Cities are important. At the start of 2012, in a year widely predicted to be at best ‘flat’ for the UK economy, the Centre for Cities, Cities Outlook report rightly points to the key role many of the UK’s leading urban centres will play in trying to kick start and support national economic growth. There are of course the usual achievers and under achievers. But what is also striking about the report are some of the big area ‘gaps’ where there is no large urban area presence.
Large parts of the South West (Cornwall, Somerset, large parts of Dorset and the surprising omission of Exeter in particular), Cumbria, most of Cheshire and North Wales for example don’t appear to be influenced by their nearest city or its travel to work area. What happens here? How will economies be stimulated and jobs protected, created and attracted? How will new businesses be encouraged and key local industries supported?
Cities are very important. But if overall national recovery is to be spread evenly these other places also need attention in these challenging times. LEP’s, local government, academia and the business community and its representatives all have a role to play in stimulating activity to support this; and in support of this Business&Place has strong experience in areas of the UK where the city influence doesn’t always reach, but jobs, economic diversification and new investment are still required. To find out more, please contact us via the links on this page.
