24 April 2008
INAUGURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING APPROVES DIRECTION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Inaugural Development Committee meeting was held today at the Council chambers, and Shetland Islands Council agreed the Economic Development policy statement over the next three years. The Policy statement acts as the framework for the work of the Development Committee and the Economic Development Service and links into the Corporate Plan delivery.
The main aim of the Council’s economic development service is to improve the quality of life for Shetland residents by promoting an environment in which both traditional and emerging industries can thrive and prosper together.
To help us achieve these goals, our specific aims are to:
- Encourage enterprise and sustainable growth
- Expand knowledge and build skills
- Improve access and extend opportunities
- Focus on quality
Chair of the Development Committee, Josie Simpson said “the role of economic development is pivotal for Shetland, as the oil industry declines, we need to broaden our commercial base through new activities whilst strengthening potential growth industries. Our products in all industry sectors need to be high quality and we need to build on our reputation to deliver excellent services through using our distinctiveness to our advantage.”
Interim Head of Economic Development, Neil Grant added, “Shetland is part of the National Economic Development Strategy to focus on sustainable economic growth and the Government has given Local Authorities a wider remit to deliver on economic development. This is an excellent time to showcase Shetland’s and the Council’s ability to deliver results within our restructured setting which incorporates the expertise of the Shetland Development Trust and the Council’s Economic Development Unit. Working alongside, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the leading place for economic activity and resources for potential business development will be centred at the new Solarhus building at North Ness which is expected to be complete by the end of June.”