ipswich economic development strategy 2012 - 2026 DRAFT CONSULTATION www.ipswich.gov.uk "Ipswich Borough Council is committed to supporting businesses and helping to create and sustain jobs in Ipswich. This draft Economic Development Strategy outlines our vision for the future and our determination to build a better and more prosperous town despite the challenging economic circumstances. The Council works with many partners so we can turn this vision into reality and we want your views to enable us to do just that. Please read the draft strategy and send us your views. Together we can make Ipswich a better and stronger regional centre."
Councillor Carole Jones Economic Development portfolio-holder
Ipswich Borough Council Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 SECTION 6 APPENDICES Introduction and Executive Summary Economic Profile & Key Sectors Appendix 1 • Overview Ipswich Policy Area SECTION 2 Preface Stable Sectors Appendix 2 • Public Sector List of Key Partners SECTION 3 • Financial Services Vision • Ports & Logistics Appendix 3 • Aims Indicative Delivery Plan 2012 - 2026 • New Initiatives Potential Growth Sectors • Tourism & Hospitality Appendix 4 SECTION 4 • Culture Summary and Contact Details for Background & Strategic Context • Energy ‘Transport Fit for the 21st Century’ • Outlook • Skills & Education • Investor Confidence in Ipswich • ICT & Creative Appendix 5 Strategic development sites/schemes SECTION 5 SECTION 7 within Ipswich Future Developments Potential Funding Streams • Ipswich - East Anglia’s Waterfront Town • Growing Places Fund Appendix 6 • Commercial • Regional Growth Fund Strategic development sites/schemes • Employment Land • Portas Pilots within Ipswich Policy Area • Private Housing • High Street Innovation Fund • Council House Building Appendix 7 • Infrastructure SECTION 8 Executive Summary from Town Centre Implementation Plan Master Plan 2011 - 2016 • Implementation Overview • Council-led Activity
SECTION 9 Economic Strategy Consultation Questionnaire
3 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 1 INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since the financial crash in 2007, Ipswich’s The strategy focuses three core aims drawn expansion will be a crucial factor in raising rejuvenate empty town centre premises and economy has coped comparatively well in from the Council’s Corporate Strategy 2012: the profile of the town, attracting encourage new business starts - e.g. by challenging economic conditions. While • Support for entrepreneurs to start new additional inward investment and launching an improved and expanded future economic growth will be subject to business generating additional discretionary spend test-trading scheme in the town centre. the influences of several external factors • Support for existing business to develop, in the local economy. • Develop a co-ordinated marketing plan beyond the control of the Council or its grow and generate additional employment • Establish strong partnerships across the with key partners to showcase the positive partners, there is clear scope for decisive opportunities in the Borough Ipswich economy and beyond in order to attributes of Ipswich in order to attract and effective action to support the Ipswich • Creating the right conditions that will secure all available public and private investors, both nationally and economy. attract new investment into the town funding that will contribute to achieving internationally. The following list summarises a range of the town’s housing and business • Assist with the launch of a new “All About The accompanying strategy sets out clear actions that are spelt out in greater detail in development targets. Ipswich” website to generate additional ambitions for Ipswich’s economy over the various sections of the main strategy • Oversee targeted initiatives to try to tourism expenditure in the town. next 14 years. It complements the Local document. It is envisaged they will form a Development Framework, the Core strong foundation to support Ipswich’s Flourishing Waterfront Strategy, the Town Centre Masterplan, and future prosperity: other relevant policy documents. • Through engagement with an informal panel of partners, the Council will identify The Council envisages that the steps the best value options for allocation of a outlined in the accompanying strategy will £1.5m Jobs & Skills Investment Fund. provide the right conditions to allow the • Focus on tackling the issues associated Ipswich Policy Area to create 18,000 with rising levels of youth unemployment, additional jobs by 2025, and for the working with partners to maximise access construction of 10,500 new homes by 2027. to work experience and apprenticeship opportunities. The Council will continue to work with • Instigate a ‘Kick Start’ Development partners to develop bids and tenders to Programme on Council owned land, attract both public and private funding to including the first Council-home support the local economy. Activity will construction project in Ipswich for more include addressing significant than two decades. infrastructure improvements, and • Encourage and support the continued facilitating the enhancement of skills development of University Campus throughout the Ipswich economy. Suffolk (UCS) and it’s main campus site on Ipswich Waterfront. The university’s
4 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 1 INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Council is confident that established make every effort to secure further sectors including financial services, public investment in these assets, and ensure they administration, and freight and logistics will are promoted to new audiences, thereby maintain their position of strength and increasing the volume of visitors to the prominence in the Ipswich economy. In town. addition, we anticipate the following four sectors will drive economic expansion over A more detailed implementation plan to the next decade and beyond. This selection support these proposals is set out in the has been based on both each sector’s strategy, together with lead responsibilities current position and their future potential and timetables for delivery. The strategy for investment and growth: features an 12 point list that will deliver on the Council’s economic development • Education priorities. Each action is aligned with at • Tourism, Hospitality & Culture least one of the three core aims described • Energy earlier in this summary. • ICT & Creative This is a draft economic strategy that is The Council strongly believes that the open for consultation until Friday the 26th prospects for economic development are October 2012. All your views are welcome. positive and Ipswich continues to attract Please turn to the consultation significant external private sector questionnaire at the end of the strategy to investment, as evidenced by the number of have your say. The full strategy can also be major development projects that are either found on the Council’s web site at planned or underway across the Borough. www.ipswich.gov.uk The completion of these developments over the coming years will offer the prospect of new employment and business opportunities.
Ipswich also benefits from a diverse cultural economy founded on a collection of high quality assets located throughout the town and the waterfront area. The Council will Busy town centre
5 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 2 PREFACE
This economic development strategy will economic vision. A more detailed focus on job creation and retention, as well description of the IPA’s economic vision can as promoting and attracting investment to be found in Appendix 1. Ipswich, reflecting core aims in Ipswich Borough Council’s Corporate Plan - The Council’s Core Strategy estimates that ‘Building A Better Ipswich’. the IPA will need to support an additional 18,000 jobs by 2025. In addition, Ipswich The Council’s economic strategy has taken has been earmarked for 10,500 new homes account of the aspirations of our economic by 2027 - roughly a third of the total development partners including: Suffolk housing growth for Suffolk. This strategy County Council, New Anglia Local will set out a path that will facilitate and Enterprise Partnership (NALEP), the encourage the attainment of these Ipswich Policy Area Board, University employment and housing growth targets. Campus Suffolk (UCS), Suffolk New College, the Haven Gateway Partnership, The Council acknowledges that along with Ipswich Central and the Growth Cities the partners listed above, it will have to Network. Supporting the local economy is work with a wide range of additional Ipswich Borough Council's top priority and partners in the private, public and third we will work with partners to ensure sectors in order to achieve the aims set out Ipswich takes every opportunity to succeed in the following strategy. A full list of in difficult economic conditions. identified partners is included in Appendix 2. This strategy outlines a framework for Ipswich’s economic development, taking To deliver the aims of this strategy, the into account key employment sites adjacent Council will seek to secure relevant streams to the Council’s boundary and the strengths of funding, including the Growing Places and opportunities these adjacent sites offer. Fund and Regional Growth Fund, as well as We have used the Ipswich Policy Area (IPA) any additional external funding streams definition as a base for the purposes of all that align with the delivery of our economic population calculations in this strategy. This vision from either a national or European strategy sets out clear economic source. development priorities for Ipswich in the context of the Ipswich Policy Area’s MSC and Ipswich Waterfront
6 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 3 VISION
The Council will strive to ensure that will stimulate private sector investment and The Council is committed to creating an Ipswich continues to innovate and develop afford new employment opportunities. environment that stimulates business while retaining and capitalising on its start-up activity, and supports existing distinctive heritage and character. We want The following three core aims reflect Theme business growth. The Council will ensure to see a thriving town centre, sustainable 1 of the Council’s Corporate Plan - ‘Building that all available partnerships, networks, transport network and closer links between A Better Ipswich’: and resources are readily identifiable to the heart of the town and the Waterfront. businesses, are straightforward to access - AIMS and provide good value. “Ipswich will be an inspiring and 1 Support Business Survival • We will do more to ensure local exciting town perceived as both How Ipswich Borough Council and Key Partners Will Support Job Creation in the businesses are claiming the relevant an attractive location for Ipswich Economy reliefs and grants they are entitled to investment in business and a • We will seek to use local suppliers and Ipswich Borough Public, Private, & Third Council Sector Partners centre of excellence for education. workers wherever possible + Creative people in partnership with dynamic businesses will 2 Support Start-Up Activity drive a diverse and innovative • We will improve the skills and Skills & Education IBC & External Funding urban economy. A sustainable employment prospects of people who are and low carbon Ipswich will out of work by increasing the number of apprentices, volunteering opportunities Transport & Infrastructure enable individuals to flourish, and and work experience placements. Inward Existing Business New Business inhabitants will be notable for • We will provide incentives to bring empty Investment Growth their enterprise, ambition, shops and run-down areas back into use Culture & Recreation creativity and pride in their town” 3 Attract Investment This vision statement describes how the • We will make every effort to bring new Housing Council would like to see Ipswich develop investment and jobs to Ipswich over the next 14 years. We envisage the heart • We will ensure the Council has a properly of our strategy comprising of three core staffed economic development unit Employment aims which are listed below. These aims will working to attract business to Ipswich Opportunities be combined with a comprehensive drive to • We will help to provide the necessary improve skills and training in the town, and infrastructure to enable Ipswich to will be supported by targeted initiatives that develop and expand
