Give your opinion: A strategy for bolstering Bolton’s economic expansion
The Bolton Council has put together a comprehensive plan to tackle the various challenges and opportunities in the borough’s economy. Despite benefiting from substantial investments and ongoing regeneration projects, Bolton has also faced issues affecting business productivity, inequality, and employment barriers exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis.
The Bolton Economic Growth and Resilience Plan focuses on nine key priorities, categorized into People, Business, and Investment. To achieve these goals, the council will collaborate closely with important stakeholders such as the University of Bolton, Bolton at Home, the Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses.
For the local community, the plan aims to increase wages, support residents in finding sustainable employment, and provide skills training tailored to the needs of employers. In terms of business, the strategy proposes the creation of new jobs in digital and health innovation, maximizing the borough’s manufacturing strengths, and assisting companies in scaling up. The investment priorities include diversifying the town centre, attracting new businesses, and fostering more resilient communities.
The plan includes specific actions for the short, medium, and long term, along with detailed data analysis. It can be accessed on the council’s website. Additionally, the strategy will be updated every five years to adapt to changing priorities and economic trends.
A public consultation is currently underway, allowing residents and businesses to provide feedback that will be considered in the final draft of the plan. Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the vision for Bolton’s economic future.
To participate in the online consultation, residents and businesses have until February 19, 2024.
