ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2018 – 2021

1 Contents Foreword I am proud of the many achievements since the last Economic Development Strategy was prepared. Foreword Successes have included: • Funding awards to provide faster broadband in rural parts of the borough to support rural and Section 1: The Local Economy home-based businesses • The Escalate Loan programme and LEADER grants scheme, awarding funding to borough Section 2: Key Issues for the Strategy businesses • Employability and skills initiatives including regular Jobs & Training Fairs attended by borough Section 3: Strategy Aims and Objectives businesses and jobseekers Section 4: Action Plan • Improvements to borough transport infrastructure including the A21 dualling and the Longfield Road improvements providing better access for local businesses Section 5: Role of the Council • Funding awards for transport schemes to improve junctions, the public realm and cycling infrastructure in the borough. • Delivery of the West Kent Business Support Programme to provide advice to local start-up and new businesses Appendix 1: Tunbridge Wells SWOT Analysis & Infographics • Forming the town centre partnership, Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, and the appointment of a town centre manager in RTW to deliver initiatives to support footfall and business in the town Appendix 2: List of Partner Organisations centre Appendix 3: Relevant Plans & Strategies • Preparation of a Destination Management Plan for Tunbridge Wells and delivery of projects including new wayfinding signs in Royal Tunbridge Wells • Opening of The House – flexible workspace to support the creative business sector in Tunbridge Wells • Ongoing delivery of the Farmers Market and Tourist Information Services, supporting local businesses • Improved digital communications with local businesses via social media and our business e-newsletter However, there is still much to do, so this updated Economic Development Strategy sets out the approach that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and its partners will take to create the best conditions for business investment and sustainable growth in the borough in the next three years. By 2019, the Council will no longer receive any funding from the Government, so we will need to be working better with local businesses and other partner organisations both to address the constraints to economic growth and to embrace opportunities as they arise. This Strategy and the accompanying Action Plan will be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure that it continues to respond to changing circumstances.

Cllr Jane March Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council April 2018

1 2 The borough of Tunbridge Wells is located in Tunbridge Wells is an attractive business location. West Kent and borders Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and The economy is characterised by a large number Malling, Maidstone and Ashford and Rother and of small and micro-businesses (SMEs). However, Wealden in East Sussex. The economy of West there are a number of key major employers that 1 The Local Economy Kent plays a vital role in promoting and sustaining contribute significantly to the economic health of the Kent economy as a whole. It has historically the borough. Sector strengths include: finance enjoyed strong job growth and is forecast to & insurance, scientific & technical, wholesale & continue to do so with good prospects for securing retail, human health & social work, hospitality, economic growth over the next 20 years. West creative and education. In addition, there is a Kent has the highest proportion of business start- small, well-skilled manufacturing sector. ups in Kent, a stronger representation of higher value, knowledge-based industries than anywhere The borough has a high quality built and natural else in Kent and boasts the strongest business environment. More than two thirds of the survival rates. The area provides significant borough is designated as the High Weald Area employment to those living elsewhere in Kent of Outstanding Natural Beauty and across the including high skilled, well paid jobs. borough there are numerous conservation areas and listed buildings. Health, leisure, culture and The population of the borough is approximately tourism first made Tunbridge Wells a destination 116,200 and this is anticipated to rise to 122,700 in the 1600s and it has continued as a high quality by 2022. Royal Tunbridge Wells is the main visitor destination since then. The tourism sector urban area in the borough and is a primary/ remains an important part of the local economy. major retail centre as defined by the Local Plan. The Council has a clear and ambitious vision to It is a vibrant town and draws trade from a wide ‘grow our role as the cultural centre of the Kent & catchment. Other towns in the borough include: Sussex High Weald, so that by 2024 the borough Southborough, Paddock Wood and Cranbrook, of Tunbridge Wells is nationally recognised for its acting as key service centres for the local vibrant cultural provision’ (Tunbridge Wells Cultural population. In addition to this, there are 17 villages Strategy 2014–24). with varying levels of facilities and services available.

