ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2018 2021
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
2018 – 2021
1
Contents Foreword
I am proud of the many achievements since the last Economic Development Strategy was prepared.
Successes have included:
Foreword
• Funding awards to provide faster broadband in rural parts of the borough to support rural and
Section 1: The Local Economy home-based businesses
• The Escalate Loan programme and LEADER grants scheme, awarding funding to borough
Section 2: Key Issues for the Strategy businesses
• Employability and skills initiatives including regular Jobs & Training Fairs attended by borough
Section 3: Strategy Aims and Objectives businesses and jobseekers
Section 4: Action Plan • Improvements to borough transport infrastructure including the A21 dualling and the Longfield
Road improvements providing better access for local businesses
Section 5: Role of the Council • Funding awards for transport schemes to improve junctions, the public realm and cycling
infrastructure in the borough.
• Delivery of the West Kent Business Support Programme to provide advice to local start-up and
new businesses
Appendix 1: Tunbridge Wells SWOT Analysis & Infographics • Forming the town centre partnership, Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, and the appointment of
a town centre manager in RTW to deliver initiatives to support footfall and business in the town
Appendix 2: List of Partner Organisations centre
• Preparation of a Destination Management Plan for Tunbridge Wells and delivery of projects
Appendix 3: Relevant Plans & Strategies
including new wayfinding signs in Royal Tunbridge Wells
• Opening of The House – flexible workspace to support the creative business sector in Tunbridge
Wells
• Ongoing delivery of the Farmers Market and Tourist Information Services, supporting local
businesses
• Improved digital communications with local businesses via social media and our business
e-newsletter
However, there is still much to do, so this updated Economic Development Strategy sets out the
approach that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and its partners will take to create the best conditions
for business investment and sustainable growth in the borough in the next three years.
By 2019, the Council will no longer receive any funding from the Government, so we will need to be
working better with local businesses and other partner organisations both to address the constraints
to economic growth and to embrace opportunities as they arise.
This Strategy and the accompanying Action Plan will be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure
that it continues to respond to changing circumstances.
Cllr Jane March
Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
April 2018
1 2
The borough of Tunbridge Wells is located in Tunbridge Wells is an attractive business location.
West Kent and borders Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and The economy is characterised by a large number
1 The Local Economy
Malling, Maidstone and Ashford and Rother and of small and micro-businesses (SMEs). However,
Wealden in East Sussex. The economy of West there are a number of key major employers that
Kent plays a vital role in promoting and sustaining contribute significantly to the economic health of
the Kent economy as a whole. It has historically the borough. Sector strengths include: finance
enjoyed strong job growth and is forecast to & insurance, scientific & technical, wholesale &
continue to do so with good prospects for securing retail, human health & social work, hospitality,
economic growth over the next 20 years. West creative and education. In addition, there is a
Kent has the highest proportion of business start- small, well-skilled manufacturing sector.
ups in Kent, a stronger representation of higher
value, knowledge-based industries than anywhere The borough has a high quality built and natural
else in Kent and boasts the strongest business environment. More than two thirds of the
survival rates. The area provides significant borough is designated as the High Weald Area
employment to those living elsewhere in Kent of Outstanding Natural Beauty and across the
including high skilled, well paid jobs. borough there are numerous conservation areas
and listed buildings. Health, leisure, culture and
The population of the borough is approximately tourism first made Tunbridge Wells a destination
116,200 and this is anticipated to rise to 122,700 in the 1600s and it has continued as a high quality
by 2022. Royal Tunbridge Wells is the main visitor destination since then. The tourism sector
urban area in the borough and is a primary/ remains an important part of the local economy.
major retail centre as defined by the Local Plan. The Council has a clear and ambitious vision to
It is a vibrant town and draws trade from a wide ‘grow our role as the cultural centre of the Kent &
catchment. Other towns in the borough include: Sussex High Weald, so that by 2024 the borough
Southborough, Paddock Wood and Cranbrook, of Tunbridge Wells is nationally recognised for its
acting as key service centres for the local vibrant cultural provision’ (Tunbridge Wells Cultural
population. In addition to this, there are 17 villages Strategy 2014–24).
with varying levels of facilities and services
available.
3 4
The Table below shows some key economic statistics for the borough and compares the area
2014’. Kent County Council has also prepared • Exploring the delivery of a new civic centre
with the whole of Kent and the South East region.
a Growth & Infrastructure Framework for Kent and office space in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Table 1: Key Economic Statistics & Medway which sets out the infrastructure
• Provision of more off-street car parking in
that is needed to support proposed housing
Royal Tunbridge Wells
and employment growth. This document is
Indicator Value South updated regularly and the Council engages The Plan seeks to build on the area’s heritage as
TW Kent National The table shows that
(published 2017/2018) East by ensuring that the infrastructure needed in a spa town destination, which people visited for
borough residents are very
well qualified and there is a Tunbridge Wells is included in the document. health, leisure and cultural reasons. The Council
Unemployment rate (%) 0.9 2.0 1.4 2.2 will seek to invest in the borough’s cultural
very low unemployment rate
Median Gross Weekly TWBC is an active member of the West Kent venues, sports facilities and parks, not only to
(although the overall figure
Workplace Earnings Full 515.30 552.10 574.90 552.30 Partnership (WKP) along with the neighbouring improve the overall quality of life for residents
hides pockets of deprivation
Time (£) local authorities of Sevenoaks and Tonbridge but also to ensure that it remains an attractive
in a small number of wards).
Median Gross Weekly & Malling. The WKP vision is to sustain a destination, supporting many local businesses.
