Rossendale Council’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Action Plan 2020 –2022

Rebuilding Rossendale's economy together BUSINESS RECOVERY PLAN 2020 - 2022

FOREWORD from the Leader of Rossendale Borough Council, Alyson Barnes.

The impact of COVID-19 on local areas in 2020/2021 has been significant and authorities like Rossendale have borne the brunt of this impact. Alyson Barnes

We have been faced with many challenges brought on by this never before seen pandemic and these challenges are going to affect businesses in Rossendale well into 2021 and beyond. As a forward thinking council, we are looking to our recovery phase. Achieving the same levels of growth seen pre-pandemic is our goal and this plan should help us to get there.

We must also keep sight of our vision, where Rossendale will be seen as:

A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO INVEST A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO WORK

A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO VISIT

Rossendale is well placed to harness the as well as working with our partners to • In the short term we will focus on power of its partnerships and the services leverage additional resources and add addressing the needs of re-opening that the Council delivers to create the right more value. This business led action plan the business community. Supporting conditions to grow back our economy. is based on sound local knowledge and our town centres, retail offerings and Recovering from COVID-19 will take a expertise as well as drawing upon best business operations in a way that is multi-faceted approach to help everybody practice from elsewhere. It’s likely to undergo compliant with government guidelines affected but together we will do this. some changes as the full effects of the and enables footfall to return safely is pandemic emerge and as government paramount. With input from our business community, guidance is released to benefit local people. we’ve developed an action plan that will • In the short to medium term we will help us all recover from COVID-19, allowing The plan will be overseen and monitored by build strong partnerships to lead an the economy to stabilise and recover from our Corporate Management Team and the approach that will focus on the future the effects of the pandemic. Our plan covers Members of the Council. This team of of our fantastic Valley. We are setting our identified key themes of people, committed people are determined to deliver out measures we intend to take over business, the visitor economy, infrastructure the plan and ensure we do all we can the next 12 months and beyond to and place with actions assigned to each. to help the economy recover from this ensure we have a strong springboard =We’ve generated over £18m in funding unprecedented situation. We hope that if we to our return to pre-pandemic levels to support our local business community continue with the hard work we have been of success. as part of our initial response to the doing so far, there will be no reason why pandemic. We will use existing funding Rossendale can’t achieve its full potential.

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OUR VISION, OUR AIMS OUR ROSSENDALE, OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Rossendale Council is keen to ensure that progress is made to the ambitions set out in the Council plan, despite the unclear times that everyone faces. The Council will be there to support local businesses, providing a mechanism which allows everyone to reach their full potential and prosper. Government policy and Lancashire policy highlights ways to respond to those challenges and the Council has been examining best practice and data from other areas to understand how it can adapt to help the business community and so that when opportunities arise, it is well placed to capitalise on them.

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OUR VISION, PEOPLE

OUR AIMS Our OUR ROSSENDALE, OPEN FOR BUSINESS PLACE Rossendale BUSINESS Open for Business

Growth is at the heart of this ambitious action plan which builds on these five approaches to recovery HOTEL INFRASTRUCTURE over the next two years: VISITOR ECONOMY

Response strong local identity. Building productivity innovation in advanced manufacturing and resilience of key sectors of our local as well as the building skilled workforces. Work with partners, nationally and economy through direct activities and Complete the actions of the 2020 Visitor regionally to support local businesses interventions. Forging ahead with current Economy Strategy and build on the to re-open or rebound to mitigate the shovel ready projects to benefit local Rossendale Works employability project, economic impact of the crisis, through employment areas. which is already assisting businesses to effective signposting, a dedicated bolster their workforce ready for recovery. business adviser and tailored business Resilience These five approaches are constant support programmes that adapt to meet OUR VISION... Provide a plethora of business support through the plan and help to identify demands that the pandemic imposes. to local businesses, with relevant the key actions to grow the five themes seminars, workshops and events that of people, business, visitor economy, Recovery promote resilience through planning and infrastructure and place ensuring the A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO INVEST partnerships. Continuing the successful highest impact and value for money Create and implement people centred from our targeted activities. measures that promote sustainable Rossendale Business Leaders, Valley growth, through our Rossendale Works at Work, Bacup Business Association programme, digital transformation ideas, and newly formed Haslingden Business A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE successful networking groups and Associations to form strong bonds in the Together, Rossendale’s evaluating lessons learned from the crisis business community and work closely economy will be with our strategic partners. In addition, with the East Lancashire Chamber of ensure that local charity groups are Commerce and Rawtenstall Chamber of Trade as partners to recovery. rebuilt. It will emerge accessing funding opportunities. as a place that is A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO WORK Restore Renewal OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Strengthening the Invest in Rossendale Capitally invest in Bacup, Rawtenstall and brand increasing inward investment in Haslingden and strategic employment Rossendale by attracting growth sector sites to bring about longer term A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO VISIT businesses and giving businesses a economic transformations. Exploit green technologies and create opportunities and

