New Forest District Councillors once again added their support to local businesses at their meeting on 2 August.
One of the council’s top priorities is ‘helping local business grow’ and a report detailing a strategy for business was supported by Councillors this week.
The strategy aims to continue the council’s support for local enterprise as well as encouraging appropriate new investment into the district.
Planning, transport, housing, and skills are areas impacted by business growth so the strategy also recognises the wider impacts of a vibrant local economy.
Cllr Barry Rickman, NFDC Leader, said, “Economic development is vital to the long-term and continued success of the area.
We have a wealth of vibrant, flourishing small businesses and medium enterprises that make a huge contribution to the character and success of the New Forest.
Our part in that is to do all in our power to make sure the success continues.
We want to see more local jobs for the future, opportunities for young people, vibrant towns, and highly productive and innovative businesses based here.
Matt Callaghan, Economic Development Manager said, “NFDC’s Economic Development team work to support prosperity in the area by collaborating with the local business community, coordinating training opportunities, promoting access to funding, and working in support of projects that will enable business to thrive.
“We work closely with the New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP), a strong local organisation that brings together a wide variety of businesses for the mutual benefit of all members.
NFBP will be key partners in helping us to identify priority areas of work and develop the emerging strategy”
Further information on NFDC business support is available at www.newforest.gov.uk/business and New Forest Business Partnership at www.nfbp.org.uk