582.50 574.90 596.80 552.70 There remains a large outflow
Resident Earnings (£) dynamic and well-connected local economy, to
of labour and expertise to Appendix 3 provides a list of relevant plans and
3 year business survival rate ensure that West Kent remains a key location
63.4 59.6 - - London on a daily basis. strategies, prepared by the Council or other
(%) for business success and growth and that
There are also a high number partners.
Gross Value Added per Head our local population has access to quality
of employees who work in
(£) (value of goods and 26,027 21,933 28,683 26,621 jobs and skills development. The Partnership
services in an economy) the Knowledge Economy.
promotes West Kent, champions key economic
Local Authority Resources and
Employees in the Knowledge The Knowledge Economy
issues, engages with industry and business Finances
35.7 16.6 22.0 19.8 comprises those industries
Economy (%) and pursues external funding opportunities The grant that the Council will receive from
whose main purpose centres central government will disappear by 2018/19
National Vocational to develop and deliver initiatives that support
49.4 36.7 28.1 37.9 on knowledge or information,
Qualification Level 4+ (%) our local economy. The three boroughs work and therefore the Council will need to become
from highly technical industries self-sufficient. The Council also has to compete
Tunbridge Wells SWOT analysis and infographics provided in Appendix 1 together to make the most of the financial
and knowledge intensive for central Government funding linked to
and other resources available to them to seek
services to creative industries. economic and housing growth (for example for
to deliver more for our local businesses. In
2015 the West Kent Partnership published transport infrastructure).
its West Kent Priorities for Growth document
National Picture The South East Local Enterprise Partnership
and this will be reviewed in the next year.
However, Kent & Medway has successfully been
(SELEP) is the business-led, public/private selected by the Government as one of the pilot
In 2016, the referendum on membership of
body established to drive economic growth Appendix 2 provides a list of partner areas for 100% retention of business rate growth
the European Union set the UK on course for
across East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, organisations that the Council works with in 2018/19. Beyond 2018/19 it is understood
Brexit. Business groups and other organisations
Southend and Thurrock. It is one of 39 on Economic Development issues. that the Government’s current intention is that
have already started work to ascertain the likely
partnerships set up by the government to be local government will be able to retain 75% of
impact of this on the Kent economy but it is
difficult to make any firm predictions as yet. The
the key body determining strategic economic Five Year Plan 2017 – 2022 business rate growth.
priorities while making investments and The Council has adopted a Five Year Plan that
uncertainty surrounding Brexit is likely to last for
delivering activities to drive growth and create sets out a clear vision for the borough. It seeks
a number of years and will have an impact on
local jobs. SELEP is currently updating its ‘to encourage investment and sustainable
our businesses.
Strategic Economic Plan, setting a regional growth, and to enhance quality of life for all’. It
In November 2017 the Government published context for this Strategy (first published in 2014). highlights eight projects that the Council will work
their Industrial Strategy ‘Building a Britain,
fit for the future’. The Strategy sets out five
The Council is engaging with SELEP in the
preparation of the Strategic Economic Plan.
to deliver over the next fiveA years including:
New TheATre THE FIVE
• A new Local Plan for the borough
YEAR PLAN
We also recognise that there is a new theatre bigger and better productions, but, we do not have
foundations for productivity including: Ideas, potentially on the horizon. The Assembly Hall
Theatre’s risk assessment notes that without
the facilities in the current building to achieve
that. This will further limit subsidy reduction as
The Kent and Medway Economic Partnership improved facilities there will be a limit to the success the maintenance and running costs of the current
People, Infrastructure, Business Environment • Creating new sports facilities across the
of our audience development; as to cultivate and facility will undoubtedly increase as will the need for
and Places. The Strategy covers issues that are
(KMEP) aims to drive forward economic growth
retain a bigger and better audience, we need subsidy.
2017 – 2022
borough
and prosperity throughout the region. It was
relevant to this local strategy including improving
set up in 2013 and is one of the four federated • The development of the Community Centres
skills and upgrading infrastructure and it is likely
partnerships which comprise the SELEP. in the borough
to form the framework for funding opportunities
KMEP is governed by a Board and chaired • Enhancing the public realm in the borough
in the future.
by the private sector, with membership drawn
• A new Cultural & Learning Hub in Royal
Key Partnerships from businesses, local government, further
and higher education. KMEP is responsible Tunbridge Wells
The Council is engaged in a number of
economic partnerships, as follows: for the delivery of the objectives set out in • Exploring the delivery of a new Theatre in
Kent and Medway’s Growth Plan ‘Unlocking Royal Tunbridge Wells
the Potential: Going for Growth published in
5 6
There are a number of key issues that are The Economic Needs Study recommends that
shaping the local economy at present and that the following types of areas would be met with
occupier demand:
2 Key Issues for Economic
this Strategy is seeking to address.
Employment sites and premises • areas close to main arterial roads (such as
Development Strategy
the A21), where accessibility to the highway
Local businesses have raised the shortage of
network for business operations is quick
sites and premises as a major constraint that
they currently face and it is also a barrier to • areas which are close to public transport
inward investment from outside the borough. nodes or sites which have space for ample
The shortage has been exacerbated due to the car parking for staff and customers
conversion of floorspace from office to residential • areas which have a critical mass of
under Permitted Development Rights legislation, employment uses and amenities
particularly in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre.
The retention of existing employment space is
The key employment areas (KEAs) in the borough, currently managed via a broad criteria-based
as defined in the adopted Core Strategy are: policy in the Core Strategy (within Core Policy 7
• Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Employment Provision), however this has had
limited success due to the impact of Permitted
• Royal Tunbridge Wells – North Farm/
Development Rights. Criteria-based protection
Longfield Road Industrial area
policies will also be included in the new Local
• Southborough – High Brooms Industrial Plan, requiring that there is: robust evidence
Park that a site or property is no longer viable for
• Paddock Wood – Eldon Way and west of employment; and evidence of marketing activity
Maidstone Road (for a minimum 2 years).