7 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 3 VISION
NEW INITIATIVES • A ‘Kick Starting Development’ programme The Council has a vital role to play in the will get new development underway on local economy in terms of stimulating council-owned land and we plan to build demand and facilitating the growth of the first council houses in Ipswich for innovative and ambitious businesses. The more than two decades. following two initiatives are crucial to the Council’s short term economic The Council and its various partners will development objectives; they underpin and have varying degrees of influence in support the delivery of our three core aims, relation to the delivery of these initiatives, and our ambition to bring jobs and as they will be effected by a wide range of investment to Ipswich: external economic factors and conditions. The following section is intended to • We have created a £1.5 million Jobs and summarise the Council’s view of the short Skills Investment Fund, and we are now to medium term economic climate, and assessing how to allocate this fund to have how this climate may impact on the maximum impact on the town’s economic delivery of the strategy. recovery. Cultural heart
8 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 4 BACKGROUND & STRATEGIC CONTEXT
The UK economy has suffered its worst products and comparatively low levels of OUTLOOK recession for more than 60 years. In 2011, funding available for small and medium Despite the pressures of a prolonged In order to alleviate these challenges, the 23,600 businesses collapsed, this is sized businesses. The volume of economic downturn, the Ipswich economy Council’s economic development and expected to rise to 25,600 in 2012, with a commercial lending remains subdued and has coped comparatively well. While there planning teams intend to: projected further increase to 25,800 in 2013. state supported funding initiatives are have been some notable redundancies, the similarly scarce - as the Government relatively high proportion of small and • Work closely with relevant partners The Council is aware that respected continues to focus on reducing the national medium sized enterprises has allowed the (business support organisations, Job forecasters are predicting a sustained budget deficit. local economy to be flexible in difficult Centre Plus, Department of Business period of uncertainty over a minimum of trading conditions. Innovation & Skills, UK Trade & the next three years in terms of growth and The Waterfront Investment (UKTI), Ipswich and Suffolk investment, at both a national and Businesses in Ipswich are likely to face the Chamber of Commerce, third sector and European level. following significant challenges over the community groups etc) to source available next 1-5 years: streams of funding to support both capital To mitigate the effect of this widespread and revenue projects economic uncertainty on the local • A sustained increase in the costs of raw • Provide timely and proportionate advice economy, this strategy will provide the materials and guidance on planning and scope and flexibility to enable the Council • A comparatively low level of demand for development issues to encourage to adapt and respond to immediate discretionary spend products/services for potential investors to locate and expand pressures. Annual operating plans will set the next 1-2 years minimum business in Ipswich out the detailed work that needs to be • A greater proportion of funding for capital • Provide information, guidance and undertaken each year to successfully take projects and start-up activity will have to sign-posting to all available business this strategy forward. come from owners’ own cash reserves (if support networks and sources of potential any), or be leveraged against personal funding for start-ups and established Due to prevailing economic conditions, in assets enterprises particular the continuing uncertainty over • Reduced levels of UK and EU government • Actively engage and maintain a dialogue the future of the Euro zone, new and funding for infrastructure projects, e.g. with business owners to monitor emerging market prospects for established transport connections, major regeneration emerging and sustained issues and businesses and start-ups in all sectors are of assets, super-fast broadband challenges unpredictable in the short term. development etc. • Identify opportunities to work UK market demand is struggling due to the • A reduction in UK government funding for collaboratively with support agencies and combination of two key factors - a nationwide business support services e.g. organisations persistently low level of consumer demand Business Link services were reduced particularly for discretionary spend significantly in autumn 2011.
9 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 4 BACKGROUND & STRATEGIC CONTEXT
• Evaluate available opportunities for The annual rate of business failures Chart showing the comparative percentage The following chart shows the comparative assisting potential start-ups to ‘road test’ between 2007 and 2010, increased by 31% decrease in the annual rate of new proportion of public to private sector emterprises 2007- 2010 their business ideas, e.g. working with nationally and 26% regionally, compared to employment in the Ipswich economy in retail centre managers on test trading just 11% in Ipswich . 35% relation to the East of England and the UK. schemes, supporting managers of 30% Proportion of public and private sector business incubation units, etc 25% employment 2010 • Initiate joint initiatives with significant Chart showing the comparative percentage 20% centres for skill development such Suffolk increase in the annual volume of business 15% 90% New College, Suffolk One and UCS. closures 2007- 2010 10% 80% 35% 5% 70% The following charts compare 2007 (prior 30% 0% 60% to the financial markets collapse) and 2010 25% England East of England Ipswich 50% (after which the full impact of the markets 40% problems had filtered down to every part of 20% The need for Ipswich to improve its 30% the economy). 15% performance in terms of entrepreneurial 20% 10% activity and the volume of start-ups is 22% 78% 21% 79% 32.3% 67.7% These charts outline some of the key 5% further illustrated by the following chart. 10% underlying characteristics of the Ipswich 0% The chart below indicates that Ipswich is 0% economy, highlighting why the Ipswich England East of England Ipswich more than 3% behind the national profile in England East of England Ipswich business community has coped terms of self employment, and 4% behind comparatively well through the initial and the East of England. As the government seeks to shift the overall current phases of the financial crisis, while However, it is also evident from Office for balance between the proportion of public at the same time illustrating issues of National Statistics data that the Council Proportion in employment who are and private sector employment in the UK, self-employed (16+) Oct 2012 - Sep 2011 underperforming entrepreneurialism must focus on fostering the right conditions the Council will support people with the which need focused attention to ensure the to encourage a higher rate of 14% potential and opportunity to start their own town achieves a healthy and sustainable entrepreneurialism in Ipswich. The chart 12% business, facilitating advice and guidance recovery. below shows that during the period 2007 - 10% to help Ipswich residents to become more 2010 the annual rate of new enterprises fell 8% entrepreneurial. 14% 14.6% 10.5% The following chart illustrates how the by around 15% nationally, 17% regionally, 6% Ipswich business community has coped but in Ipswich this figure fell by 21%. 4% well with recent pressures, with the closure 2% rate significantly below that of both the 0% eastern region, and the nation as a whole. England East of England Ipswich
10 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 4 BACKGROUND & STRATEGIC CONTEXT
The Council recognises that the level of Unemployment rate (16+) INVESTOR CONFIDENCE IN unemployment in the Ipswich economy as England East of England Ipswich IPSWICH a whole must reduce. Broad support for all 14% There have been several significant bright those seeking employment is required as spots for Ipswich over the past five years the following chart illustrates. Ipswich 12% which will help to attract further investment currently has an unemployment rate of 10% to the town. UCS, the first university in 8.9%, 1.1% above the national average of 8% Suffolk, was established in 2007, and has 7.8%, Ipswich is also 2.6% ahead of the East grown steadily to a current student of England figure of 6.6%. 6% population of 5,500. 4% The Council is keen to ensure that the small gap between the Ipswich and national 2% Over the past four years Ipswich has also percentage profile that has increased since 0% benefitted from public sector investment in 2008 is closed over the next few years. October 2006 to October 2007 to October 2008 to October 2009 to October 2010 to infrastructure projects resulting in September 2007 September 2008 September 2009 September 2010 September 2011 Measures outlined in the Implementation improvements to local highways, and the section of this strategy will specifically public realm, a new rail chord to improve address this issue. Jerwood DanceHouse freight movement from adjacent ports, as well as the instigation of an enhanced flood defence scheme.
Excluding London, there has been a nationwide reduction in investor confidence, however, private sector investment in Ipswich town centre has continued at a steady rate. To date, high street retail closures that have occurred have been largely in relation to the demise of national chains, and are not exclusively linked to declines in local economic fortunes.
11 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 5 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The Council is continuing its efforts to encouragement to complete in order to invested in excess of £26m in expanding the • Regarded and recognised at a national attract significant investment and realise the entire regeneration project. This port facilities over the past 15 years. level as a centre for culture, leisure, the development projects, including strategy supports the Council’s aspiration arts and entertainment regeneration of key sites such as the stalled for Ipswich to become both a renowned The Council is keen to enhance the • An integrated and modern transportation Waterfront sites. The following paragraphs tourist destination and centre for perception of Ipswich and believe the system, connecting significant areas of outline significant developments that are educational excellence. following factors are key: interest, business and recreation within either underway, or hold potential for large Ipswich, as well as rapid and reliable scale investment, leading to job and There are on going efforts to attract • Regional recognition as an attractive connections to UK wide transport links housing creation. The realisation of these investment to this area of town, with the destination for retail shopping, for and London projects is largely dependent on the scope of potential development extending business activity and for public authority • Attractive and apparent to populations confidence of the private sector to invest, to significant projects on the periphery of administration outside of the county (and possibly but the Council will examine proposals the waterfront area. The current owners of • Nationally and regionally recognised country) as a destination for tourism, carefully where there is a clear opportunity the port - Associated British Ports have centre for educational excellence in terms employment, and education. to lend appropriate support and advice. of both higher and further education Stunning Waterfront IPSWICH - EAST ANGLIA’S WATERFRONT TOWN Ipswich is a town that is focused on its potential for growth, and has already taken steps to ensure the necessary infrastructure, cultural and recreation facilitates, and first rate educational institutions are in place to enable sustainable expansion.