3 4 The Table below shows some key economic statistics for the borough and compares the area 2014’. Kent County Council has also prepared • Exploring the delivery of a new civic centre with the whole of Kent and the South East region. a Growth & Infrastructure Framework for Kent and office space in Royal Tunbridge Wells & Medway which sets out the infrastructure Table 1: Key Economic Statistics • Provision of more off-street car parking in that is needed to support proposed housing Royal Tunbridge Wells and employment growth. This document is Indicator Value South The Plan seeks to build on the area’s heritage as TW Kent National The table shows that updated regularly and the Council engages (published 2017/2018) East borough residents are very by ensuring that the infrastructure needed in a spa town destination, which people visited for well qualified and there is a Tunbridge Wells is included in the document. health, leisure and cultural reasons. The Council Unemployment rate (%) 0.9 2.0 1.4 2.2 very low unemployment rate will seek to invest in the borough’s cultural TWBC is an active member of the West Kent Median Gross Weekly (although the overall figure venues, sports facilities and parks, not only to Partnership (WKP) along with the neighbouring Workplace Earnings Full 515.30 552.10 574.90 552.30 hides pockets of deprivation improve the overall quality of life for residents Time (£) local authorities of Sevenoaks and Tonbridge in a small number of wards). but also to ensure that it remains an attractive Median Gross Weekly & Malling. The WKP vision is to sustain a 582.50 574.90 596.80 552.70 There remains a large outflow destination, supporting many local businesses. Resident Earnings (£) dynamic and well-connected local economy, to of labour and expertise to 3 year business survival rate ensure that West Kent remains a key location Appendix 3 provides a list of relevant plans and 63.4 59.6 - - London on a daily basis. (%) for business success and growth and that strategies, prepared by the Council or other There are also a high number Gross Value Added per Head our local population has access to quality partners. of employees who work in (£) (value of goods and 26,027 21,933 28,683 26,621 jobs and skills development. The Partnership the Knowledge Economy. services in an economy) promotes West Kent, champions key economic Local Authority Resources and The Knowledge Economy Employees in the Knowledge issues, engages with industry and business Finances 35.7 16.6 22.0 19.8 comprises those industries Economy (%) and pursues external funding opportunities The grant that the Council will receive from whose main purpose centres National Vocational to develop and deliver initiatives that support central government will disappear by 2018/19 49.4 36.7 28.1 37.9 on knowledge or information, Qualification Level 4+ (%) our local economy. The three boroughs work and therefore the Council will need to become from highly technical industries together to make the most of the financial self-sufficient. The Council also has to compete Tunbridge Wells SWOT analysis and infographics provided in Appendix 1 and knowledge intensive and other resources available to them to seek for central Government funding linked to services to creative industries. to deliver more for our local businesses. In economic and housing growth (for example for 2015 the West Kent Partnership published transport infrastructure). its West Kent Priorities for Growth document The South East Local Enterprise Partnership However, Kent & Medway has successfully been National Picture and this will be reviewed in the next year. (SELEP) is the business-led, public/private In 2016, the referendum on membership of selected by the Government as one of the pilot body established to drive economic growth the European Union set the UK on course for Appendix 2 provides a list of partner areas for 100% retention of business rate growth across East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Brexit. Business groups and other organisations organisations that the Council works with in 2018/19. Beyond 2018/19 it is understood Southend and Thurrock. It is one of 39 have already started work to ascertain the likely on Economic Development issues. that the Government’s current intention is that partnerships set up by the government to be impact of this on the Kent economy but it is local government will be able to retain 75% of the key body determining strategic economic difficult to make any firm predictions as yet. The Five Year Plan 2017 – 2022 business rate growth. priorities while making investments and uncertainty surrounding Brexit is likely to last for The Council has adopted a Five Year Plan that delivering activities to drive growth and create a number of years and will have an impact on sets out a clear vision for the borough. It seeks local jobs. SELEP is currently updating its our businesses. ‘to encourage investment and sustainable Strategic Economic Plan, setting a regional growth, and to enhance quality of life for all’. It In November 2017 the Government published context for this Strategy (first published in 2014). highlights eight projects that the Council will work their Industrial Strategy ‘Building a Britain, The Council is engaging with SELEP in the to deliver over the next fiveA yearsNew The including:ATre THE FIVE fit for the future’. The Strategy sets out five preparation of the Strategic Economic Plan. We also recognise that there is a new theatre bigger and better productions, but, we do not have • A new Local Plan for thepotentially borough on the horizon. The Assembly Hall the facilities in the current building to achieve foundations for productivity including: Ideas, Theatre’s risk assessment notes that without that. This will further limit subsidy reduction as improved facilities there will be a limit to the success the maintenance and running costs of the current YEAR PLAN The Kent and Medway Economic Partnership of our audience development; as to cultivate and facility will undoubtedly increase as will the need for People, Infrastructure, Business Environment • Creating new sports facilitiesretain a bigger and betteracross audience, wethe need subsidy. (KMEP) aims to drive forward economic growth 2017 – 2022 and Places. The Strategy covers issues that are borough and prosperity throughout the region. It was relevant to this local strategy including improving set up in 2013 and is one of the four federated • The development of the Community Centres skills and upgrading infrastructure and it is likely partnerships which comprise the SELEP. in the borough to form the framework for funding opportunities KMEP is governed by a Board and chaired in the future. • Enhancing the public realm in the borough by the private sector, with membership drawn Key Partnerships from businesses, local government, further • A new Cultural & Learning Hub in Royal Tunbridge Wells The Council is engaged in a number of and higher education. KMEP is responsible economic partnerships, as follows: for the delivery of the objectives set out in • Exploring the delivery of a new Theatre in Kent and Medway’s Growth Plan ‘Unlocking Royal Tunbridge Wells the Potential: Going for Growth published in