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• Businesses employing less than 5 staff • We do maintain a high percentage have had to streamline their staffing by of private-sector jobs, however an average of 1-2 staff members over Rossendale has the smallest number of the last 12 month employee jobs out of the 14 Lancashire IMPACT OF COVID-19 local authorities • 91% of people are still concerned in some way about the national COVID-19 • People claiming Universal credit is rising situation due to pressures from COVID-19 and ON ROSSENDALE’S will continue to do so through 2021 and PEOPLE • A large number of jobs in Rossendale beyond. are rated as high risk i.e. not a keyworker position and the job is not ECONOMY suitable for remote working The full impact of the economic challenges ahead are becoming more apparent as data emerges and as • The biggest effects for businesses • Hospitality, leisure, accommodation evidenced in Rossendale Council’s, ‘NOVEMBER 2020 are significantly reduced customer and retail sectors are likely to footfall and financial instability require most intervention, with THE IMPACT OF A COVID WORLD’ report, is that the hospitality and food services • At the start of the pandemic there expected to be the hardest hit effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been, and is were around 2,710 VAT registered businesses in Rossendale. 90% • 422 business have become going to continue to be significant. of these are micro-businesses, insolvent in the first 11 months of employing less than 5 people financial year - a 24% increase on BUSINESS the same period last year. • Without intervention, poor growth or contraction of major sectors such as Manufacturing, Hospitality Certain key sectors such as hospitality, already vulnerable staff levels. In terms These small shoots of recovery need to and Wholesale/Retail trades, these leisure, accommodation and retail are the of recovery, 53% of businesses have be sustained into long term growth and business will bear the brunt of the worst affected. For 82% of Rossendale moderate confidence in the business we need to factor flexibility into the future economic impact in Rossendale businesses COVID-19 has had a environment but need solid financial plan to cope with the end of the national significant effect on their business. support to stabilise their business as furlough schemes and other interventions Two thirds of businesses have seen a base to make a strong recovery. offering financial support to businesses, at least a 25% reduction in their The Government’s current financial and the possibility in the future of more annual turnover this year. Businesses support schemes have made an impact local and national lockdowns. employing less than 5 staff have been in stabilising a large number of local • Workers employed in the hospitality, these projects but we must ensure notably affected, streamlining their businesses. non-food retail, arts, leisure and that we safeguard the jobs that are entertainment sectors, currently going to be created from these For now, we know across Rossendale due to the COVID-19 pandemic: 816, are more likely to lose their job enterprises HOTEL compared to employees in other sectors of the economy • Local Lockdown restrictions have seen our hospitality, leisure and To date, the ‘NOVEMBER 2020 THE IMPACT OF A COVID • Overall, 38% of businesses in accommodation sectors contract, Rossendale had seen a reduction including Rossendale’s Leisure WORLD’ report has found the following in respect of 115 • 77% of businesses had seen a 25% VISITOR ECONOMY respondents:  or greater reduction in their annual greater than 50% of turnover Trust who have not been eligible turnover this year (and 38% had seen a for Government financial support reduction greater than 50% of turnover) • We are working hard to improve the during the Summer of 2020. • 82% of businesses said COVID-19 • 68% of businesses are at risk of compared to 73% of local businesses visitor economy with developments was significantly affecting their collapse if sufficient financial support experienced up to a 10% growth in their for Bacup, Haslingden and business, is not sustained until a full recovery is turnover in 2019/20 (the year before the Rawtenstall being created and made. pandemic). implemented. COVID-19 will affect

