Agenda item

Teresa Hogsbjerg, Economic Development Manager, Surrey Heath Borough Council, gave a presentation in respect of the work of Surrey Heath’s Economic Development Team including its strategy to promote economic development throughout Surrey Heath.

It was noted that the Economic Development team had three wider goals for Surrey Heath:

1.    A sustainable place to live, work, shop and play.

·         This featured supporting major development works. For example the team facilitated a breakfast meeting for local business people to inform them how the Meadows gyratory works would affect their businesses.

·         Data collation has given the Council a better understanding of the Borough’s Visitor Economy. It has been better determined where the Borough’s non-resident visitors come from and via which mode of transport.

2.    A Great Place for Business to Flourish

·         The Economic Development Team has supported local businesses to enable them to reach their growth aspirations.

·         Local businesses and start-ups have been advised of local funding and support sources available to them. Small businesses have been advised on how to acquire funding from bodies such as The EM3 Growth Hub and Innovate UK.

·         Recently work with the Department of International Trade has been conducted to develop an inward investment strategy.

3.    A Great Place for People to Succeed

·         The Economic Development team has worked with businesses to support training programmes prior to opening of large developments.

·         Work with partners has ensured programmes would be in place for personnel leaving the military. Programmes have been catered to ensure the skills that are developed match the needs of the local economy.

·         Work with the DWP (Department Work and Pensions) has enabled links to programmes that would train those looking for work in new business areas.

Arising to the subsequent discussion to the presentation the following points were noted:

·         Much of the data that was currently extrapolated in relation to Surrey Heath’s visitor economy was restricted to footfall numbers. A longer term aim was to liaise with the specialist data companies (that include methods such as collecting data mobile and IBeacon communication) to expand the depth of information possible to enable an improved understanding of the reasons why visitors come to Camberley.

·         Camberley’s lack of presence on signage on the Motorway Network had an ongoing negative effect. It was recognised that having Camberley more prominent on signage would help support many of the town’s economic aspirations. It was noted that the Council and the Local MP were currently lobbying the Highways Agency for greater presence for Camberley on the network.

It was also acknowledged that Surrey Heath firmly maintained its presence at Highway’s Agency meetings and gave it a greater voice on such issues.

·         There had been ongoing discussion regarding the Council’s response to the planned closure of the House of Fraser store in the Square shopping centre. It was recognised, although the closure was a setback, Surrey Heath was in an advantageous position to deal with the closure. It was noted that the Council owned the building meaning the Council would make sure whatever took over the vacated space, suited and met the needs of Camberley. Additionally there was potential for the vacated space to become Camberley’s unique selling point, and there was need for greater Council communication to residents regarding the closure.

·         The Executive Head for Transformation and the Economic Development Manager were developing a formal document setting out the Council’s Town Centre development strategy.

Members thanked Teresa Hogsbjerg for her informative presentation and her work organising the Business Breakfast meeting on the Meadows Gyratory works. The committee also stated they look forward to working with Teresa on the London Road Block redevelopment.