York Economic Strategy – Consultation Questions

The York Economic Strategy is out to consultation until mid-February 2012: http://www.york.gov.uk/business/yes/ .  We would invite your views on any aspect of the strategy, but would particularly like to get your answers to the following questions:

(1)    The YES sets out the following vision and specific targets:

Oursimple economic visionis for the City of York to become aninternational and enterprising city,and in time, the most competitive city of its size, not only in the UK but globally, leading to increased growth in the overall economy and jobs. 

On the way to achieving this vision, by 2015, the city will aim to become atop 5 UK city economy that sustainably delivers both Gross Value Added (GVA) and jobs growth, and a top10 European city, as measured against comparator cities.

Is this the right vision?  Are these the right targets?

(2)    The strategy identifies five ambitions:

• A flexible and relevant workforce
• A competitive business base
• An integrated knowledge base(further improving the link between and offer from  the universities and colleges in the city to the business base and community, ensuring the wider economy is benefitting fully from our knowledge institutions)
• A world-class place
• A coordinated approach to investment in the city

Are these the right ambitions? 

(3)  Does the strategy adequately address the challenges you face as a business? Yes/no.             If not, what do you feel we have missed or what do you think we have not got right?

Does the strategy adequately identify ways in which we can create a better business environment(e.g.: making procurement with the LA easier for SMEs to engage with; business mentoring programme for early stage businesses to improve survival & growth rates; developing export opportunities for different sectors; reviewing office space; rates; etc)? Yes/no.  If not, what have we missed or what have we not got right?

(4) What specifically can we do to help support development your particular industry in York?

(5)  Are there any other challenges or opportunities you feel we have missed or that we should consider including in the final version of the strategy?

(6) Are you happy to be contacted again in future for follow up?