The Portland Economic Vision Board and Portland Community Partnership have launched their Economic Vision for Portland which sets out the private sector and community ambition and priorities to support growth of the local economy.
The plan has been developed with support from Weymouth & Portland Borough Council and is derived from extensive local consultation work and research. In recognition of the importance of growing the local economy, the Portland Community Partnership established the Economic Vision Board led by local businesses and stakeholders to develop and drive forward the Economic Vision and Action Plan.
Sandie Wilson, Chair of the Economic Vision Board, said: “Portland’s potential as an economic asset for its own community and for the whole of south and west Dorset is recognised and this Economic Vision and Action Plan is intended to establish priorities around increasing jobs and creating new business opportunities, as well as ensuring our companies are supported and have the opportunity to grow and develop.”
Kelvin Wilkie, Member of the Economic Vision Board, said: “We will use the Economic Vision and Action Plan to articulate to partners our ambitions and plans with a view of improving collaboration and maximising leverage for local businesses and the community. The strategy will also help shape our conversations with Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, Dorset County Council and the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership in supporting delivery of the wider regional growth programmes.”
The Economic Action Plan sets out the vision, objectives and proposed interventions towards securing economic growth in Portland over the next 15 years and is also a major building block in the emerging Neighbourhood Plan, which will provide an overarching policy framework that includes community and housing development on the Island.
Cllr Mike Byatt, Briefholder for Economic Development at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said “Portland is a vital component of the emerging Western Dorset Growth Corridor economic strategy. This vision sets out a clear intention of economic development for the Island and the local area that the private sector, community and the local authority will work together to achieve.”
“I would also take this opportunity to recognise those members of the Board who have given their own time and energy to develop the Economic Vision and Action Plan; without their leadership and commitment the vision would not have been established. Working in partnership is vital for success and we have already seen this with the board already attracting £60,000 from external funding for projects on the Island.”
The board are also looking for new members from Portland’s business community to join them on the board or be part of the working groups that are currently being established to support delivery of the action plan.
An introductory workshop will be held in early March for those who are interested.
To attend the workshop or register you interest in either joining the Board or one of the working groups, please email Andy Matthews at:
[email protected]
A copy of the Economic Vision and Action Plan can be found at:
portlandcommunitypartnership.co.uk