The Council is seeking to capitalise on the unique appeal of the Waterfront area, which has undergone such a dramatic transformation over the past ten years. As well as UCS main campus the Waterfront features a highly attractive pedestrianised marina, with many cafes and restaurants. It is acknowledged that there are several stalled developments which need
12 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 5 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
COMMERCIAL plans include offices, retail, leisure, hotel The site previously occupied by Crane on space and a multi-storey car park. Nacton Road is the site of one of the most significant commercial regeneration and Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre owners investment projects in Ipswich. Aquigen are LaSalle have indicated they are keen to keep leading a major 17 hectare development the centre as a retail hub. The Council scheme - ‘Futura Park’ that will offer continues to work closely with them and businesses brand new, purpose built retail, Ipswich Central to try and attract new, office and industrial space. The project has exciting, and nationally recognised retail already pre-let 2,415 sq m for a Waitrose occupants to revitalise the vacant space. supermarket, and 3,995 sq m for a John The Council is similarly engaged with the Lewis At Home store to The John Lewis owners of the Buttermarket Shopping Partnership. It is expected that these Centre to enhance the retail and leisure developments will stimulate interest from offering, with new investors recently additional retail investors, resulting in a submitting a planning application to install significant number of new job a multiplex cinema to take up the largest opportunities. A further 6,130 sq m is vacant space in the centre, previously available for non-food retail development, occupied by TJ Hughes. and an additional ten hectares of land has been designated for commercial The redevelopment of Grafton Way and employment usage. The realisation of this Ipswich Village is continuing with several EMPLOYMENT LAND considerably between different types of development would represent a major projects on the horizon including a The Council is mindful that different business: improvement to Ipswich’s retail and general significant retail offer, improved leisure business sectors need varying sizes of sites business diversity. facilities, two hotels and additional new to achieve their development and • Offices 2 sq m homes. The full development of this site in expansion objectives. Some sectors are • General Industry 36 sq m Looking further ahead, local publishers line with the current planning application characterised by a large proportion of home • Warehousing & Distribution 70 sq m Archant are working in partnership with a could see in excess of £50 million invested working, while others need large areas for developer to promote a 1.09 hectare site in the town. manufacturing, storage and warehousing. It is therefore important that the Council, currently known as ‘The Link’. The name Information from the Homes and through its role as a local planning alludes to the potential this site has to link Communities Agency indicates that the authority, ensures that in order to support the existing town centre to the Waterfront, average area of floor space required to growth an adequate range and choice of fulfilling a shared aspiration between the facilitate one full time job varies suitable sites is made available for future Council and Ipswich Central. The outline investment and business development. IP-City Centre
13 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 5 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
PRIVATE HOUSING Council home building is a medium-term TRANSPORT the Council is keen to see significant As mentioned earlier, the Council has objective, as there will need to be Rail - The upgrade of the rail link between upgrades to the A12/A14 ‘Copdock targeted the creation of 10,500 homes by considerable consultation, analysis and Felixstowe to Nuneaton being undertaken Interchange’, which serves as the nexus 2027, in line with the overall expansion of evaluation in order to progress acquisition by Network Rail will allow Felixstowe to point for East Anglia’s two busiest highways the Ipswich economy. A key site in of sites, deliver the individual building continue its expansion, and reduce the on the western edge of Ipswich. The achieving this goal will be an area of land projects, as well as any accompanying volume of additional road freight on the Council’s and the wider Ipswich business that is commonly referred to as the employment charter scheme. A14, as well as bringing increased community’s support for upgrades to both ‘Northern Fringe’. It is envisaged (subject to opportunities for Ipswich based business. these major road connections is vital in a completion of the master plan) that this INFRASTRUCTURE In addition, Ipswich rail station will benefit terms of long term efforts to attract inward area could accommodate up to 4,000 The Council is considering the options for from the ‘Transport Fit for the 21st Century’ investment to the town. dwellings. The Council is keen to maintain tackling a broad range of infrastructure scheme including upgrades to bus services Ipswich’s excellent offering in terms of the projects, including categories such as: which will improve the station’s appeal and BROADBAND range and comparative affordability of its transport, broadband, and flood defence. encourage more people to switch to using One of the Council’s key long term targets housing stock, and believes this is a feature public transport. will be to ensure high quality broadband that will continue to attract inward The Council has set out a clear policy in its provision throughout the Borough. The investment enquiries. Core Strategy detailing the process for the Road - An additional crossing of the river Council will make every effort along with provision, funding and support of Orwell would have the potential to ease partners such as Ipswich Chamber of COUNCIL HOUSE BUILDING community infrastructure measures such congestion around the Star Lane gyratory Commerce and Suffolk County Council to The Council is currently considering as schools and education, sports and system, and allow a more efficient flow of understand the needs of domestic and options for the first council house building recreation facilities, and health care traffic from east to west when the Orwell business users in terms of broadband programme in Ipswich for more than 20 provision. Bridge is temporarily closed. However, due flexibility and reliability. years. This process will involve (amongst to considerable funding requirements and other considerations), suitable FLOOD DEFENCES other significant outstanding factors, the sites/locations, mix of tenure, design and Improved flood defences will facilitate the deliverability of such a scheme remains construction requirements, financing and development of land close to the town uncertain. sustainability of funds. centre, which has the potential to increase provision of housing, create opportunities Looking outside the boundaries of the The Council is also considering options for new leisure and recreation facilities as town, the Council will continue support for relating to supporting the local construction well as providing additional space for schemes aimed at investment and market, and drawing up a charter to business development. The Council is development for overall improvements to encourage local firms to offer working with NALEP to access £6.6m from the A12 (Southbound towards London, as apprenticeship opportunities to younger the Growing Places Fund’ to kick-start the well as northbound towards Lowestoft) and unemployed people in the Ipswich area. final stages of this project. the A14 towards Cambridge. In particular
14 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE AND KEY SECTORS
In terms of attracting new businesses to development activity at BT’s Adastral Park, The chart above shows that more than 80% Finance, IT & Communications, Transport Ipswich and encouraging existing which lies on the eastern edge of the town. of the Ipswich workforce is employed in the and Communications, and Public Admin, businesses to expand, it is useful to analyse • Port and freight activity, stemming from following sectors: Public Administration, Education and Health the town’s current profile of employment both the town’s own commercial port, and Education & Health (32%), Finance, IT, and • Ipswich is most notably below the sectors. This analysis provides an indication enhanced by the huge volumes of other business services (26%), and national profile in terms of employment in of existing skills, expertise and available container traffic flowing through Distribution, Hotels and Restaurants (22%). the manufacturing sector - 4.5% against a labour pools that businesses may be able to Felixstowe. national figure of 10.2%, and a regional access. • Transport and Communications accounts figure of 10.3%. The following chart provides a snapshot of for 6.2%, Manufacturing for 4.5%, and The current economic and employment the proportion of employment by sector in Construction for 3.9% The following paragraphs provide more in profile of Ipswich rests on four distinct Ipswich, and compares this profile against • Employment in Ipswich exceeds the depth information regards the current areas of activity: the employment sector profile of the UK national profile in the following sectors - headline sectors in Ipswich. Some of these sectors are likely to remain stable, and • Public sector activity - alongside Ipswich continue to be a vital part of the wider Borough Council, Suffolk County Council Ipswich economy in terms of their has its HQ in Ipswich. There are two Chart showing comparative percentages of employment by sector: Ipswich vs UK provision of employment, overall wealth further education colleges (New College generation, and potential to attract inward Suffolk and Suffolk One), and University 35% investment. However, the Council perceives Campus Suffolk. If these employers are 30% that the Information and Communications combined with Ipswich Hospital and the 25% Technology (ICT) sector, and the skills and Employment local Inland Revenue office the public 20% by Sector, education sub-sector have the clearest Ipswich sector represents the biggest single 15% potential for growth of the established Employment employment sector in the town. 10% by Sector, UK sectors in the Ipswich economy. These two • The concentration of insurance expertise areas are outlined in more detail in section 5% in the town - AXA and Willis employ over 6 - ‘Potential Growth Sectors’ of this 0% 1,000 people each in their Ipswich offices, strategy. recently Liverpool Victoria (LV) has expanded their presence in the town, Construction Other services Other citing the availability of local expertise as a Manufacturing key driver • A relatively high volume of IT expertise, District hotels and restaurants and hotels District
which has largely spun out of, or is communications and Transport Public admin, education & health & education admin, Public connected to the research and activities business and IT Finance,
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STABLE SECTORS traditional routes into this sector for Currently, this sector represents a example through apprenticeships to significant driver of employment and PUBLIC SECTOR encourage young people in Ipswich to income. However, in the wake of recent This sector features prominently in the consider the public sector as a viable career macro-economic events, both the banking employment landscape of Ipswich, with path. and insurance sub-sectors have had to 32% of people in Ipswich are employed in make significant cuts, both in terms of public services, compared to 27% The continued reductions in public funding overall operational budgets, and in terms of nationally. The largest public sector by central government may suppress the overall staff numbers. In addition, employers in Ipswich include two local progression of key infrastructure projects insurance premiums on a number of authorities, one hospital trust, a university which the public sector has previously common policies have risen sharply, and two further education colleges. The engaged in, therefore, joint projects with although this has not had a significant Council is confident that employment in the private and voluntary sector are likely to impact on the volume of purchase of the skills and education elements of the be an increasingly common occurrence. insurance policies. This sector remains public sector will be characterised by comparatively buoyant, although the sustained growth in the coming years. market is likely to remain competitive for However, if we exclude the university and FINANCIAL SERVICES the foreseeable future. The Willis Buiding and Axa the colleges, the current policy of central Ipswich has a significant amount of activity government renders it unlikely that there in both banking and insurance; Royal Bank will be any substantial growth in the public of Scotland (RBS), Willis, and AXA are three sector over the next five years. The Council of the largest single employers in the town. does not anticipate any large scale job cuts Recently Liverpool Victoria (LV) insurance in this sector, and that the overall volume of expanded their presence in the town - employment will remain stable. It is a vital citing the availability of an established and source of employment for people living knowledgeable workforce as a major within the town and therefore needs to be attraction compared to alternative promoted and developed. locations. Such examples support the assertion that Ipswich’s skills pool for this As the sector has such a large employment sector is comparatively strong. base in the town it is reasonable to suggest that the skills needs are currently being met. Approximately, 26% of the working However, the Council is aware that population of Ipswich are active in consideration must be given to the businesses associated with some kind of development of alternative and non financial services delivery or brokerage.
