D R A F T Appendix 1
EASTLEIGH PROSPERITY REVIEW 2002 – 2003
CONTENTS
1. Summary
2. Mission Statement
3. Business and Enterprise
4. Education and Learning
5. Social Inclusion
6. Housing
7. The Regional Economy
8. Transportation and Communication
9. Planning and Land Supply
10. Tourism
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1. SUMMARY
This is the third annual review of the Council’s five-year prosperity strategy, Prosperity in Eastleigh 2000 - 2005.
In 2000 the Council published this strategy, which reviewed all activities and plans that impacted on the well being of the inhabitants of the Borough, their individual prosperity and that of the Borough as a whole. 2001’s strategy reviewed the changes made to the Local Government Act 2000, through the provision of a new discretionary power for local authorities to ‘do anything (there are certain restrictions) to promote or improve the economic, social and environmental well being of their area’.
The new legislation allowed local authorities and their partners to have a greater impact on the level of prosperity experienced within their respective areas.
To this end Eastleigh Borough Council has continually been to the forefront, employing a variety of initiatives across the spectrum of prosperity, which are impacting every aspect of life within the Borough boundaries.
The provision of funding by external bodies such as the European Social Fund, New Opportunities Fund and the Department for Education and Skills among others, which is delivered to the Council through the Government Office for the South East, illustrates that at regional, national and European levels the problems facing the Borough of Eastleigh, such as pockets of deprivation masked by proximity to more affluent areas, low skills levels and low average wage rates are both recognised and prioritised.
This report illustrates the way the Council is consistently moving to redress these problems and improve the quality of life and the prosperity of all who live and work in the Borough.
It is important that the Council is not complacent in endeavouring to maintain a prosperous local economy. There has been an unprecedented rise in redundancies and by acting on accurate research and partnership working we shall venture to meet new challenges as they arise.
The Economic Development Unit of the Council also produces an Economic Profile of the Borough, which allows the Council identify the areas most in need of assistance. This profile provides the foundation for the work of the Economic Development Unit and their partners.
A separate Business Support Plan is published annually, which encompasses the range of activities the Council intends to interact with the business community.
The aims and objectives of this report will be achieved within the Council’s existing financial resources. Any proposal that will result in an increase in the Council’s expenditure will be subject to the normal budget processes.
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2. MISSION STATEMENT AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The aim of Eastleigh Borough Council in relation to prosperity is ‘to achieve a vibrant economy that benefits all local people’.
This aim will be achieved through the following objectives:
• to maintain diversity of employment within the Borough and to sustain the culture of successful new entrepreneurs;
• to encourage higher standards of educational attainment and support the up-skilling of employees within local companies;
• to ensure that pockets of deprivation and disadvantaged groups within the community can experience equal opportunities to accessing learning;
• to maintain a joined-up approach to people’s well-being, their social and housing needs;
• to ensure that Eastleigh is at the forefront of the transition to a more regional based economy and is able to access opportunities offered by the new regional government structure;
• to seek to reduce traffic congestion and introduce alternative transport solutions to support a prosperous economy and healthy physical environment;
• to achieve the right balance between the allocation of land for development and current need while ensuring the existing stock is fully utilised;
• to take a tactical approach to tourism, which plays on the area’s strengths and targets markets where economic benefit can be achieved.
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3. BUSINESS SUPPORT & ENTERPRISE
The main aim of Eastleigh Borough Council under the area of Business Support and Enterprise is to ‘maintain diversity of employment within the Borough and to sustain the culture of successful new entrepreneurs’.
This aim will be supported/realised through the following objectives:
• to encourage a strong business enterprise culture within the Borough;
• to improve the competitiveness of local firms through a range of business support initiatives;
• to develop closer links with the business community and enable more local firms to benefit from the Borough Council’s support;
• to continue to support initiatives to encourage greater use of local supply chains;
• to work with local health partners to promote better workforce health;
• to limit the damaging effects of unrestrained growth on the environment, health and the quality of life through encouraging sustainable development;
• to work with the Police and other crime reduction agencies to reduce crime against businesses and
• to investigate staff retention and motivation within companies to identify barriers to competitiveness.
