Chance to have say on strategy to overcome recession

BUSINESS leaders, residents, and community groups are being urged to have their say on a North Yorkshire district’s strategy to beat the recession.

Many of the 9,000 employers and 87,000 jobs in the Harrogate area could depend on the pioneering blueprint to defend the small business sector and local economy.

It is feared Harrogate could be particularly hard hit by the economic down-turn because of the high numbers of self-employed people and “brain drain” of graduates and gifted entrepreneurs to other parts of the country.

Harrogate Council is drawing up a five-year plan to protect and maintain its economy through the credit crunch and ensure the continued generation of wealth, investment and jobs. Consultations on the Draft Economic Development Strategy 2010-2015 will take place until February 4, with the strategy being adopted by April 2010.

Council leaders say although businesses, chambers of trade and other economic partners are closely involved they are also keen to hear from the wider public.

Economic Development Manager Kathryn Daly said: “Whilst the council is taking the lead on this document to shape the future of the district’s economy, we know that we cannot achieve these ambitions alone.

“We fully recognise the importance of working closely with resident businesses and economic development partners in order to achieve the vision and help secure future prosperity and growth for the district.”

Written comments can be made to Harrogate Borough Council, Economic Development Unit, Knapping Mount, Harrogate HG1 2AE, or by email [email protected]

Anyone wanting to read the draft strategy should look at www.harrogate.gov.uk/economicstrategy, or contact the Economic Development Unit via [email protected] or 01423 556077.