North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 2 Section 1: Introduction

River Severn 8 M5 2 A3 Cotswolds

25a S 26 25 24 S 1 North Somerset23a 23 27 Newport North21 Somerset Economic28 Plan M4 22 29 20 32 3 A4 0 16

29a 4 A M49 M4 32 17 Cardiff 50 mins 8 19 AmbitionsCardiff 3 18a A 3 18 18 Electric cycle hire M32 S 2 19 A 369 0 Employment and skills hubs A 42 Bristol Weston General Stores A431 20 Weston housing factory Nailsea Weston to Bristol 35 mins Flexible workspaces M5 Bath A370 A38 MetroWest Airport 21 7 6 3 A A371 A 37 0 A366

Hinkley Power Station 45 mins

Gravity Business Park 25 mins 7 S 6 3 A A38 9 A3

A37 7 22 1 A3 Highbridge Minehead A 8 371 3 1 A A36 Dunster Watchet A39 23 96 Williton 3 9 A 5 A358 A39 3 A39 A Exmoor Bridgwater National Park 24 A372 Bruton 8 3

Bishops Lydeard A371 Wiveliscombe Somerton Dulverton Taunton Langport A303 25 A372 A378 Ilchester Shaftsbury

A 3 Wellington S 7 26 A Martock 9 5 35 3 8 A A30 38 3 A3 A A30 08 Sherborne M5 8 Yeovil

A 27 3 Ilminster 5 2 A357 56 A 3 3 Tiverton 7 A

Chard Contents

Section 1: Introduction 3

Section 2: The commitments 4

Section 3 The evidence 5

Section 4: The foundations for economic recovery 14

Section 5: Our priorities and action plan 17

Policy Context 27

Open Green We will provide strong community Fair We will lead our communities to protect leadership and work transparently with our We aim to reduce inequalities and promote and enhance our environment, tackle the residents, businesses and partners to deliver fairness and opportunity for everyone. climate emergency and drive sustainable our ambition for North Somerset. development.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 2 Section 1: Introduction

The Coronavirus pandemic has had a profound effect on our daily lives and The Governor of the Bank of the economy. We don’t know how long it will take before we have a full England said that how we respond economic recovery, and there are significant challenges ahead. to these key issues will be the true measure of effectiveness ‘rather than We’ve listened to our businesses, residents and stakeholders about what the scale of any short-term plunge in GDP’ they are going through and recognise the need to act quickly to show what and we at North Somerset Council agree. we will do to help. The Stable, Our second driver is rooted in the changes we’ve Jemma Coles Transport, retail, the visitor economy and creative industries have been all had to make to the way we live and work and hit particularly hard. Unemployment has risen and our young people are the opportunities that has created. Economic and financial especially at risk with fewer job opportunities and apprenticeships. values will remain a core priority in our recovery, but the lockdown has And, the risk of a no-deal exit from the European Union at the end of the also highlighted a different set of values. Community, connectivity and year is creating additional economic uncertainty. wellbeing, as well as a healthy and sustainable environment, are now much more prominent drivers for decision-makers. Lockdown has highlighted the problem of digital poverty; those without access to broadband or the right equipment and skills are at a big In response, the Council is prioritising economic renewal activity around disadvantage. Such unprecedented times have put huge pressure on three key pillars: mental and physical health, highlighting the importance of wellbeing. ● Providing inclusive growth and wellbeing for North Somerset people.

The changes to lifestyle and work as a result of the pandemic means we ● Delivering digital access for all. need a new approach to our existing economic plan which was due to ● run until 2036. This new plan will have two core drivers: Helping those Supporting green business and low carbon activities. suffering economic hardships and building on the opportunities the crisis In this plan, we’ll set out in more detail the drivers for our strategy, our has revealed. priorities and commitments and how we will deliver and measure our success. This is a 5-year plan but during a time of economic uncertainty, Our priority is to first identify projects which can help residents experiencing it needs to be flexible and responsive. It will be reviewed every three exacerbated deprivation due to the impact of the pandemic. Job losses, months by an Economic Plan Steering Group and the commitments will business closures, reduced access to digital learning or reskilling courses be continuously assessed to ensure they are responding to needs and must be addressed to lessen the impact felt by our vulnerable communities. opportunities.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 3 Section 2: The commitments