2002 – 2003 BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE ACHIEVEMENTS
A range of Economic Development initiatives has been delivered through partners and will be detailed in the Service Level Agreement Appendix of the final document.
Achieved the national award of Beacon status in the area of ‘Fostering Business Growth’.
Received and answered in excess of 300 non-property business support enquiries including requests for economic information, business support and signposting.
Produced and distributed an Industrial Estates Guide and Business Directory.
Continued the awarding of the £500 grant scheme for new entrepreneurs.
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Continued enhancement of links with the South West Hampshire Enterprise Hub at Chilworth.
Co-host a major business exhibition at the Rose Bowl for Eastleigh businesses.
Publish a ‘Guide to Doing Business with your Local Council’ to encourage local purchasing and trading.
Deliver best practice seminars to over 100 other local authorities to disseminate our approach to Fostering Business Growth.
Achieved an occupancy rate of approximately 95% in both the Eastleigh Business Centre and Council owned industrial units.
Achieved a 97% occupancy of the new Community Enterprise Centre at Barton Park.
Continued to chair the Eastleigh Business Support Network to ensure that the enterprise and other agencies are focused on delivering the optimum service to local businesses while avoiding duplication of some services to the detriment of others.
The Small Business Club (B2Be), which was established in 2000, increased its membership to encompass suitable beneficiaries of the Eastleigh Entrepreneurs scheme.
A business research survey of 2,760 companies in the Borough was undertaken.
Continued to provide assistance to Businesses under the two ESF projects, Skills for Competitiveness and Eastleigh Entrepreneurs. The former is run through IBP Training and Employment. Eastleigh Entrepreneurs aims to maintain a caseload of micro businesses within the Eastleigh area with the objective of increasing their survival rates and competitiveness. The project offers a range of support to company’s including free business advice, seminars, training and access to professional advisors. To date the project has held 31 training events and worked with 80 companies.
Improvements were carried out to Fryern Commercial Centre which will include CCTV, new seating and street furniture.
Improvements to Ashdown Road shops were also undertaken.
KEY BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE ACTIVITIES 2003 – 2004
Eastleigh Borough Council, in partnership with the charity Enham, will continue to operate the Community Enterprise Centre at Barton Park. This scheme offers low cost business accommodation to charitable or voluntary organisations and is home to 19 organisations.
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Implementation of the Business Support Plan in order to enhance the survivability and development of indigenous businesses.
The continuation of the Eastleigh Entrepreneurs project as detailed above.
Further work to act on the findings of the Business Survey 2002.
Provision of Business Start-Up seminars for local people.
Production of a revised Business Support Plan, marketing literature and support activity.
Targeted training support for businesses including short seminars and contribution to employee development training.
The Council will continue to encourage inward investment to the Borough through liasing with the surrounding authorities in promoting the region and by offering a personal service to local companies wishing to relocate.
Specific targeting of women (who are under represented in the labour market) to encourage more self-employed business start-ups in this sector.
Responding to economic change by offering more direct support to employees affected by redundancy.
Instigate a programme of ‘aftercare’ with SEEDA and major employers in Eastleigh to identify issues at an early stage.
Encourage private sector involvement in the Eastleigh Local Strategic Partnership.
Investigations into the redevelopment of the Central Precinct in Chandler’s Ford.
Investigations into the redevelopment of the former filling station site on Hiltingbury Road.
Local consultation planned for Autumn 2003 regarding the feasibility study for improvements to the commercial centres in Hedge End.
Some preparatory work has been done on the feasibility study for the commercial centre in Fair Oak.
