Outcome: An economy that works for everyone
Where we are now
We have laid the foundations for a fair and prosperous economy where everyone has the opportunity to secure a good job, start and grow a business, and plan confidently for the future. Significant investment in our people and our places has positioned us at the forefront of the North’s manufacturing economy.
We are nurturing our entrepreneurs, with a comprehensive support offer built around our brilliant business centres. Building on the success of the Century Business Centre, we are committed to supporting start-ups and small businesses. Century 2 which opened in November 2023 is a £5.4 million development, providing a fully managed workspace and an additional 16 offices, 20 workshops and 2 lab spaces, with wrap around business support.
Over 1,700 new and growing local businesses supported over the last three years
We’re investing in our people – our new Employment Solutions Service is at the centre of a responsive local employment and skills system, providing targeted advice and support to help our residents find secure jobs and pursue fulfilling careers.
Over 1,700 people supported through the Employment Solutions Service to access employment (including training, education, apprenticeships, and paid employment) since 2020
Our young people are benefiting from the investment secured. Skills Street at Gulliver’s and the eye-catching Maltby Grammar Business Hub are ambitious, innovative projects that will raise aspirations and boost skills.
This investment in skills – in our people and our places – is reflected in our social value policy. By agreeing additional commitments with our contractors and increasing our use of local suppliers, we are generating massive benefits in terms of work and training opportunities and support for local charities and community groups.
Increased the proportion of the Council’s expenditure, which goes to local businesses and providers by 72%, in the first three years since the Social Value policy was adopted
We encourage growth and through our top performing planning and building control teams we are able to provide support and a comprehensive joined up service to anyone wishing to develop and invest within the borough. We will soon be starting to produce a new local plan which will shape development over the next 15 years and offer even more opportunities for our residents and businesses alike.
Top performing Local Planning Authority consistently determining 100% of submitted applications within prescribed time limits and with over a 90% approval rating to help facilitate growth and key investments
Council Plan consultation headlines
The majority of respondents (90.3%) agreed that the Council should help to create new jobs, compared to not delivering this service (9.7%)
The focus groups highlighted the need to attract inward investment to provide good quality jobs and create opportunities
The children and young people we spoke to wanted to see more support for transitions from school into work pathways (including work experience)
Other opportunities identified from the focus groups included the need to: deliver jobs at the right scale, raise aspirations across communities, expand support into employment schemes, including volunteering pathways and social value.
Quotes
What I like the most about Rotherham is the redevelopment happening, bringing Rotherham back!
My one wish for Rotherham is to have better business events to network, learn and grow