5 6 There are a number of key issues that are The Economic Needs Study recommends that shaping the local economy at present and that the following types of areas would be met with this Strategy is seeking to address. occupier demand: 2 Key Issues for Economic Employment sites and premises • areas close to main arterial roads (such as the A21), where accessibility to the highway Local businesses have raised the shortage of network for business operations is quick Development Strategy sites and premises as a major constraint that they currently face and it is also a barrier to • areas which are close to public transport inward investment from outside the borough. nodes or sites which have space for ample The shortage has been exacerbated due to the car parking for staff and customers conversion of floorspace from office to residential • areas which have a critical mass of under Permitted Development Rights legislation, employment uses and amenities particularly in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre. The retention of existing employment space is The key employment areas (KEAs) in the borough, currently managed via a broad criteria-based as defined in the adopted Core Strategy are: policy in the Core Strategy (within Core Policy 7 • Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Employment Provision), however this has had limited success due to the impact of Permitted • Royal Tunbridge Wells – North Farm/ Development Rights. Criteria-based protection Longfield Road Industrial area policies will also be included in the new Local • Southborough – High Brooms Industrial Plan, requiring that there is: robust evidence Park that a site or property is no longer viable for • Paddock Wood – Eldon Way and west of employment; and evidence of marketing activity Maidstone Road (for a minimum 2 years). • Paddock Wood – Transfesa Road East and As a result of concerns about the impact of West conversions from office space to residential • Gills Green – Former Hawkhurst Railway under Permitted Development Rights, a detailed Station and sidings Town Centre Office Study was commissioned for Royal Tunbridge Wells. The results of the • Capel – Brook Farm study show that the loss of offices is of significant In the 2017 Economic Needs Study concern. The findings of the study will inform (commissioned for the new Local Plan) all the the development of the new Local Plan – both KEAs were assessed as good and were shown site allocations and development management to have high levels of occupancy. North Farm, policies – and in addition, the Council is now Paddock Wood and Gills Green are considered exploring the option of making Article 4 Directions well-suited for B1-B8 occupiers, while financial to remove Permitted Development Rights from and professional services are driving town centre specified premises worthy of retention. It should office demand. There is a strong demand for be noted that this does not prevent planning Grade A office floorspace in accessible locations applications for change of use from employment but there is limited residual capacity for new being submitted, but would allow a full development within existing allocations. consideration of the impact of such applications by the Council (as the Local Planning Authority). The Economic Needs Study recommends that the Council should plan positively for economic As well as the policy approaches set out above, growth (approximately 10,000 new jobs) which the Council is taking proactive steps to deliver equates to between 11-15 hectares of new work space as opportunities arise. In particular, business floorspace in the period to 2033 as a the proposed civic development will provide minimum. This is in addition to maintaining the office accommodation for the Council and also existing employment floorspace. Appropriate much needed commercial office floorspace employment sites will therefore be included in (20,000ft2) that can be let to local businesses in the new Local Plan. It is recognised that sites the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The Council are needed in a variety of locations across the has also worked with private and public sector borough including within the rural areas, for partners to open a flexible workspace for creative example through the re-use of redundant rural businesses in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre and agricultural premises. known as The House.

7 8 Enterprise (Supporting new and The Council has worked hard to improve its communications with local businesses in order growing businesses) to understand the issues that they face and also Tunbridge Wells is a highly entrepreneurial to provide information to them on opportunities borough. The local economy is dominated by for loans, grants and learning. The Council’s small and micro-businesses with 90.3% of quarterly business e-newsletter reaches over businesses employing less than 10 people and 1000 contacts and the Council’s website 80% employing less than 5. Tunbridge Wells has and social media activity provides up to date a high level of self-employment and also a high information for the local business community. number of home-based businesses across a wide range of sectors. Town Centre Activities The start-up rate for new businesses in the The 2017 Retail & Leisure Study (commissioned borough is high but not all of these succeed. for the Local Plan evidence base) included a In recognition of this, over the last 3 years, review of national trends relating to retail and the Council has pooled resources with West leisure, and also a healthcheck of key centres Kent local authority partners (Sevenoaks and across the borough. There are a number of Tonbridge & Malling) to deliver a successful national trends that are influencing the retail programme of business support and advice to environment. In particular the report recognises start-up and pre-start-up businesses. that ‘the popularity and increased availability of the internet, as well as the growing confidence of There is now a wide range of advice available to consumers in making purchases online, has led the current retail and leisure offer including The borough’s other larger centres, Paddock businesses and this has been brought together to a distinctive change in the way in which goods the redevelopment of Royal Victoria Place for Wood, Cranbrook, Southborough and Hawkhurst on the Kent & Medway Growth Hub website, and services are purchased.’ An increasing additional retail floorspace and a cinema, and are significantly smaller, but nevertheless play a which is funded through SELEP, and helps new number of retail sales, in particular are now the former Cinema site for mixed use commercial key role in providing retail and other services to and existing businesses find the most suitable made online (2016 estimate of 20%). and residential. their local catchment. They have a retail offer of type of support in their area. both convenience goods (supermarkets/express) Nevertheless, Royal Tunbridge Wells remains As a result of changes in shopping behaviour, and independent comparison goods shops. The borough has a large number of active recognised as a wider regional centre and draws town centres across the country are being There are plans for improved community facilities business forums, from the formal e.g. Chambers considerable trade from a wide catchment. transformed. One related trend is the increasing across a number of these centres. The Council of Commerce through to online or local The Retail & Leisure Study identifies the need number of cafes and restaurants in Tunbridge is also supporting the Town and Parish Councils networking groups. This is very positive for the for new retail floorspace for both food and Wells. There is a greater need for visitors to that have chosen to prepare Neighbourhood local economy and provides a source of advice, comparison goods (e.g. clothes and household enjoy the shopping experience and combine Plans in order to shape new development in their mentoring and marketing opportunities for many items). It is proposed that most of this growth it with leisure activities as an alternative to local area. businesses. The Council seeks to engage with is directed to Royal Tunbridge Wells. There shopping online. Royal Tunbridge Wells is the these groups providing support and information. are already a number of developments that focus for a wide range of events throughout the Visitor Economy are proposed for the town centre that will boost year, many music related but also food festivals/ The most recent study on the economic impact markets and sporting events. In addition, the of tourism in Tunbridge Wells was undertaken high quality independent shops in the town also help to attract visitors and it is recognised in 2015. The results highlight the continued that these local businesses make an important importance of the visitor economy to the borough contribution to the borough’s economy as more and show that in 2015, 4.4 million trips were spend is retained in the local area. undertaken in the area with a total of £261 million spent in the local area as result of tourism In response to the pressures on town centres, (taking into account multiplier effects). The visitor and led by a number of key local businesses, economy supports 4,909 jobs both for Borough a town centre partnership, known as Royal residents and those living nearby. Tunbridge Wells Together, was launched in 2016 and a town centre manager appointed to The Council is committed to continuing its lead on projects and initiatives that will help to support for the local tourism sector which maintain the town’s competitive edge over other is dominated by small or micro-businesses, locations in the south east. The feasibility of many of which are in rural locations. In 2014, a Business Improvement District (BID) for the a Destination Management Plan was prepared town is now being explored to provide equitable for the borough, setting out priorities for the and sustainable funding for this work. A BID is a sector. Since the preparation of the plan, the business-led partnership created through a ballot Council has worked to implement many of the process to deliver improvements and additional recommendations including: the provision of services to local businesses within a defined area, for example a town centre. new visitor signs in Royal Tunbridge Wells town

