Small businesses and tourism provide a focus for a stronger economy
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A STRONGER emphasis on support for small businesses and tourism could help develop the economy in East Lindsey after a number of major manufacturing firms left the District during the recession leaving hundreds of people redundant.
Since the recession began the District Council and its partners at Job Centre Plus and Business Link have been working closely together to provide support for families and also look at how new jobs can be created for the community.
"Manufacturing is leaving us, we’re not leaving manufacturing," explained the District Council’s Chief Executive, Nigel Howells. "We're eager to talk to any business that would like to set up in our District or expand to create extra jobs for our community. If we hear of opportunities, we will follow them up and we will still provide support for manufacturing in our District. At RAF Coningsby for example, there is an important opportunity to deliver highly skilled jobs and training for aircraft technicians and this is something we’re actively pursuing with BAE Systems.
We’re also looking at engineering jobs linked to Cadwell Park and possible jobs relating to green technologies, recycling and other niche businesses. We need to look to the future and play to our strengths as an area, building on the opportunities such as RAF Coningsby and the Typhoon and also extending and developing the visitor offer.
"Tourism, both inland and coastal, is vital to our area and worth around £700m to our economy each year and there are more opportunities around this we can capitalise on. We need to extend our holiday season and build on the great festivals we're already running to make employment more sustainable all year round."
In the summer months, Skegness’ resident population of around 21,000 people increases to around 210,000. It is expected that during the SO Festival 2010 in July many people will choose to holiday in market towns and other coastal resorts making it a festival the entire District can benefit from.
Mr Howells, continued: "Another major piece of work for us is to continue supporting the small businesses in our District. Our three business centres are around 75% occupancy and we're seeing over 90% of the small businesses we support continuing to develop and prosper for more than two years. Our Town Centre Managers are doing a great job in Louth, Mablethorpe and Skegness and developing some excellent partnerships that are benefiting the District.
"Times are tough and money is tight not only for families and businesses but Councils too. We need to focus our efforts on the areas likely to benefit the District most."
