Leeds economic boom spurs growth strategy Magazine
Leeds’ economic boom has heralded a new growth strategy aimed at giving the entire city the chance to capitalise on its good fortune.
The consultation draft of the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy was recently approved by the city’s senior councillors, with businesses and stakeholders now being invited to have their say as part of a city-wide consultation.
Businesses are also being asked to pledge support and adopt the values set out in the strategy, which will help companies to deliver sustainable, inclusive growth.
Covering the period 2017 until 2023, the 12 key areas the strategy focusses include improving careers advice and opportunities for all, improving the quality of jobs, tackling low pay and in-work progression, and boosting productivity.
It also includes improved housing, investment in neighbourhoods and the transformation of town centres.
The strategy will also boost Leeds’s bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2023 by helping to increase visitors and supporting the growth of the cultural and creative sector.
Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Leeds is enjoying a period of unprecedented prosperity and growth, with a vibrant, successful and resilient economy filled with innovation and enterprise.
“But it’s crucial that the city as a whole benefits from that success and that the people of Leeds remain at the heart of how we work with businesses and developers, both now and in the future.”
The launch comes as Leeds boasts its highest level of completed developments for a decade.
The city’s business tourism has also been valued at £500 million and Leeds is the fifth most popular conference destination in the UK.
Consultation on the Inclusive Growth Strategy will run until October 16. The final strategy will then be published in January, 2018.