Case studies

Tameside has adopted a ‘thin layer model’ approach which sews together digital infrastructure assets across the city, more rapidly deploying fibre than via traditional methods.

As part of the LGA’s Economic Growth Advisers programme Kada Research were commissioned to assess Burnley’s current digital connectivity and what networks, skills and technologies might best support digital growth across the borough. It involved a desk-based review, insights from elsewhere and a business telephone survey with 109 local firms. It culminated in a five-point digital action plan that, when implemented, would place Burnley well to exploit new digital opportunities.

Buy Local is a new local business directory developed to be easy to register on and use for businesses and customers alike.

Colchester Borough Council has utilised its own CCTV network to deploy a fibre broadband network across its city centre for less than 10% of the cost of installing it from scratch.

Central Bedfordshire Council’s dedicated Business and Investment team offers bespoke advice and support to attract new businesses to relocate to the area. Underpinning this approach is the delivery of a holistic support service to help ensure businesses have easy access to a range of services to support their needs. This includes advice regarding commercial property, planning applications and skills needs for their workforce. In doing so, the council utilises a place-based and partnership approach to promote the location as an area for people, to live, work and invest in.

Building on a culture of partnership working, Colchester Borough Council has intensified existing partnerships and networks to facilitate the area’s recovery from the pandemic.

In December 2017 Cornwall Council underwent a corporate peer challenge which called for the organisation to embark on a ‘digital revolution’ to transform service delivery to customers.

West Sussex County Council and Crawley Borough Council have agreed a Growth Deal to deliver regeneration schemes to its town centre and business district by improving transport infrastructure, delivering new homes and unlocking new commercial space. By doing so, it aims to support the economic recovery of the borough from the pandemic and deliver long term economic growth.

Telford & Wrekin Council are keen to support their manufacturing businesses to become greener. To build growth and prosperity for the long term, the Telford business community needs to be able to access support to enable them to reduce their carbon footprint, localise supply chains and decarbonise their infrastructure network. By operating sustainably, the Telford & Wrekin manufacturing sector can build resilience to recent variables such as the UK’s net zero ambition and the global desire for sustainable manufacturing.

This case study reviews the creation and contrasting evolution of town teams using the experiences of Pembrokeshire County Council’s innovative support programme in six towns.