The council will prioritise the following projects: ● Employment and skills strategy: Focused activity around opportunities for those who have lost their jobs and are disenfranchised from the ● Full fibre and 5G: Ensure next-generation digital connectivity and labour market, combined with the provision of opportunities to reskill, telecommunications technology is supplied into premises, workplaces upskill and deliver access to further and higher education. and homes. ● Strategic employment sites: Protect jobs and deliver sustainable ● North Somerset Local Plan: Develop evidence led economic input into activity which retains positive outcomes within the economy and the new Local Plan to deliver mixed and sustainable communities with benefits local employment, businesses and communities. new homes, jobs and infrastructure. ● Visitor economy action plan: Deliver a plan which prioritises the promotion ● Town centre transformation: Encourage our town centres to become and growth of environmentally friendly holidays, and targeted support to thriving places to live, work and enjoy. improve the quality and diversity of our visitor economy. ● Tech adoption: Ensure businesses can adopt digital technology and ● Creative industries action plan: Deliver a plan which prioritises maximise the benefits. sustainability throughout the supply chain, makes the case for ● Mobility as a service: Develop wider access to on-demand transport, investment and nurtures talent. mobility services and carbon-efficient local delivery solutions. ● Enhanced business support programme: Commission a universal pre- ● Low carbon inward investment: Grow North Somerset’s green start, early growth and business resilience service and support Small economy by working in partnership with regional inward investment and Medium Sizes Enterprises to develop inclusive practices into their organisations and working with residents to access skills to support the business models, such as employee ownership. sector. ● Voluntary, community and social enterprise: Work with the sector to ● Infrastructure for local working: Provide digital infrastructure and help them demonstrate the positive impact they have on the economy facilities for local working so that our places can realise the maximum and jointly make the case for increased investment. opportunities of distributed and flexible working. ● J21 enterprise area: Directly invest and seek investment to help the ● Retrofitting buildings, community energy, renewable energy and creation of jobs. carbon reduction: Maximise benefits of energy efficiency schemes by ● West of England working: Prioritise regional partnerships to ensure ensuring local people have the right skills to make the most of the job maximum impact across the West of England to grow businesses, opportunities. protect and create jobs.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 4 Section 3 The evidence Known Challenges It is important to note that the redundancy risk is sector-specific, The biggest challenge facing North Somerset is unemployment and the for example, construction has financial hardship which can make people vulnerable to homelessness, brought many workers back mental and physical health issues. from furlough and into full-time employment while hospitality Furlough and reduced services are likely to see job losses. hours Given the prevalence of visitor economy jobs in Weston Super Mare, should these Viper Innovations at desk, Lockdown had an furlough figures turn into redundancies there Paul Groom 2019 immediate impact on will be a significant and structural employment working hours and income crisis in the town. Already we know that a higher levels as furloughed proportion of Weston residents have been furloughed than the district staff received 80% of overall (32% compared to 26%) their normal wage. Even though lockdown has Sector % furloughed % of North eased, social distancing, nationally Somerset reduced demand and residents working economic activity are making in sector business viability more challenging. Accommodation and food 77% 11% services Some businesses have already had to lay off staff and the furlough scheme is being phased out which mean further Arts, entertainment and 70% 3.4% recreation redundancies are likely in the coming months. Construction 60% 5.4% The following table shows the level of furlough by sector at the national Manufacturing 42% 8% level and the proportion of people employed in these sectors in North Admin and support services 32% 12% Somerset. This gives an indication of which sectors may be vulnerable to Transport and storage 32% 8% further redundancies.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 5 Job vacancies and unemployment Inequality:

● In North Somerset 50% drop in job vacancy w/e 10 May compared to ● Women are more likely to have experienced mid-March changes to their work such as reduced hours, furlough or additional caring ● 40% drop in job vacancy May 2020 compared to May 2019. responsibilities to balance with paid work. ● £15-25,000 job range biggest fall in job vacancies. ● Men are more likely to have moved onto Unemployment & UC Claimant Numbers: Universal Credit. ● Under 25s are amongst the most likely to Labour market: unemployment rose sharply in May 2020 but now appears have been furloughed, lost hours or lost more stable work completely.

● Those leaving full-time education are entering a severely restricted labour market.

● Over 50s experienced the second-highest increase in Universal Credit claims and some may face challenges in changing their career.

● People in lower paid and atypical work (e.g. temporary contracts) have been more affected than those on permanent contracts.

● Some Black and Ethnic Minority groups are over-represented in lower- paid/atypical work.

● Fewer job opportunities often mean that people with additional support needs (e.g. people with disabilities) are overlooked for roles.

● Rural poverty will be exacerbated due to lack of transport, heightened Universal Credit (UC) claims have also increased demonstrating how many digital exclusion and reduction in job opportunities in non-urban areas. residents need additional income, even if they have been able to keep ● Some individuals have missed out on government support, for working. Between March and April, there was a 46% increase in individuals example, some freelancers, new start-ups and directors of limited in work receiving UC. companies.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 6 Business sectors most exposed Aviation and aerospace

Public transport ● At the height of the crisis activity at Bristol Airport dropped to 98%. Bristol Airport ● Activity in the aviation sector dropped to and supply chain increasing but it is unclear how long full 98% recovery will take. Source: FlightTrader 24, Forbes

High street and wholesale retail 80% ● 80% drop in footfall during drop in footfall lockdown