9 10 centre, the preparation of promotional leaflets for highlighted the need for more affordable hotel Examples of businesses that have benefited less well represented although new opportunities the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk, inspirational accommodation in the borough. include the Benenden Community Shop which are arising as HE providers seek to work in blogs on the visittunbridgewells website and free stocks locally produced foods and has a post new ways to attract students. Canterbury Christ specialist business advice to accommodation Rural Economy office and community hub with small café area. Church University has recently moved its Clinical providers (via Visit Kent). The countryside is recognised as one of the Other projects supported have included farming Psychology Faculty into accommodation in borough’s major assets. Agricultural land and forestry business support and diversification, Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre and courses The provision of tourist information remains a occupies nearly 90% of the land in Tunbridge tourism ventures and breweries/distilleries. are also offered in the area through the Hadlow priority, both digitally (via the visittunbridgewells Wells and this sector is a very important Group, the University of Kent and the University Broadband provision in the rural areas of the website) and through the face-to-face and part of the local economy. The landscape of Greenwich. The Council is seeking to engage borough has improved since the last Economic telephone service provided at the Tourist management performed by agriculture and with these HE providers to bring more higher Development Strategy was prepared. The Information Centre in Royal Tunbridge Wells. horticulture brings huge benefits to the local education opportunities to the borough. successful completion of the Kent Broadband Information is also available at the Weald economy and is essential to maintaining the Delivery UK contract Phase 1, under which Recruitment difficulties are frequently cited as Information Centre in Cranbrook. In addition, quality of the countryside, which attracts so KCC and TWBC secured additional funding a barrier to business growth in the borough, leaflets to promote the whole Borough are many visitors (see above) and residents to for the deployment of superfast infrastructure, across a range of sectors including retail, health/ printed and distributed widely each year. Other the area. It is recognised that in recent years, saw improvements in the following village social care, legal and hospitality. Along with Council projects/services that will support the some farms and rural buildings have been communities: Brenchley & Matfield, Horsmonden, the neighbouring authorities of Sevenoaks and visitor economy include the: redeveloped for residential use or adapted Cranbrook & Sissinghurst, and Speldhurst. Tonbridge & Malling, the West Kent Partnership to provide facilities for new business uses in - Proposed Cultural & Learning Hub to has been working with other organisations to the leisure, tourism and office based sectors. include an enlarged Museum and Art Gallery KCC is now progressing the deployment of develop employability initiatives across the There has also been a continuing loss of some as a major new attraction (£12 million the Phase 2 broadband contract which aims area. These have included the annual Jobs & services in rural areas including the closure of project). to bring superfast broadband to a total of 95% Training Fairs in Tunbridge Wells (2014 -16) and shops, pubs and post offices which makes some of premises across the county by the end of - Redevelopment of a new 1200 seat theatre more recently in Tonbridge (March 2017) and of our rural communities less sustainable. 2017. This phase is more challenging as it is as a major new cultural facility for the Sevenoaks (March 2018), successfully bringing seeking to provide superfast connectivity to borough that will inject at least £14 million However, programmes such as LEADER (Defra/ employers and jobseekers together from across more rural premises requiring the negotiation into the local economy EU funding) have helped rural enterprises and West Kent. of wayleaves with private landowners for communities to diversify and grow through - Creation of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together example. Some known ‘not-spots’ within the Improving skills is one of the keys to increasing providing grant funding. The last West Kent to encourage joint working between local borough are to be addressed as a consequence productivity and business growth. Evidence LEADER programme (which closed in 2013) businesses to support the vitality of the town of Phase 2 deployment including parts suggests that in the future there will be a trend awarded over £1.25 million of grant funding of: Lamberhurst, Benenden, Iden Green, for lower skilled jobs to become mechanised, - On-going support for, and facilitation of, to 62 projects which generated over £3.4 Tudeley and Hawkhurst. In the meantime, but there will be a greater need for more highly events/festivals in the borough e.g. Local & million investment into West Kent. A new the Council is aware that this is constraining skilled employees. It will not be possible to rely Live and Jazz on the Pantiles Local Development Strategy for LEADER was business growth in some of these locations. only on better qualified younger people, but developed in 2014 and has successfully secured The 2017 Hotel Capacity Study, undertaken will also require upskilling the existing adult further funding of £1.5 million to March 2019. for the Local Plan evidence base, has also Partnership working with some commercial workforce. The Council is part of the local KCC- developers to install superfast broadband as led Adult Skills Forum that is seeking to address part of the package of core utilities remains this issue. challenging. However, the Council considers that it is not acceptable that some new In 2015, the Confederation of British Industry homes are built without access to a superfast stated that for the 14-18 age group, employers connection. This could be addressed within believe that a top priority for schools should the new Local Plan and then through the be ‘developing awareness of working life’ development management process. with support from businesses. In line with this approach, the West Kent Partnership along with Employment and Skills the Hadlow Group and the Careers Enterprise The borough has a very low unemployment Company is now funding an Enterprise Adviser rate at less than 1% and skills levels are also Network for West Kent. Over 20 schools have strong with a high proportion of residents with been successfully recruited to the West Kent National Vocational Qualifications at Level 4 network and are being matched with business or above. Primary and secondary education mentors that will engage with each school’s provision is good in the borough and Further careers leads, providing input on careers Education opportunities are provided by the activities and providing helping to link the schools Hadlow Group in neighbouring Tonbridge (at to the wider business community. West Kent College). Higher Education (HE) is