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4. EDUCATION AND LEARNING
The Council aims ‘to encourage higher standards of educational attainment and to support the up-skilling of employees within local companies’. This aim will be supported by the following objectives:
• to support and develop innovative training and employment initiatives;
• to address the specific skill requirements of the unemployed and other disadvantaged groups;
• to promote training, education and learning opportunities to the local population;
• to support education for young people in the Borough;
• to support public access to new on-line learning methods;
• to contribute to initiatives promoting a multi-skilled workforce;
• to improve access to adult careers advice and guidance facilities;
• to encourage the use of local labour by companies located within the Borough;
• to work towards achieving the Government’s Learning Targets;
• to improve our knowledge of the education sector and play a leading role in the implementation of new learning structures being introduced by the Government;
• to conduct research into skills needs and to consult with local companies on their future skills requirements;
• to recognise the importance of local schools, colleges and higher educational establishments in the production of a highly skilled workforce.
2002 – 2003 EDUCATION AND LEARNING ACHIEVEMENTS
The Economic Development initiatives delivered through our partners are detailed in the Service Level Agreement Appendix of this document.
The New Opportunities Fund (NOF) awarded a grant of £71,000 for the establishment of four after-school clubs within the Borough. These clubs are now open and running within the Borough.
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The ESF Skills for Competitiveness project, run by IBP Training and Employment, has continued working with companies to enhance competitiveness by up-skilling existing staff and training potential staff. The project is aimed at companies in the manufacturing, hotel and catering, wholesale and distribution and construction industries targeting management, supervisory, craft, construction, I.T. and basic skills gaps.
The Council has opened two UK Online centres in the Borough. These centres are funded by a capital grant of £65,000 and are located at the Lincs Centre in Eastleigh and the Community Centre in Pilands Wood. Both centres house P.C.’s, printers, and scanners and have Internet access. Users in both centres will become members and will be encouraged to attend classes, which will be run in conjunction with Eastleigh College and Barton Peveril College.
Working with education and private sector partners over 900 local people were engaged in learning activities through Family Learning Weekend.
KEY EDUCATION AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES 2003 – 2004
Further expand the provision of after school clubs.
Further develop the UK Online project to ensure that it meets the target users requirements.
Continue to work collaboratively with the Southern Strategic Partnership, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Learning and Skills Council, Partnership for Learning and Solent Skills Quest among others.
Continue to work at policy level with Hampshire County Council regarding enhancing provision of primary, secondary and special needs education.
Develop close links with Barton Peveril College and Eastleigh College.
Enhance provision in the area of basic skills provision in Eastleigh.
Provide support to Eastleigh Community Forum as the education arm of Eastleigh’s Local Strategic Partnership.
Target skills enhancement and difficult to fill vacancies through a range of training and learning activities with partner organisations.
Work with Eastleigh MIND to offer catering training to clients at the Community Enterprise Centre.
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5. SOCIAL INCLUSION
The Council aims ‘to ensure that pockets of deprivation and disadvantaged groups within the community have equal opportunities to access learning and to succeed’. This aim seeks to ensure that there is social inclusion throughout the Borough. This ideal is underpinned by the following objectives:
• to improve access to affordable housing;
• to provide outreach training in areas of deprivation;
• to attempt to address under-achievement amongst children from deprived neighbourhoods;
• to improve access to aftercare facilities;
• to improve access for all to public transport, leisure, health and amenities within the Borough;
• to encourage community enterprise and co-operatives as a means of addressing the needs of our more deprived communities;
• to support the work of Eastleigh Credit Union in providing equitable financial services and loan provision and
• to support the provision of dedicated services to young people.
2002 – 2003 SOCIAL INCLUSION ACHIEVEMENTS
The two UK Online centres in the Borough will continue to offer Internet access and training to hard-to-reach target groups.
Opening of the Pilands Wood Community Centre.
The Lincs Centre for Young People has developed its services to young people.
