England’s National Parks are open for business
January 19, 2015
National Parks – famous for their beauty and splendour are also home to thousands of thriving businesses. And now the National Park Authorities (NPAs) that are charged with managing the Parks, are teaming up with local businesses to ensure they flourish and grow into the future.
National Parks England is today, Monday 19 January, publishing an Offer to the network of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)that Government established to spearhead economic growth and employment. The Offer signals an intention to unlock the potential of National Parks to deliver sustainable economic growth.
The Offer has attracted support from senior figures including Lord Heseltine – champion of the devolution agenda, and Defra Minister Lord de Mauley. It aims to draw on the unique strengths of the National Park Authorities to work in partnership with LEPs to:
- create more high quality jobs in some of the most remote rural areas;
- make National Parks even better places to do business in through improved infrastructure like broadband and skills development; and
- use the National Parks’ superb landscapes to enhance people’s quality of life and attract new businesses.
Already, England’s National Parks are major power-houses for the rural economy. The South Downs National Park is home to roughly 10,000 businesses; has over 800 tourism businesses; receives 39 million day visits annually and generates £19,450 GVA per head.
Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive of the South Downs National Park Authority, said:
“This is a great opportunity for the rural economy of the South Downs National Park. The Offer shows exactly how LEPs and National Park Authorities can work together to maximise their own unique skills in support of our rural economy.”
CEO of Coast to Capital LEP, Ron Crank said:
“The LEPs and England’s National Parks have a real opportunity to work together to unlock the potential of National Parks to deliver sustainable economic growth that benefits both the local communities and these high-quality environments.
Coast to Capital and the South Downs National Park Authority have developed a strong working partnership and are already looking at development around sustainable tourism, food and drink production and other business support opportunities. We think this is a real opportunity to help secure the future of this important environment and its vibrant communities through exciting and appropriate economic growth.”
Kathy Slack, Director of Enterprise M3, welcomed this campaign:
“26 per cent of our area is within one of two National parks – New Forest and South Downs – and these areas are real assets for the economy. We support efforts to show that New Forest and South Downs National Parks are open for business. We are already working on initiatives to support business including working on rural planning policies and working with the National Parks and other rural partners in shaping our future Rural European funding programme that will see almost £4.5m invested to support rural businesses within Enterprise M3.”
Lord Heseltine, said:
“National Parks are huge national assets that the public value. They are beautiful places where the environment underpins large swathes of the rural economy. I welcome the lead being taken by National Parks in working alongside Local Enterprise Partnerships and local businesses to enhance the nation’s wealth. Delivering high quality jobs, prosperity, and a high quality environment together is a Government priority. So I welcome this closer working to support our rural communities.”
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister, Lord de Mauley added:
“As well as offering stunning scenery, our National Parks support a wide range of businesses, contribute to the rural economy and are a home to thriving communities. This new initiative will help encourage further economic growth whilst ensuring our valued countryside remains protected.”