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PORTS AND LOGISTICS Suffolk’s agricultural exports, Ipswich is also Ipswich’s port dates back to the 8th century the UK’s largest grain exporting port. The Ipswich Port - Vessel and Storage Capability and the town has maintained an active port can also handle general cargo, maritime character for over twelve hundred including fresh produce, steel and Ipswich years. palletised cargo. Vessel Size Wet Dock Cliff Quay West Bank The Port of Ipswich features a wide range of In addition, the port has the facility to facilities to handle varied cargo. The town handle forest products from Scandinavia Length 90 155 150 has a long and distinguished maritime and the Baltic states, combined with a history; recently the heritage of the port has timber treatment centre for wood Beam 13.8 No Limit No Limit been highlighted by the successful preservative prior to onward distribution. Draft 5.5 8.4 7 resurrection of the annual maritime festival. Port of Ipswich The Port is adjacent to the waterfront re-development project, which will be the Mechanical Handling • Four 10-tonne capacity cranes focal point of investment activity and • One 15-tonne capacity crane rejuvenation in the town for the next 5-10 • One 40-tonne capacity crane years. • Two 35.6-tonne capacity rail-mounted gantries • Two 37.5-tonne capacity cranes Over the last 15 years approximately £26m has been invested in upgrading the port Storage Extensive covered storage totalling 67,583 sq m, Two transit facility. Further development of the port is sheds totalling 6,377 sq m, plus areas available for open continuing, and currently directly employs storage. 125 people and is responsible for almost 1,000 related jobs. The Port of Felixstowe, the busiest container port in the UK lies seven miles south-east of Ipswich. In terms of assessing the port’s impact on the Ipswich economy, it is important to One of the port’s strengths is its handling of include associated logistics, transport, storage, and distribution activity. Logistics and freight dry bulk goods including aggregates, grain, businesses based in Ipswich are ideally located to benefit from future increases in import animal feed, fertilisers and cement. It has activity coming through Felixstowe. Allied to this, Ipswich is a major transport hub for the over 16,000 sq m of covered, bonded The Port of Ipswich is currently operated eastern region, with a rail freight upgrade linking Ipswich and Felixstowe ports with the warehousing complete with segregated and managed by Associated British Ports Midlands by 2014. In addition, Ipswich is a nexus point between the A12 and A14 - the region’s bays, and has developed new infrastructure (ABP), the significance and capabilities of two most significant highways, connecting London with the east coast, and providing a corridor to deal with each type of commodity. As Ipswich port is illustrated by the following to Cambridge and the Midlands. well as shipping a significant proportion of table:
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POTENTIAL GROWTH SECTORS differ from those of NALEP and the County TOURISM & HOSPITALITY Investment by Travelodge on Duke Street The following section highlights a handful Council - not least because both The Council is confident that Ipswich will and Premier Inn on Star Lane have added of sectors that the Council believes have the organisations have a more prominent rural continue to develop as an attractive two valuable additions to Ipswich’s town clearest potential to significantly grow over remit. destination in its own right, as well as being centre offer - providing a complementary the next decade and beyond. The Council recognised as an anchor location for visitors alternative to the established Novotel, have been mindful of Ipswich’s unique As mentioned in this strategy’s ‘Future interested in the broader East Anglian Ramada Encore and Salthouse Harbour character and contribution to the broader Developments’ section there are key sites in tourism offer. To ensure that available hotels. Suffolk and New Anglian economy, and has Ipswich that have secured planning marketing resources are maximised the included those sectors that we feel are of permission for the development of Council will co-ordinate the establishment The regeneration of the Waterfront in specific relevance to the Ipswich economy, comparatively large retail projects, most of an overarching Ipswich Tourism Ipswich, combined with the continued some of which may not be a key priority for notably the investment being made at Association. The Council is a partner of expansion of UCS will act as powerful our partners. Futura Park. This site, along with additional ‘Visit East Anglia’, this organisation drivers to the expansion in value and significant developments both in the town currently receives backing from both employment opportunities of the tourism, Key partners for the Council in delivery of centre and in the wider Ipswich area are private sector businesses and local hospitality and cultural sub-sectors. We this economic strategy will be Suffolk likely to result in a significant increase in authorities to specifically promote the East anticipate that the emergence of a strong County Council and NALEP. Suffolk County retail jobs over the next few years. The Anglian tourism offer. partnership for tourism across Suffolk, Council’s draft ‘Skills for the Future Council is looking to strengthen Ipswich’s together with the efforts of Ipswich Central, Strategy’, has helped to shape the contents existing retail reputation and enhance the Currently, Ipswich attracts around two which is hosting a new “All About Ipswich” of this section of the strategy - particularly town’s overall offering in terms of both the million visitors a year, the majority of which website, will increase the volume of day, with reference to sections outlining the quality and diversity of shopping, leisure are day visitors. One of the key challenges weekend and holiday visitors to the town. energy, hospitality and tourism sections. and entertainment on offer to visitors. The we will address is to increase the duration of Council is confident that when these visitors stay in Ipswich. Currently, the The Council will take steps to try and NALEP has publicised that while it is developments come to fruition they will visitor figures show that day trip visitors increase the number of applicants to this committed to encouraging the lead to a greater volume of retail spending significantly outnumber overnight, sector, and highlight available training development of a wide range of sectors in the local economy. weekend, or week long visitors. Recent resources for those interested in a longer within both Norfolk and Suffolk, it is figures also indicate that around 75% of term career in tourism and hospitality. The focusing its attention on the growth of the tourism visitors live within a 62 miles Council is supportive of the measures Tourism and Energy sectors. radius. Therefore, there is significant outlined in Suffolk County Council’s ‘Skills potential to grow the appeal of Ipswich as a for the Future Strategy’, relating to focusing Both Suffolk County Council’s and NALEP’s cultural and tourism destination outside of on the development of customer service target sectors have been considered in the immediate region’s boundaries. skills and apprenticeships in this sector. framing this strategy’s growth sectors. However, Ipswich’s economic priorities will
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CULTURE Maritime Festival, an annual fireworks School to showcase local artistic talent, Pathfinder’ status to promote the area’s Ipswich is home to a wealth of diverse display, and the award winning Ipswich redevelop the New Wolsey Studio for the expertise in the energy sector. In total there heritage and cultural assets including: Arts Festival. The Ipswich Art Festival has performing arts, and launch a community are 23 offshore and 52 onshore wind farms Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich Museum, attracted nearly one million people since its learning space with additional gallery at various stages of proposals in the east of Ipswich Transport Museum, Ipswich Art inception in 2003, generating £11.9m for the provision for Ipswich Museum. England. The scale of potential opportunity School, The Regent Theatre, The New local economy. that the renewable energy offers is Wolsey Theatre, The Corn Exchange, The ENERGY substantial. The UK is forecast to be home Ipswich is a key economic driver located in Jerwood DanceHouse and the most recent These existing venues are a vital part of to 50% of Europe’s total wind-power growth the most diverse energy region in the UK. addition, The HEG (the High Street Ipswich’s thriving cultural economy, and over the next 15 years. The town is less than an hour’s drive from Exhibition Gallery) - as an education and additional projects are being undertaken by Lowestoft, home to the country’s most community theatre performance space. the Ipswich Museum service to create a In addition to wind energy generation ‘cultural quarter’. The Council has secured significant energy enterprise zone, and methods mentioned above, the Carbon NALEP have been granted ‘Green The success and attractiveness of these £15m of funding to purchase Ipswich Art Trust recently published a report scoping venues is illustrated by the following annual Christchurch Mansion out the potential of marine power attendance figures : generation -
117,500 Visited Ipswich museums “The UK's existing lead in the emerging 170,000 Visited the Regent Theatre marine energy sector would allow the 97,250 Visited the New Wolsey Theatre country to capture 22 per cent of the global 46,680 Visited the Corn Exchange market by 2050, generating around £76bn 5,390 Attended DanceEast for UK plc” performances Latest figures show that less than 1.5 % of The town also has 602 listed buildings the Ipswich workforce is directly employed including Grade 1 examples such as in the Energy sector , however, it must be Christchurch Mansion, Ancient House, and acknowledged that certain activities e.g. the Willis Building designed by Sir Norman health & safety training and sales and Foster. In addition, Ipswich has two green brokerage may fall under alternative flag award winning parks, which stage a definitions, so the ‘real’ percentage may be diverse programme of annual events and marginally greater. festivals including major concerts, outdoor film screenings, Pulse Festival, Ipswich When analysing this sector it is important Music Day, Ipswich Mela, the Ipswich to consider the potential that may exist for