• Paddock Wood – Transfesa Road East and As a result of concerns about the impact of
West conversions from office space to residential
• Gills Green – Former Hawkhurst Railway under Permitted Development Rights, a detailed
Station and sidings Town Centre Office Study was commissioned
for Royal Tunbridge Wells. The results of the
• Capel – Brook Farm
study show that the loss of offices is of significant
In the 2017 Economic Needs Study concern. The findings of the study will inform
(commissioned for the new Local Plan) all the the development of the new Local Plan – both
KEAs were assessed as good and were shown site allocations and development management
to have high levels of occupancy. North Farm, policies – and in addition, the Council is now
Paddock Wood and Gills Green are considered exploring the option of making Article 4 Directions
well-suited for B1-B8 occupiers, while financial to remove Permitted Development Rights from
and professional services are driving town centre specified premises worthy of retention. It should
office demand. There is a strong demand for be noted that this does not prevent planning
Grade A office floorspace in accessible locations applications for change of use from employment
but there is limited residual capacity for new being submitted, but would allow a full
development within existing allocations. consideration of the impact of such applications
by the Council (as the Local Planning Authority).
The Economic Needs Study recommends that
the Council should plan positively for economic As well as the policy approaches set out above,
growth (approximately 10,000 new jobs) which the Council is taking proactive steps to deliver
equates to between 11-15 hectares of new work space as opportunities arise. In particular,
business floorspace in the period to 2033 as a the proposed civic development will provide
minimum. This is in addition to maintaining the office accommodation for the Council and also
existing employment floorspace. Appropriate much needed commercial office floorspace
employment sites will therefore be included in (20,000ft2) that can be let to local businesses in
the new Local Plan. It is recognised that sites the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The Council
are needed in a variety of locations across the has also worked with private and public sector
borough including within the rural areas, for partners to open a flexible workspace for creative
example through the re-use of redundant rural businesses in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre
and agricultural premises. known as The House.
7 8
Enterprise (Supporting new and The Council has worked hard to improve its
communications with local businesses in order
growing businesses) to understand the issues that they face and also
Tunbridge Wells is a highly entrepreneurial to provide information to them on opportunities
borough. The local economy is dominated by for loans, grants and learning. The Council’s
small and micro-businesses with 90.3% of quarterly business e-newsletter reaches over
businesses employing less than 10 people and 1000 contacts and the Council’s website
80% employing less than 5. Tunbridge Wells has and social media activity provides up to date
a high level of self-employment and also a high information for the local business community.
number of home-based businesses across a
wide range of sectors. Town Centre Activities
The start-up rate for new businesses in the The 2017 Retail & Leisure Study (commissioned
borough is high but not all of these succeed. for the Local Plan evidence base) included a
In recognition of this, over the last 3 years, review of national trends relating to retail and
the Council has pooled resources with West leisure, and also a healthcheck of key centres
Kent local authority partners (Sevenoaks and across the borough. There are a number of
Tonbridge & Malling) to deliver a successful national trends that are influencing the retail
programme of business support and advice to environment. In particular the report recognises
start-up and pre-start-up businesses. that ‘the popularity and increased availability of
the internet, as well as the growing confidence of
There is now a wide range of advice available to consumers in making purchases online, has led the current retail and leisure offer including The borough’s other larger centres, Paddock
businesses and this has been brought together to a distinctive change in the way in which goods the redevelopment of Royal Victoria Place for Wood, Cranbrook, Southborough and Hawkhurst
on the Kent & Medway Growth Hub website, and services are purchased.’ An increasing additional retail floorspace and a cinema, and are significantly smaller, but nevertheless play a
which is funded through SELEP, and helps new number of retail sales, in particular are now the former Cinema site for mixed use commercial key role in providing retail and other services to
and existing businesses find the most suitable made online (2016 estimate of 20%). and residential. their local catchment. They have a retail offer of
type of support in their area. both convenience goods (supermarkets/express)
Nevertheless, Royal Tunbridge Wells remains As a result of changes in shopping behaviour, and independent comparison goods shops.
The borough has a large number of active recognised as a wider regional centre and draws town centres across the country are being There are plans for improved community facilities
business forums, from the formal e.g. Chambers considerable trade from a wide catchment. transformed. One related trend is the increasing across a number of these centres. The Council
of Commerce through to online or local The Retail & Leisure Study identifies the need number of cafes and restaurants in Tunbridge is also supporting the Town and Parish Councils
networking groups. This is very positive for the for new retail floorspace for both food and Wells. There is a greater need for visitors to that have chosen to prepare Neighbourhood
local economy and provides a source of advice, comparison goods (e.g. clothes and household enjoy the shopping experience and combine Plans in order to shape new development in their
mentoring and marketing opportunities for many items). It is proposed that most of this growth it with leisure activities as an alternative to local area.
businesses. The Council seeks to engage with is directed to Royal Tunbridge Wells. There shopping online. Royal Tunbridge Wells is the
these groups providing support and information. are already a number of developments that focus for a wide range of events throughout the Visitor Economy
are proposed for the town centre that will boost year, many music related but also food festivals/
The most recent study on the economic impact
markets and sporting events. In addition, the
of tourism in Tunbridge Wells was undertaken
high quality independent shops in the town
also help to attract visitors and it is recognised in 2015. The results highlight the continued
that these local businesses make an important importance of the visitor economy to the borough
contribution to the borough’s economy as more and show that in 2015, 4.4 million trips were
spend is retained in the local area. undertaken in the area with a total of £261
million spent in the local area as result of tourism
In response to the pressures on town centres, (taking into account multiplier effects). The visitor
and led by a number of key local businesses, economy supports 4,909 jobs both for Borough
a town centre partnership, known as Royal residents and those living nearby.
