The Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has released an ambitious plan designed to help the local economy recover quickly from the pandemic.
The Covid-19 pandemic has severely harmed businesses across Northern Ireland, and plans are being put in place to help aid recovery. Vaccination is proceeding at pace in Northern Ireland and evidence now suggests many businesses should be able to re-open this year, but that's just one part of the recovery process.
The Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has now outlined its new ABC Recovery and Growth Framework, a plan to help create the social and economic conditions that will support local recovery as the pandemic ends and will help drive sustainable long-term growth in the future.
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The framework was commissioned by the council and researched and developed by KPMG, who analysed the local industries and identified the immediate needs of companies within the borough. Immediate goals include boosting local tourism, increasing footfall in towns, and directly supporting businesses, with the longer-term goal of boosting efficiency and competitiveness in the region.
One key finding of the research was the need for a strong regional focus with clear vision and branding for what the region wants to be known for. Investment will be focused around key sectors that the borough currently excels at, such as agri-food, health and life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.
On a practical level, the report found that investment is needed in sustainable roads and rail infrastructure in the area, and in new urban regeneration and rural development projects. Further investment should be made in education and upskilling for the local industries, and R&D support in Industry 4.0 and new manufacturing techniques. Regional competitiveness can also be boosted -term through development of the local start-up and business ecosystem.
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Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage commented on the framework: "We have articulated clearly in our Recovery and Growth Framework our ambitions and commitment to the recovery and development of the council area. A range of business stakeholders and government representatives have shaped the evidence and informed the actions which will support our businesses, traders, urban and rural communities."
Councillor Brian Pope, Chair of the council’s Economic Development and Regeneration Committee said: "While we are aware of the challenges we face in the short term; we are excited about the possibilities for this borough in the years ahead. I would like to acknowledge all who have contributed to the development of this action plan; together we will recover and together we will create success with a sense of optimism."
The strategy was launched at a virtual event today attended by major stakeholders and partners, and the full document is now available over at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/recoveryandgrowth for the general public to view.
Source: Written based on press release
