JULY 2011 - Stoke-on-Trent City Council

12 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Our City 13Mandate for ChangeMake <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent theplace to bring businessThe best way to create more jobs in the short term isto encourage businesses to locate here. The city hasa tremendous amount to offer.We need to target big businesses and show themwhy they should come to <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent. Thismeans improving the way the city looks, marketingourselves on the international stage and workinghard to develop a world-class Enterprise Zone withan attractive offer of incentives and support. Wewill continue to improve the City Centre, promotingour retail offer and the Central Business District.We want to be a leader in the green revolutionencouraging businesses by promoting self-sufficient,sustainable low carbon energy across the citywith the aim of offering stable energy prices.We will make the gatewaysto the city loud and proud -you will know when youhave arrived in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent!We have a diverse range ofland and buildings availablefor development. Come andtalk to us. We want to dobusiness with your business.Etruria Valley, potentialEnterprise Zone siteMandate for Change...the four strategic prioritiesEmma Bridgewater,City WatersideSupport and developexisting businessWe need to support our existing businessesand help them to grow which will createmore jobs for our local people. This meansmaking it easier for businesses to operate byhaving an open approach to planning.We will also support businesses by ensuringthey have access to good advice and financepackages as they look to expand and byoffering a range of different accommodationoptions, access to business coaches andrecruitment. We will also provide support topeople who want to set up new businessesand help those looking for work to developtheir skills to fit the needs of local employers.Working closely with local agencies such asthe Chamber of Commerce, we will identifyand support fast growing enterprises byhelping to remove barriers to success.We will boost the North Staffordshireeconomy by giving local businesses thesupport, information and contacts they need topitch for and win major contracts.Vodafone, Etruria ValleySteelite International,BurslemWe need to ensure that businesses can reachtheir customers. We need to improve the flowof traffic through our road network and investin better linkages from our major railwaystation to the City Centre.We need to focus on developing skills bysetting children on the right path, helpingpeople back into work and enabling thosealready working to grow to their potential. Thismeans aligning our schools and universities tofocus on the skills that local businesses want.Supporting our vulnerable childrento reach their full potentialWork with peopleto promoteindependenceand healthy livesWith fewer resources available weneed to make sure that money andservices are targeted at those most inneed and to work with peopletowards greater levels ofindependence.Creating new job opportunities willmean that more people can befinancially independent. By tailoringour care services we can help peopleto take more responsibility for theirown needs.Our offer will include access topersonalised services which meetindividual needs and our aim willalways be to have people back intheir own homes as quickly aspossible.We need to help our communities worktogether to improve their own livesProviding greenhealthy spacesEnablingindependent livingWorking closely with our partners,sharing information and resources,we will continue to protect the mostvulnerable in our communities.Working towards ahealthy lifestyleMake <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent a greatcity to live inWe want to make <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trenta great city to live in. We can dothis if we create a better choice ofhousing to suit everyone’s needs,improve our open spaces and thelook and feel of the city and ifthere are exciting things forpeople to do in their free time.<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent is home to twofootball clubs – the <strong>2011</strong> FACup finalists <strong>Stoke</strong> City FC andPort Vale FC, winners of theFootball League Trophy in 1993and 2001.Mandate for ChangeTackling child poverty and supportingour older people towards greaterindependence will remain keypriorities.Through education and support wewill work with parents and families toensure that children reach theirpotential. A secondary schoolsmodernisation plan will deliver newschools and upgrades across the city.We will work to ensure that familiesof all ages are encouraged to livehealthy lives.and training courses have beencreated to get people out on theirbikes. Our commitment to cyclinghas seen the city host the Tour ofBritain – the biggest free-to-viewprofessional sporting event in theUK – for the past three years, andwill be back in <strong>2011</strong>.In May 2012 we will be a host cityfor the Olympics Torch Relay andevening celebration – a wonderfulopportunity for <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent.Michelin, Trent ValeA ‘red carpet’ approach to inward investmentWe are the World Capital ofCeramics and residents andvisitors can enjoy our factorytours, world class museums,shops and city parks. We arehome to the Staffordshire Hoard– the country’s largest and mostvaluable collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.<strong>Stoke</strong> on Trent can provide:■ An extensive and available workforce■ Plentiful brown-field land available fordevelopment■ Excellent connectivity to the rest of the UK –with quick and easy access to major motorwaysand rail networks■ Green, low-cost energy provision■ A possible Enterprise Zone which providesincentives for businesses to trade hereBut we will need to get tough too. We will no longer tolerate:■ Antisocial behaviour■ Crime and disorder■ Benefit fraud■ Council tax arrears■ Housing rent arrears■ Fly tippingIn 2008 <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent wasawarded cycling city status forits network of greenways andbeautiful countryside. Newcycle routes, bike hire centresRegent Theatre,City Centre