How can we grow and support neighbourhood-led local economies?

A perspective from the Business Community

Nina SkubalaInitiative Manager

Bristol Chamber of Commerce and InitiativeNina.Skubala@businesswest.co.uk

@bw_initiativewww.initiativewest.co.uk

A changing Bristol

Business taking an interest in the place

West of England Initiative• Launched in 1989 in response to urban challenges (CBI:

Beyond Charity report)• 12 employers initially – now 200+ with a presence in Bath

and Swindon• A business leadership team which enables the business

community to positively influence the way our area is shaped, managed and developed

• Committed and determined and motivated by the desire to create an economically and culturally prosperous region, devoid of inequality and poverty

Regenerating the city centre

Regenerating the harbourside

Our Vision

Rebalancing North and South Bristol

From a presentation given by Canon Dr John Savage OBE in 2009

Transport Challenges & Solutions

South Bristol LinkInfrastructure deficit

Metrobus

Skills Challenges & Solutions

South Bristol Economic Pilot – initial outcomes

• Survey – Exploring barriers to growth– 50 responses from Business West Survey (Q1 & Q2 2014)–27 responses from FSB survey (Autumn 2014)– mix of responses: inc. business rates, skills, marketing, connectivity and more

• Conference – Filwood Community Centre– 70 attendees– Workshop focused on skills, transport and development

• Report – To be published soon

Recent developments

Thanks for listening

Nina SkubalaInitiative Manager

Nina.Skubala@businesswest.co.uk07500668659

www.initiativewest.co.uk@bw_initiative