11 12 Last year, the UK Government announced • Construction and the Built Environment all large businesses should shoulder the • Creative and Media responsibility of growing apprenticeship numbers and introduced the Apprenticeship Levy from • Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing April 2017. It aims to raise £3 billion a year to • Financial Services meet the target of funding 3 million high-quality apprentices by 2020. There is more for the • Health and Social Care Council and its partners to do to inform local • Hospitality, Catering and Transport businesses about the benefits of taking on • Land Based apprentices and ensure that they are aware of the funding available to them for this and how • Science this can be used. Officers from across the three West Kent local In addition, there is now an opportunity to take authorities attend Guild meetings and contribute up Degree Apprenticeships. These are the to their initiatives. latest model to be developed as part of higher Transport & Access apprenticeship standards, with participants Having an efficient transport network is essential achieving a full bachelor’s or master’s degree as to the vitality and competitiveness of the a core component of the apprenticeship. A key A number of highway schemes have been identified found between providing parking that encourages borough’s local economy. The Council is working feature of degree apprenticeships is that they as priorities by the Council including: short journeys by car (that could be made by more in partnership with the local Highway Authority, sustainable modes) and necessary provision to are co-designed by employers. This is intended • Junction improvements on the A264 at Kent County Council, to prepare a new Transport allow businesses to attract custom and to recruit to ensure that apprentices are equipped with Woodsgate Corner and at Halls Hole Road/ Strategy for the borough in support of the Local suitable employees. the skills employers need, and to boost their Blackhurst Lane Plan. employment prospects. All the local Higher TWBC and KCC have jointly commissioned a park • A228 Colts Hill Relief Scheme Education providers are seeking to engage with There have been recent improvements to the & ride study as part of the evidence base to support this agenda and develop appropriate provision. road network with the dualling of the A21, the • A21 dualling between Kippings Cross the Local Plan. The study will consider the feasibility Longfield Road widening scheme and junction and Lamberhurst (Highways England of introducing park & ride services on the radial The Skills and Employability Service at Kent improvements on the A26 in Southborough. responsibility) routes into Royal Tunbridge Wells. This work will County Council has recently convened a number However, the A264 and A26 remain congested also consider the characteristics of a town centre of ‘Employer Guilds’. Each Guild is a Forum The Council works closely with KCC colleagues and corridors during peak hours. In addition, the other partners to lobby for improvement schemes parking regime that would complement park & ride. representing employers within a sector, along A228 and A21 south of Tunbridge Wells are such as those listed above. Applications for funding The public transport network is also vital to local with colleges and training providers that offer bottlenecks, preventing the flow of traffic and acting are made to SELEP as opportunities arise (e.g. businesses. The Council continues to work with training in the relevant sector. Their purpose is to as a constraint on businesses in the area. These Local Growth Fund) and Section 106 contributions Southeastern (current rail franchise holder), Network provide an interface between employment and roads provide important access to and from the are also sought from developers where this is Rail and local bus operators to get the best services education. Over 200 employers, and 30 colleges Key Employment Areas (KEAs) identified above. appropriate. possible for local people to access goods and and training providers currently attend eight Transport congestion is also an issue in other parts services. The Council responds to consultations Guilds. The Guilds cover the following sectors: of the borough including, for example, the centre of Local communities are increasingly bringing forward from bus and train operators to ensure that the Hawkhurst. concerns about speeding traffic (including Heavy Goods Vehicles) both in urban and rural locations priorities for the borough are recognised. and a number are seeking improvements to The lack of good bus services linking rural villages pedestrian and cycling facilities and the introduction with service centres has been highlighted in the of 20mph restrictions (particularly in residential 2017 Settlement Role and Function Study (Local areas and village centres). A Cycling Strategy for Plan evidence base), while urban bus services the borough was adopted in 2016 and work to suffer from reliability issues due to congestion and design and implement safer routes to encourage there is limited road space for bus priority measures more journeys to be made by bike is underway. In to address this issue. Although providing improved addition, the programme of improvements to the bus services is challenging, local bus operators are public realm in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre utilising new technology and adapting their services, will encourage walking and cycling and support for example introducing smart ticketing, apps with the local economy by providing a more pleasant real time information for waiting passengers and environment in which to spend time. piloting smaller shuttle buses/on-demand services Parking provision in town centres (of all sizes) on selected routes to improve the passenger across the borough remains a key issue for many experience. The Council will seek to support the businesses with reference to both customers and operators with these new initiatives. employees. However, there is a balance to be 13 14 The overall goal of the Economic Development Strategy is to seek to create the best possible conditions for business investment and sustainable growth in the borough. 3 Strategy Aims and Objectives The 2018 Strategy themes are a response to the issues set out in Section 2 and are consistent with those in the previous Strategy: Objective 1: Place Shaping and Promotion Enhance the attractiveness of Royal Tunbridge Wells and the other town centres in the borough as thriving cultural places to visit, shop, work and do business. Objective 2: Accessibility & Connectivity Develop efficient transport & digital communication networks to support the vitality and competitiveness of the borough’s local economy. Objective 3: Skills & Employability Develop a workforce equipped with appropriate skills to capitalise on local employment opportunities. Objective 4: Rural Economy Develop a strong, diverse rural economy to sustain local communities. Objective 5: Supporting Enterprise Encourage the continued development of a wide range of enterprises in the borough, including through the provision of new workspace.

