Agenda item

Report of the Director of Economic Development.

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of Economic Development on the City Corporation’s regional strategy.

This report was well received and the Chairman commented that she had consulted a variety of business and Government stakeholders on this draft strategy who were also positive about it.

In response to a question, Members heard how the regional strategy will initially be piloted on three UK financial centres (Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester), and if successful would then be rolled out to other UK cities.

It was pointed out that the strategy delivered in Belfast needs to cover also the north west of Northern Ireland given the City’s close links with County Londonderry. It was confirmed that to Members that in this area, the City Corporation would be working with Invest Northern Ireland, who have a remit, which is wider than just Belfast.

It was requested that, when looking at additional centres, officers accounted for the benefit of working with cities with a high proportion of employment in the financial services’ sector. It was agreed that this Sub Committee would be involved with the discussion of future cities to engage with.

RESOLVED, that the Public Relations and Economic Development Sub Committee recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee that the regional strategy be approved.