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• Rossendale has a legacy of historic transformational projects. Within the under-investment in business, road identified corridors, Rossendale falls and rail infrastructure. This requires under both the Central Pennine and multi-million investments in each Lancashire/Manchester/Sheffield of our road, possible rail, bus, corridors. The Central Pennine and, and digital networks, establishing in particular the East Lancashire to new growth corridors across the Manchester sub corridor study, is at borough. This will support our a more advanced stage residents to work, earn and live • We have a distinct need for healthy lives as well as supporting improvements to our access routes more than 2,800 local businesses into the borough and then provision to grow and do business of suitable accommodation for our • Transport for the North (TfN) tourism and business visitors when is producing a Strategy that they arrive. is expected to deliver major enhancements to the region’s transport infrastructure with £27billion allocated for strategic

• Almost every part of Rossendale’s investment into Rossendale has local economy will see more never been more vital. contraction than the national • We are in a prime position to take average. advantage of the growth being • Contraction of our local high seen in nearby Manchester, but streets in the context of increasing without further financial assistance online retail and declining foot fall this will not be possible. reduces engagement with key town PLACE centres in Bacup, Haslingden and Rawtenstall. • Evidence continues to demonstrate underfunding to East Lancashire in comparison to other UK areas. Building a strong, resilient borough Post-Covid that attracts local, national and international Photo by Alan Boon

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Photo by Mike Burgess

Rossendale’s Position a commuter rail link from Rawtenstall We are looking to place an emphasis Businesses have used the pandemic to create to Manchester, relieving congestion on our sector strengths and give our Rossendale occupies a strategic location, on the Rawtenstall Gyratory, as well as advanced manufacturing and health and opportunities like changing their service and offering repeatedly described as the ‘bridge’ in continuing to lobby for improvements to social care businesses the support and to Lancashire from Greater Manchester the A56/M66. tools to thrive following the pandemic. online activity, entering new markets and varying their leading through to West Yorkshire. Rossendale benefits from good road Rossendale also benefits from a business model, introducing new technology and communications astride the M66/A56, spectacular natural landscape and within linking the M60/M62 with the M65 our visitor economy strategy we will look diversifying to support recovery. motorway. There are still improvements to realise the untapped potential of our to be made but the road network and surroundings. the proximity to Manchester make Rossendale accessible and able to play Our Current Businesses an important role within the sub-region Entrepreneurs have emerged in Bacup Rawtenstall In 2017 there were 2,590 businesses, Rossendale, such as the “goats on zoom” and the Government’s levelling up The council has secured £1.08m of funding With its growing popularity and including award winning companies phenomenon that has gained international agenda. Investment has taken place along to renew essential parts of the high street improved offerings, the Council will Linemark UK Ltd, JJO plc, Beta Group coverage and we recognise that it will be the A56 corridor, and the west of the Ltd, Interfloor Ltd and Slingco Ltd. creativity like this and entrepreneurship and attract more visitors to its centre. build on the town’s successes borough is proving attractive with recent that takes a forward role as the markets The Bacup Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) experienced pre-pandemic. developments drawing in advanced Rossendale’s industrial sector strengths adjust to the new environment post project is currently ongoing and the council manufacturing businesses. Looking measured by employee jobs are, in joint COVID-19. Rossendale Council’s approach submitted a substantial Future High Streets A new management company will build forward, a future supply of employment first place, ‘manufacturing’ and ‘wholesale will take account of many local economic fund bid for £11m. Even though this funding on the momentum of Rawtenstall Market land in appropriate locations is essential and retail trade’, and in joint second place, factors that make parts of Rossendale bid was unsuccessful, we are looking as visitor destination and the work at the to achieve our planned economic growth ‘administrative and support’ and ‘human vulnerable to different effects of the crisis. fervently at other avenues to realise the new bus station and town square. and prosperity driven by the Invest in health and social work’. Unlike other potential of Bacup, which was outlined in Rossendale brand. districts in Lancashire, the borough has a Town Centres the Bacup 2040 Vision and Masterplan. relatively high number of private sector Our three distinct town centres form the Infrastructure planning remains a top jobs, which is considered a positive trait in backbone of our Borough. Rawtenstall Haslingden priority for the long term growth of times of public sector contraction. Given has benefitted from a surge in popularity The Council has committed resources to a our economy to both attract business Pennine Lancashire’s strong advanced and growth in recent years and we want NLHF fund bid which is pending approval investment along our Rossendale Valley manufacturing base and Enterprise Zone to hold this up as a template for the rest for circa £2m. This vision and masterplan Growth Corridor, and support access for status for the BAE sites at Samlesbury of the borough but we know we can’t that has been produced focuses on trying workers and visitors alike. Improvements and Warton, there is an opportunity to be complacent, Rawtenstall didn’t grow to diversify our high streets for resilience to our strategic infrastructure are innovate and grow associated supply overnight, it took investment in the town, in the future, including using food, music, paramount. This includes developing chain companies in this recognised regeneration project and work to build up events opportunities and close proximity to a Strategic Outline Business Case for growth sector. its reputation to attract unique businesses the countryside to bolster the direct retail to get there. available presently. HOTEL