Strong local economies around the world tend to have some key attributes. They have a good supply of skilled labour; they are well connected and have land available for homes, offices and factories; and they have rich innovation ecosystems, often built around a university. They have an attractive cultural environment.’

(from the Government’s Industrial Strategy: Building a Britain fit for the future, 2017)

15 16 How we measure Project/Service Timescale Delivery Partners success Place Shaping & Promotion 4 Economic Development New Local Plan – Evidence Base Studies 2017–21 Tunbridge Wells Borough Allocation of sites --Economic Needs Study Council for employment Action Plan --Town Centre Office Market Review Town & Parish Councils uses --Retail & Leisure Study Royal Tunbridge Wells Allocation of sites --Settlement Role & Function Study Together for retail & leisure uses Local businesses Inward Investment Marketing Strategy 2018 Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of new --Ongoing work with Locate in Kent Council businesses locating --Meetings with developers/investors Locate in Kent in the borough --Sponsorship of Viewpoint Magazine Developers Local Commercial Agents One Media Town Centre redevelopment/regeneration 2017–21 Tunbridge Wells Borough Delivery of projects projects: Council --Civic Development including new theatre and Kent County Council office space Royal Tunbridge Wells --Cultural & Learning Hub Together --Public Realm Phases 2 & 3 Heritage Lottery Fund --Royal Victoria Place redevelopment --Former Cinema site development Arts Council --Corn Exchange redevelopment Tourist Information Service --Union House redevelopment Developers

Destination Management Plan Implementation 2017–21 Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of visitors --Tourist Information – Tourist Information Council Social media/ Centre, Weald Information Centre and Visit Kent website visittunbridgewells website Tourism South East engagement --Marketing and promotion – social media, Seven Wonders Jobs in visitor website and print (including distribution) economy --Promotion and facilitation of Festivals and Royal Tunbridge Wells events Together --Town interpretation - Cultural & Learning Hub Blue Badge Guides --Support for Press and Tour Operator visits Explore Kent --Specialist business support for Kent High Weald Partnership accommodation providers and attractions Local Bloggers Royal Tunbridge Wells Together (RTWT) 2017–19 RTWT Board (including TWBC) Service Level --Increase in membership and funding RTWT Members Agreement --Promotion/marketing of town centre RTWT Staff Increased --Established as a voice for business Membership --Quarterly Business Intelligence Report BID Feasibility --Business support activities Study --Feasibility of Business Improvement District Events & (BID) Information

17 18 How we measure How we measure Project/Service Timescale Delivery Partners Project/Service Timescale Delivery Partners success success Accessibility & Connectivity Skills & Employability Review of Transport Strategy to support 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Delivery of 2 x West Kent Jobs & Training Fairs per year: Annual West Kent Partnership (TWBC, Number of Local Plan and growth agenda Kent County Council Transport Strategy --Spring – Tonbridge or Sevenoaks venue events TMBC, SDC) employers attending and evidence base Highways England --Autumn – Tunbridge Wells (Assembly Hall Jobcentreplus Number of job for Local Plan Bus operators Theatre) Town & Country Housing seekers attending Support from KCC Group Southeastern for Local Plan Number of jobs filled Local employers Network Rail Training providers Highway scheme pipeline 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Successful LGF Business and Schools link – careers advice Ongoing West Kent Partnership (TWBC, Number of schools --Identify priority schemes Kent County Council bids and guidance TMBC, SDC) attending --Commission survey/design work Highways England --Prepare and submit LGF bids --Attend West Kent Careers Education, West Kent CEIAG Network and Number of KMEP Information, Advice & Guidance Network local schools businesses SELEP (CEIAG) Enterprise Adviser Network or training --West Kent Enterprise Adviser Network organisations Sustainable Transport pipeline including 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Successful bids Local and National employers operating attending cycling Kent County Council --Deliver annual Skills Fest – Assembly Hall Training providers --Identify pipeline of schemes Successful bid for TW Cycling Forum Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Higher and Further Education --Commission survey/design work Careers Enterprise KMEP and SELEP providers --Prepare and submit bids Adviser Network and recruitment Work with public transport operators: 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Bus services and of advisers and --Improve bus ticketing, services and Arriva/Other Bus Operators passengers schools Rail services and infrastructure Network Rail --Improve rail ticketing, services and stations passengers Southeastern Apprenticeships and other pathways to careers Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of --Respond to consultations by transport Station Kent County Council improvements --Promotion to employers Council businesses with operators to lobby for improvements apprentices --Facilitation of Public Transport Forum Borough Public Transport Forum --Promotion with schools Hadlow Group --Continuing involvement in Quality Bus --Work with providers Rosemary Shrager Cookery Number of Partnership School apprentices in place Parking facilities and services 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council No. parking spaces Higher Education Providers --Revise TWBC Parking Strategy and link to Kent County Council in town centre Enterprise Adviser Network Transport Strategy Royal Tunbridge Wells Together Town centre Local businesses --Assessment of parking requirements in performance – Explore options for Higher Education/Further 2017–20 Tunbridge Wells Borough HE courses being RTW town centre as part of Parking/Park & vacant retail units Education in Tunbridge Wells Council offered within the Ride Study etc. --Canterbury Christ Church University re-locate Canterbury Christ Church borough/West Kent --Improved signage and other information Provision of to town centre University about parking information about --University of Kent course offer University of Kent parking. --Hadlow Group HE course offer Hadlow Group