Tunbridge Wells Together, was launched in
2016 and a town centre manager appointed to The Council is committed to continuing its
lead on projects and initiatives that will help to support for the local tourism sector which
maintain the town’s competitive edge over other is dominated by small or micro-businesses,
locations in the south east. The feasibility of many of which are in rural locations. In 2014,
a Business Improvement District (BID) for the a Destination Management Plan was prepared
town is now being explored to provide equitable for the borough, setting out priorities for the
and sustainable funding for this work. A BID is a
sector. Since the preparation of the plan, the
business-led partnership created through a ballot
Council has worked to implement many of the
process to deliver improvements and additional
recommendations including: the provision of
services to local businesses within a defined
area, for example a town centre. new visitor signs in Royal Tunbridge Wells town
9 10
centre, the preparation of promotional leaflets for highlighted the need for more affordable hotel Examples of businesses that have benefited less well represented although new opportunities
the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk, inspirational accommodation in the borough. include the Benenden Community Shop which are arising as HE providers seek to work in
blogs on the visittunbridgewells website and free stocks locally produced foods and has a post new ways to attract students. Canterbury Christ
specialist business advice to accommodation Rural Economy office and community hub with small café area. Church University has recently moved its Clinical
providers (via Visit Kent). The countryside is recognised as one of the Other projects supported have included farming Psychology Faculty into accommodation in
borough’s major assets. Agricultural land and forestry business support and diversification, Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre and courses
The provision of tourist information remains a occupies nearly 90% of the land in Tunbridge tourism ventures and breweries/distilleries. are also offered in the area through the Hadlow
priority, both digitally (via the visittunbridgewells Wells and this sector is a very important Group, the University of Kent and the University
website) and through the face-to-face and Broadband provision in the rural areas of the of Greenwich. The Council is seeking to engage
part of the local economy. The landscape
telephone service provided at the Tourist borough has improved since the last Economic with these HE providers to bring more higher
management performed by agriculture and
Information Centre in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Development Strategy was prepared. The education opportunities to the borough.
horticulture brings huge benefits to the local
Information is also available at the Weald successful completion of the Kent Broadband
economy and is essential to maintaining the
Information Centre in Cranbrook. In addition, Delivery UK contract Phase 1, under which Recruitment difficulties are frequently cited as
quality of the countryside, which attracts so
leaflets to promote the whole Borough are KCC and TWBC secured additional funding a barrier to business growth in the borough,
many visitors (see above) and residents to
printed and distributed widely each year. Other for the deployment of superfast infrastructure, across a range of sectors including retail, health/
the area. It is recognised that in recent years,
Council projects/services that will support the saw improvements in the following village social care, legal and hospitality. Along with
some farms and rural buildings have been
visitor economy include the: communities: Brenchley & Matfield, Horsmonden, the neighbouring authorities of Sevenoaks and
redeveloped for residential use or adapted
Cranbrook & Sissinghurst, and Speldhurst. Tonbridge & Malling, the West Kent Partnership
- Proposed Cultural & Learning Hub to to provide facilities for new business uses in
has been working with other organisations to
include an enlarged Museum and Art Gallery the leisure, tourism and office based sectors. KCC is now progressing the deployment of develop employability initiatives across the
as a major new attraction (£12 million There has also been a continuing loss of some the Phase 2 broadband contract which aims area. These have included the annual Jobs &
project). services in rural areas including the closure of to bring superfast broadband to a total of 95% Training Fairs in Tunbridge Wells (2014 -16) and
shops, pubs and post offices which makes some of premises across the county by the end of
- Redevelopment of a new 1200 seat theatre more recently in Tonbridge (March 2017) and
of our rural communities less sustainable. 2017. This phase is more challenging as it is
as a major new cultural facility for the Sevenoaks (March 2018), successfully bringing
seeking to provide superfast connectivity to employers and jobseekers together from across
borough that will inject at least £14 million However, programmes such as LEADER (Defra/
more rural premises requiring the negotiation West Kent.
into the local economy EU funding) have helped rural enterprises and
of wayleaves with private landowners for
communities to diversify and grow through
- Creation of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together example. Some known ‘not-spots’ within the Improving skills is one of the keys to increasing
providing grant funding. The last West Kent
to encourage joint working between local borough are to be addressed as a consequence productivity and business growth. Evidence
LEADER programme (which closed in 2013)
businesses to support the vitality of the town of Phase 2 deployment including parts suggests that in the future there will be a trend
awarded over £1.25 million of grant funding
- On-going support for, and facilitation of, of: Lamberhurst, Benenden, Iden Green, for lower skilled jobs to become mechanised,
to 62 projects which generated over £3.4
events/festivals in the borough e.g. Local & Tudeley and Hawkhurst. In the meantime, but there will be a greater need for more highly
million investment into West Kent. A new
Live and Jazz on the Pantiles the Council is aware that this is constraining skilled employees. It will not be possible to rely
Local Development Strategy for LEADER was
business growth in some of these locations. only on better qualified younger people, but
The 2017 Hotel Capacity Study, undertaken developed in 2014 and has successfully secured
will also require upskilling the existing adult
for the Local Plan evidence base, has also further funding of £1.5 million to March 2019. Partnership working with some commercial workforce. The Council is part of the local KCC-
developers to install superfast broadband as led Adult Skills Forum that is seeking to address
part of the package of core utilities remains this issue.