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THE NATIONAL AND SUB-REGIONAL RESPONSE

A place where people A great place to start Government Support Programmes want to live and grow a business The Government is providing financial security and Rossendale hosts three distinctive market Under the banner of our ‘Invest in towns; Rawtenstall, referenced by the Sunday Rossendale’ brand, with our recently support for those who can’t work and a scheme for Times in its feature on Best Places to Live appointed Business Adviser and a 2018, provides individual specialist shops dedicated team, Rossendale is here businesses to protect people’s jobs. The Coronavirus with a high end offer, Bacup reputedly the to support and attract business. We best preserved cotton town in England, have already run numerous business Job Retention Scheme has been introduced to and Haslingden which ‘punches above its guidance seminars during the COVID-19 weight' for food and drink in the evening. pandemic and are planning further All have attracted recent investment; workshops to assist businesses as we prevent employers having to lay off staff and the Spinning Point at Rawtenstall, Townscape move to the recovery phase. Free 1-1 Heritage Initiative in Bacup and the sessions are available to all businesses Self-Employment Income Support Scheme to Haslingden Task Force area. The Council within the borough where the business has ambitious plans to continue to grow adviser will offer assistance. We aim to support eligible sole traders and partnerships. and develop all three town centres. continue this support system for new and existing businesses throughout the A great place to COVID-19 pandemic and will look to expand this offer in the future. We have enjoy yourself also expanded the offer available from our Rossendale Works project to include Rossendale’s visitor, cultural and leisure specifically 18-25 years olds ensuring • The Government’s business grant offer is significant, with an untapped This is in addition to employers within Rossendale will have financial support has helped over 1,599 potential for growth. Rossendale is home support for businesses, a robust source of staffing as their local businesses in Rossendale. to the famous East Lancashire Railway. businesses start to grow again. including: The natural beauty of the Rossendale • Direct cash grants worth £10,000 Valley set amongst open moorland • VAT deferrals until the end of June that or £25,000 have already been to supports a backdrop for ‘adrenaline’ provide a direct cash injection of over businesses including in the retail, outdoor active pursuits; with The Hill, Lee £30bn, Self-Assessment tax deferrals hospitality or leisure sectors, worth Quarry Mountain Bike Trails ,the ‘Grip and from July to next January, providing a over £12bn in total. cash flow benefit of £13bn and more Go’ climbing facility and Whitworth Water • Discretionary funding Ski Academy to name a few. than 64,000 tailored Time to Pay A comprehensive Visitor Economy arrangements agreed with businesses • A package of government-backed and Strategy and action plan has been and individuals guaranteed loans, which make available drawn up and put in place to approximately £330bn of guarantee realise this growth. HOTEL

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REOPENING OF THE ROSSENDALE ECONOMY FOLLOWING NATIONAL LOCKDOWN

Rossendale has seen long periods of government imposed restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19 and its businesses have been among the worst affected.

