Council asks business 
for views on priorities

Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) is asking local businesses what they think its priorities should be for supporting the local economy over the next five years.
The council is looking at ways of attracting more visitors to the district.The council is looking at ways of attracting more visitors to the district.
The council is looking at ways of attracting more visitors to the district.

Through a combination of consultation, experience and data analysis, the council has produced A Strong Local Economy Action Plan 2015-2020, which identifies the areas where it will work with businesses and partners to support the economy of the Harrogate district.

A Strong Local Economy is HBC’s corporate priority, and focuses on four main outcomes: a resilient, diverse and expanding economy; a vibrant tourism experience; excellent travel, transport and broadband connectivity; and a world-class conference centre.

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To develop the action plan, the council hosted a series of Let’s Talk Business events at the end of 2014, which provided an opportunity for local companies, sole traders and organisations to contribute their views on what the council’s priorities should be.

HBC Leader Coun Richard Cooper said: “As part of the development of the Strong Local Economy Action Plan we consulted with local businesses, both large and small, listened to their views and used them to develop a blueprint for economic prosperity over the next five years.

“We are now keen for local businesses to consider this action plan and to give us their comments.”

He added: “HBC has been working hard to develop a strong local economy. We have created an environment that supports economic growth and the creation of new jobs, helps people to start up and stay in business, encourages businesses to move to the district and has low levels of unemployment.

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“We are also working to increase Harrogate’s profile on the national and international stage and increase our share of the tourism market. We believe this new action plan will enable us to continue this positive work.”

The consultation draft of the plan is now available to view online at www.harrogate.gov.uk/business. Feedback and comments should be submitted online by noon on Friday, March 27.