challenging. However, the Council considers
that it is not acceptable that some new In 2015, the Confederation of British Industry
homes are built without access to a superfast stated that for the 14-18 age group, employers
connection. This could be addressed within believe that a top priority for schools should
the new Local Plan and then through the be ‘developing awareness of working life’
development management process. with support from businesses. In line with this
approach, the West Kent Partnership along with
Employment and Skills the Hadlow Group and the Careers Enterprise
The borough has a very low unemployment Company is now funding an Enterprise Adviser
rate at less than 1% and skills levels are also Network for West Kent. Over 20 schools have
strong with a high proportion of residents with been successfully recruited to the West Kent
National Vocational Qualifications at Level 4 network and are being matched with business
or above. Primary and secondary education mentors that will engage with each school’s
provision is good in the borough and Further careers leads, providing input on careers
Education opportunities are provided by the activities and providing helping to link the schools
Hadlow Group in neighbouring Tonbridge (at to the wider business community.
West Kent College). Higher Education (HE) is
11 12
Last year, the UK Government announced • Construction and the Built Environment
all large businesses should shoulder the
• Creative and Media
responsibility of growing apprenticeship numbers
and introduced the Apprenticeship Levy from • Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing
April 2017. It aims to raise £3 billion a year to • Financial Services
meet the target of funding 3 million high-quality
apprentices by 2020. There is more for the • Health and Social Care
Council and its partners to do to inform local • Hospitality, Catering and Transport
businesses about the benefits of taking on
• Land Based
apprentices and ensure that they are aware of
the funding available to them for this and how • Science
this can be used. Officers from across the three West Kent local
In addition, there is now an opportunity to take authorities attend Guild meetings and contribute
up Degree Apprenticeships. These are the to their initiatives.
latest model to be developed as part of higher Transport & Access
apprenticeship standards, with participants
Having an efficient transport network is essential
achieving a full bachelor’s or master’s degree as
to the vitality and competitiveness of the A number of highway schemes have been identified found between providing parking that encourages
a core component of the apprenticeship. A key
borough’s local economy. The Council is working as priorities by the Council including: short journeys by car (that could be made by more
feature of degree apprenticeships is that they
in partnership with the local Highway Authority, sustainable modes) and necessary provision to
are co-designed by employers. This is intended • Junction improvements on the A264 at
Kent County Council, to prepare a new Transport allow businesses to attract custom and to recruit
to ensure that apprentices are equipped with Woodsgate Corner and at Halls Hole Road/
Strategy for the borough in support of the Local suitable employees.
the skills employers need, and to boost their Blackhurst Lane
Plan.
employment prospects. All the local Higher TWBC and KCC have jointly commissioned a park
• A228 Colts Hill Relief Scheme
Education providers are seeking to engage with There have been recent improvements to the & ride study as part of the evidence base to support
this agenda and develop appropriate provision. road network with the dualling of the A21, the • A21 dualling between Kippings Cross the Local Plan. The study will consider the feasibility
Longfield Road widening scheme and junction and Lamberhurst (Highways England of introducing park & ride services on the radial
The Skills and Employability Service at Kent improvements on the A26 in Southborough. responsibility) routes into Royal Tunbridge Wells. This work will
County Council has recently convened a number However, the A264 and A26 remain congested The Council works closely with KCC colleagues and also consider the characteristics of a town centre
of ‘Employer Guilds’. Each Guild is a Forum corridors during peak hours. In addition, the other partners to lobby for improvement schemes parking regime that would complement park & ride.
representing employers within a sector, along A228 and A21 south of Tunbridge Wells are
with colleges and training providers that offer such as those listed above. Applications for funding The public transport network is also vital to local
bottlenecks, preventing the flow of traffic and acting are made to SELEP as opportunities arise (e.g.
training in the relevant sector. Their purpose is to businesses. The Council continues to work with
as a constraint on businesses in the area. These Local Growth Fund) and Section 106 contributions
provide an interface between employment and Southeastern (current rail franchise holder), Network
roads provide important access to and from the are also sought from developers where this is
education. Over 200 employers, and 30 colleges Rail and local bus operators to get the best services
Key Employment Areas (KEAs) identified above. appropriate.
and training providers currently attend eight possible for local people to access goods and
Transport congestion is also an issue in other parts
Guilds. The Guilds cover the following sectors: Local communities are increasingly bringing forward services. The Council responds to consultations
of the borough including, for example, the centre of
concerns about speeding traffic (including Heavy from bus and train operators to ensure that the
Hawkhurst.
Goods Vehicles) both in urban and rural locations priorities for the borough are recognised.
and a number are seeking improvements to The lack of good bus services linking rural villages
pedestrian and cycling facilities and the introduction with service centres has been highlighted in the
of 20mph restrictions (particularly in residential 2017 Settlement Role and Function Study (Local
areas and village centres). A Cycling Strategy for Plan evidence base), while urban bus services
the borough was adopted in 2016 and work to suffer from reliability issues due to congestion and
design and implement safer routes to encourage there is limited road space for bus priority measures
more journeys to be made by bike is underway. In to address this issue. Although providing improved
addition, the programme of improvements to the bus services is challenging, local bus operators are
public realm in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre utilising new technology and adapting their services,
will encourage walking and cycling and support for example introducing smart ticketing, apps with
the local economy by providing a more pleasant real time information for waiting passengers and
environment in which to spend time. piloting smaller shuttle buses/on-demand services
Parking provision in town centres (of all sizes) on selected routes to improve the passenger
across the borough remains a key issue for many experience. The Council will seek to support the
businesses with reference to both customers and operators with these new initiatives.
employees. However, there is a balance to be
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The overall goal of the Economic Development Strategy is
to seek to create the best possible conditions for business
3 Strategy Aims and Objectives
investment and sustainable growth in the borough.