The government has published • Restaurants, pubs, bars and In brief the “COVID-19 Secure” guidelines takeaway services objectives are: for employers to help protect • Shops and branches • Vehicles their workforce and customers • Support businesses to re-open • The visitor economy • Support the re-functioning of the from coronavirus that must economy in the short term be met as a condition for Go to www.gov.uk/coronavirus • Support local supply chain reopening. The 14 guides for guidance. development cover a range of different • Respond to pipeline shocks in the The sub regional approach led by types of work. economy resulting from current Lancashire County Council has been shutdown essential in ensuring the survival of 5 steps to working safely • Set the trajectory for the Greater • the business community. This plan Close contact services Lancashire Plan and commence a • will look to align with the objectives Construction and other outdoor work pipeline of investment in major • of their recently produced ‘Redefining Factories, plants and warehouses strategic projects. • Lancashire: Our Approach to Recovery’ • Heritage locations • Benefit Lancashire's workforce in the report which can be found here: • Hotels and other guest accommodation short-term and prepare for Labs and research facilities significant unemployment growth • www.lancashire.gov.uk/media/ Offices and contact centres post-furlough. • 917897/redefining-lancashire- Other people’s homes • our-approach-to-recovery-25- Performing arts The ending and phasing out of temporary • june-2020.pdf • Providers of grassroots sport support packages could have an effect and gym/leisure facilities on Rossendale businesses, as part of the recovery approach the impact of this will be determined.

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WHAT ROSSENDALE THIS IS WHAT COUNCIL HAS DONE THE COUNCIL WILL SO FAR DO NEXT

Supporting businesses with the right mix of talent Rossendale is unique, the local business community with new skills for a new business climate and has highlighted that through its resilience and response investing in people to future-proof the economy to the pandemic. This resilience is an essential ingredient We want every business to get back on track because they are an essential part of our communities. This means access to the latest information, in achieving a sustainable recovery from the pandemic. advice and support to help businesses adapt and survive. Those businesses that are currently experiencing high growth will be targeted to drive employment opportunities • We have established a task force with are a few examples of projects that • By our involvement with the Local and Gross Value Added for Rossendale. Value for partners in and around the borough to have progressed despite the difficulties Resilience Forum, we have strove to meet weekly for an assessment of the brought about by COVID-19. implement the Government's package money will be a key driver in the activities and influences current business and general COVID-19 of emergency support to our business • We commissioned a business and situation. community quickly and efficiently. communities Survey. This gathered that can be controlled to focus on helping Rossendale • Council appointed a COVID-19 Business invaluable information on the issues • We have allocated resources to give Adviser who has already supported over and needs that small and medium sized businesses support with Council functions realise and exceed its potential. 150 businesses with advice, support and businesses face in Rossendale. This by pulling relevant departments together funding signposting. presented an opportunity for employers to work in partnership to address key to communicate directly with us to help areas of concern raised by business • The Rossendale Connected Hub has to shape the future of the business during the pandemic. supported over 2,000 local people since community across the area. the start of the pandemic, galvanising • Given out £18.3million in business grants over 60 community groups to co- • We delivered a programme of to over 2000 business – a massive ordinate support. workshops on how to access funding logistical task undertaken without prior during the COVID-19 pandemic. notice and limited resources • Council and police enforcement on non- compliant businesses and residents to • Council supporting the tracing approach • The Economic Development Team has stop the spread of the virus. with 70% effectiveness in tracing spoken to over 300 businesses about difficult to trace cases. By bringing cases COVID-19 related issues and offered • Extensive local communications activity down across the borough this will help support across print, radio and social media businesses in the borough. • Attracted £63,000 in funding toward • We continued to maximise the positive • A range of smaller grant funding used to reopening the high streets, which impact of investments and projects support hardship issues. has been used to create a marketing in Rossendale despite the impact of campaign and street cleaning. We have COVID-19 on timetables and new • Focused and directional learning also looked to obtain funding for some project development. The Whitaker, following the pandemic teaching us alterations to make our town centres a Bacup Heritage Action Zone, a large lessons on how to improve in the future Covid-safe environment. employability project at Futures Park