● 42% drop visits and dwell compare to pre-Coronavirus levels

● At 37% retail is reporting the highest proportion of 42% redundancies in the West of drop visits England according to HR1 announcements (employers must file a HR1 with Government when 70% 60% drop in bus drop in train they are planning to make more passengers passengers than 20 people redundant)

Source: House of Commons economic briefing 37% 15 June – 4 July, Google Mobility Reports, redundancies

WECA data

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 7 Visitor economy Creative industries

£373m 84% 31% 72%

● £373m contribution to North ● 84% of accommodation and ● 31% of self-employment income ● 72% of arts, entertainment and Somerset’s economy before food services businesses support claims in South West. recreation report decreased Coronavirus. reported reduced turnover. turnover.

63% 75% 33% 17% 28%

● 63% drop in visitor spend ● Highest level of furlough in ● 33% say it will ● 17% said it would ● The South West is anticipated for the UK as a sectors represented in the visitor take 3-6 months take more than 12 predicted to lose whole. economy and 75% of businesses to return to pre- months to recover. 28% of its creative surveyed said they will need to pandemic activity. jobs (43,000 jobs). make some redundancies. Source: HMRC Self-employment Income Support Scheme Statistics: June 2020, ONS Business Impact Survey (data from 29 June to 12 July), North Somerset Council creative industries’ survey, Source: ONS Business Impact Survey (29 June to 12 July), Visit Britain, North Somerset Council Creative Industry Federation Oxford Economics report, commissioned by Creative Industries survey Federation: Our World Without Culture, June 2020

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 8 Voluntary and Community Sector (VCSE) Health and social care

North Somerset has a sizeable health and social care market with a significant number of SME providers - approaching 3,000 care home beds and similar numbers receiving care in a community setting.

The sector has seen a downturn in demand for care home services during 78% 2/3 this crisis as a result of the national media coverage relating to Coronavirus related deaths in care homes.

Occupancy has fallen in North Somerset to 83% of the bed capacity, this ● 78% of sector reported concerns ● 2/3 of the sector in North will present a challenge if the supply contracts rapidly whilst our longer- about reduction to funding. Somerset are worried that rising term modelling suggests a continued demand for such services given our demand will impact capacity in sizeable ageing population. the future.

Source: North Somerset Coronavirus Impact on the VCSE Sector Survey

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 9 Emerging And Anticipated Trends Meanwhile, where working from home has been a The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on how we live and success for businesses work. How we adapted to the restrictions placed on our movements is and employees it has expected to influence our behaviour in the long term. opened different work options that will In some cases, it has accelerated the adoption of trends that existed before influence long term the crisis such as flexible and distributed working, shopping online and trends. choices we make about the way we want to travel. A report by property With social distancing likely to be in force well into next year, it is expected advisors CBRE that many behaviours will become the ‘new normal’. highlights that Commuting and office work more businesses are considering a move Working from home has been an experiment forced onto many businesses towards ‘distributed and employees by lockdown, but it has shown a different way of running working’. Instead of businesses and a different way of life. employees being tied to centralised offices, businesses It removed time-consuming and costly commutes and the dramatic drop in could allow staff to work in rush hour traffic meant that air quality noticeably improved. August 2020 different locations to suit their daily data shows that commuting levels at peak times are still 35% below the lives. The Hive, Neil Philips Photography norm. This could mean working in the office, local co- And it is a similar picture on North Somerset’s public transport. Despite working space, a coffee shop, at home or anywhere passenger numbers being closer to the pre-lockdown baseline than else with suitable Wi-Fi – or a combination of those places. elsewhere in the West of England, they are still significantly down according to Google Mobility Reports. Workspace will need to evolve and adapt to these changes and there could be benefits for North Somerset. If more people work locally rather While the drop in the number of car journeys is good for reducing pollution than commuting to cities like Bristol that could increase demand for local there are economic implications for public transport having reduced co-working or more informal workspace and see weekday footfall rise in our passenger numbers. town centres.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 10 Visitor economy Supply chains

The visitor economy in the The Coronavirus crisis put supply chains under extreme pressure either UK has been hit by travel Filming in Weston through restricted operations due to lockdown or spikes in demand – or a restrictions and subsequent combination. Food and drink industries had particular challenges, with gradual re-opening of restaurants closed demand for grocery shopping rose sharply as people hotels, restaurants and cooked at home. attractions. It has exposed existing vulnerabilities and businesses are reassessing their However, there is huge supply chain resilience. uncertainty about foreign Ernst and Young’s Attractiveness Survey which looks at the environment travel and holidays as for foreign direct investment suggests that businesses will be looking to quarantine rules change diversify their supply sources and moving some operations closer to create to respond to spikes in more certainty. Sustainability has also become a far more important Coronavirus cases. Coupled consideration in supply chain decisions. with concern about getting sick abroad and potential economic When non-essential shops had to close, shopping online surged. This put constraints, holiday destination trends additional pressure on logistics and last-mile deliveries. Lockdown has have changed dramatically. accelerated the trend for internet shopping and demand will unlikely return to pre-pandemic levels. It presents logistical challenges – and opportunities. As a result, it is hoped that the visitor economy will experience some level of bounce back as more people choose to holiday in the UK to avoid the It also has big implications for high streets and North Somerset’s town centre potential risk of quarantine when they return. businesses will need to respond to these changes in how people shop.