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future engagement, whilst recognising that The Council will work closely with both attention on increasing the provision and Ipswich is currently on the periphery of Suffolk County Council and NALEP to quality of apprenticeships available to certain energy sector activity - eg. ensure that Ipswich features prominently in Ipswich’s youth population. generation, supply and connection. For any promotional campaigns that are example, Ipswich is ideally placed to meet targeted to secure investment into the The provision of post GCSE education the emerging demand for transport and energy sector. Ipswich’s relative size and continues to improve in Ipswich with logistics, health and safety services, and skills base in terms of professional services students able to access a wide range of brokerage and sales. In this regard the means that the town can provide affordable vocational and academic courses. Suffolk Council feels that the Port of Ipswich could and high quality support services as the New College is aspiring to achieve an be a vital player in the supply chain energy sector expands in the region over the ‘outstanding’ level of review from peers economy of the eastern off-shore wind next 5 - 10 years. The Council will also within the next two years for its education projects, and we continue to work with collaborate and support local education services. The college offers courses related UKTI to promote the port’s capabilities to bodies as they work to address the inherent to both academic and vocational pursuits, as wide an audience as possible. The Port of skills demands that the energy sectors’ boasting a fully working canteen restaurant Ipswich has an impressive array of services expansion will place on the local economy. staffed and run by students. and significant capacity to meet a range of For example, the Council has already commercial demands which could supply engaged and is fully supportive of Suffolk The sixth form college, Suffolk One, aims to materials to locations such as Yarmouth County Council’s East Coast Energy Skills offer high quality academic and technical and Lowestoft, who will be directly involved Implementation Plan. courses. As a result Suffolk One is attracting with offshore energy generation. high calibre applicants from across Suffolk, SKILLS & EDUCATION and is now attracting applications from A rapidly emerging sub-sector of the broader The Council recognises that in order to outside the county’s boundaries. energy landscape is commercial energy remain competitive and attract additional brokerage. Ipswich is home to two of the investment the standard of commercially UCS is looking to maintain its impressive UK’s most dynamic energy brokerage relevant qualifications must keep pace with, growth over the next five years, with an companies, both Haven Power and Smartest and if possible exceed Ipswich’s potential expected student body in excess of 8,000 by Energy offer energy brokerage services to rivals. The Council will maintain its support 2017. The university has recently acquired a commercial clients nationwide, they are for the expansion of higher level 0.76 hectare site on the waterfront, and is amongst the fastest growing companies in qualifications at all sixth form and further undertaking research and feasibility studies the Borough in terms of both turnover and education colleges, as well as supporting to maximise returns on the sites eventual employment. Both companies are aiming to the enhancement of the academic usage. continue substantial and consistent reputation of UCS. In terms of more direct expansion over the next five years. intervention, the Council will focus its The education quarter
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ICT AND CREATIVE Chart showing comparative volume of The Council will encourage and support Ipswich has a diverse array of smaller firms employment in the creative sector in Suffolk creative industries to supplement and engaged in Information and enhance the retail and cultural economy. Communication Technology (ICT) and the There is evidence to suggest that one of the creative industries, with a notable strength 2500 key factors restricting more rapid expansion in the areas of digital marketing and of the creative sector in both Ipswich and 2000 software development. Several of the latter Suffolk has been a comparative lack of 1500 have close links to Adastral Park on the shared creative space. The Council has eastern edge of the town. 1000 already provided £10,000 funding to UCS’s 500 Atrium facility, which is specifically aimed Further education facilities in Ipswich run a 0 at providing low cost shared office and wide range of courses related to the creative studio space for the creative sector. BT at Adastral Park Ipswich Babergh Waveney Waveney
industries sector including: Art, Media Suffolk Mid Forest Heath Forest
Studies, Photography, Music Technology, Coastal Suffolk St Edmundsbury St Performing Arts, as well as various beauty therapy courses. UCS delivers Film, The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Graphic Design, Graphic Illustration and recently published a blueprint for this Dance courses. In addition, one of UCS’s sector’s growth, highlighting it as a potential distinctive courses is focused on computer driving force in the UK’s emergence from gaming design, offering courses in, recession. This report stressed amongst Computer Game Design, Motion Graphics other factors the crucial part that a suitably and Photography. Combined, these qualified labour pool will play, particularly educational courses will significantly in the field of digital marketing and contribute to ensure Ipswich’s creative advertising, and also computer gaming, in graduates will enter the workplace with which the UK is the biggest developer in highly valued, sector relevant skills. Europe. As outlined in the previous paragraph, Ipswich already offers a diverse The following chart demonstrates the and high quality range of educational significant role that Ipswich plays in terms courses in creative and particularly digital of the overall creative sector in the county. creative fields. The Council will take an The majority of these jobs are related to active role in support of further efforts to software consultancy and supply. develop and promote these strengths to as wide an audience as possible.
21 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 7 POTENTIAL FUNDING STREAMS
Over the past two years the public sector Ipswich as a location for inward opportunities. Ipswich’s business PORTAS PILOTS funding landscape has undergone a investment. demography does not closely align with the This funding stream focused on substantial overhaul. From an economic RGF’s core criteria. rejuvenation of town centres, bringing development perspective, the most GROWING PLACES FUND empty shops back into use and offering significant shift was the closure of Regional This funding steam is administered by However, the Council promoted and local consumers a distinctive and Development Agencies, and the subsequent NALEP, and looks to provide funding for supported an application by Ipswich compelling reason to visit the town centre. establishment of Local Enterprise existing but stalled infrastructure projects, Chamber of Commerce to Round 2 of the Partnerships. Taking an even wider which will then trigger substantial RGF seeking to secure £1m to support Ipswich Borough Council worked closely perspective - public sector funding at a economic growth. Ipswich small and medium businesses. This with ‘Street Meet’ an association of local national level has reduced, and therefore proposal sought to focus on the objectives traders and residents predominantly competition has intensified for what Ipswich Borough Council is confident of of creating employment opportunities located in St. Peters and St. Nicholas Street - funding is available. securing £6.6m from the Growing Places which may be created by a broad range of known as The Saints. The bid aimed to Fund in order to kick-start the final phase of small and medium sized businesses. secure £65,000 to support a joint project. In these circumstances, Ipswich Borough the upgrade to the town’s tidal flood Although this bid was unsuccessful the The central concept of the bid was based on Council will strive to ensure Ipswich defences. A significant proportion of this Council has subsequently contributed to a the creation of a series of themed, receives its fair share of public sector work has already been completed, but the similar £3m bid made by NALEP in high-quality, specialised markets that funding, supporting projects that will have additional funding is vital in order to conjunction with Suffolk County Council. If would combine entrepreneurial a meaningful and positive impact on the finalise the flood defence project. If the successful in Round three, Ipswich would opportunity with arts and entertainment. town’s future. This new funding landscape funding is secured the reduction in flood be one of four beneficiary areas in the Ipswich’s bid was one of five applications to means that we will maintain and develop risk will encourage the development of a NALEP region. receive the backing of NALEP from a our partnerships with the private and third number of sites within the flood plain Suffolk and Norfolk from an overall pool of sectors, as well as our relations with Suffolk which could see the creation of 3,980 jobs 19 applications. County Council and NALEP. NALEP have in a range of sectors including; retail, leisure emerged as the conduit for a significant & hospitality, and business services. The HIGH STREET INNOVATION FUND number of economic development and reduction in flood risk will also facilitate the Ipswich has secured an allocation of infrastructure funding streams flowing creation of an additional 2,400 new homes. £100,000 via the High Street Innovation from central government. Fund. This fund was awarded on the basis REGIONAL GROWTH FUND (RGF) of allowing the Council to offer incentives The Council will seek to align available To date, this funding stream has typically and possibly certain types of relief to traders funding streams to specific projects that will been secured by large manufacturing or in order to stimulate and maintain the improve infrastructure, skills, (particularly engineering companies that are looking to vibrancy of the town centre. those areas related to our identified undertake multi-million pound projects to potential growth sectors), and enhance provide large scale employment The Willis Buiding
