Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Assistant Director for Economic Development, which highlights some of the progress and key achievements of 2018/19.

The Sub-Committee received an update report from the Assistant Director for Economic Development (item 6 in the minute book), which highlighted strategic activities from the year 2018-19.

The ‘Coherent Place’ commission had taken place with John Till, and recommendations taken forward from that inquiry. The County had continued to work closely with LEP’s and there had been two specific Brexit events. A series of ‘Business Engagement Forum’ workshops had enabled recommendations and ideas to be shared following the outcomes of the inquiry by John Till and these had been a success.

Members learned that business growth had been varied, with some business areas suffering across the year whilst others had expanded. Whilst there was great potential for areas such as within Gosport and the maritime industry, there would also be challenges around infrastructure and access, which would need to be balanced. ‘Enabling’ was an important thing for the County to work with to assist companies and businesses rather than expecting them to work to and alongside a set strategy.

The Gulfstream investment at Farnborough meant a lot of potential for the area and had been the biggest investment by Gulfstream outside of the USA. Other initiatives such as ‘Thought Leadership’ and ‘Station Approach’ were also discussed by the Sub-Committee.

Looking forward to 2020, there were plans to work further with the Solent LEP to find the best way of the supporting the maritime industry. There would also be further discussions around 5G.

The Sub Committee supported the report and thanked the officers for all their work.

To receive a report from the Assistant Director for Economic Development, which highlights some of the progress and key achievements of 2018/19.