In the longer term, the growing awareness of sustainable travel coupled Two positive outcomes from lockdown have been more people shopping with financial constraints could give UK holiday destinations, including locally and increasing interest in local produce and producers – although North Somerset, a boost. footfall and dwell times remain down.

The challenge we face is responding to the immediate business impact for We need to help support local supply chains and deliveries by ensuring the hospitality and visitor sector and then the changing demands from visitors, local workforce has appropriate skills and businesses have the space and particularly for better quality accommodation and environmentally friendly facilities they need. We also need to make sure that growth in this sector is holiday options. sustainable.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 11 Future pressure for SMEs

Many SMEs have had some temporary support from the Government such as mortgage holidays, grants and access to loans. Some have had to take out additional debt to keep themselves trading.

Many of these loan agreements are based on a 12-month capital and interest holiday but the repayment profile, when it starts, will be steep. With furlough coming to an end, many small businesses will have increased costs they cannot meet which may lead to redundancies or even business closures.

This isn’t a problem now but could be in 6-12 months and we need to be prepared. Banks are predicting a significant number of SME’s will fail and will need to work to identify early warning triggers and assist where they can.

FoodWorks SW, Nick Whimster

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 12 Incentives, Stimulus And Existing Resources ● Control over North Somerset Council owned land and There are specific Government initiatives and existing resources which will assets, for example, also drive our plans and projects, these include: Weston Business Quarter and the ● Securing £1.7m from the Getting Building Fund for Weston General Sovereign Centre. Stores a scheme to repurpose vacant retail space in Weston Super Mare creating local workspace and collective trading for local producers. ● £150k Universal Business Support ● £6m investment from Heritage England to bring historic places, rich Programme in heritage back to life to attract residents, tourists, businesses and (council and West investors, and create economic growth. of England Growth ● £1.2m to create a new High Street Heritage programme. Hub investment)

● £55k direct council investment in a cultural programme for our town ● North Somerset centres. Council’s significant capital programme ● Opportunities for businesses to access the Government’s Plan for Jobs including Portishead which offers businesses financial incentives to recruit young people and Rail, North-South Link apprentices. Road, new schools and ● North South Link Road A proportion of £14m funding secured for a health centres. Weston College-led Institute of Technology Construction ● Access to the Government’s Green to improve digital training facilities and Heritage Action Zone Grants Programme which can unlock investment in cyber security training. Engagement opportunities for businesses and residents. ● Initial £700k to improve and promote ● £97m for infrastructure to support future housing growth. cycling and other green transport. These financial incentives and existing resources will support us in ● Existing dark fibre asset under Weston prioritising projects and making decisions about which activities we can which could encourage roll out and deliver quickly for maximum impact. connection to public sector assets in the town – unlocking full fibre to the town’s Further detailed resource mapping will take place with the Economic households. Renewal Steering Group to support the delivery of the Plan.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 13 Section 4: The foundations for economic recovery

It is clear from the evidence we have gathered and the conversations People-centric growth not only means creating good quality employment we’ve had that North Somerset’s economic recovery should have three key opportunities but also ensuring residents have access to them through the foundations: People, digital and green. right training and education.

These foundations aren’t exclusive but will work GVA will be important for measuring our economic success and job together to deliver a resilient and sustainable creation. But we also want to measure improvements to health and economy for North Somerset. wellbeing which are equally important. People At a macro level, we will use the Thriving Places Index (TPI) which measures the conditions which Many of our key employment sectors are not only help people find work but also vulnerable to the economic shocks of the those which make people feel supported, pandemic, there have been job losses and connected and healthy. The TPI has the threat of more to come. Those in lower- a particular focus on physical and skilled jobs are particularly vulnerable. Those mental health. with disabilities may be affected during a recession We will also be using the due to a lack of opportunities. Happiness Pulse at a micro-level This has reduced incomes for those households affected which not only to measure how people are impacts on livelihood but can affect health and wellbeing. feeling. The Happiness Pulse looks at behavioural and social We want our economic recovery to benefit all people in North Somerset wellbeing as well as physical and supporting inclusive growth through a wide range of jobs and skills. This will mental health. involve retraining elements of the working population to have the skills for the jobs of the future, including those leaving struggling industries to work in Our key projects will be evaluated growth employment sectors such as the green economy. individually for the social value they offer in terms of job creation, health We want to bring business ownership back into North Somerset, both and wellbeing and sustainability. by encouraging entrepreneurship, but also by encouraging employee Italian Gardens ownership.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 14 Digital

