Oxfordshire Growth Board agrees new joint initiatives

The Oxfordshire Growth Board – of which OxLEP is a member – has agreed new initiatives that further consolidate collaborative working across the county.

The Growth Board yesterday (30 October) approved proposals to develop a joint spatial plan for Oxfordshire; to apply to the Government to set up a countywide pilot for retention and pooling of business rates in 2018/19; and to create a ‘Living Lab’ within the county to test and measure the impact of a variety of innovative approaches to improve health mobility and energy generation.

Full details on the plans can be found via the Oxford City Council website.

Nigel Tipple – Chief Executive of OxLEP – said: “In recent weeks – we have seen strong indications that the Oxfordshire economy is building on an environment that supports dynamic economic growth.

“Just last week – national research suggested that Oxford had the second fastest-growing economy of any UK citywhilst business space requirements in Oxfordshire increased by 74% in the first half of this financial yearreaching a half-year record high of 225000 square feet across the county.

“As a Growth Board we need to ensure that we continue to build on this as well as sensitively developing an infrastructure that is fit for purposefurther supporting our ability to grow.”