The 2018 Strategy themes are a response to the issues set out in
Section 2 and are consistent with those in the previous Strategy:
Objective 1: Place Shaping and Promotion
Enhance the attractiveness of Royal Tunbridge Wells
and the other town centres in the borough as thriving
cultural places to visit, shop, work and do business.
Objective 2: Accessibility & Connectivity
Develop efficient transport & digital communication
networks to support the vitality and competitiveness
of the borough’s local economy.
Objective 3: Skills & Employability
Develop a workforce equipped with appropriate skills
to capitalise on local employment opportunities.
Objective 4: Rural Economy
Develop a strong, diverse rural economy
to sustain local communities.
Objective 5: Supporting Enterprise
Encourage the continued development of a wide
range of enterprises in the borough, including
through the provision of new workspace.
Strong local economies around the world tend to have
some key attributes. They have a good supply of skilled
labour; they are well connected and have land available
for homes, offices and factories; and they have rich
innovation ecosystems, often built around a university.
They have an attractive cultural environment.’
(from the Government’s Industrial Strategy:
Building a Britain fit for the future, 2017)
15 16
How we measure
Project/Service Timescale Delivery Partners
success
4 Economic Development Place Shaping & Promotion
New Local Plan – Evidence Base Studies 2017–21 Tunbridge Wells Borough Allocation of sites
Action Plan --Economic Needs Study Council for employment
--Town Centre Office Market Review Town & Parish Councils uses
--Retail & Leisure Study Royal Tunbridge Wells Allocation of sites
--Settlement Role & Function Study Together for retail & leisure
uses
Local businesses
Inward Investment Marketing Strategy 2018 Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of new
--Ongoing work with Locate in Kent Council businesses locating
--Meetings with developers/investors Locate in Kent in the borough
--Sponsorship of Viewpoint Magazine Developers
Local Commercial Agents
One Media
Town Centre redevelopment/regeneration 2017–21 Tunbridge Wells Borough Delivery of projects
projects: Council
--Civic Development including new theatre and Kent County Council
office space Royal Tunbridge Wells
--Cultural & Learning Hub Together
--Public Realm Phases 2 & 3
Heritage Lottery Fund
--Royal Victoria Place redevelopment
--Former Cinema site development Arts Council
--Corn Exchange redevelopment Tourist Information Service
--Union House redevelopment Developers
Destination Management Plan Implementation 2017–21 Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of visitors
--Tourist Information – Tourist Information Council Social media/
Centre, Weald Information Centre and Visit Kent website
visittunbridgewells website Tourism South East engagement
--Marketing and promotion – social media, Jobs in visitor
Seven Wonders
website and print (including distribution) economy
--Promotion and facilitation of Festivals and Royal Tunbridge Wells
events Together
--Town interpretation - Cultural & Learning Hub Blue Badge Guides
--Support for Press and Tour Operator visits Explore Kent
--Specialist business support for
Kent High Weald Partnership
accommodation providers and attractions
Local Bloggers
Royal Tunbridge Wells Together (RTWT) 2017–19 RTWT Board (including TWBC) Service Level
--Increase in membership and funding RTWT Members Agreement
--Promotion/marketing of town centre RTWT Staff Increased
--Established as a voice for business Membership
--Quarterly Business Intelligence Report BID Feasibility
--Business support activities Study
--Feasibility of Business Improvement District
Events &
(BID)
Information
17 18How we measure How we measure
Project/Service Timescale Delivery Partners Project/Service Timescale Delivery Partners
success success
Accessibility & Connectivity Skills & Employability
Review of Transport Strategy to support 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Delivery of 2 x West Kent Jobs & Training Fairs per year: Annual West Kent Partnership (TWBC, Number of
Local Plan and growth agenda Kent County Council Transport Strategy --Spring – Tonbridge or Sevenoaks venue events TMBC, SDC) employers attending
and evidence base --Autumn – Tunbridge Wells (Assembly Hall Jobcentreplus Number of job
Highways England
for Local Plan Theatre) Town & Country Housing seekers attending
Bus operators Support from KCC Group Number of jobs filled
Southeastern for Local Plan
Local employers
Network Rail
Training providers
Highway scheme pipeline 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Successful LGF
bids Business and Schools link – careers advice Ongoing West Kent Partnership (TWBC, Number of schools
--Identify priority schemes Kent County Council
and guidance TMBC, SDC) attending
--Commission survey/design work Highways England
--Prepare and submit LGF bids --Attend West Kent Careers Education, West Kent CEIAG Network and Number of
KMEP Information, Advice & Guidance Network local schools businesses
SELEP (CEIAG) Enterprise Adviser Network or training
Sustainable Transport pipeline including 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Successful bids --West Kent Enterprise Adviser Network organisations
Local and National employers
cycling operating attending
Kent County Council Training providers
--Deliver annual Skills Fest – Assembly Hall Successful bid for
--Identify pipeline of schemes TW Cycling Forum Higher and Further Education
Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Careers Enterprise
--Commission survey/design work providers
KMEP and SELEP Adviser Network
--Prepare and submit bids
and recruitment
Work with public transport operators: 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Bus services and of advisers and
--Improve bus ticketing, services and Arriva/Other Bus Operators passengers schools
infrastructure Rail services and
Network Rail
--Improve rail ticketing, services and stations passengers
Southeastern Station Apprenticeships and other pathways to careers Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of