When lockdown began it highlighted the advantages of good digital infrastructure brings in long-term working trends such as working away access – and the disadvantages of bad. from offices. We want to mitigate the impact of changing demands for commercial space while maximising the opportunity of having more It also highlighted the importance of having access to the right equipment – people working locally. laptops, smartphones, tablets - and understanding how to use them. Digital access will be measured by an increase in coverage across North So much of our lives are now dependent on digital access and know- Somerset, including levels of coverage, quality, speed and having the right how, that digital poverty is a huge barrier. It can limit people’s access infrastructure in our buildings. to available jobs and the skills to do those jobs. It can also mean social isolation – as lockdown showed. For our residents digital access will be measured by an increase in the number of people with digital skills from increasing confidence to study For businesses, it can help them sell their products and services more widely and progress to higher level and technical qualifications, ensuring people and safely. And it can help them engage with their customers. have the technical skills for an evolving jobs market as employers across all Digital access is as important as water and power, it is essential to an industries embrace digital methods in their operations, even using data and inclusive society and business operation and we want to make sure that automation to support business expansion. everyone in North Somerset has access to the digital network. Additional or adapted measures may be adopted to align with the council’s We also recognise the challenges and opportunities that the digital Digital Strategy – which is currently in development.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 15 Local produce at Pill Market

Green

Climate change is a real threat to our health, wellbeing and livelihoods. Sustainability remains a vital part of the agenda and we need to ensure The UK Government is committed to reaching net-zero carbon by 2050 new behaviour is embedded to reach our carbon targets, preserve our to mitigate the risks although, like many local authorities, North Somerset natural environment and live healthily. Council has declared a Climate Emergency and wants to achieve neutrality Carbon reduction presents a big challenge but also big opportunities by 2030. to nurture and grow the green economy in North Somerset. It is also an The Coronavirus pandemic has further highlighted the impact a healthy opportunity to promote our visitor economy as a low-carbon alternative to environment plays in our daily lives and the degree to which changes need travelling abroad. to be made to have an impact. The huge reduction in travel meant air- At the macro level, sustainability will be measured using the annual North quality noticeably improved and lockdown highlighted the importance of Somerset emissions report – total emissions/emissions per capita/emissions access to green space and a healthy environment. per GVA. At the micro level, this will be measured on a project by project Our economic recovery needs to be sustainable, supporting low carbon basis by evaluating emissions savings and environmental impact. activities and the green economy. We need to put the infrastructure in place to make it easier for people to use greener transport whether they live in a village or a town. We need to encourage active travel and alternatives to car ownership.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 16 Section 5: Our priorities and action plan

Priority Actions Outcomes Mechanisms for delivery Timescale

Full fibre and ● Use planning and highway processes to ensure ● Reduction in out-commuting Planning and highways Medium term: next generation digital connectivity and = reduced carbon emissions + legislation and policy 5G: Ensure next 1–3 years telecommunications technology is supplied. GVA growth generation digital + connectivity and ● Work with providers to deliver required infrastructure ● Increased attractiveness to new telecommunications Identify locations for needed including in rural locations. businesses = job creation + targeted investment technology GVA growth is supplied ● With partners, lobby the Government for additional + into premises, investment in connectivity. ● Reduced social isolation = Regional positioning to workplaces and improved wellbeing lobby for and benefit from homes investment + Skills to deliver infrastructure North Somerset ● Ensure the local plan can support sustainable ● Thriving environment for Demand-led evidence Medium term commercial investment to create good jobs. existing businesses, new Local Plan: Develop + 1–3 years evidence led businesses, visitors and new ● Adopt a robust process for maximising the economic residents = job creation + GVA Engagement economic input into benefits of development via the Construction Industry growth. the new Local Plan Training Board’s Client Based Approach. + to deliver mixed ● Civic, cultural and community Space to support and sustainable ● Support the planning system to respond to the changes space = improved wellbeing distributed working communities with and trends to commercial space requirements as a new homes, jobs result of Coronavirus and ensure suitable alternatives ● Reduced out-commuting from + and infrastructure are being planned for. residents = reduced carbon emissions + boost to local A council that enables ● Work across the West of England region to understand economy. development how commercial and employment areas can work together generating value for all.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 17 Priority Actions Outcomes Mechanisms for delivery Timescale