Worked in partnership with the Racial Equality Forum to continue the development of the Black and Ethnic Minorities Women’s Exercise Group and the Older People’s Group.
Continued financial support of the Citizens Advice Bureau and Eastleigh Community Services.
Continued support of neighbourhood projects in Eastleigh and Pilands Wood.
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Funding was received for the Wyvern Technology College Community Sports Centre and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
Funding was received for the Wildern Sports development.
CCTV has been installed at Hiltingbury recreation ground.
Environmental improvements to the Leigh Road recreation ground.
Wildern School D@rts Centre opened in 2002.
Environmental improvements to West End Town Centre completed in May 2002.
A Youth Centre/Cyber Café has been opened at Wildern School.
Floodlit all weather pitches opened at Wildern School as part of the ongoing sports development.
KEY SOCIAL INCLUSION ACTIVITIES 2003 – 2004
Revise the Council’s Youth Strategy.
Part-fund a detached youth worker and a community worker for Eastleigh.
Continue the Lincs Partnership.
Carry out Physical Access Audit for all Council facilities.
Administer the Pirelli Developer Grants totalling £214,000 over three years.
Administer the healthy neighbourhoods grants.
Continued support and further development of the Lincs Centre. The centre will incorporate one of the two UK Online Centres within the Borough. Will continue to develop multi-agency support.
Develop and expand the website to allow more community development enquiries to be dealt with online.
Revise the council’s Racial Equality Strategy.
Investigate issues around diversity.
Continue to support the development of Eastleigh Credit Union.
Funding has been received by the multi-agency Healthy Living Network Project Steering Group to create a Healthy Living Network. The aim is to ‘create opportunities for all to be healthy by establishing a network of healthy living satellites
10 D R A F T Appendix 1 to improve access to health promoting activities and services in local communities across the Borough and beyond’. Within the Network there will be 24 satellite centres, including 7 targeted health gain projects, 3 young peoples Drop-in centres and 3 neighbourhood projects. The Network will involve a number of organisations working together including Eastleigh Borough Council, Eastleigh Community Services, Churches Together in Eastleigh, Southampton and S.W. Hampshire Community Health Council, Eastleigh Schools Consortium, Eastleigh and Test Valley South PCT, Southampton City PCT, Eastleigh and Romsey Social Services Area, Winchester & Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust, Southampton University Hospitals Trust and the Hampshire Police Eastleigh Division.
Implementation of environmental improvements at various locations throughout the Borough.
The Eastleigh Workplace Health Alliance will continue to promote a healthy working environment in all companies both within the Borough and beyond.
The Council will contribute towards the Co-ordinator at the Community Centre, Pilands Wood.
The Council will continue the appointment of a Play Co-ordinator, which is jointly funded by Hampshire County Council.
Continuation of the provision of disabled facilities grants, renovation and home repair assistance, welfare benefits take-up, among other social inclusion initiatives.
The Council are providing six units of supported accommodation for young people under the age of twenty-five. The tenancy support will be aimed at developing ‘life skills’ and encouraging young people to access education /training opportunities.
Work will start in April on new skateboarding facilities at Hiltingbury Playing Fields.
Funding has been approved for a new toddlers play area.
Promote and support Thornden Hall for Performing Arts as a community facility.
Promote and support the planned community sport facilities at Toynbee School.
Construction of the Wildern School Sports Development is ongoing with completion due in September 2004.
Implementation of Project Freespace, a skate park, BMX and multiuse sports activity area for young people.
Provide a designated area in Eastleigh Cemetery for Muslim burials.
