|
|
|
Business Case: |
|
|
|
| Appendices: |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Economic Demands The economy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is diverse, with a wide range of businesses in a variety of different sectors. Some of these sectors have been established for a period of time, such as agriculture and tourism, others are only just emerging as concentrations or clusters of firms. Those Sectors identified within the strategy were: • Agriculture, including Food & Drink • Creative industries • Environmental technologies chemical and pharmaceutical industries. • ICT including creative media • Fishing • Marine • Manufacturing • Medical/Health • Tourism In the 2006 Strategy for Sustainable Growth report by Baker Associates identified barriers to business growth including difficulties in finding appropriate staff. The report also identified that more than three-quarters of companies said that they recruit staff locally but more than half of these are experiencing difficulties in recruiting people with the right experience and skills. The skills base in the area is generally lower than the national or county averages with 38% of people having no qualifications, against a county average of 33% (Census, 2001). Only 15% of people have higher level skills compared to a regional average of 20% (Census, 2001). Generally, skills levels are higher within the younger age bands with only 15% of residents aged 16- 24 having no qualifications compared to 59% of residents aged 50 – 74. As the skills base is lower than the national average and not significant enough to act as draw for major employers who could potentially be attracted by a highly skilled work force. Improving skills levels is very important for the area, not only will it allow residents increased opportunities to access higher paid or alternative employment but could also help attract inward investment to the town, assisting diversification of the employment structure and increasing average salaries. Businesses were in agreement that North Cornwall District Council should forge stronger links with the Learning and Skills Council, Combined Universities in Cornwall and the local education authority in order to encourage young people and adults to engage in vocational training and skills development. This project seeks to address those issues and support the local economy. This is further reinforced through the vision of both the Council and local businesses for a skilled work force, supported by an infrastructure and environment which will make the district an attractive prospect for business expansion and inward investment. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||