Innovative Partnership Launched to Aid Economic Growth in Rugby
An innovative partnership aimed at driving forward economic growth has been launched in Rugby.
Building on the great work the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub has been doing for the last three years providing advice and assistance to Rugby businesses looking to grow, it is now working in partnership with Rugby Borough Council to deliver its wider economic development strategy.
This will involve focusing on sustainable growth, both from within Rugby’s existing business community but also inward investment.
With the benefit of the the relationships the Growth Hub has developed with local businesses big and small, the council’s economic development activity will be focused on where it is needed both now but also in the future.
They are also liaising with inward investors and developers to pro-actively attract new companies to Rugby and are working with Rugby Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council to identify and deliver strategic investment sites across the borough.
The council can also tap into the services of experienced Growth Hub Strategic Planning Consultant Bill Blincoe. He has extensive knowledge of the development sector regionally and nationally as well as having relationships with key figures in the local area’s property and development sector.
It is the first time the CWLEP Growth Hub has agreed to work with a council to provide such a service following the success of a six-month pilot agreement.
Rich Warren, Account Manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, said this was an excellent opportunity to unlock Rugby’s potential and achieve sustained growth.
“The experience I have gained working directly with Rugby businesses over the last three-and-a-half years means the CWLEP Growth Hub is well placed to support Rugby Borough Council in making the borough a great place to live and do business,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity to ensure the business community is well served as we have the ability to give up-to-date information about the issues facing the business community and act upon their concerns.
“This is also a chance to attract inward investors since we have extensive contacts in terms of knowing the land available for employment sites which will support business growth.
“The council will have access to all the Growth Hub’s extensive knowledge base so it is a win-win situation.”
Sebastian Lowe, Council Portfolio Holder for Growth and Investment at Rugby Borough Council, said: “One of the council’s key priorities is to promote sustainable growth and economic prosperity for Rugby.
“We already have a prosperous local economy and low levels of unemployment but we know more can be done and we need to use all the resources at our disposal to reach our potential.
“Working in partnership with the Growth Hub gives us access to expertise and know-how that we wouldn’t otherwise have and I can only see our relationship and the benefits that brings for Rugby going from strength to strength.”