--Respond to consultations by transport Council businesses with
operators to lobby for improvements Kent County Council improvements --Promotion to employers
--Promotion with schools Hadlow Group apprentices
--Facilitation of Public Transport Forum Borough Public Transport Forum
--Continuing involvement in Quality Bus --Work with providers Rosemary Shrager Cookery Number of
Partnership School apprentices in place
Parking facilities and services 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council No. parking spaces Higher Education Providers
--Revise TWBC Parking Strategy and link to Kent County Council in town centre Enterprise Adviser Network
Transport Strategy Royal Tunbridge Wells Together Town centre Local businesses
--Assessment of parking requirements in performance – Explore options for Higher Education/Further 2017–20 Tunbridge Wells Borough HE courses being
RTW town centre as part of Parking/Park & vacant retail units Education in Tunbridge Wells Council offered within the
Ride Study etc. borough/West Kent
--Canterbury Christ Church University re-locate Canterbury Christ Church
--Improved signage and other information Provision of to town centre University
about parking information about --University of Kent course offer University of Kent
parking. --Hadlow Group HE course offer
Hadlow Group
19 20How we measure How we measure
Project/Service Timescale Delivery Partners Project/Service Timescale Delivery Partners
success success
Rural Economy Supporting Enterprise
Destination Management Plan Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Visitors to the TWBC ‘Open for Business’ approach Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Feedback from
--Promotion of whole Borough as a destination Council borough - TWBC Procurement Strategy review Council local businesses on
via social media, website and print Visit Kent Visitors to the - Ongoing ‘Better Business for All’ approach Local businesses Council services
--Business support for accommodation Tourism South East Tourist Information Business loans/grants schemes 2017–21 Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of Borough
providers Centre Council/West Kent Partnership businesses getting
Local attractions --Promote new loans/grants funds
--Hub Tourist Information Centre in RTW and Visits to the loans/grants
Local accommodation --Lobby for new loan/grant schemes via LEP South East Local Enterprise
visitor information in Cranbrook at Weald visittunbridgewells
providers and other Partnership
Information Centre website
--Themed Itinerary development across the Kent High Weald Partnership Business Advice & Support Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of
borough Explore Kent --Financial support for West Kent Business Council businesses/
--Walking and cycling projects across the Support Programme (start-ups and young Kent Invicta Chamber of prospective
borough businesses) Commerce businesses
--Tourist Information Points across the borough --Promote Kent & Medway Growth Hub and accessing advice
Kent County Council
membership of Steering Group
West Kent Partnership
Promote the uptake of LEADER grants by 2017–18 West Kent Partnership (TWBC, Number of borough --Delivery of other business events across the
borough with partner organisations Local districts/boroughs
borough businesses TMBC, SDC) businesses
receiving grants Department for International
Trade
High speed broadband delivery (with KCC) 2017–19 Tunbridge Wells Borough % of borough
Council with high speed Kent & Medway Growth Hub
--Delivery of Phase 2 of Kent Broadband Plan
--Delivery in new residential developments Kent County Council broadband Business Communications Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of
--Assess developments in new technology BT Openreach - TWBiz quarterly newsletter Council businesses
- @TWBC_Business #TWBiz Local businesses receiving newsletter
Farmers Market Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Number of stalls
- TWBC Business pages Number of social
--Increase number of stalls Council Footfall and spend Other partners
- Networking events media followers
--Marketing to increase footfall Kent Farmers Market - Employer visit programme
--Work with other markets and events/festivals Association Number of employer
visits
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Together Cultural & Creative Industries: 2017–2020 Tunbridge Wells Borough The House SLA
--Continued support for existing creative Council
Neighbourhood Plans – market towns/village Ongoing Tunbridge Wells Borough Services in market
centres Council towns and village workspace – The House Workspace Collaborations Ltd.
- Hawkhurst centres --Continued delivery of Business Advice Kent County Council
Parish Councils
- Benenden programme and networking events at The
Local cultural & creative
- Goudhurst House
businesses
- Sandhurst --Update Tunbridge Wells Cultural & Creative
Industries Framework (2012) Tunbridge Wells Cultural
- Cranbrook & Sissinghurst Consortium
- Paddock Wood --Explore options for new workspaces in the
borough and opportunities for Creative Assembly Hall Theatre
Enterprise Zones Cultural & Learning Hub
--Bid for funding to support the sector as
opportunities arise
21 22This Strategy is set in the context of very limited
Council resources. The Council will therefore
5 The Role of the Council
work closely with its many partners to deliver
the Strategy and maximise opportunities for
continued economic development. The role of
the Borough Council will include:
• commissioning evidence base studies as
required;
• development of specific projects/initiatives
(where resources are available);
• Preparing and submitting funding bids;
• working with local businesses and other
relevant organisations to deliver initiatives;
• monitoring the local economy;
• seeking and acting on feedback from
businesses and residents;
• monitoring the implementation of the Action
Plan; and
• annual reporting on successes
A full list of partner organisations is contained in
Appendix 2.
23 24Appendix 1:
SWOT Analysis
This SWOT analysis sets out some of the opportunities and challenges facing the borough and was
used to develop Section 2 of this Strategy.
