The ambition of the Inclusive Economic Strategy is for more and better jobs in an inclusive, green economy.
This directly relates to the County Durham Vision and recognises the need to ensure everyone in the county benefits from growth. It also aims to ensure that growth is balanced with our commitment to addressing the climate change emergency.
Priorities for achieving the vision
The strategic priorities of the Economic Partnership are outlined in the Inclusive Economic Strategy, which is structured around five priority themes which will be delivered in partnership
People
Through the People theme of the Inclusive Economic Strategy we aim to support people into education, training, and jobs, and to excel in businesses and their careers. We will:
- Improve skills levels
- Tackle barriers to employment
- Improve in-work progression and the skills of workers
- Improve the health and wellbeing of workers
Productivity
Through the Productivity theme of the Inclusive Economic Strategy we aim to support business innovation, growth, and higher levels of productivity. We will:
- Support sectors that employ large numbers of people and provide new opportunities for growth
- Support businesses to start-up and grow
- Support innovation ecosystems which lead to new ideas, products, and services
- Support businesses that support their workers and have a positive impact on the county
Places
Through the Places theme of the Inclusive Economic Strategy we aim to improve places and plan infrastructure so that people and businesses can access opportunities. We will:
- Improve towns and villages across the county
- Ensure there is enough employment land to attract investors and developers to provide jobs
- Improve physical connectivity to ensure people can access education, training, and jobs
- Improve digital infrastructure to support people and businesses
Promotion
Through the Promotion theme of the Inclusive Economic Strategy we aim to promote our county, assets, and opportunities to businesses, investors, visitors, developers, and residents. We will:
- Improve the branding and place marketing of the county
- Attract inward investment
- Ensure County Durham is attractive to visitors at all times of the year
- Improve our cultural and creative infrastructure
Planet
The Inclusive Economic Strategy recognises the links between our economy and climate change. We aim to reach net zero by 2045 through a just transition that creates good jobs.
Planet priorities are woven into the People, Productivity, Places, and Promotion priorities. This recognises the importance and cross cutting nature of planet in all our work.
Go to Climate Emergency for more information on how the County Durham Partnership is responding to Climate Change.