Key Programmes
An early focus on reviving the economy will provide a strong foundation for the wider regeneration process. Our linked economic objectives are to…

Achieve wealth creation through a future-focused, globally competitive, entrepreneurial business sector

Build a knowledge driven economy by improving educational attainment and skills development at all levels

These objectives have interrelated aims…
Aim E1: Support innovation and restructuring in existing businesses. We will create the right environment for improving productivity by understanding needs though continual contact with businesses in the sub-region and developing a business retention strategy.
Aim E2: Nurture new business creation and the growth of SMEs, particularly home-grown. We will encourage innovative SME and technology-led business growth by developing incubator units and integrated business support systems. We will accelerate business start-ups by promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship in schools and among graduates, providing the right premises and sources of finance and practical support.
Aim E3: Cultivate innovative, future-focussed and productive industry Clusters and stimulating opportunities for new and emerging industries;
Aim E4: Develop a quality environment and infrastructure to support economic growth tackling areas of dereliction and transform them into opportunities, providing development opportunities on strategic sites, improving the transport and IT networks and developing an appropriate range of housing opportunities. We will create a strategic land development framework, a masterplan, realise strategic development opportunities linked to transport corridors. We will advance an appropriate integrated transport system. We will encourage the development of a range of quality housing to provide homes people want and to attract new people to the area. We will improve the quality of the built environment and defend the natural environment and ensure a high-quality, sustainable environment for future generations