Economic Development Strategy & Action Plan 2024 - 2028
This Economic Development Strategy sets out the Council's vision and ambition for the future growth and development of South Kesteven's economy.
Embracing a strategic approach to enabling local growth represents the golden thread running through the Council's Corporate Plan, Local Plan and relevant service areas.
A great deal has changed since the Council adopted its previous Economic Development Strategy in 2016. The Council now needs to reposition its approach to growth to take advantage of changing economic circumstances. This will ensure the District is in the best possible position to capture and realise economic growth, prosperity and productivity improvements over the course of the coming months and years to 2028.
Whilst things used to evolve more slowly, now how people live, work and access places is changing at speed. Communities (people and businesses) must constantly look forward and evolve or run the risk of getting left behind. All the indicators are that the pace of change is only going to increase.
The economy of South Kesteven will be dynamic, providing economic growth, wealth creation and employment opportunities for a growing population from 2024 to 2028. This growing population will have the opportunity to upskill to meet the changing economic circumstances throughout this period and experience a quality of life in excess of that which is available in most of the UK.
South Kesteven will have a reputation as an area which embraces development and investment and is seen as a destination of choice for businesses across many sectors.
As a strategic leader, influencer and procurer of goods, South Kesteven District Council must set the tone for employees, residents and businesses to embrace change, instead of fearing it. This is why this strategy has been created to articulate the future and how the ambitions are going to be delivered.
This strategy focuses on five areas where it is believed the Council is likely to have greatest influence to overcome key challenges to economic prosperity and set a path to achieving the vision for South Kesteven in 2028, as follows:
- Business, job creation and employment safeguarding
- Skills development
- Inclusive growth and regeneration
- Inward investment
- Enhancing South Kesteven's tourism and visitor economy offer
This strategy is best seen as a living, dynamic document which requires the Council to build a comprehensive system ensuring everyone in the organisation is making good decisions that support it.