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IMPLEMENTATION OVERVIEW Action 4: Support the safe guarding of 12 start-up and activity, encouraging Action 4: Install four separate test traders When implementing the economic jobs by December 2013, 30 by December innovation and private sector business (minimum) between Dec 2012 - Dec 2013 development strategy Ipswich Borough 2014, 50 by December 2015 growth (start-up, survival & investment) Council will be proactive, and devote Action 5: Support the creation of 20 jobs Action 1: Regularly update the Ipswich 5. Act as a focal point for expressions available resources to ensure the highest by December 2013, 40 by December 2014, business community with relevant of interest for inward investment, as standard of business support. Below is a list 60 by December 2015 information and briefings relating to well as promoting Ipswich as a of 12 action points that are linked to one or business support funding and services via a favourable location for new businesses. more of the three key aims that we listed at 2. Instigate council homes building bi-monthly Ipswich economic (Investment) the beginning of this strategy. project, providing affordable housing development e-newsletter. Action 1: Support and work closely with for the residents of Ipswich - and Action 2: Work with business support both NALEP and Suffolk County Council to It will be the intention of the Council to employing a high proportion of local organisations in Ipswich e.g. Mid-Anglia ensure they are aware of Ipswich’s produce individual action plans for specific companies and suppliers (investment) Enterprise Agency (MENTA), The Eastern investment potential key objectives. These action plans will be Action 1: Identify and agree most suitable Enterprise Hub, The Ipswich Chamber of Action 2: Continue to supply UKTI with reviewed annually. These action plans will sites for new council homes project Commerce to develop existing and new data in response to their requests, ensuring also be updated to reflect any changes that Action 2: Draft and agree an ‘Ipswich business fairs and start-up events. the information they hold abou t Ipswich is take place outside of these annual reviews. Council Home Construction Charter’, up to date aiming to support local construction firms 4. Launch a new and improved Action 3: Ensure that Ipswich is meeting COUNCIL LED ACTIVITY in creation of additional employment test-trading scheme to provide aspiring future patterns of skills demand. through 1. Allocate the Jobs and Skills opportunities independent retailers with a cost dialog with UCS, Suffolk New College, Investment Fund, identify opportunities Action 3: Evaluate and allocate effective means of sampling market Suffolk One, Ipswich Chamber to for Ipswich businesses to create new construction partner to lead the demand for their products, and Action 4: Allocate and safeguard land for jobs and retain existing employment construction project simultaneously bringing vacant employment investment through the Local (start-up, survival & investment) Action 4: Produce ‘Ipswich Council Home premises back into vibrant use. Plan Action 1: Define parameters and criteria of Construction Charter’ by March 2013 (start-up) Action 5:Work with neighbouring local the fund in conjunction with delivery Action 5: Begin building of new council Action 1: Agree final terms with relevant authorities to promote employment sites in partners homes by March 2013, aiming for first shopping centre managers IPA and tackle any barriers to their Action 2: Instigate and co-ordinate completion by September 2013 Action 2: Instigate and co-ordinate development marketing campaign to create awareness of marketing and press campaign to create the fund and opportunities and benefits to 3. Provide aspiring entrepreneurs and awareness of test trading 6. Where applicable, the Council will the local economy existing business owners with timely, Action 3: Support test trading tenants and make every effort to identify suitable Action 3: Allocate funds to projects relevant and specific information to help monitor their performance, track their sources of funding, as well as write aligning with criteria, and monitor delivery identify suitable support services progress and next steps after test trading and/or support funding applications. The and outcomes nationally and locally, thereby fuelling Council is committed to doing all it can
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to encourage stalled development 8. Ensure that the local business Ipswich town centre expansion of key departments projects on waterfront and throughout community is informed and engaged Action 4: Evaluate viable proposals to Action 2: Identify any potential funding the town to provide both employment with the efforts of NALEP - and that enable the town centre to benefit from streams where the Council could partner and housing (Investment) the Ipswich economy benefits from the emerging technology - for example the with UCS in order to back the enhancement Action 1: The Council will monitor EU, LEPs efforts to attract investment, possibility of free town centre Wi-Fi. of the UCS’s commercial and Central Government, and NALEP particularly in reference to NALEP’s Action 5: Ensure that Local Plan policies entrepreneurial activity notifications of funding opportunities that stated priority sectors of energy and and proposals support town centre fit with the town’s economic objectives tourism. (Investment) regeneration and growth 12. Ensure that major infrastructure Action 2: The Council will appoint a Action 1: Integrate the Council’s economic projects are supported and delivered dedicated resource to identify and development web pages and information 10. Directly engage with the creation through the successful securing of co-ordinate responses to the above resources with those of the NALEP to and launch of a new ‘Visit Ipswich’ investment from both the private and Action 3: The Council will maintain up to ensure users can easily find and access the website designed to act as a focal point public sector. (Investment) date sources of data and relevant networks information they need. for attracting investment and tourists Action 1: Secure funding from the in order to formulate high quality tenders Action 2: Ensure the NALEP holds a future to the town (Investment) Growing Places Fund to advance the next and bids business conference in Ipswich Action 1: Draft fresh and appealing stages of enhancements to the Ipswich tidal content for website, ensuring that flood defence project 7. Support the efforts of partnership 9. Continue to drive the regeneration information is accessible for ‘smart’ Action 2: Refine proposals and budgets to agencies and the private sector to and rejuvenation of the town centre, technology, and is specifically designed to apply for subsequent rounds of Growing improve the range, volume, and working in partnership with Ipswich bolster Ipswich’s tourism offer Places funding - in particular focusing on availability of apprenticeships - the Central, underpinned by the aspirations Action 2: Work with NALEP to ensure that projects that will deliver regeneration to the Council itself is committed to expressed in the Town Centre the Visit Ipswich website is fully integrated town centre public realm continuing to offer its own Masterplan (Survival and Investment) with the broader tourism website and Action 3: Identify any potential funding apprenticeship programme to provide Action 1: Utilise the £100k from the High marketing offer streams that could support a significant opportunities for young people in Street Innovation fund to improve the Action 3: Launch new website by the end upgrade and improvement of existing Ipswich (Start-up, Survival, and public realm/retail offering in the town of 2012 appearance and operational efficiency of Investment) centre Ipswich rail station (improvements in terms Action 1: Identify available opportunities Action 2: Appoint a town centre manager 11. Work collaboratively with UCS in of connectivity with other aspects of the for use of the Jobs and Investment Fund to and a market supervisor to oversee and attracting and developing business public transport system will be achieved increase the volume of apprenticeships co-ordinate town centre regeneration start-up and investment in line with the through the Transport Fit for the 21st Action 2: Identify opportunities to support efforts university’s key departments. Century project. local promotion of youth employment Action 3: Maintain and strengthen (Investment & Start-Up) An indicative delivery plan, applying an schemes. investor relations with key stakeholders and Action 1: Consult with senior figures in outline time frame to the above actions, landlords to develop a unified vision for UCS as to their plans for development and can be found in appendix 3
24 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2012 - 2026 - DRAFT 9 DRAFT ECONOMIC STRATEGY CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE
1. CONTRIBUTOR DETAILS WHICH SECTOR MOST ACCURATELY APPLIES TO YOUR BUSINESSES/ORGANISATION’S MAIN ACTIVITY? Contact name Financial Services (Banking, Insurance, Pensions, Mortgages) ☐
Business/organisation name Professional Services (Solicitor, Accountant, IFA, Planning and Property etc.) ☐
Other Business Services (HR advice, Training, Health & Safety, Marketing Contact telephone number and e-marketing, etc.) ☐
IT & Software development and consultancy (includes web design and SEO) ☐ Contact email Manufacturing (Including food production/processing) ☐
$ Postal address Construction (building, roofing, plumbing, electrician, carpentry etc.) ☐
Transport & Logistics (ports, freight, taxi, bus etc.) ☐
Tourism (Including hotels, B&B etc.) ☐ Postcode Leisure, Retail & Hospitality (gyms, restaurants, cafes, shops, etc.) ☐
Engineering ☐ Please complete the following section as this will help us to understand the level of engagement from each sector of the Ipswich economy: Creative (non-digital creative) ☐
Your business or organisation type: Medical, Health & Social care (dentists, doctors, opticians, carers, etc.) ☐
Private Sector ☐ Education ☐ Public Sector ☐ Third Sector ☐ Energy (production, supply, and brokerage) ☐
Community Services ☐
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2. SECTION SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
Section 2 - ‘Vision’, outlines a vision for the economic development of Ipswich, including 3 core aims. Do you agree with the overall vision and the associated core aims? Agree ☐ Disagree ☐ Neither agree nor disagree ☐
If you disagree please suggest alternative aims
Do you agree that Section 5 - ‘Economic Profile & Key Sectors’, accurately reflects the significance and potential of specific sectors in the Ipswich economy? Agree ☐ Disagree ☐ Neither agree nor disagree ☐
If you disagree, please provide details of sectors and how the information should be amended $
Do you agree that Section 3 - ‘Background & Strategic Context’, accurately describes the wider economic context? Agree ☐ Disagree ☐ Neither agree nor disagree ☐
If you disagree, please include factors that you feel we should include or amend
Section 7 - ‘Implementation Plan’, identifies 11 Council led activities that will underpin the 3 core aims of the Economic Development Strategy. Do you broadly agree that the Council should focus efforts on these activities? Agree ☐ Disagree ☐ Neither agree nor disagree ☐
Are there additional actions you would like to see the Council take a lead on?
