Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation from David Fletcher regarding the Hampshire economy, featuring information produced for the 2050 Commission.

The Select Committee received a presentation from David Fletcher; Assistant Director of Economy regarding the Hampshire economy.

Members heard that:

·         Hampshire faced challenges that were both national and Hampshire specific. These included a shortage of grade A office space and lack of digital skills.

·         Despite challenges, Hampshire had a generally prosperous economy worth around £50bn, despite manufacturing decreasing by around 7%.

·          A thriving economy was about getting a good mix of high productivity and employment to achieve the best economic output. Transport links also needed to be exploited.

·         Urban centres were aimed at attracting young people and creating a mix of jobs and a good cultural environment. It was important that people were able to live and work in the same area.

·          Most successful City Centres need 50% of commercial development dedicated to office space, and at the moment Southampton had 20% and Portsmouth 25%.

·         Hampshire was the most export intensive county and looked to build on being a gateway for the UK economy as a whole.

·         Gosport has sites coming forward for development/redevelopment with deep water access and it was important that these were utilised to drive the marine and maritime economy in the local area.

Members agreed that there would be multiple benefits to the LEP’s working more closely together.

The Select Committee was shown a presentation by John Till, Director of Thinking Place on branding and marketing Hampshire. (Video can be seen at https://youtu.be/V2kPhFlGkhs)

RESOLVED:

Members noted the information provided by David Fletcher and thanked him for his ongoing work.