Town centre ● Directly invest and seek regional and national ● Thriving environment for Placemaking approach Short/ medium transformation: investment in town centre projects. existing businesses, new across all town centres term: Encourage our town businesses, visitors and new ● Provide digital support including skills training for + Delivery residents = job creation + GVA centres to become businesses. thriving places to growth. Identify local priorities and starts in ● Create space for pop-up retail and local producers, needs 2020 but live, work and enjoy ● Civic, cultural and community start-ups, creatives, community and civic uses as well programme space = improved wellbeing + as affordable homes. will span ● Reduced out-commuting from Utilise North Somerset many years ● Work with Citizens Advice North Somerset to promote residents = reduced carbon Council controlled space their ‘Zoom Booths’ in our centres. emissions + boost to local + ● Develop a cultural programme and revitalised events economy. Seek and secure strategy with a focus on town centres and high street. investment ● Marketing: Promote town centre opportunities to + businesses, investors and visitors Culture, events, business ● Deliver Weston General Stores - repurpose redundant and skills support located retail space in Weston town centre to deliver in town centres workspace, start-up space micro-manufacturing, events, rehearsal space, cycle hub, business support, + skills, learning and employability training. Partnership promotion of our places

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 18 Priority Actions Outcomes Mechanisms for delivery Timescale

Tech adoption: ● Support for and help with providing tech solutions for Business survival/growth = job Coalesce support around Short/ medium Ensure businesses businesses/sectors struggling to adapt and adopt new creation + GVA growth sectors most in need term: can adopt digital technology, particularly in our most in need sectors Growth of businesses looking at + Delivery technology and such as retail, care, visitor and creative. North Somerset as a location = job Accessible support (in starts in maximise the ● Help build resilience in case of further lockdowns or creation + GVA growth locations and in ways 2020 but benefits social distancing restrictions, particularly for sectors with Tech as a solution to risk reduction businesses can easily programme low levels of tech adoption e.g. retail, visitor economy e.g. physical proximity at work = access) will span and care sector. many years improved wellbeing + ● Work with Weston College to develop a Business Digital Tech solutions = reduced carbon Hub, focused on improving the digital skills and online Quick wins e.g. Made emissions ‘shop window’ of our business community. in North Somerset Marketplace, ● Work alongside colleagues in the Western Gateway to communicating Growth secure spending review funding for an Applied Digital Hub offer, Weston College Accelerator – identify North Somerset projects and digital hub residents which will benefit from this investment. + Partnership work to ensure North Somerset benefits from longer term ambitions Mobility as a ● Planning policies to enable more on-demand services. Business survival/ growth = job A council that enables Medium term service: Develop creation + GVA development ● Support bike (including electric) hire in town centres. 1–3 years wider access to on- Reduction use of personal cars = + ● Support car clubs (including electric) demand transport, reduced carbon emissions mobility services Planning policies and ● Explore opportunities for autonomous vehicles. and carbon efficient Tech solutions for delivery = reduced parking standards local delivery ● Provide more Electric Vehicle charging points. carbon emissions + improved + solutions wellbeing ● Explore carbon efficient delivery solutions, including Engagement and collaborative approaches for SMEs. Reduced congestion = improved awareness raising productivity

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 19 Priority Actions Outcomes Mechanisms for delivery Timescale

Low carbon inward ● Work with Invest Bristol and Bath to develop a green Green industries = reduced carbon Partnership working Short/ medium industries inward investment programme and attract emissions term: investment: Grow + businesses in the green economy. North Somerset’s Delivery Inward investment = job creation + Clear strategies around green economy ● Use research to identify target foreign markets for GVA growth ambitions for sites in North starts in by working in increased inward investment partnership with Somerset 2020 but programme regional inward ● Maximise the local economic benefits associated with + will span investment low carbon projects such as Hinkley Point C. Green skills many years organisations ● Work with our skills providers to ensure local workforce and working with has the appropriate skills for green industries. residents to access skills to support the sector Infrastructure for ● Attract distributed workspace operators to our towns Reduced commuting = reduced A council that enables Medium term and villages. carbon emissions + improved development local working: 1–3 years Provide the digital wellbeing ● Invest in and promote a range and variety of different + infrastructure and workspace options Attractive places encourage Transport connections facilities for local business growth, starts-ups and SMEs ● Deliver final link of North Somerset coastal walking/ working to benefit = job creation and increased GVA + from flexible and cycling path: Clevedon – Portishead. Healthy environment = Less sickness Digital connectivity distributed working ● Deliver final link of Strawberry Line strategic cycle route + improved productivity & GVA trends linking Clevedon to Yatton Station. + Promoting our places for ● Promote active travel Neighbourhoods: Clevedon, flexible and distributed Nailsea, Portishead. working ● Deliver strategic Active Travel Route: Milton Road/ + Locking Road to Weston Town Centre A local plan that supports ● Deliver MetroWest to support increased distributed distributed working working in Portishead

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 20 Priority Actions Outcomes Mechanisms for delivery Timescale