19 20 How we measure How we measure Project/Service Timescale Delivery Partners Project/Service Timescale Delivery Partners success success Rural Economy Supporting Enterprise Destination Management Plan Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Visitors to the TWBC ‘Open for Business’ approach Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Feedback from --Promotion of whole Borough as a destination Council borough - TWBC Procurement Strategy review Council local businesses on via social media, website and print Visit Kent Visitors to the - Ongoing ‘Better Business for All’ approach Local businesses Council services --Business support for accommodation Tourism South East Tourist Information Business loans/grants schemes 2017–21 Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of Borough providers Centre Local attractions --Promote new loans/grants funds Council/West Kent Partnership businesses getting --Hub Tourist Information Centre in RTW and Visits to the loans/grants Local accommodation --Lobby for new loan/grant schemes via LEP South East Local Enterprise visitor information in Cranbrook at Weald visittunbridgewells providers and other Partnership Information Centre website --Themed Itinerary development across the Kent High Weald Partnership Business Advice & Support Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of borough Explore Kent --Financial support for West Kent Business Council businesses/ --Walking and cycling projects across the Support Programme (start-ups and young Kent Invicta Chamber of prospective borough businesses) Commerce businesses accessing advice --Tourist Information Points across the borough --Promote Kent & Medway Growth Hub and Kent County Council membership of Steering Group West Kent Partnership Promote the uptake of LEADER grants by 2017–18 West Kent Partnership (TWBC, Number of borough --Delivery of other business events across the Local districts/boroughs borough businesses TMBC, SDC) businesses borough with partner organisations receiving grants Department for International Trade High speed broadband delivery (with KCC) 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough % of borough Kent & Medway Growth Hub --Delivery of Phase 2 of Kent Broadband Plan Council with high speed --Delivery in new residential developments Kent County Council broadband Business Communications Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of --Assess developments in new technology BT Openreach - TWBiz quarterly newsletter Council businesses - @TWBC_Business #TWBiz receiving newsletter Farmers Market Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of stalls Local businesses - TWBC Business pages Number of social --Increase number of stalls Council Footfall and spend Other partners - Networking events media followers --Marketing to increase footfall Kent Farmers Market - Employer visit programme --Work with other markets and events/festivals Association Number of employer visits Royal Tunbridge Wells Together Cultural & Creative Industries: 2017–2020 Tunbridge Wells Borough The House SLA Council Neighbourhood Plans – market towns/village Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Services in market --Continued support for existing creative centres Council towns and village workspace – The House Workspace Collaborations Ltd. --Continued delivery of Business Advice - Hawkhurst Parish Councils centres Kent County Council programme and networking events at The - Benenden Local cultural & creative House - Goudhurst businesses - Sandhurst --Update Tunbridge Wells Cultural & Creative Industries Framework (2012) Tunbridge Wells Cultural - Cranbrook & Sissinghurst Consortium - Paddock Wood --Explore options for new workspaces in the borough and opportunities for Creative Assembly Hall Theatre Enterprise Zones Cultural & Learning Hub --Bid for funding to support the sector as

opportunities arise

21 22 This Strategy is set in the context of very limited Council resources. The Council will therefore work closely with its many partners to deliver the Strategy and maximise opportunities for 5 The Role of the Council continued economic development. The role of the Borough Council will include:

• commissioning evidence base studies as required; • development of specific projects/initiatives (where resources are available); • Preparing and submitting funding bids; • working with local businesses and other relevant organisations to deliver initiatives; • monitoring the local economy; • seeking and acting on feedback from businesses and residents; • monitoring the implementation of the Action Plan; and • annual reporting on successes

A full list of partner organisations is contained in Appendix 2.

23 24 Appendix 1: SWOT Analysis This SWOT analysis sets out some of the opportunities and challenges facing the borough and was used to develop Section 2 of this Strategy.

