one west lancashire 5 th november 2014 west lancashire economy study 2014 ian gill, deputy assistant...

One West Lancashire5th November 2014

West Lancashire Economy Study 2014

Ian Gill, Deputy Assistant Director Housing & Regeneration

Paula Huber, Economic Regeneration Manager


• West Lancashire Economy Study 2009 • Regeneris Consulting with Lambert Smith

Hampton - commissioned March 2014• WLBC, LCC & HCA• Elected Member consultation events• Signed off September 2014


• Two Parts:• Part One (Paula Huber)

– Economic Evidence Base• Key Statistics• Forecasts• Comparative districts

• Part Two (Ian Gill)– Recommended 8 core themes– Recommended Actions– Economic Development Strategy 2015-2025– Next Steps


• Covering the whole of the Borough, particular focus on Skelmersdale’s economic issues & opportunities:– the most significant hub of population & economic activity– the area most in need of intervention– the area where most change is likely to occur

• Developing the Economic Evidence Base:– Datasets and analysis– Consultation– Economic development agendas


• Key points from the Economic Evidence Base:

• 110,000 residents (9% of Lancashire’s population)• 62% live in three main urban settlements

• 40% Skelmersdale (41,000)• Supports 45,000 jobs (7% of Lancashire)

• 40% Skelmersdale• Key Sectors:

• Manufacturing• Distribution• Retail & warehousing• Public sector• Strong agricultural sector (supports over 2,000 jobs)


• 15% of Lancashire’s total commercial floor space• 1.56m sq m of employment floor space• 81% industrial, 10% retail, 7% office

• Low cost and competitive• International and well-known household names:

– Pepsico-Walkers– Pilkington Group– SCA Hygiene– Turtle Wax– Hottershoes


• Accessibility to ports, labour, markets and major population centres• Within Lancashire but strong relationships with LCR and GMCR • Currently a net exporter of labour

• 2,200 net workers leave the Borough daily• 26% to LCR, 10% to Lancashire, 10% to GMCR

• Strong employment growth (2003-12)• Increase of 6,800 jobs across the Borough• Increase of 2,200 jobs in Skelmersdale

• Average growth out-performing GB• 3% p/a compared with 0.1% GB

• Unemployment levels lower than GB average • 1.8% claimant count (2.4% GB)

West Lancashire Economy Study 2014• Employment Growth 2003-2012


• Labour Market Trends– In 2012/13 80% of 16-64yr olds economically active

(exceeding national average)• However:– 72% of unemployment claimants live in Skelmersdale– ¼ claiming for over a year– 20-25% OWB claimants in some Skelmersdale wards– 30% of residents with no qualifications– c.50% of residents work in lower skilled, lower wage roles


• Future Forecasts 2013-2023:– Increase of 5,800 jobs– Strong growth rates, double+ Lancashire LEP

average– 80% of growth within:• Wholesale and retail• Professional services• Administrative and support services


• Employment Growth 2013-2032

• GVA per job 2013-2032


• Part Two:– Recommended 8 Core Themes– Recommended Actions– Economic Development Strategy 2015-2025– Next Steps


• Eight Core Themes• Stimulating Change• Providing the right scale and mix of Employment Sites• Housing as a Driver for Change• Revitalised Town Centres• A Better Connected West Lancashire• Promoting the Place• Supporting the Rural and Visitor Economy• Advantage through Knowledge and Skills


• Potential Projects and Action Plan:• Skelmersdale Leadership Board• Consider the potential for the allocation & delivery of

additional employment land, Skelmersdale• Support for the delivery of housing estate improvements• Skelmersdale town centre• Skelmersdale Rail Link and Station/Transport Hub• Improving Ormskirk as a market town


• Pedestrian/cycling improvements• Rail Investment in West Lancashire• Develop a Skelmersdale brand• Improve the positioning of West Lancashire as a visitor

destination• Improved secondary school provision in Skelmersdale• Improve the Skills Gap and Raise Qualification Levels


• Next Steps:• Draft Economic Development Strategy 2015-2025• Consultation Period 14th Jan – 25th Feb 2015• Cabinet – March 2015• Delivery of Key Asks and Action Plan• Partnership working - public/private and

community/voluntary sector

one west lancashire 5 th november 2014 west lancashire economy study 2014 ian gill, deputy assistant...

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