Energy efficiency ● Maximise links between carbon reduction programmes Driving Government-incentivised A council that enables Medium term and carbon and economic outputs e.g. creating links between activity to local supply chains and development 1–3 years government green grants and the local economy. residents = job opportunities + GVA reduction in + growth buildings: ● Ensure our planning regime and council services are Maximise benefits A local plan which permissive towards these initiatives. Energy efficiency = reduction in supports green of energy efficiency carbon emissions + lower energy ● Review of our own estate and buildings and identify infrastructure schemes by bills ensuring local actions we can take. + Tech solutions for delivery = reduced people have the ● Encourage landlords to take advantage of incentives carbon emissions + improved Skills right skills to make and initiatives. the most of the job wellbeing + opportunities Business survival/growth = job Business engagement and creation + GVA awareness raising Employment and ● Rapidly support people back into secure employment Upskilling & reskilling = access to Partnership approach Short/ medium and paid a living wage (focus on digital and green jobs term: Skills Strategy: + skills) Create work Delivery Having a skilled and talented Investment in employment opportunities, ● Ensure development and infrastructure projects provide workforce is attractive to inward training and generating projects starts in opportunities for local people. investors = GVA growth 2020 but upskilling support + for those who have ● Encourage inclusive employment practices among Good quality jobs = improved programme Business engagement will span lost their jobs our employer community, including an investment in wellbeing apprenticeships and training the workforce. many years Clear link between skills and the + ● Work with partners VANs, DWP, CANS, WECA, Weston local labour market means reduced Resident outreach College and diversity networks to target action in out-commuting = reduced carbon areas of greatest deprivation and with groups most emissions impacted. Focus on green skills is attractive to ● Maximise opportunities available through the West of green industries = reduced carbon England Institute of Technology, led by Weston College, emissions to drive an increase in higher level technical skills (Level 4+) delivered through University Centre Weston

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 21 Priority Actions Outcomes Mechanisms for delivery Timescale

Strategic ● Work with Bristol Airport to support directly impacted ● Attractive to businesses and Skills programmes Medium term employees and those in the supply chain to reskill, people looking to move = employment sites: + 1–3 years Protect jobs and upskill and avoid unemployment caused by increased GVA reductions in aviation patronage. Identifying appropriate deliver sustainable ● Business growth = job creation support economic activity ● Maximise employment and supply chain + GVA to benefit local opportunities generated by innovation in the + employment, ● Reduced out-commuting from aviation sectors, especially in relation to clean Supporting investment in businesses and residents = reduced carbon aviation. infrastructure communities emissions ● Work with Bristol Port to develop a growth strategy + which: Development sites ● Articulates how its aspiration to become a + Freeport will benefit North Somerset jobs and Business businesses – including joint lobbying and positioning of J21EA as part of the Freeport non-contiguous zone.

● Continues to work together on any expansion plans and ensure they address impacts on surrounding area.

● Provide indirect and direct jobs and GVA benefits to North Somerset and the wider West of England, for example through the 5G Create proposal.

● Explore how we can jointly work together to support SMEs ● Develop a portfolio of a variety of employment sites of varying sizes and locations.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 22 Priority Actions Outcomes Mechanisms for delivery Timescale

Visitor Economy ● Promote North Somerset as a centre for environmentally ● Support for businesses = Skills Short/ medium friendly holidays including increased promotion of our safeguarding and creating job term: Action Plan: + green assets and infrastructure. + protecting GVA. Prioritise the Delivery Evidence & trends promotion ● ● Provide targeted business support for our visitor Better quality businesses will starts in and growth of economy businesses which improve the diversity and reduce precariousness of the + environmentally 2020 but quality of the offer. sector and establish a year- Identifying appropriate friendly holidays programme round offer = more jobs + GVA support will span and targeted ● Improve the quality of our accommodation offer to growth + improved wellbeing many years support to improve meet visitor demands. + ● Environmentally friendly and diversify the ● Ensure businesses know what support is available to tourism offer + campaign for Partners visitor economy them through Government programmes. people to visit within local + catchment = reduced carbon Business emissions Creative industries ● Establish a support network for creative businesses and ● Support will safeguard and Skills Short/ medium freelancers. create jobs = jobs created + term: action plan: + GVA Deliver a plan ● Delivery Ensure access to targeted business support. Evidence & trends which prioritises ● Better quality businesses will ● Promote funding and financial support. starts in sustainability reduce precariousness of the + throughout the 2020 but ● Encourage take up of apprenticeships and T Levels by sector = more jobs, increased Identifying appropriate supply chain, programme promoting schemes to businesses and engagement GVA and improved wellbeing support will span makes the case with Weston College. many years for investment and ● Increased levels of good + ● Promote export opportunities and signpost to specialist quality start-ups = increased nurtures talent. Partners support. jobs, growth of GVA + ● Promote inclusivity and diversity across the sector. ● Upskilling & reskilling = improved wellbeing Business