Are there any significant, realistic investment and development projects that we have overlooked in Section 4 - ‘Future Developments’? If so, please provide details
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4. OVERALL STRATEGY QUESTIONS
Do you agree with the overall aim of the strategy? Agree ☐ Disagree ☐ Neither agree nor disagree ☐
If you disagree, please indicate what the strategy should focus on
Are there any further comments you would like to make on specific paragraphs of the strategy? $
Does the draft economic strategy provide clear information regarding Ipswich’s economic performance now and in the future? Agree ☐ Disagree ☐ Neither agree nor disagree ☐ Are there any additional comments or points you would like to raise that have not been covered? If you disagree, please describe where you feel the strategy is unclear
Are there any key partners the Council has overlooked at this stage? Please return to the Economic Development Team, Grafton House, 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich Suffolk IP1 2EE If so, please indicate who they are, and how they can support and feed into the strategy This document is also available at www.ipswich.gov.uk
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APPENDIX 1
THE IPSWICH POLICY AREA (IPA) IPA Economic Vision: • Strong partnership working with UCS and The Ipswich Policy Area incorporates the • A thriving Ipswich as a major urban centre the colleges, to support enterprise and Ipswich Borough Council boundary area, with an improved retail and office offer, innovation in these priority sectors and to along with the following electoral divisions: expanded range of cultural and visitor develop an appropriate local labour Martlesham, Kesgrave, Rushmere St attractions and strong focus on the supply for their expansion Andrew, Brightwell, Nacton, Purdis Farm, creative sector Bramford, Sproughton, Whitton, Pinewood, • A credible programme of infrastructure Copdock & Washbrook, Wherstead, • A focus on the ICT sector based primarily improvements to ensure the vision can be Barham, Akenham, Playford, Great on the area’s key asset: Innovation delivered Blakenham, Claydon and Little Bealings. Martlesham When these additional areas are included, Ipswich’s population exceeds 157,450. • The retention of Felixstowe Port’s status as a European “hub” in the face of Ipswich is the centre of economic activity competition from London Gateway and and employment for surrounding the achievement of significantly greater settlements as well as the town itself. There local advantage i.e. jobs, from its increase is a daily net inflow of 7,700 employees into in capacity for throughput of containers Ipswich. The Ipswich Policy Area supports over 80,000 employees. Including the • A compelling offer from the sub-region to recreation, leisure and retail offering, complement the New Anglia LEP’s Ipswich’s economy supports a wider initiatives in terms of Energy and Tourism population of over 310,000 with a combined GVA exceeding £4bn. • A comprehensive offer in terms of suitable, available and serviced strategic The Ipswich Policy Area’s key industries sites to support growth at the level include BT’s Adastral Park facility, which is required, especially in these priority home to BT’s UK Research & Development sectors division, with a workforce of over 4,000. Other significant private sector Ipswich • A well co-ordinated plan for business employers include, Willis, AXA, RBS, LV, support and the supply and management and the East of England Co-operative of small business premises e.g. incubation Society. space, for the SME sector
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APPENDIX 2
LIST OF KEY PARTNERS • Growth Cities Network - Network of smaller recognition to our key business sectors. • Suffolk One- a new learning centre for 16-19 Working with business owners and business cities and large apsirational towns in t he They will be focusing particularly on the olds in South West Ipswich and South representatives is beneficial both to the south east, committed to sharing best Tourism and Energy sectors. Suffolk. It provides a full range of education Council and its constituents. Engagement practice to achieve innovative and • Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Service and learning courses. builds trust in the Council and also ensures sustainable growth objectives (NWES)- An enterprise agency that helps • Suffolk Training Advice Point (TAP)- that the specific needs of Ipswich are • Homes and Communities Agency- individuals develop their business ideas. Training department of Suffolk Chamber of addressed. This engagement will continue as National housing and regeneration agency They offer a fully funded professional Commerce. It provides an information and the strategy is implemented. We will be for England contributing to economic advice, start up business training advice service throughout Suffolk. working in partnership and also leading on growth by delivering high-quality housing programme, and a loan fund specifically for • The Princes’ Trust - Provides practical and many projects with our partners: that people can afford. anyone who has been refused business financial support to the young people who • Ipswich Central- Aim to provide additional credit from a bank. need it most. They develop key skills, • Associated British Ports- Owns and services to levy paying members, and • Suffolk Chamber- Largest independent confidence and motivation, enabling young operates 21 ports throughout the UK. improve the overall presentation and private forum in the county. They work to people to move into work, education or • Eastern Enterprise Hub- Actions to appearance of the town centre and support and represent local business training. promote enterprise and entrepreneurship waterfront interests. They also provide a programme of • UK Trade and Investment- Works with while increasing the number of business • Job Centre Plus- Provides a wide range of networking events and key business UK-based businesses to ensure their start ups and providing excellent enterprise information and services, like benefits, services. success in international markets, and support across the East of England. loans to help with finding a job. • Suffolk County Council - responsible for encourage the best overseas companies to • Ipswich Chamber of Commerce- The • Local accountants and solicitors- Due to major services which are provided look to the UK as their global partner of Chamber of commerce dedicated to work the withdrawal of business support services countywide. These include education and choice. for and represent Ipswich business in Ipswich we will be working with several learning, business and trading standards, • University Campus Suffolk - Brought interests. key partners in local accountancy and law and leisure and culture. University learning to Suffolk for the first • Federation of Small Businesses - Largest firms to develop business support services. • Suffolk Education Business Partnership - time. It is a partnership between the campaigning pressure group promoting • Mid Anglia Enterprise Agency (MENTA)- Independent educational charity that University of East Anglia and the University and protecting the interests of the Aim to support new business start up specialises in supporting and developing of Essex. self-employed and owners of small firms. through a combination of one to one education business link activities. Working • Voluntary sector organisations are very • Haven Gateway Partnership- Brings advice, business skills workshops and as a central contact point for schools, important to the prosperity of the Ipswich together the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich, networking opportunities. colleges and businesses they develop as they provide additional support to those Ipswich, Colchester and Mistley. Through • New Anglia LEP- Private-sector led private activities, programmes and events to enrich services provided by the public and private identifying key priorities for the partnership and public partnership. Focused on the national curriculum. sectors. More could be done by these it actions to develop rail and road creating the best possible environment for • Suffolk New College - located in central services to provide employment and infrastructure, education and training, businesses to develop and innovate, Ipswich, offers vocational programs, AS/A training opportunities for long term tourism and regeneration. creating prosperity and bringing global levels, GCSEs, Apprenticeships. unemployed.
