A town that means business

8:58am Wednesday 14th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

FOR centuries Kidderminster's industry and employment heritage has been dominated by the carpet manufacturing industry.

Whilst in recent decades, jobs in the industry have fallen from a peak of around 20,000 to something like 2,000 today it remains of great value to the economy and cultural heritage of the town.

NEXT WEEK: HOUSING RENEWAL AND REGENERATION

The race is on to find the next big thing' for Kidderminster as the town continues to experience a rapid economic restructure. This has been recognised by Advantage West Midlands, the Regional Development Agency, and could pave the way for regional support.

Job creation has a key role to play in the sustainable development of the area. The goal is to prevent Kidderminster becoming a commuter town of Birmingham and the Black Country.

In common with the national picture, the service sector and, in particular, shopping have experienced significant growth. Locally, this is reflected through the development of Weavers Wharf and Crossley Retail Park which provide a major source of jobs.

However, shops alone do not provide the key to balanced and sustainable economic growth.

Against the backdrop of a seemingly sluggish' demand for office accommodation in Kidderminster, the Regional Spatial Strategy - the regional strategy for the future planning of how land is to be used - looks set to target the town for significant office growth.

The ambitious target may well be justified as the 3,000 sq m refurbished offices at Elgar and Campion House in Green Street are on the verge of being fully occupied. This success may be a sign of things to come.

Like the rest of the UK there will continue to be a demand for employment in trades such as plumbing, electrical services, personal fashion and healthcare - indeed, the NHS/ Primary Care Trust remain one of the area's largest employers.

Over the years Wyre Forest District has provided a successful seed bed' for home-grown businesses. Good examples include Sealine, OGL Computers, Thomas Vale Construction and Enpure (formerly Purac).

However, Enpure's recent relocation to Quinton Business Park highlights one of the key challenges facing Kidderminster.

Whilst there are many excellent businesses already operating in an around the town, the aim is to provide the environment to ensure such businesses can continue to thrive in the area.

With Lawrences creating a centre of excellence for recycling at the former Folkes foundry on the Stourport Road, there is scope for growth in recycling and sustainable technologies.

We already have businesses in the bio-technology and creative industries including specialist chemicals, lighting, musical instruments and sound production.

The recent developments at Easter Park on the Worcester Road, Finepoint and Foley Business Park on the Stourport Road provide valuable new floorspace to meet the modern needs of business.

In the future, sites such as the former British Sugar plant will have a key role to play as firms seek to relocate to more modern and efficient premises.

Transportation and accessibility are always near the top of the agenda for business. Plans for a new road to relieve congestion on the Stourport Road and link the British Sugar site with Hoo Brook look set to be explored.

To the north of the town centre, investigations will focus on whether it is possible to by-pass Blackwell Street in the Horsefair.

Business, jobs and the economy are to be highlighted in a brochure (The Prospectus) being developed by the district council and its partners to promote investment in Kidderminster.

Which businesses and sectors do you think should be showcased and targeted?

In 2007, the district council facilitated the launch of a Business Leaders Group bringing together major employers with the MP for Wyre Forest.

The aim is to work with local employers to raise the profile of businesses and attract greater levels of investment in to the area.

The council needs to hear from local businesses to understand the challenges you are facing and to promote the good work you are doing. If you are in business, please let the district council know your views.