Eden Economic Development and Tourism Strategy

Eden District Council is working towards its economic development and tourism strategy for Eden. The strategy, 'Developing the economy of Eden - A 10 Year Plan,' sets out the long term aims and objectives for economic development and tourism in the area between 2006 and 2016. Although the plan is a long term one, it will be updated annually in accordance with other strategies and initiatives affecting Eden and Cumbria.

The strategy is a community developed strategy that was compiled following wide-ranging consultations with a variety of public, private business and voluntary sector individuals and organisations. It recognises Eden District as a low wage economy with high housing costs, and identifies ways of potentially addressing these issues.

The 2006-2016 Strategy

Eden Economic Forum, facilitated by Eden District Council, launched the development plan on 13th July 2006 during a workshop at Eden Conference Barn. The document can be downloaded or a hard copy can be requested from the Economic Development and Tourism Department.

The strategy focuses on five thematic areas with each theme highlighting the main issues to be addressed and consequently, priority aims and objectives to be achieved.

Business Development

The business development theme addresses business performance whether through encouraging business start-ups, expansions or reinvestments. The main business development issues identified are:

• A confusing network of agencies supporting businesses.
• Lack of awareness of the activities of some agencies.
• Significant decline in business reinvestment.
• High growth in M6 corridor businesses.
• Opportunity to develop social and community enterprise.
• Opportunity for expansion in key growth sectors.
• Seasonal visitor economy. Few opportunities for wet weather activities.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is a reference to the necessary building blocks be they transport, housing, technology or sites and premises. The main infrastrucutre issues identified are:

• Poor internal transport systems.
• Good external transport networks.
• ICT offers opportunity to attract quality businesses.
• Inadequate supply of business accommodation.
• Growth constrained by planning regime.
• Opportunity to enhance and reinforce public realm.
• Provision of quality visitor service networks.
• Lack of availability of employment land.

Marketing and Promotion

The marketing and promotion theme addresses perceptions and images; inspiring people to visit Eden whether for business or pleasure. The main issues identified are:

• Need to raise the profile of Eden, sub-regionally, regionally and nationally.
• Low awareness of economic development and business support services.
• Need to research and identify customers needs.
• There is a need for an effective marketing strategy and plan for Eden.

Regeneration

Regeneration is about maximising the potential of people and businesses for collective community action. The main issues identified are:

• The need to establish geographical and thematic priorities for action.
• The need to link all aspects of regeneration.
• The need to retain and enhance local services.
• Benefits of partnership working.
• Reduced EU funding.
• The need to enhance project management and capacity building skills.
• Maximising opportunities through the Southend Road development.

Skills and Employment

The skills and employment theme is about providing a diversity of training and employment opportunities to address a healthy labour market. The main issues identified are:

• Lack of data to clearly identify training and development issues facing Eden employers.
• The need to undertake research into skills gaps and skills needs.
• Lack of skills identified in growth sectors.
• Lack of career development opportunities.
• Lack of training opportunities in smaller Eden settlements.
• Decline in workforce development by employers.
• Attraction and retention of young people.

For Further Information:

• Contact: Economic Development and Tourism Section
• Address: Eden District Council, Town Hall, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7QF
• Telephone: (01768) 212163/ 212169
• Email: econ.dev@eden.gov.uk
• Fax: (01768) 890470