Issue - meetings

This report responds to the previous report on supporting economic growth by attracting and supporting investment in the city and proposes exploring the development of a new agency to deliver key remits in the marketing, tourism, cultural and business development agendas for the city of York.

Resolved:  That Cabinet:

i)             Agrees in principle to pursuing a joined up approach to business development and marketing.

ii)            Agrees to receive a business plan for an independent agency model for delivery early in the New Year.

Reason:     To enable the city to make greater progress in attracting and supporting high value investment to the city, and supporting the growth of the visitor economy, all underpinned by a more efficient and effective approach to marketing and profiling of the city’s offer.

Cabinet considered a report which responded to the previous report relating to supporting economic growth, recommending methods of attracting and supporting growth in the city. It proposed exploration of the development of a new agency to deliver marketing, tourism, cultural and business development for the city.

Although performing well against other cities there was evidence to suggest that York was not capitalizing effectively on its assets which was supported by the city’s businesses, wider communities and stakeholders. Currently the city’s key partners and organisations worked in a piecemeal approach leading to duplication and fragmented marketing with the new approach proposing:

·        A joined up approach to “Brand York”

·        A joined up offer for businesses and visitors

·        Co-ordination

·        Culture of the city being fundamental

·        Commercial viability

Details of the new organisation, including the legal structure, establishment and funding were reported at paragraphs 23 to 43 of the report.

Officers confirmed that, although in the early stages, following Member approval different options would be examined with the final product being sector led to streamline current work and raise the profile of the city.

Resolved:  That Cabinet:

i)             Agrees in principle to pursuing a joined up approach to business development and marketing.

ii)       Agrees to receive a business plan for an independent agency model for delivery early in the New Year.^1.

Reason:     To enable the city to make greater progress in attracting and supporting high value investment to the city, and supporting the growth of the visitor economy, all underpinned by a more efficient and effective approach to marketing and profiling of the city’s offer.