Issue - meetings

The Head of Business Growth presented the report to the Committee to update Members on the ongoing revision of the Business Growth Strategy (the ‘Strategy’) and action plan for 2025-29.

It was reiterated that the Strategy, attached at Appendix 1, was in draft form.

The Council’s previous Strategy covered 2020-24 and had focussed on how the Development Directorate had prioritised its work (and its work with internal and external partners) to achieve the Council’s ambitions over 2019-23.

In April 2024, the Council had launched the new Corporate Plan which had established a vision “to maximise [the Council’s] influence and opportunities within the East Midlands Combined County Authority to drive the continued delivery of excellent services, maximise local aspirations and drive economic prosperity for [the] District”.  It had been underpinned by four main aims: Customers; the Economy; the Environment; and Housing.

The creation of the East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and subsequent changes to the funding structure had seen more devolved powers in areas including transport, regeneration and investment, housing, and skills be provided to EMCCA’s Mayor.

Therefore, the ‘Economy’ priority to drive growth, promote the District, and be business and visitor friendly should be underpinned by a clear strategy of how the Council would boost economic prosperity across the District, work to respond to the challenge of EMCCA, and maximise the opportunities as and when they emerged.

The Strategy had been refreshed to ensure that the ambitions and priorities reflected the new ‘Economy’ priority and recognised the emerging five strategic priorities of EMCCA and the D2 Economic Growth Strategy for Derbyshire (to best position the authority to respond to calls for funding and investment).

The 5 thematic areas of the Strategy had been established and were detailed in the report

A working group involving officers from across the Council and both Dragonfly Companies had worked to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the local economy as well identify and document all the different interventions taking place across the different disciplines (incl. regeneration, housing, net zero, planning, and business growth).

The draft document sought to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges the District faced through innovative and inclusive initiatives.

The Strategy would set out the ambition and objectives for a 4-year period, aligned to the Corporate Plan, and defined a clear action plan to achieve economic growth.

To a question on the Green Skills Hub, the Head of Business Growth informed West Notts. College had occupied a floor of Mill 3 and was operational.

To a follow up question on the status of the Shirebrook Net Zero Hub, the Head of Business Growth informed the Council was working with the contractor with work expected to begin September 2025.

A draft report had been prepared by Rider Levett Bucknall UK Ltd., which had invited a number of proposals from numerous organisations and the Council was working through the 7 submissions received to determine what the successful delivery model alongside its business plan.

To a question on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6