1. A selection of products made in Wiltshire Wiltshire Strategic Economic Partnership: The development of the economy in Wiltshire Alistair Cunningham, Director Economy and Enterprise, Wiltshire Council

2. Wiltshire Strategic Economic Partnership Established in 2007 (operated prior to this as the Wiltshire and Swindon Economic Partnership since late 1990s) Leads the economy theme of the Wiltshire Assembly Sets the strategic direction for the delivery of the Economic Development Services at Wiltshire Council

3. Some Delivery Partners

4. What businesses say We have been welcomed in Wiltshire, a county which has excellent labour, access and resources, and our business is thriving here” – James Dyson, Dyson appliances Location is a vital key for our success. We need to positioned within easy access of the UK’s main business centres, not only for delivery and installation but also for back up service “ – Elaine Roberts, CI Electronics The quality of life which Wiltshire offer is very high, and staff are rarely tempted to move elsewhere. Likewise, the rural location plays a big role in attracting the right calibre of staff” – Simon Yaxley, IBAH (UK) We have the people, location, support and products to go as far as we want. The only restrictions we face are the limits of our imagination” – Richard Millington – Microlights Design

5. Key Facts: Wiltshire In 2008, resident population of 455,000 Age profile is older than the national average but younger than the regional profile Above national average population growth over the last 25 years (19% compared to 10%) Superb central location on southern England, easy access to London, Bath, Bristol and Southampton An established, steady and successful economy Location of world-class companies such as Virgin Mobile, Knorr-Bremse and Real World Studios World-class research and development centres e.g. QinetiQ and Dstl

6. Key Facts: Business and Enterprise Above average output per worker Growth expected in financial and business services and transport and communications in particular Above national average Gross Domestic Household Income High business start up and survival rates Proximity to M4 BUT it has been losing competitive advantage over the last decade: It is attractive as a place to live as opposed to work It is located in close proximity to a series of major and competitive economies which provide large numbers of quality well paid jobs in growth sectors Ongoing gradual employment decline of Manufacturing and Public Administration & Defence Lower employment growth than competitor areas in higher added value growth employment service sectors

7. Key Facts: Employment and Skills History of higher economic activity rates and employment rates than the regional and nationally High proportion of residents qualified to NVQ 3 and above Greater proportion of higher level occupations amongst the resident population than regionally and nationally Above average resident based earnings BUT Higher skilled residents commute to jobs outside the county Significant demand for basic skills training Workplace based earning below national average Growing NEET issue Young labour market entrants lack the skills they need for employment Aging population - hard to replace skills will be lost through retirement

8. Requirements and Challenges: Recent Feedback Ensuring an adequate supply of land and premises for business growth Preparing for the low carbon economy ICT Connectivity Improving road and rail transport network Maximising proximity to M4 and attracting investment Attracting graduates and graduate level jobs Improving the work ethic and life skills amongst young people Reducing inequalities in education and health and therefore access to employment Up-skilling people for new economy jobs Ageing labour market

9. Draft strategy for the development of the economy in Wiltshire 2010-15: Vision ‘ A resilient, sustainable and competitive economy characterised by a greater proportion of higher value, higher skilled jobs Resilient –better able to respond to shocks in the global economy by broadening the employment base so the economy is less dependent on public sector employment and on activity in neighbouring areas for trade and jobs. Ensuring that the right environment for new business starts and the survival of existing business is provided. Sustainable – enabling the transition to a low carbon economy characterised by reduced waste, greater energy efficiency, reduced transport movements and greater renewable energy production and supporting key growth sectors that have the greatest prospects of growth in Wiltshire in the future and which deliver higher productivity and value to the Wiltshire economy. Competitive – creating a location of choice where businesses are welcomed, listened to, involved in setting local economic priorities and supported in terms of the availability of appropriate infrastructure and skills; it is about building confidence that will encourage private sector investment in Wiltshire

10. Strategic Objective 1 Broaden the employment base so that Wiltshire is less dependent on public sector employment, low value economic activity and neighbouring areas for trade and jobs –Identifying and supporting key growth sectors that deliver high productivity and value –Creating a supportive environment for business start-up and survival –Attracting inward investment –Supporting enterprise and innovation –Promoting social enterprise and sustainable communities

11. Strategic Objective 2 Provide the infrastructure that will create a business location of choice –Providing the opportunity to listen to and involve businesses in setting local economic priorities –Removing unnecessary institutional bureaucracy –Creating vibrant places where people wish to live and work and businesses wish to invest – priorities include: Regeneration of key centres The provision of adequate employment land and workspace served by next generation ICT infrastructure –Lobbying for the development of an effective transport network which supports the growth of the Wiltshire economy

12. Strategic Objective 3 Improve the skills and employability of Wiltshire based workers and unemployed residents. –Bringing business and civic leaders together to set clear local priorities that reflect the future needs of employers –Encouraging and enabling people to enter and re-enter the labour market –Encouraging and supporting the provision and take up of apprenticeships –Raising the basic skills levels of Wiltshire based workers –Encouraging and supporting extended higher education access and provision

13. Strategic Objective 4 Enable the transition to a low carbon economy –Encouraging the reduction of commercial waste and the introduction of energy efficiency measures within new developments –Promoting sustainable transport –Promoting renewable energy production –Encouraging sustainable practices within existing businesses and services

14. Questions and Comments