16/02/10 Have your say on boosting South Oxfordshire’s economy

SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council wants local business
to have a say on an action plan for economic development in the district over the next three years.

The plan sets out the range of issues facing business and economic development in South Oxfordshire, such as high levels of commuters travelling outside the district, skills shortages, access to services in
rural locations and competition from other areas, along with the challenges posed by the current global economic downturn. The plan suggests key actions needed to tackle these issues and achieve a
real, measurable difference.

In a statement, SODC says: “Although the council will take the lead on the plan, it is intended to be a joint effort working closely with local businesses, individuals and other partner organisations. A steering group has been established to push the actions forward and its members will hopefully become
ambassadors for this work within the wider business community.”

Some of the key actions include:

● Helping to encourage the creation of high value job
opportunities for local people. The plan is to work closely with Science Vale UK to raise the profile of the area as an excellent choice to locate business and an attractive place to live.
● Addressing skill gaps and raising skills levels in the local workforce by encouraging education providers to offer appropriate training.
● Providing more support, guidance and promotion for local businesses – running networking events, meeting the needs of small businesses and people working from home.
● Supporting strong and vibrant towns with market town action plans.

Cabinet Member for economic development, Rodney Mann, says:”This important three year plan shows the council?s commitment to supporting economic growth in the district by promoting business growth, creating new job opportunities and supporting the creation of vibrant market towns.

“I urge local people, and the business community in particular, to take a look at this action plan and let us know if they think we are on the right track. By working together to achieve the goals in this plan,
we aim to make South Oxfordshire one of the most economically successful, and environmentally sustainable, rural areas in the country.”

The action plan is available for people to view on the council?s website at www.southoxon.gov.uk/haveyoursay
and the consultation on the plan runs until the end of February. Comments can be sent to:
economic.development@southoxon.gov.uk

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