Strengths Weaknesses Indicator Value 2017
• Highly skilled workforce • Traffic congestion in urban areas
• Culture of entrepreneurship and • Shortage of sites/premises for Unemployment rate
Median Gross Weekly Resident Earnings
strong SME businesses business use and expansion
£ £ £ £ ££££££
TWells 0.9%
TWells 582.50
• Low unemployment • Ageing stock of office floorspace
• Business networking opportunities particularly in RTW
Kent 1.8%
Kent
37.9% £ £ £ £ ££££££ 574.90
• Regional shopping centre/service centre • Limited Higher Education facilities
South East 1.2% South East £ £ £ £ ££££££ 596.80
• Visitor, cultural and heritage offer • Small number of larger employers GB 1.9%
GB £ £ £ £ ££££££ 552.70
• High quality rural landscape and AONB • High house prices causing recruitment issues
Employees in the Knowledge Economy
• Good quality primary and secondary schools • Rural broadband infrastructure incomplete 3 year business survival rate
TWells 35.7%
• Good road and rail links to London • Recruitment and skills retention issues TWells 63.4%
Kent 16.6%
• Sector strengths in Creative, • Pockets of deprivation Kent
37.9% 59.6%
Finance, Education South East 22%
South East
GB 19.8%
GB
National Vocational Qualification Level 4+
Opportunities Threats TWells 49.9%
Gross Value Added per Head (£)
• TWBC’s Five Year Plan 2017 - 22 • Limited opportunity for Kent
37.9% 36.7% (value of goods and services in an economy)
• Private sector investment additional road capacity
South East 28.1% TWells £ £ £ £££££££ 26,027
in the town centre • Competition from other areas
for funding infrastructure GB 37.9%
Kent
37.9% £ £ £ £££££££ 21,933
• Formation of Royal Tunbridge
Wells Together • Out commuting, especially
South East £ £ £ £££££££ 28,683
Median Gross Weekly Workplace Earnings Full Time
• West Kent Partnership of the highly skilled GB £ £ £ £££££££ 26,621
• Potential for Higher education expansion • Changes in shopping habits TWells ££££££££££ 515.30
• New Local Plan with • Competition from other town centres Kent
37.9% ££££££££££ 552.10
employment allocations and out of town shopping centres South East ££££££££££ 574.90
• Active business community • Pressure for residential development GB ££££££££££ 552.30
over employment uses
• Possible Brexit opportunities
• Possible Brexit challenges
• Business Rate Retention pilot
• Limited Local Authority resources
25 26Appendix 2: Appendix 3:
List of partner organisations Relevant Plans and Strategies
Arts Council National Centre for Microbusinesses There are a number of plans and strategies already published that set the context for this new
Assembly Hall Theatre Network Rail Strategy. We are not seeking to duplicate these, but to make sure that we have drawn together the
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) Private Sector Developers relevant issues and actions into the Strategy.
Careers and Enterprise Company Produced in Kent • Borough Cultural Strategy 2014-2024 – TWBC
Cultural Consortium Royal Tunbridge Wells Together (RTWT)
• Borough Cycling Strategy (2016)
Creative Media Guild Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum
Department for International Trade (DIT) Safe Town Partnership (STP) • Borough Parking Strategy 2015-2026 – TWBC
Explore Kent Seven Wonders of the Weald • Borough Transport Strategy 2015-2026 – TWBC
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) • Five Year Plan 2014-2019 – TWBC and Five Year Plan 2017-2022 – TWBC
Hadlow Group Southeastern (rail)
• Local Plan/Site Allocations Development Plan Document: including
Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) The Forum
IMAGO Tourism South East (TSE) o Settlement Role and Function Study 2017
Jobcentre Plus Town and Country Housing Group (TCHG) o Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells Economic Needs Study 201
Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP) Town and Parish Councils o Tunbridge Wells Retail and Leisure Study 2017
Kent and Medway Growth Hub Trinity Theatre
o Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Office Study 2018
Kent Apprenticeships Tunbridge Wells Bicycle Users Group (TWBUG)
Kent County Council (KCC) University of Kent o Hotel Capacity Study 2017
Kent Cultural Transformation Board Visit Kent • Destination Management Plan for Tunbridge Wells 2014-2017 – TWBC
Kent Farmers Market Association (KFMA) West Kent Chamber of Commerce (WKCC) • Tunbridge Wells Cultural and Creative Framework (2012) and 2018??
Kent High Weald Partnership (KHWP) West Kent College (Hadlow Group)
• West Kent Priorities for Growth 2015 – WKP
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce West Kent Partnership (WKP)
• Government’s Industrial Strategy: Building a Britain fit for the future, 2017– BEIS
Local Bus Companies Workspace Collaboration Limited (The House –
Local Businesses creative workspace) • Strategic Economic Plan 2014 – SELEP
Local Schools • Local Transport Plan 4: Delivering Growth Without Gridlock 2016-2031 – KCC
Locate in Kent (LIK)
• Kent & Medway Growth and Infrastructure Framework 2018 – KCC
• Refresh of the 14-24 Learning, Employment and Skills Strategy (2015-2018) – KCC
• Kent SME Internationalization Study (March 2017) – KCC
• Kent Broadband Plan
• Kent and Medway: Making a success of Brexit: a sectoral appraisal 2016 – CCCU for KMEP
• Unlocking the Potential: Going for Growth 2014 – KMEP
• KCC Business Intelligence Reports
• Active Travel Strategy 2016 – KCC
• Economic Impact of Tourism, Tunbridge Wells 2015 – Visit Kent
• State of the Nation 2017: Careers and Enterprise Provision in England’s Schools – Careers &
Enterprise Company
• Kent and Medway: Making A Success of Brexit, A Sectoral Appraisal (Dec 2016) CEFEUS
• Kent and Medway: Making a Success of Brexit, A Sectoral Appraisal of Small and Medium Sized
Enterprises And the Rural Economy (July 2017) CEFEUS
• The Local Economic Effects of Brexit – Centre for Economic Performance (November 2017)
27 28You can also read
