Cross Border Opportunities - Carlisle City Perspective Presentation by Jane Meek Director of Economic Development

Carlisle Economy Issues and Opportunities  Demographics  Low Wage Economy  Business / Sectors  Skills  Accessibility / Connectivity  HE / FE

Cross Border Collaboration ?  Economic Similarities  Economic Functional Area  Assisted Area Status  Statutory Duty  Border Visions  Borderlands Report

Cross Border Opportunities  Connectivity  Economic Development  Employment and Training

Connectivity

Connectivity (Transport Links)  Scope priorities to upgrade key routes –M6 / M8 / A66 / A1 Outer ring o Upgrade of spur roads also o Increased critical mass to lobby o Link in to national planning and local strategies  Fairer ‘fares’ deal for Public Transportation

Connectivity (Digital) Broadband  Updating of the minimum obligation for internet service  Lobby Ofcom for change  After roll out of current super fast development in Scotland Mobile Phone Coverage  Funding for innovative thinking  Affixing small scale equipment to public buildings to relay or boost signals  Use a common voice to help produce a net gain

Economic Development Joined up logistics plan  Understand business needs in supply chain  Link with Connectivity ideas ‘Tourism should be everyone's business’  Exploit border cultural and tourist links (e.g. Reiver history and west coast Sailing)  A wider tourism proposition Food and Drink Sector  Adding value in the Borderlands area (e.g. Meat processing)  Marketing and building brands

Economic Development (Continued) Modal shift for forestry transportation  Road to rail  Development of Longtown as a ‘Freight Dry Dock’ Energy Development  Greater co-operation across areas  Understanding skills shared in across Borders

Employment and Training Formulation of a Borderlands Skills Audit  Build understanding on the potential offerings from across the Borderlands area  Exploit specialisation  Enable greater transportation options  Evidence led – DWP data to help inform  Potential Engagement with Scottish Employment Forum  Joined up approach to Apprenticeships across Council areas

Maximising the Economic Potential ?