Report to the People
Local Enterprise
Regular readers of this column may remember that in the summer I mentioned a report published by the Parliament’s Enterprise Committee on local economic development.
The essence of the report was that the current system of local economic development services - in other words how we help and support local businesses - was congested, confused and riddled with duplication. The report therefore called for the creation of Local Economic Forums to streamline and focus the services by developing an economic strategy for each area.
To most normal people, the mention of local economic development services hardly gets the pulse racing. And I know that the acronyms and management speak which litter discussions on these topics can be almost impenetrable. However, if we are to deliver on the things which are more important to most of us - like improving schools and hospitals, cracking down on crime, fighting poverty and, of course, delivering full employment - a strong local economy is essential.
Last week the creation of Local Economic Forums came a step closer. The new Enterprise Minister, Wendy Alexander, chaired the first ever economic conference in Scotland. The Minister told the conference that it is the responsibility of Scotland's agencies, businesses and enterprise organisations to drive the Forums forward. This, she said, is they key to future economic success.
At a national level Scotland has, for the first time ever, a national policy framework for economic development. But this is of limited use if local services and support do not come up to standard.
Perhaps the most important way in which Local Economic Forums can improve the situation is in work-based learning. In Greenock & Inverclyde we do not need to be told of the importance of making sure we have the skills and abilities to adapt to the fast-changing global job market. Indeed, the Minister herself has said that a top aim of Local Economic Forums must be to make sure that, in any local area, workers’ skills match the jobs which are available. Such Forums will be able to identify labour market needs in their local area and work with education providers and businesses to plug damaging skill gaps.
However, the government cannot make this happen on its own. We need the Local Enterprise Companies, the business community, local authorities and schools and colleges to work together.
Only by co-operation can we build a dynamic, high value economy which understands and responds to the future needs of our local job market.
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