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APPENDIX 3
INDICATIVE DELIVERY PLAN ACTIONS SHORT TERM MEDIUM TO LONG TERM The following table provides an indication 2012-15 2016 - 2026 of where the Council expects certain core economic development activity to occur. Allocate the Jobs and Skills Investment Investigate the feasibility of the following: Evaluate, and review for similar future Much of the activity will constitute Fund • Ipswich Innovation Centre projects on-going efforts, while several of the more • Funding of Apprenticeships specific initiatives can be rolled out within • Business Support workshops/training the next 12 months. Activities listed in the medium and long term are representative Instigate council homes building project Work with existing support networks to ensure Evaluate, and review for similar future Ipswich entrepreneurs can access finance projects of broad aspirations that will build on schemes and free business start-up advice earlier progress, and an element of flexibility has been deliberately built in to Provide aspiring entrepreneurs and Organise with relevant partners at least one Continual process of refinement and these targets. established business owners with timely, annual business support/business start-up updating relevant and specific information event aimed at encouraging entrepreneurialism and business development Launch a new and improved test-trading Launch the first of a two stage initiative in Evaluate, and review for similar future scheme July 2012 in Tower Ramparts. projects A subsequent space in the Buttermarket shopping centre will be made available by early autumn 2012. Act as a focal point for expressions of Maintain a focus on key infrastructure Continual process of refinement and updating interest for inward investment projects, including improving broadband Refine proposals and budgets to apply for provision and cementing existing transport subsequent rounds of Growing Places linkages. funding - in particular focusing on projects that will deliver regeneration to the town Begin negotiations and planning for the centre public realm re-start of the Ipswich Flood Defence Scheme, utilising the £6.6m secured via the Identify any potential funding streams that Growing Places Fund could support a significant upgrade and improvement of existing appearance and operational efficiency of Ipswich rail station (improvements in terms of connectivity with other aspects of the public transport system will be achieved through the Transport Fit for the 21st Century project)
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APPENDIX 3
ACTIONS SHORT TERM MEDIUM TO LONG TERM 2012-15 2016 - 2026
Make every effort to identify suitable Growing Places Fund - follow up on initial proposals to regenerate the town centre public realm Encourage the development and sources of funding, as well as write regeneration of sites with reduced flood and/or support funding applications Regional Growth Fund - work with New Anglia and Suffolk County to support their latest bid to risk - as a consequence of improved provide SME’s with funding flood defence scheme Allocate the High Street Innovation Fund - schemes to be evaluated include additional test Continual process of refinement and trading schemes, business rates linked to new trader turnover, or targeted business rate updating reductions Continue to apply for support to national funding sources to support diversification of specialised markets - e.g. the existing Portas Pilot proposal Aim to secure further sources of funding to redevelop the Ipswich Cultural quarter Support the efforts of partnership Proactively engage and support partners to run apprenticeship information workshops and Identify key skills areas that will provide agencies in delivery of apprenticeships events. the right range of courses to support growth sectors Identify suitable opportunities to offer appropriate apprenticeship opportunities within the Borough Council Provide a targeted apprenticeship fund to encourage private sector Ipswich businesses to offer apprenticeship places Support and coordinate further and Continue to engage with Ipswich businesses, Suffolk County Council, and local education Continue to engage with Ipswich higher educational establishments to providers to assess market demand, and identify areas for improvement. businesses, Suffolk County Council, tackle issues regards skills shortages and local education providers to assess Focus attention on the following sectors outlined in Suffolk County Councils’ Skills for the market demand, and identify areas for Future Strategy: improvement. • Energy • Hospitality & Tourism • ICT • Ports & Logistics
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APPENDIX 3
ACTIONS SHORT TERM MEDIUM TO LONG TERM 2012-15 2016 - 2026
Ensure that the local business Assist NALEP with launch of its business portal website Continue to engage with NALEP community is informed and engaged regards securing funding from central with the efforts of NALEP government Drive the regeneration and rejuvenation Promote developments at Regatta Quay and Cranfields. Ensure that Ipswich remains at the of the town centre & waterfront heart of NALEP’s strategic planning, in Encourage development of sites in the Mint Quarter particular with regards to Tourism and Energy sector and infrastructure Provide advice, support and guidance to UCS on the development of the remaining sites to funding establish a complete waterfront campus. Promote the development of sites Focus resources on improving the physical links and attractiveness between the town centre within the town centre for both office and waterfront - reflecting the aspirations outlined in the Town Centre Masterplan. and retail Directly engage with the creation and Provide input and support leading up to the launch of the new website. Promote the development of sites launch of a new ‘Visit Ipswich’ website within the town centre for both office and retail Allocate land Through site allocations and policies ( which will incorporate IP-One area action plan) Annual monitoring of employment land demand and delivery Establish an action plan for each major site to ensure they are developed
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APPENDIX 4
WHAT IS ‘TRAVEL IPSWICH'? Roundabout with traffic signals and signals to improve the flow of the traffic and WHAT WILL BE THE EFFECT ON (Formerly 'Ipswich - Transport Fit for removal of subways by offering real alternatives to the car. For MY BUSINESS? the 21st Century’) example, by offering improved walking and This scheme aims to accommodate the Travel Ipswich is a major transport scheme WHY ARE WE IMPLEMENTING THE cycling routes and bus priorities at increase in travel needs in the town by aimed at improving the way that everyone SCHEME IN IPSWICH? junctions. The aim of the project is that by using other travel options rather than the can travel around Ipswich. The Over the next 15 years the Ipswich area is 2021, despite an approximate 15% increase car. It aims to encourage more people to get improvements will support future predicted to face growth in housing and in travel needs there will not be an increase into the town centre. There will inevitably employment and housing growth in the employment. It is predicted that travel in congestion. be some disruption during the works but town. demand will increase by 15% by 2021. It is the overall effect should be positive. not possible to provide road capacity within HOW LONG WILL THE PROJECT The project aims to provide more travel the town centre to cope with this growth. TAKE TO ROLL OUT? HOW DOES THIS SCHEME RELATE choices for users of the town, allowing them This scheme intends, in partnership with The construction work on the project has TO OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS to make a change to other types of the ‘Fresh ways To Work’ scheme, to already begun, with completion expected in PROPOSED IN THE TOWN, SUCH transport, including walking, cycling or bus. encourage non car travel so that although the summer of 2014. The long time scale is AS TESCO? The scheme consists of: there will be an increase in travel needs in because the project will impact on various If the new Tesco Store is constructed it will • Refurbished and improved bus stations Ipswich, traffic levels will remain as they parts of the town centre and we want to provide part of the funding for the scheme • An electronic bus information system with were in 2011. ensure that the work is sequenced so that it including provision of walking and cycling displays at bus stops keeps disruption down to a minimum. routes alongside Grafton Way in front of the • A centralised computer controlled traffic HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST THE new store, which will connect to planned signal system will be provided for the town COUNTY COUNCIL? WHAT ROADS ARE AFFECTED BY routes to the station and the town centre. to get the most efficient use from the The project will cost £21.5million, with the THE PROJECT? town’s road network majority of the funding coming from the A number of roads in the town centre area HOW WILL THIS PROJECT HELP TO • A system to send updated bus times to Department for Transport (£18.3million) will be affected by the works. There will be: INTEGRATE THE TOWN CENTRE passengers via the internet and mobile with Suffolk County Council providing • major works at the junction of Civic Drive AND THE WATERFRONT? phones £2.5million and other sources, including and Princes Street. The new walking and cycling routes are • Detailed programme of improvements to developer contributions and Ipswich • works around both bus station locations designed to provide better routes from the walking and cycling routes and crossings Borough Council, providing the balance. on Crown Street and Friars Street. town centre to the waterfront and the in and around the town centre • some works along Museum Street, Princes education quarter of the town. • A programme of travel planning for WILL THIS EASE CONGESTION IN Street, Upper and Lower Brook Streets, people at work, home and school to THE TOWN CENTRE? Upper Orwell Street, Fore Street, Portman encourage travel without the car The project does aim to limit congestion in Road, Handford Road, St Nicholas Street • Town centre Wayfinding, maps and signs the town by introducing an updated and St Helens Street. • Replacement of Civic Drive/Princes Street computer system to control the traffic
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APPENDIX 4
HOW DOES THIS PROJECT RELATE TO THE IPSWICH TOWN CENTRE MASTERPLAN, IN PARTICULAR THE BOROUGH COUNCIL’S DESIRE TO COMBINE THE BUS STATIONS? The Town Centre Masterplan is a long-term vision for the town centre. It is acknowledged that there is a desire to combine the two bus stations in the future. This is unlikely to happen in the short term and the scheme proposals aim to improve the bus stations and provide real time information for passengers prior to implementation of the Masterplan.
WHERE DO I GO FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK? • Keep checking back to the website • Email us - [email protected] • Write - Economy, Skills and Environment - Transport Strategy, Suffolk County Council, FREEPOST, NAT 18364, Ipswich IP1 2BR • Phone - 0845 606 6067
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APPENDIX 5
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APPENDIX 6
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APPENDIX 7 - TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
the Local Planning Authority considers any the development of a safe and Street) and an arena/conferencing facility planning applications for the Plan area. family-friendly night-time economy (Education Quarter on the Waterfront) • an improved open air market • improve links for pedestrians between the The aim is to enhance, remodel and • concentrate any large scale office Waterfront and town centre develop the town centre, delivering a development in the Ipswich Village/ • improve the comprehensive pedestrian programme of regeneration and renewal Portman Road areas information and wayfinding system, Walk which builds on the aspirations to be a • promotion of residential development, Ipswich regional centre for shopping and culture. particularly family units, throughout the • make Star Lane more pedestrian- friendly The intention is to achieve this aim through town centre. Any such development and easier to cross the following: - should create a safe, secure and friendly • extend pedestrianisation environment adequately balancing the • incorporate quality open space within all • encourage and promote the re-shaping of needs of residents and businesses to new development the town centre so its orientation extends improve quality of life for all and support • enhance the look and use of public spaces more north to south growth (including Cornhill) throughout the town • an additional 40,000m2 shopping floor • residential-led mixed-use development on centre space between (1) the Waterfront and the the Cox Lane car park east of Cox Lane • implement tree-planting schemes to town centre (Merchant Quarter) (2) (formerly known as the “Mint Quarter”) improve the street scene throughout the northwards extension of Tower Ramparts • implementation of the Ipswich Major town centre. and (3) Tacket Street car park west of Cox Scheme for transport improvements in so Lane far as it does not compromise other Sustainability is key to the development of • actively promote new developments objectives the town centre in the future, providing a The Town Centre Master Plan provides a which provide a range of unit sizes • provision of a series of medium-size healthy and vibrant environment for view of what Ipswich Borough Council and creating a greater variety to meet demands short-stay multi-storey car parks at Tacket businesses and retailers as well as an stakeholders agree is the way forward to in the retail market Street, Merchant Quarter, West End Road, attractive place for people to enjoy. achieve an enhanced town centre in • creation of street networks which promote Waterfront (east) and Crown car park Ipswich. The 15-year plan has an end date leisure shopping and are attractive and • improve bus access to the central area The delivery of the majority of these will be of 2027. It complements the adopted Core convenient for all pedestrians • relocation of the two bus stations to a driven by the private sector but the Council Strategy and Policies Development Plan • ensure that developments are cohesive single bus station on the Tacket Street car has an interest in some of the sites and is Document and other relevant policy and assist in the creation of a clean, safe park and creation of enhanced satellite committed to delivery of the proposals in documents. and user-friendly town centre bus stops strategically positioned around this Master Plan. It will be active in the • promotion of a “café culture” by the town centre pursuit of these objectives and will also The Plan is not a statutory document but it permitting more food and drink uses in • improved cultural and leisure facilities, consider Compulsory Purchase to unlock should be taken into consideration when the heart of the town centre and promote enhanced Museum & Arts Hub (High difficulties.
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