New Sustainable Economy Strategy receives green light
Forest of Dean District Council has today published its new Sustainable Economy Strategy to help businesses and communities across the district prosper and thrive.
Cabinet Member for Economy, Cllr Johnathan Lane said:
“The Sustainable Economy Strategy works alongside our Council Plan to set out ways in which we believe our residents, businesses and towns can prosper, whilst taking into account the needs of the Forest’s future generations.
“Having spoken to many businesses on our high streets this year, we know that there are some fantastic opportunities, but we also want to ensure that development of our towns is done in a sustainable manner that protects the heritage and the environment of the Forest of Dean.
“This strategy will help to build upon the work delivered so far. Through listening, engagement and working in partnership with businesses across the Forest, I know that we can help our towns thrive long into the future.”
The Council’s sustainable economy objective is to foster economic prosperity while ensuring sustainability and social well-being, with a focus on six key areas:
- Workforce Skills
- Infrastructure
- Circular Economy
- Business Support
- Natural Capital Preservation
- Sustainable Towns
Developing skills for those already in work, those looking for new jobs or starting their career journeys is a key part of the strategy, with the Council continuing to work with partners to offer development opportunities for people across the district. This includes the Digitial Skills training that has been taking place at AccXel in Cinderford, helping people gain knowledge of digital devices and gain a qualification that can help boost employability.
It will also include the Green Skills Training that has been funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and run in partnership with South Gloucestershire & Stroud College. These courses are designed to improve the pathways into the construction industry and upskill current professionals on new renewable technologies, with all courses taking place at venues in the Forest of Dean.
As part of the Council’s ‘Listening to Business’ initiative that was set up in 2019, officers and members visited 38 businesses in the Forest of Dean in 2024, listening to their thoughts and needs and directing businesses to the support available directly from the Council, or through partners.
Such support has been offered in many different forms, including advice and information, as well as financial support through funding streams such as Business Start-up Grants and Rural Business Grants, with over £302,194 approved in the past 12 months. This assistance will continue to be a key feature of the new Sustainable Economy Strategy.
Regarding the impact that improved workplace skills and support funding can have on towns in the Forest of Dean, Cllr Lane added:
“We understand that starting or running a business currently has unique pressures, particularly with the rise of online chains and large supermarket retailers.
“However, from speaking with local businesses we know that there is a need and space for independent retailers within our towns, and we want to help them thrive as much as possible.
“We will continue with our advice and funding support as part of this strategy, and I look forward to meeting more businesses in the coming months to discuss this.”
Full details of the new Forest of Dean District Council Sustainable Economy Strategy can be found at the following link: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/media/1subviq5/forest-of-dean-district-council-sustainable-economy-strategy.pdf