Plymouth, a coastal city, is the largest urban area in the South West peninsula. It is home to an established advanced manufacturing, marine and defence industry, a thriving social enterprise sector, and growing digital and creative sectors. Significant regeneration has transformed the city in recent years with further investment from the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.
There are lower than average levels of productivity across all industries. This is linked to low skills levels, poor quality jobs and low wages. Plymouth has 28 neighbourhoods in the most deprived 10% in England.
Inclusive Growth is a flagship policy of Plymouth’s Plan for Economic Growth 2020-2025. The city needs to create and sustain economic prosperity, whilst ensuring that the benefits of this are enjoyed by all residents and communities.
Here are some of the ways that Plymouth is delivering inclusive growth in practice:
The Plymouth Charter
A charter mark aimed at helping Plymouth’s businesses to commit to a fairer and greener future for Plymouth, with six themes and three tiers.
Plymouth Social Enterprise Network
Plymouth became the UK’s first Social Enterprise City in 2013 with a thriving social enterprise network. The University is the world’s first certified ‘social enterprise’ university.
Community Economic Development Trusts
There is a long tradition of creating successful community-owned and led trusts in Plymouth. They aim to bring about long-term social, economic and environmental benefits to the area by creating local jobs and improving local services.