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ROSSENDALE IS PEOPLE PEOPLE OPEN FOR BUSINESS Our next steps in the short term are to: 1. Enhance our Rossendale Works and Rossendale Youth Works programmes to protect £18m of funding has already been generated for the jobs and assist employers following the phasing out of the job retention scheme • Focus our efforts on the hardest-hit • Explore training initiatives using the • Become a Kickstart Gateway, local community. This action plan identifies ways to sectors to enable firms to maintain and business adviser support network to give harnessing the relationship with the expand employment in areas such as the people the skills for the future workforce. local job centre to secure 6 month work use this existing funding along with leveraging other manufacturing and administration. This placements for 18-24 year olds. will spur job creation and help meet the resources to boost economic growth across existing challenges of an ageing population. and new business sectors. 2. Develop a programme of events and workshops whereby local residents can explore the possibility of starting their own business or improving their skills

• Running further New Business Workshops supporting businesses to develop to re-skill and move into new careers to feed entrepreneurship plans. through employability fairs and careers and grow a skilled workforce that events • Increased take-up of apprenticeships meets their needs to give everyone the chance to start • Strengthened engagement between • Increased numbers of people helped and develop their career, as well as schools and employers.

In the medium term, we will: 3. Create an integrated employment and skills environment that benefits everyone Our • Establish a local employability and • Work with the local schools to improve skills group, encouraging collaboration career prospects of leavers and links Rossendale with key partners delivering with local businesses. Provide schools employability projects in Rossendale with the opportunity to input into the Open for and identify any gaps in provision. local careers fair. Business What does this mean? 3 Young people equipped for life- intervention at a younger age has a tangible effect on lowering unemployment at a later age 3 Increased take-up of our Rossendale Works and Rossendale Youth Works programme to give everyone the chance to start and develop their career 3 Supporting our businesses to develop and grow a skilled workforce that meets their needs 3 Increased numbers of people helped to re-skill and move into new careers 3 Strengthened engagement between schools and employer and employer

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BUSINESS VISITOR HOTEL VISITOR ECONOMY Our next steps in the short terms are to: ECONOMY 4. Market Rossendale as a place to invest Our next steps in the short term are to: • Continue to work quickly to identify businesses and encourage more • Take advantage of low carbon/climate 6. Promote Rossendale’s “COVID SAFE” attractions and deliver the actions and support business needs with our firms to Rossendale. change/green economy initiatives that partners: Boost Lancashire, the LEP, will help Rossendale stand out as an in the ‘Visitor Economy Strategy for the whole of Rossendale 2020-2030’. • Promote the dedicated support and Valley at Work, BBA, HBA, the East environmentally conscious business advice service made available through Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, community that values the future. • Continue to support through business • Support creativity through an exciting • Provide temporary open spaces for the business adviser and partners the Federation of Small Businesses planning and advice, funding and diverse programme of arts and restaurants and cafés to operate from. • Offer support and advice as we deal and our Councils’ community teams • Encourage and further promote applications and tailored support, culture in our borough through our with Brexit and the implications to the • Market Rossendale’s excellent walking who are at the front line in providing the NNDR relief scheme that offers all those assets within the visitor already established network of arts export led businesses in our borough. routes. comprehensive support across our business rates discounts based on economy. venues. communities job creation and rateable value to encourage businesses to come to • Implement our “Invest in Rossendale Rossendale Inward Investment” action plan to stimulate the growth of existing In the medium term, we will: 7. Develop our assets to improve experiences and increase capital In the medium term we will: expenditure opportunities • Strengthen relationships with • Work with partners and investors to • Develop and deliver heritage-led 5. Look to improve business productivity through digital connectivity Lancashire County Council to build on bring forward a visitor and cycle hub at regeneration projects throughout the the local cycling infrastructure, such strategic locations. borough. • Continue to support Rossendale • Explore opportunities to improve as the Valley of Stone Greenway and businesses to innovate through its broadband connectivity within • Provide funding for those wanting to NC6. business networks, the Boost Mentor Rossendale including 5G. develop events within the area programme and the development of other partner programmes.