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6. HOUSING
The main aim of the Council in relation to housing is ‘to maintain a joined-up approach to people’s well-being, their social and housing needs’. Eastleigh Borough Council will strive to ensure that the local housing stock addresses the needs of local people and businesses. The Housing Strategy for Eastleigh has highlighted four areas for action:
1. Affordability – to ensure that residents are able to exercise choice in securing suitable, sustainable and affordable housing;
2. Regeneration – to make the most efficient use of the social housing stock, ensuring that the accommodation offers the highest level of amenity to residents and where it falls short of this, to explore alternatives;
3. Renewal – to ensure that individuals’ health and well-being is promoted through the up-keep of the private sector housing stock and
4. Supported Housing
This aim and the four action areas will be achieved through the following objectives:
• to encourage the development of self-contained communities;
• to increase the proportion of affordable housing units within new developments
• to improve dialogue with developers to ensure that developments meet local needs;
• to investigate with employers and developers the feasibility of the creation of key-worker homes;
• to improve the communication infrastructure provided in all new homes;
• to investigate the housing/office needs of home working and self- employment and
• to link the housing aims to the objectives of the Borough’s Local Plan 2001 – 2011.
2002 – 2003 HOUSING ACHIEVEMENTS
10 local people took up the Homebuy, low-cost home ownership, scheme.
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The Council has supported 8 purchase and repair schemes, which target homes that are empty.
The Council has continued to run projects and initiatives targeted at helping households to combat fuel poverty and ensure that they have access to affordable warmth, e.g. enhancing the existing handyperson service through installing simple energy efficiency measures, promoting grants to assist local people to insulate their homes.
11 Key workers have been assisted to purchase homes in the Borough through the Starter Home initiative. A further 18 homes for rent are about to start on site in Chandler’s Ford.
Housing Mix Supplementary Planning Guidance has been issued to ensure that developments in the Borough include a mix of house sizes to ensure that local people have a choice of a range of homes that meet their needs including smaller homes.
The choice Based Letting System has been introduced to encourage applicants to exercise choice and select accommodation most suited to their needs.
6 units of accommodation have been developed for young people aged 16-25. This will include intensive support to assist young people to develop their life skills, access appropriate training or education and move onto their own independent accommodation.
Conversion of an empty property to develop 4 units of self-contained temporary accommodation for homeless households.
5 flats for move-on accommodation for ex-offenders including floating support.
KEY HOUSING ACTIVITIES 2003 – 2004
Further development of Low Cost Home Ownership Initiatives to help local people (including key workers) purchase a property of their own including 21 homes on the Pirelli Site, 85 starter homes in West End and further sites throughout the Borough.
Completion of the Church of the Resurrection project in central Eastleigh which will provide a mixture of social rented and sub-market rental homes. This will make valuable use of previously disused land.
A start on site at The Gardens which involves the regeneration of a large number of Housing Association homes in the centre of Eastleigh. This will tackle a number of issues including anti-social behaviour, social exclusion and poor quality homes and will improve the quality of life and environment of a significant number of households in the Town Centre.
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Development of an Eco-House in the Town Centre which will demonstrate to local people measures and ideas that they can easily adopt in their own homes to cut their fuel bills.
Working with developers and land-owners within the Borough to ensure that residential development in the Borough meets the needs of local people and includes affordable homes for local people who have insufficient incomes to access market housing.
Development of 5 units of supported accommodation for local people who have mental health problems.
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7. THE REGIONAL ECONOMY
Eastleigh Borough Council aims ‘to ensure that Eastleigh is at the forefront of the transition to a more regional based economy and is able to access opportunities offered by the new regional government structure’.
The Council will fulfil this aim through the following objectives:
• to ensure that the Borough Council has a voice at a regional level;
• to use sub-regional partnerships to articulate our concerns in relation to factors affecting the drivers of the local economy;
• to utilise sub-regional partnerships to build successful bids for Government, European and other sources of funding and
• to conduct research with partners at a sub-regional level to inform economic policy.
2002 – 2003 REGIONAL ECONOMY ACHIEVEMENTS
Active support provided to Solent Gateway and the Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) including participation in HEP Task Groups.
