Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan

We have adopted a new economic development strategy and action plan for 2024 to 2032, aimed at creating a thriving, green, and sustainable local economy. This strategy builds on the previous 2018 to 2032 plan while incorporating new focus areas.

Key aspects of the strategy include:

Vision

To establish Waverley as a leading destination for green businesses and to enhance the borough's strong creative sector.

Core principles

• Inspired by Kate Raworth's Doughnut Economics model
• Balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social benefits

Focus areas

1. Green business development

• Positioning Waverley as a hub for environmentally-friendly enterprises

2. Creative sector enhancement

• Leveraging and expanding the borough's existing creative industries

3. Place-based regeneration

• Implementing strategies to revitalise main towns and villages
• Ensuring communities are prepared for future challenges

4. Rural economic development

• Supporting small, sustainable business clusters in rural areas

5. Skills and training

• Prioritising equal access to training and skills development for all residents

6. Digital connectivity

• Improving digital infrastructure across the borough

Learn more from Business Waverley about the strategy

Implementation

• The strategy and action plan will be executed from 2024 to 2032
• Developed using data and insights from economic development specialists

Previous strategy elements (2018 to 2032)

While the new strategy introduces fresh focus areas, it builds on some elements from the previous plan, including:

• Supporting sustainable business and employment growth in urban and rural areas
• Providing high-quality business and employment support
• Maintaining healthy town and village centers
• Encouraging a visitor economy suitable for Waverley
• Expanding connections with the education sector
• Supporting appropriate housing developments

This updated strategy demonstrates our commitment to fostering a dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive local economy that benefits all residents while prioritising environmental concerns.