing opportunities for residential and commercial use. Sandwell Valley Marsh Area courtesy of Adrian W. Kirton West Bromwich is Sandwell s main town centre, home to a premier football club and the countries 6th largest Building Society founded in Being located next to England s second city provides huge benefits to local residents and businesses.

5 08 09 Sandwell s priority growth sectors Locating in Sandwell opens a world of possibilities for businesses. We have identified the following 3 key sectors that offer the potential for increased wealth generation. Diversified manufacturing including high value added engineering, food production, offsite construction and health products. Business, financial and consumer services. Green industries including environmental technologies, waste recycling, and resource management and research. Each of these have been evaluated against factors such as their potential to: provide jobs; boost the borough s productivity; and protect against economic downturn. It is also important to support the diversification of the markets Sandwell businesses sell into, and help promote production of higher value added, specialist products. We also want flexibility to meet changing customer preferences and capability. The trend towards growth in the services sector is a feature of local economies in all western countries. Sandwell has a long manufacturing tradition and offers skills and experience in the sector. This presents major openings for investors to benefit from extensive supply chain and collaborative working opportunities as they develop new products and services. Our food sector is already well established. It presents opportunities to develop new products, transfer skills from other sectors and supply the regional and national marketplaces. Business services are also well established. New developments in West Bromwich will provide increased opportunities for office-based activities. The market for environmental services and products in the West Midlands is already significant and growing. Key markets for development locally are: renewable energy; green manufacturing; energy management; and water treatment. All of these offer considerable potential to link up with construction and infrastructure projects. Providence Place, West Bromwich

6 10 Focusing on land, premises and infrastructure 11 Good business locations with the right land, premises and access are essential to any regeneration programme. We and our partners continue to work with potential investors, developers and funding agencies to assemble sites and premises which meet companies needs. Top Right - Midland Metro Middle - West Bromwich Police Station Bottom Left - Churchfields Development Bottom Right - The Public West Bromwich Bus Station

7 Focusing on land, premises and infrastructure Our Mission To work with developers to deliver commercial sites which meet the needs of Sandwell s priority sectors, thus increasing job opportunities. To support businesses to stay in Sandwell. Our support includes a property and site search service to help prospective investors and existing businesses expand or change location within the borough. To get the most out of our assets and promote Sandwell s long-term economic output by proactively disposing of surplus land and property. To tailor planning support for investors in line with the Black Country Business Friendly Planning Charter, along with offering a first class Building Consultancy Service. To ensure Sandwell s transport system supports the economic well-being of the borough by working with funding providers to deliver the necessary transport schemes. To use our best endeavours to support investors in Sandwell. Key programmes The council has recently adopted a Site Allocations and Delivery Development Plan Document (SAD) which identifies strategic investment sites and opportunities for significant changes in the use of land, inward investment and urban renewal. Proactively encourage development through the identification and promotion of opportunity sites whether they are private or publicly owned. Work with developers to remediate land to develop a portfolio of sites that are attractive to potential investors. Move towards a development team approach which enables issues to be resolved prior to planning submission and ensures planning permission is granted quickly with fewer planning conditions. Provide certainty and confidence in the council s planning processes and provide tailored support 13 to developers. In West Bromwich ensure good links between the new Tesco and Queens Square are in place, promote Kings Square as a destination and encourage more retail activity at the Farley Centre. Junction 41

8 Sandwell College courtesy of A. Carew-Cox Focusing on employment and skills 14 A workforce with the right skills is critical to the growth of Sandwell s economy and residents future prosperity depends on them having the skills to access the jobs created by economic growth.. Our mission To enable every Sandwell resident of working age to move into or return to work and/or training. To offer fully integrated support for businesses recruiting staff, based on the needs of both employers and employees. To assist employers to identify the skills they need to grow their business. To assist Sandwell residents, particularly the young unemployed, to access a clear and recognisable route to increase their ability to secure training/ education and employment vacancies. To provide a clear, recognised, locally planned and delivered pathway between pre-employment and work, with a particular focus on post 16 unemployment. To promote collaborative working with a range of training providers, educational institutions including Higher Education and business in order to deliver the skills required for business growth. Key programmes Think Local recruitment team work with companies to identify and advertise vacancies, supporting them in recruiting the right staff, helping to sift candidates, organise briefing sessions and sit on interview panels if required. Specialist support is available for people with health related issues ensuring equality of access to employment. The Think Local Youth employment / apprenticeship team is dedicated to supporting young people aged 18 to 24 into work and particularly apprenticeships. It provides a unique service linking the employer, young person, training provider and parent. Ongoing mentoring throughout the life of the apprenticeship ensures that young people complete training and move successfully into long term employment. We also give specialist support to people with health issues. The council s apprenticeship scheme provides opportunities across the organisation as part of our longer term workforce development. Future Skills Sandwell delivers a wide range of NVQ s at Level 2 and 3, and professional qualifications for individuals together with higher level courses to support business growth. The inclusion of community benefit clauses into major public contracts ensures job and apprenticeship opportunities are available to local people as a priority. Sandwell Employment Network brings together voluntary sector and public sector to provide pre-employment routes for those residents not yet ready for work. Identification of skills gaps (current and future) in priority sectors, encouraging training providers and employers to fill them through opportunities such as the Employer Ownership Fund. Continuous monitoring of the local economy, and discussions with local businesses, enable the development of targeted interventions to address employment and skills issues.

9 Focusing on support for enterprise We work with a range of partners including neighbouring councils and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Our Mission To increase capital and human investment in Sandwell. To continue to enjoy the best of joint working with partners through the Black Country LEP. To increase businesses profitability, and reduce risk. To help give them a competitive advantage by advising and supporting them on resource and energy efficiency, environmental management and legal compliance. To promote Sandwell as an investment destination. To develop our award-winning web promotion of online procurement and collaborative working. Key programmes Develop opportunities for companies in su pply chains to work together through Higher Education providers and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Help local companies improve their efficiency and environmental performance by advising on environmental legislation through the Business In Sandwell Network of Environmental Support (BISNES) and Groundwork. Support Sandwell companies to grow by encouraging successful links with public and private sector partners. Partners include; Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), UKTI International Trade Team and the national Growth Accelerator programme Think Sandwell, the Council s Inward Investment Team works with UK and foreign owned companies to encourage them to invest here. The team and Black Country LEP can support companies in identifying and applying for sources of finance and investment incentives including the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for companies with potential for growth. Think Local, the council s employment and skills team, works alongside the Inward Investment team and Think Sandwell to ensure that Sandwell residents are able to access the jobs and training resulting from business growth and investment. Together the teams provide a single offer for business. Work with Black Country Re-investment Society (BCRS) to provide funding where grants and traditional bank loans are not available. Broadband speeds are being increased to ensure all advantages offered by the internet are locally available. 17

10 18 Working together, working better This document aims to show the direction Sandwell s economic development is taking. Although we have a clear idea of the direction being taken, a number of challenges will present themselves along the way. We knew however, that by taking the steps outlined in this prospectus we will move towards the achievement of our vision for the borough s economy, benefiting everyone who lives, works, and invests here. 19

11 Black Country Bullet Concept Car Published by Sandwell Council, Council House, Oldbury, West Midlands B69 3DE For general council enquiries please telephone or Cover Images Sleipnir, Wednesbury Sandwell Council House Birchley Island, Oldbury Black Country Bullet Concept Car