Involvement, as a key partner, in the creation of a South Hampshire Economic Strategy with local authority partners, HEP and the South East Economic Development Agency (SEEDA).
Worked with SEEDA to identify ‘market failure’ sites in Eastleigh as potential joint ventures.
KEY REGIONAL ECONOMY ACTIVITIES 2003 – 2004
Continued support for Solent Gateway and the Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP).
Production of the annual review of the Council’s Prosperity Strategy and the Economic Profile.
Respond to regional strategies and SEEDA initiatives.
Continued development of international links to benefit the local economy.
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Maintain awareness of national and regional issues and their impact on the Borough’s economy.
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8. TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION
The Council aims ‘to seek to reduce traffic congestion and introduce alternative transport solutions to support a prosperous economy’.
The Council will support this aim through the following objectives:
• to reduce the number of commuter car journeys;
• to ensure that new developments are in locations easily accessible by public transport, walking, cycling and near community amenities;
• to encourage employers to adopt Workplace Travel Plans;
• to look at the wider introduction of flexi-time, in conjunction with local employers;
• to utilise planning agreements to reduce car based commuting at new developments (Workplace Travel Plans);
• to improve the safety and reduce the fear of crime associated with public transport;
• to support new digital communications to reduce commuting journeys and
• to look at transport issues in partnership rather than Borough by Borough.
2002 – 2003 TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION ACHIEVEMENTS
Launched three new School Travel Plans in partnership with Hiltingbury Infant and Junior School, Wildern School and St. James Church of England School. A further three school travel plans are close to completion.
Signed the Hamble and East of Southampton Partnership Agreement. This joint initiative with Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council is aimed at delivering tangible environmental and transportation improvements in the area to the east of Southampton including the Hamble Peninsula and Hedge End.
Completed phase one of infrastructure improvements associated with the Eastleigh Area Quality Bus Partnership.
In partnership with B&Q continued productive meetings of the Chandler’s Ford Commuter Forum.
Consultation over Oakmount traffic management. Plans have been drawn up and passed to Hampshire County Council for implementation.
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KEY TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES 2003 – 2004
Completed the installation of new bus stop poles, flags and timetable information at every bus stop on routes covered by the Eastleigh Area QBP.
Working in partnership with the local schools to assist with the development and delivery of effective School Travel Plans.
Delivery of safe routes to school initiatives and other infrastructure improvements at Crestwood Community School, Merdon Junior School, Hamble School and Wyvern Technology College.
Working in partnership with the development sector and local businesses to develop and deliver effective Workplace Travel Plans.
The continued implementation of the Borough of Eastleigh Cycle Network, Doncaster Drive and Fair Oak Road and preparation of a new Borough Cycle Map.
Cycling routes to Toynbee School have been established from Woodside Avenue and the Station.
Re-opening of Chandler’s Ford Railway Station.
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9. PLANNING AND LAND SUPPLY
Eastleigh Borough Council aims ‘to achieve the right balance between land available for development and demand, while ensuring that the existing stock is fully utilised’. This will help ensure that the supply of land allocated for commercial activity will meet economic demand whilst preserving the economy.
This aim will be supported by the following objectives:
• to allocate the right amount of employment land necessary to sustain economic growth;
• to utilise brownfield sites for commercial development;
• to oppose development in protected rural gaps and recognised habitats;
• to encourage development in areas which are accessible by all methods of transport and therefore reduce the need to commute by car;
• to ensure that the supply of land allocated for commercial use is protected;
• to ensure that the supply of commercial land reflects the continued uncertainty over the start date of the development of the Northern Business Site;
• to examine how planning policy can be developed to support home working and
• to promote good design and the arts initiative.
2002 – 2003 PLANNING AND LAND SUPPLY ACHIEVEMENTS
Updated the economic policies for the second Deposit Local Plan, responding to objections received.
Updated the employment land background paper.
Promoted Eastleigh Business Village, linking it with Southampton Enterprise Hub.