● Thriving businesses are more attractive to inward investors = increased GVA

● Culture + creativity = improved wellbeing

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 23 Priority Actions Outcomes Mechanisms for delivery Timescale

Enhanced ● Digital innovation and adaptation support. ● Increased levels of good quality Partnership approach Short/ medium business support start-ups = job creation + GVA term: ● Sustainability advice – building businesses with green + growth programme: Delivery credentials from start-up stages and supporting existing Investment Commission a ● businesses to adapt. Businesses focused on health starts in universal pre-start, in their practices = improved + early growth and ● Inclusive practice advice – working with businesses to 2020 but wellbeing Skills business resilience consider the impact and ability to ensure their practices programme will span service are inclusive as possible, working with Weston College ● Businesses focused on good + SEND Centre of Excellence. environmental practices when many years starting up = reduced carbon Places ● Health and wellbeing support – enhanced specialist emissions + support to the business community to create workplaces and businesses with a focus on health & Promotion wellbeing

● Promote the Employee Ownership Trust to SME owners Voluntary, ● Explore the scope to scale up successful interventions ● Increased levels of good quality Partnership approach Medium term through social impact bonds. start-ups = job creation + GVA Community and + 1–3 years growth Social Enterprise ● Work with VANS to identify the innovation opportunities Lobbying economic impact: for the fourth sector to grow our economy (the fourth ● Businesses focused on health Work to help sector is a blend of market approaches with social in their practices = improved + promote the sector’s outcomes). wellbeing Investment economic benefits and make the ● More closely link social value outcomes from public ● Increased levels of social value + sector spending to our communities. = better wellbeing case for increased Skills investment ● Link VANS and our Universal Business Support Programme to encourage high levels of social enterprises to start-up in our economy

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 24 Priority Actions Outcomes Mechanisms for delivery Timescale

J21 enterprise area: ● Promote logistics and hybrid employment premises ● Attractive to businesses and Medium term space – creating space for last mile delivery and people looking to move = GVA Directly invest and Space, including North 1–3 years modern high value commercial activities growth seek investment in Somerset Council-owned the creation of jobs ● Encouraging food businesses to locate at Food Works ● Business growth = job creation land + GVA growth ● Identifying partners to deliver Food Works phase 2 and + space in our DEFRA Food Enterprise Zone ● Reduced out-commuting from Investment residents = reduced carbon ● Support the delivery of Hive Phase 2 emissions + ● Develop an investable product for Weston Business ● Good quality jobs + provision of Development sites Quarter to unlock remainder of North Somerset Council- affordable housing = improved + owned land. wellbeing. Skills ● Work with partners to pursue and enable to ● MMC homes are greener = development of a Modern Methods of Construction + reduced carbon emissions Housing Factory at J21EA Strategic framework (J21EA ● Work to ensure a complimentary offer from the vision + Local Plan) Enterprise Area to commercial development at Gravity, Port, Airport and Clevedon, Kenn Rd.

● Explore options for environmentally sustainable businesses and support services within J21EA e.g. eco- freight consolidation centre, electric forecourt.

● Use the Joint Delivery Review Board to promote sites and deliver jobs across J21EA.

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 25 Priority Actions Outcomes Mechanisms for delivery Timescale

West of England Align our priorities to ensure maximum economic impact Attractive to businesses and people Partnership and Short/ medium working: (e.g. via the West of England Economic Recovery Taskforce, looking to move = GVA growth collaboration term: Prioritise regional Western Gateway, Nuclear South West). Business growth = job creation + + Delivery partnerships to Influence and support the development of the West of GVA growth ensure maximum Joint lobbying starts in England Spatial Plan. 2020 but economic benefits Support will safeguard and create + across the West of Drive increases in inward investment and indigenous jobs = jobs created + GVA programme Funding for projects will span England business growth through collaborative approaches with Invest Bristol and Bath and Department for International + many years Trade. Alignment of activity Jointly deliver Growth Hub activities and strategic account + management. Joint delivery

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 26 Policy context

Delivers the Corporate Strategy North Somerset Corporate Plan

Influences The Development Of North Somerset Digital Strategy North Somerset Economic Renewal Steering Group Supports development & of the new local plan

Themes From West Of England Economic Recovery Taskforce Supports the development of our Asset Strategy

A NEW Delivers outputs from the Climate Emergency North Somerset Development Action Plan Programme ECONOMIC

PLAN Delivers outputs from placemaking strategies North Somerset Climate Emergency Action Plan Commits to write and deliver Employment and Skills Strategies

North Somerset Economic Plan 2017 - 2036 Influences, aligns with and delivers West of England economic recovery priorities

North Somerset Cultural Strategy Commits to write and deliver visitor economy & creative industries action plans

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 27 This Plan has been developed with and has the support from:

Vision North Somerset

Supporting blind and partially sighted people. Registered Charity number: 1165364

North Somerset Economic Plan North Somerset 28