What does this mean? What does this mean? 3 Putting Rossendale on the map as a place for people to visit and stay 3 A single reference point for the most up-to-date information, guidance and support for businesses across our borough- the economic development team 3 Attracting even more families and visitors to Rossendale, 3 Closer partnerships are forged with business who want to invest in Rossendale in order to show we are bringing benefits to local businesses and our economy ‘open for business and investment’ 3 An exciting programme of events that are “COVID Safe” 3 Businesses across Rossendale enabled and encouraged to adopt new technologies and helped to 3 Marketing Rossendale as a place for unique outdoor experiences innovate and grow, or diversify into other sectors 3 Increasing the numbers employed in the sector and its GVA 3 Start up and early stage businesses helped to discover and develop products with access to expert advice signposted by the economic development team

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INFRASTRUCTURE PLACE PLACE In the short term, we will: Our next steps in the short term are to: 8. Provide an outdoor setting for existing businesses to operate from 10. Improve and enhance the town centres and natural spaces

• Create a multi-functional open space • Realise the opportunities following • Use our strategic position to build outdoor offer and cultural experiences. on Rawtenstall Town Square that allows submission of funding bids for Bacup strong and sustainable growth, with Residents will have improved cafes and restaurants to operate from and Haslingden. Support Rawtenstall, improved connectivity as a ‘bridge’ in life chances and achieve greater that don’t have capacity for outdoor Bacup and Haslingden to be known to Lancashire from Greater Manchester economic success through the seating at their existing premises. regionally for their unique offers and and West Yorkshire. provision of enhanced employment, be strong destinations for shoppers skills and educational opportunities. • Support Rossendale to be known in and visitors. the sub-region and beyond for its

In the medium term we will: In the medium term, we will: 9. Explore road, rail, cycle and walking infrastructure improvements in Rossendale 11. Look to complete the Futures Park Employment Village site:

• Continue to work with partners as we • Develop plans to enhance the M66/ • Link with our Visitor economy strategy • Giving new and existing businesses • Safeguard over 100 jobs in the Bacup look to restore the Valley-City Link, A56 growth corridor goal of developing a network of local the opportunity to expand into newly area by businesses offering new job exploring funding opportunities to cycling routes to link Rossendale’s built bespoke designed industrial opportunities. • Advance our plans to improve the develop the Strategic Outline Business visitor attractions including the Valley premises. Rawtenstall Gyratory system, including Case. of Stone pathway. the efficiency and effectiveness of St Mary’s Way which is a congestion 12. Progress the New Hall Hey Gateway project: blackspot. • Situated on the periphery of businesses a rare opportunity to This scheme will improve the public Rawtenstall Town Centre, New Hall occupy a location that is perfect for realm and access along this major Hey has established as a premier edge of town shopping as well as gateway in to Rawtenstall. location offering retail and industrial those looking for a larger footprint.

What does this mean? What does this mean? 3  Advancing our Rossendale Valley Growth Corridor and key infrastructure projects 3 Revitalising and reopening the town centres safely 3  Our new industrial development sites are resilient, enabling home working and built in places which are 3 Improved health, quality of life and the environment well located in relation to existing road and public transport networks 3 More visitors to Rossendale 3 Adoption of new construction

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PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT COVID-19 Business Survey Report

• The results are based on primary research undertaken through two online surveys. The business survey received responses from 115 Rossendale businesses. The resident survey received 935 responses. Both surveys were undertaken between 16 October and 6 November 2020. PEOPLE

• The research was intended to better understand the impact of COVID-19 and how support should be best targeted to help businesses recover. Our It also aimed to understand current PLACE BUSINESS public attitudes to the COVID-19 Rossendale restrictions in order to better interpret actions which are likely to have a strong Open for positive impact on containing and then reducing the number of cases. Business

• Other ad-hoc surveys commissioned by Rossendale Borough Council. • The research is complemented by publicly available statistics from Public HOTEL Health England on the number of cases INFRASTRUCTURE and the Office for National Statistics on VISITOR ECONOMY business registrations and insolvencies

• ‘Our Approach to Recovery’ plan produced by Lancashire County Council

3 26 Rossendale Borough Council The Business Centre, Futures Park Bacup OL13 0BB E: [email protected] T: 01706 252480 www.investinrossendale.com