IT has been a busy year for the Economic Development Team at Harborough District Council, with a new Economic Development Manager joining the team, as well as the recruitment of two extra staff members.
The team have been involved in a number of successful events such as the Leicester Business Festival; Meet the MPs, the Food and Drink Festival and the highly-praised Classic Car Show, which drove an impressive number of visitors to Market Harborough town centre. It was reported that the event saw an increase of 15,000 visitors in the town, compared to an average Sunday.
Both the Classic Car Show and Food and Drink Festival have both been shortlisted for Leicestershire Promotions 2018 Tourism & Hospitality Awards.
Harborough District Council organised 16 digital marketing workshops for retailers that were delivered by local experts, Kerching. Kerching offered a hands-on practical session to enable retailers to develop the digital marketing skills they need to grow their business; the sessions were well attended and received positive feedback. Kerching have created a Christmas guide for retailers offering top tips and advice on trading over the Christmas period. This can be viewed here www.harborough.gov.uk/digitalxmas
Grow on Space
Following on from the success of the Harborough Innovation Centre, which has offered office space and support to new businesses since its development and opening in 2011, Harborough District Council is now providing up to £3,620,612 to fund the Grown on Space project, alongside funding from the European Regional Development Fund, and Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership.
The project will see the development of a new commercial building that would provide office space for businesses looking to grow and move into larger accommodation in the district.
Councillor Neil Bannister said: “The space will provide 19,000 square feet of office space, supporting 10 to 15 companies when at full capacity. About 230 jobs are likely to be created and that will bring in extra £20m to our local economy here in Harborough district. This is a really exciting opportunity and it shows the district’s commitment to economic prosperity and support for our business community.”
The Grow on Space, which would be located at Compass Point Business Park in Market Harborough, is expected to be completed in late 2019 and will be built to high environmental standards [BREEAM Excellent]. For all information, please visit www.harborough.gov.uk/grow-on-space
Invest in Harborough
As part of an Inward Investment project, the Economic Development team are creating a website and promotional materials to attract businesses to the district by showcasing what it has to offer, in terms of working and living in Harborough.
Harborough District Council’s vision is that, by 2023, Harborough District will have a strong reputation for being dynamic, entrepreneurial and an attractive place to do business. Harborough District Council’s main goals are to drive job creation, support business growth and improve local skills. Therefore, enterprise and entrepreneurship are at the heart of everything Harborough District Council does.
Creating the Invest in Harborough brand will help increase awareness of the district as a place where businesses can invest and a place for employees to live. Harborough District Council want to make sure that Harborough has a thriving business community, as it is vital for the local economy to continue to grow and for Harborough to gain international status as a top place in which to live, work and invest. The Invest in Harborough website is going live before the New Year! You can keep up to date with the latest news, information and events by signing up the Harborough District Council business newsletter: www.harborough.gov.uk/business-advice