Progressing a development brief to promote the use of the surplus land at the Fire Station HQ as a suitable venue for the Business Village, with an emphasis on ‘start- up’ and ‘move-on’ businesses.
Continued the preparation of the development briefs for Pirelli and Causton’s, to ensure that the new developments contain a mix of commercial and residential uses.
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Prepared the joint economic indicators monitor.
KEY PLANNING AND LAND SUPPLY ACTIVITIES 2003 – 2004
Continue to work with Planning Policy and other parties to promote the Eastleigh Business Village concept and in particular to finalise the development brief for the Fire & Rescue HQ site.
Further develop and expand the joint economic indicators monitor with planning colleagues.
Produce a background paper to assess the ‘alternative’ sites for employment development.
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10. TOURISM
Eastleigh Borough Council will ‘take a tactical approach to tourism, which will play on the areas strengths and will target audiences where economic benefit can be achieved’. Further tourism development will be managed in a way that protects and improves the environment and enhances the quality of life within the Borough.
This aim will be underpinned by the following objectives:
• to continue to improve accessibility, both to the Borough and within the Borough;
• to encourage the expansion of hotel places to satisfy the demands of business tourism;
• to encourage the expansion of the range and type of accommodation available within the Borough;
• to expand and promote the range of quality places to visit within the Borough;
• to promote the expansion of cultural breaks and
• to utilise new technology to improve the provision of tourist information.
2002 – 2003 TOURISM ACHIEVEMENTS
Launch of Hamble Valley Food and Drink Festival.
Participation in the Hampshire Walking Festival.
Launch of free Hamble Valley guided walks programme run by Hamble Valley Tour Guides.
Participation in the Hampshire Food Festival.
Production and distribution of the Visitor Guide, mini guide (including new design for mini guide to incorporate calendar of events) and family of Hamble Valley leaflets.
Introduction of telephone answer phone/hotline service for visitor enquiries.
Increase in armchair tours for group meetings given by Hamble Valley tour guides.
Improved database of contacts interested in Hamble Valley activities and region.
Maintain visitor information points.
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Improved and regular contact with local tourism providers via Tourism Services Officer.
Maintain positive profile about Hamble Valley within trade and consumer press.
Attend exhibitions and road shows to promote Hamble Valley to public.
Positive feedback to re-branding to Hamble Valley.
KEY TOURISM ACTIVITIES 2003 – 2004
Familiarisation visit for journalists to promote Hamble Valley Food and Drink Festival and short breaks.
Partnership with Hampshire Fayre to jointly promote Hampshire Food Festival and Hamble Valley Food Festival.
Regular visits by Tourism Services Officer to individual tourism providers to develop and maintain close links.
Hamble Valley Food and Drink Festival.
Hamble Valley Walking and Talking Festival to promote literary and heritage connections, including local history fair.
Provide a comprehensive information service for Hamble Valley.
Expand number of visitor information points.
Development and support of the integrated access project to improve infrastructure and access, e.g. the strawberry trail, coast to countryside leaflet, river bus, walking etc.
Managing conference bureau.
Development of Hamble Valley Tour guides, marketing for walks, talks and tours.
Production of new information leaflet about Netley Abbey to enhance visitor experience.
Conduct research into tourism market, events, and economic impact of tourism.
Manage website www.hamblevalley.com and visit website system.
Continues marketing and PR of Hamble Valley locally, regionally and nationally to consumer and trade press.
B&B seminars to encourage setting up of new B&B businesses.
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Work in partnership with regional agencies, local tourism industry and Eastleigh Borough Local Area Committees.
Promote local distinctiveness and market our unique selling points.
Produce top quality publications that reflect desired image of Hamble Valley and reach target audience.
Produce disability access booklet about facilities for special needs at Hamble Valley attractions.
Inaugural Chandler’s Ford Festival of Arts to be held from the 28th of June until the 12th of July.
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