We're launching the work we're doing to develop a Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) to set the area on a pathway to a more prosperous future for all. The Annual Conference provided us with a first opportunity to set out our programme of activity, and, importantly, for our delegates to discuss the key challenges and opportunities for the economy now and in the future.
As part of our Annual Conference, we published ‘Your Solent, Your Future’, which sets out some initial thoughts on a Local Industrial Strategy for the Solent and we invited people to join the conversation.
Since that time, we have been reviewing the evidence base, and have continued to engage with individuals and organisations from across the region and the wider UK. This engagement phase is now in full swing, and, as a critical starting point, we want to understand your views so that the strategy can begin to reflect and be shaped by local ambition at the outset. We are therefore inviting you to join the conversation and complete the short survey.
We intend to build on the region’s strengths, develop and attract new talent, focus on sustainability, unlock innovation through education establishments and businesses working together and deliver a coastal renaissance. All of this will position the Solent economy as a major international hub of enterprise.
Gary Jeffries, the Chairman for the Solent LEP said: "As a major contributor to the United Kingdom's economy with gross value added (GVA) of £30.6 billion, the Solent is already a highly successful economic hub. The development of this Local Industrial Strategy gives us an opportunity to prepare ourselves for the significant changes and technological developments that we are going to see in the next 30 years.
“With our diverse industries and number of sectoral strengths linked to our coastal location and outstanding natural environment, we will ably and successfully adapt to meet future opportunities and challenges. But to ensure that we consider all aspects of our community and economy, we need wide and far-reaching views.”
As part of the engagement phase we will announce a range of workshop sessions which will seek to drill down into the key challenges, opportunities and to expand peoples' thinking for the future of the Solent economy. This will feed into the action needed to boost productivity, earning power and competitiveness across its area.
The project will be promoted right across the Solent region and we are inviting everyone to join the conversation and take part in a survey to share their views. We would like to hear from a range of people who could be affected by the survey, and for them to have their say. We are including the younger and older generations, the general public, private, academic and voluntary sectors and all areas of the Solent.
We will implement all of this feedback to develop a strategy that will see the Solent emerge as an internationally-facing, prosperous and confident economy. This will be underpinned by the area's renowned economic, knowledge, cultural and environmental assets and it will identify new opportunities for the future.
The closing date for participating in the survey is 3 May 2019. Click here to take part.
To sign up to receive regular information about the Local Industrial Strategy and how it is is progressing, email us on LIS@SolentLEP.org.uk