Recession Action

In April 2009 the Board looked at the effects of the recession on local communities and businesses. It considered what actions the Partnership could take to help local people and developed an action plan, with three particular pieces of work being led by partners. These were:

1. To develop a Recession Impact Fund – an emergency fund for voluntary and community groups
2. To improve the coordination of advice and information services available to communities and businesses
3. To look at how a 'green recovery plan' could be put into practice

A number of actions, including these, have been taken by partners and some of the key outcomes are:

Supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector

• 9 Voluntary and Community Sector organisations helped through the NSP Recession Impact Fund

Supporting small business and social enterprises

• 119 new businesses have been set up creating 176 new jobs with support from North Somerset Enterprise Agency
• SOFA opened in Weston-super-Mare
• Successful bid to Economy Challenge fund for North Somerset Enterprise Agency to deliver business mentoring scheme

Supporting Local businesses to flourish

• Shop Local Campaign underway – shops supporting the campaign across North Somerset on the newly launched 'innorthsomerset' business website. Local Food Directory updated and published.
• Rural Shop audit carried out to identify issues and respond

Encouraging new business and investment

• New Inward Investment and business website and brand launched promoting the area with business case studies, news, information and events.
• Increased meetings with developers and agents to encourage the bringing forward of sites and improving handling of employment applications

Continuing to act upon climate change issues

• Climate Change and Business event held in April 2010 attracted over 100 businesses. Follow up planned.　

Supporting people into work and training

• Exceeded LAA target supporting people into work. 260 people have been supported with a further 50 now in employment (Target was 239 people)
• 2 successful Future Jobs Fund bids with the West of England. Currently 29 jobs have been made available within North Somerset Council, NHS North Somerset, Somerset Wood Recycling, SOFA project, Weston Hospicecare.
• Public sector apprenticeship scheme promotional event attracted 200 interested people
• Weston works one-stop shop based in South Ward has helped over 1,000 people since October 09.
• New Weston College Science and Technology Park including an entry to employment hub

Improving access to advice and services

• NSP co-ordinated action to improve sharing of information and provide advice
• GP led health centre opened in Central Ward Feb 10
• Health Information Centre opened on 1 March 10
• Extended young peoples project in schools to build awareness of the implications of becoming homeless
• Housing Gateway opened April 2009