Strengths Weaknesses Indicator Value 2017 • Highly skilled workforce • Traffic congestion in urban areas • Culture of entrepreneurship and • Shortage of sites/premises for Unemployment rate Median Gross Weekly Resident Earnings strong SME businesses business use and expansion TWells 0.9% TWells ££££££££££ 582.50 • Low unemployment • Ageing stock of office floorspace Kent 1.8% Kent37.9% 574.90 • Business networking opportunities particularly in RTW ££££££££££ South East 1.2% South East 596.80 • Regional shopping centre/service centre • Limited Higher Education facilities ££££££££££ GB 1.9% • Visitor, cultural and heritage offer • Small number of larger employers GB ££££££££££ 552.70 • High house prices causing recruitment issues • High quality rural landscape and AONB Employees in the Knowledge Economy • Rural broadband infrastructure incomplete 3 year business survival rate • Good quality primary and secondary schools TWells 35.7% • Good road and rail links to London • Recruitment and skills retention issues TWells 63.4% Kent 16.6% • Sector strengths in Creative, • Pockets of deprivation Kent37.9% 59.6% Finance, Education South East 22% South East GB 19.8% GB National Vocational Quali cation Level 4+

TWells 49.9% Opportunities Threats Gross Value Added per Head (£) • TWBC’s Five Year Plan 2017 - 22 • Limited opportunity for Kent37.9% 36.7% (value of goods and services in an economy) additional road capacity • Private sector investment South East 28.1% TWells ££££££££££ 26,027 in the town centre • Competition from other areas Kent 21,933 37.9% 37.9% ££££££££££ • Formation of Royal Tunbridge for funding infrastructure GB South East ££££££££££ 28,683 Wells Together • Out commuting, especially Median Gross Weekly Workplace Earnings Full Time • West Kent Partnership of the highly skilled GB ££££££££££ 26,621 TWells ££££££££££ 515.30 • Potential for Higher education expansion • Changes in shopping habits Kent37.9% 552.10 • New Local Plan with • Competition from other town centres ££££££££££ employment allocations and out of town shopping centres South East ££££££££££ 574.90 • Active business community • Pressure for residential development GB ££££££££££ 552.30 over employment uses • Possible Brexit opportunities • Possible Brexit challenges • Business Rate Retention pilot • Limited Local Authority resources

25 26 Appendix 2: Appendix 3: List of partner organisations Relevant Plans and Strategies Arts Council National Centre for Microbusinesses There are a number of plans and strategies already published that set the context for this new Assembly Hall Theatre Network Rail Strategy. We are not seeking to duplicate these, but to make sure that we have drawn together the Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) Private Sector Developers relevant issues and actions into the Strategy. Careers and Enterprise Company Produced in Kent • Borough Cultural Strategy 2014-2024 – TWBC Cultural Consortium Royal Tunbridge Wells Together (RTWT) • Borough Cycling Strategy (2016) Creative Media Guild Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum Department for International Trade (DIT) Safe Town Partnership (STP) • Borough Parking Strategy 2015-2026 – TWBC Explore Kent Seven Wonders of the Weald • Borough Transport Strategy 2015-2026 – TWBC Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) • Five Year Plan 2014-2019 – TWBC and Five Year Plan 2017-2022 – TWBC Hadlow Group Southeastern (rail) • Local Plan/Site Allocations Development Plan Document: including Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) The Forum IMAGO Tourism South East (TSE) o Settlement Role and Function Study 2017 Jobcentre Plus Town and Country Housing Group (TCHG) o Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells Economic Needs Study 201 Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP) Town and Parish Councils o Tunbridge Wells Retail and Leisure Study 2017 Kent and Medway Growth Hub Trinity Theatre o Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Office Study 2018 Kent Apprenticeships Tunbridge Wells Bicycle Users Group (TWBUG) Kent County Council (KCC) University of Kent o Hotel Capacity Study 2017 Kent Cultural Transformation Board Visit Kent • Destination Management Plan for Tunbridge Wells 2014-2017 – TWBC Kent Farmers Market Association (KFMA) West Kent Chamber of Commerce (WKCC) • Tunbridge Wells Cultural and Creative Framework (2012) and 2018?? Kent High Weald Partnership (KHWP) West Kent College (Hadlow Group) • West Kent Priorities for Growth 2015 – WKP Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce West Kent Partnership (WKP) • Government’s Industrial Strategy: Building a Britain fit for the future, 2017– BEIS Local Bus Companies Workspace Collaboration Limited (The House – Local Businesses creative workspace) • Strategic Economic Plan 2014 – SELEP Local Schools • Local Transport Plan 4: Delivering Growth Without Gridlock 2016-2031 – KCC Locate in Kent (LIK) • Kent & Medway Growth and Infrastructure Framework 2018 – KCC • Refresh of the 14-24 Learning, Employment and Skills Strategy (2015-2018) – KCC • Kent SME Internationalization Study (March 2017) – KCC • Kent Broadband Plan • Kent and Medway: Making a success of Brexit: a sectoral appraisal 2016 – CCCU for KMEP • Unlocking the Potential: Going for Growth 2014 – KMEP • KCC Business Intelligence Reports • Active Travel Strategy 2016 – KCC • Economic Impact of Tourism, Tunbridge Wells 2015 – Visit Kent • State of the Nation 2017: Careers and Enterprise Provision in England’s Schools – Careers & Enterprise Company • Kent and Medway: Making A Success of Brexit, A Sectoral Appraisal (Dec 2016) CEFEUS • Kent and Medway: Making a Success of Brexit, A Sectoral Appraisal of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises And the Rural Economy (July 2017) CEFEUS • The Local Economic Effects of Brexit – Centre for Economic Performance (November 2017)

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