Local businesses can have their say on Wyre's economic plan

Wyre Council is seeking the views of local businesses on what they would like to see in a new Economic Development and Visitor Economy strategy.

The strategy is crucial to delivering one of the four priorities in its new Council Plan, which is to ensure a “thriving local economy and town centres”.

It will set out what Wyre Council aims to achieve over 10 to 15 years to help drive forward economic development and visitor growth. Initial work has looked at the context for the strategy and some of the big issues to be explored such as business premises and employment land, skills gaps, rural businesses, new industries, our cultural offer, overnight stays and local transport.

To ensure the strategy works for all, Wyre Council wants to understand what people who live, work, visit, learn, invest or run a business want, what challenges or opportunities they foresee and what support they need.

An online survey is open until 2 September and council officers are also holding a range of consultation sessions over summer and early autumn.

Informal discussions, workshops. email surveys and phone interviews are already underway with a range of stakeholders including town and parish councils, tour operators, market traders and members of the council’s Wyred Up and tourism networks to gain a range of feedback.

The draft strategy will also be published online for public comment at the end of the year prior to going to full council for approval in Spring 2025.