News

Tackling The Economic Slowdown

Council leaders have met with members of the local business community to discuss how to help residents and firms deal with the impact of the economic slowdown.

Borough of Poole and other community leaders from agencies including Dorset Police , NHS Bournemouth and Poole and the voluntary sector met to consider how Poole should respond to the current problems in the global economy.

The council and other members of Poole Partnership have pledged to work together to reduce the impact of the economic downturn on local people and businesses.

Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, said: "Poole has a diverse economy and a number of internationally-recognised businesses which will do much to help lessen the effects of the global economic downturn locally. Also, given the weakness of sterling abroad and the strengths of our tourism product, Poole will be in a strong position to benefit from people switching from overseas to domestic holidays. However, Poole is not immune from impact of the economic downturn and we need to make sure that we are working together to respond to it. Local councils and organisations such as Poole Partnership can help local people, businesses and other groups through the difficult economic times ahead."

Richard Dimbleby, Chairman of Poole Partnership, said: "There is much that can be done through partnerships to strengthen Poole's economy by improving skills and supporting innovation and enterprise, as well as to support those most at risk in the community."

In response to the global economic situation, the council and other agencies involved in Poole Partnership can support local businesses in a number of ways. These include:

• Supporting the local economy by securing funds for major public sector building projects;
• Supporting the work of the sub-regional Multi-Area Agreement to develop skills, promote innovation and enterprise, improve transport and affordable housing infrastructure;
• Co-ordinating local advice and support for people who need it.

Borough of Poole's Economic Development Team will work with other agencies, including other local authorities, Jobcentre Plus , Learning & Skills Council , South West Regional Development Agency , Connexions and Business Link to secure new investment and support businesses and staff affected by the downturn.

The council is also reaffirming its commitment to prompt payment of invoices to local businesses and removing red tape where possible to make it easier for small businesses and voluntary bodies to compete for contracts with Borough of Poole.