Turning Plans into Pounds: How Town Planning Can Boost the UK Economy
08 Jan, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- What economic growth is.
- How town planning can boost the UK's economic growth.
- Where the latest planning jobs are and how to apply for them.
Town planning and the developments completed by Town Planners play an important role in supporting a local economy. From helping to improve local supply chains to attracting a skilled workforce, we’re exploring how the decisions and activities delivered within town planning are able to boost the UK’s economic growth.
What is economic growth?
Economic growth across the UK is the term used to describe the increase in the total value of goods and services that have been produced within the country over a specific period of time.
The economic activity of companies, people and governments in a country is typically measured in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and in the UK, new GDP figures are published monthly by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Economic growth reflects improvements made within investment, employment, innovation and more, all of which contribute to higher living standards.
Throughout the United Kingdom, economic growth is driven by a variety of sectors such as manufacturing and technology which are influenced by the consumer demands for them along with global trade.
Environmental and social impacts are also considered within sustainable growth and align with economic stability in the long term.
How can town planning boost the UK's economic growth?
Town planning plays an important part in helping to boost the United Kingdom’s economic growth. Through enhancing and creating environments that attract investment, improve productivity, promote employability and increase living standards, town planning is able to support economic growth throughout the UK. The ways in which town planning can achieve this, include:
- Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce.
- Improving local supply chains.
- Supporting tourism and cultural heritage.
Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce
The creation of housing developments is an essential part of town planning and a supply of high quality yet affordable housing is an important way to attract residents.
The attraction and retention of citizens within a community is essential for creating a skilled workforce who are able to support business growth and contribute to the overall economic growth of the UK.
Developments which combine residential and commercial needs are a great way to create vibrant communities who are committed to the success of local business.
The happier and healthier a community, the more likely others are to relocate to the area, which in turn can increase the number of skilled workers available.
Town planning is also essential for creating business zones or innovation hubs which can be a great place for people to develop professionally and foster economic activity.
For example, Manchester’s MediaCityUK was developed in order to attract creative businesses operating in the digital and media space. This strategic town planning initiative has supported significant employment opportunities and boosted the economic output in this area.
The revitalisation of deprived areas through town planning is also essential for improving the local economy and contributing to the overall economic growth of the UK. The government’s Levelling Up initiative has been designed to drive economic recovery across the UK to ensure a high quality of life for all, regardless of geographical location.
Therefore, it is essential that town planning is able to benefit the attraction and retention of a skilled workforce in all 4 corners of the UK.
Improving local supply chains
The efficiency of local supply chains is an important way to reduce costs and encourage trade within different regions.
Town planning plays an important role in improving local supply chains through the creation of industrial parks and addressing the economic and operational challenges that local businesses may face.
Through the concentration of economic activity within certain areas such as industrial parks, businesses are able to collaborate and trade locally, in turn creating economic ecosystems.
A thriving local economy with successful supply chains can result in the creation of more jobs, increased business activity, enhanced spending from consumers and greater tax revenues for a local government.
Supporting tourism and cultural heritage
The preservation of cultural landmarks, such as Bath’s Georgian architecture and Roman heritage, can make regions more appealing to tourists, which in turn can boost a local economy. Whilst not everyone is keen on their local area being flocked to by tourists, tourism is an important way for local businesses, hospitality establishments, hotels and the retail industry to make more money and support their local economy.
Bath, for example, has focused on preserving its Georgian architecture and by doing so has earnt itself a name as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a result of this, millions of visitors embark on the city every year, spending their money and enhancing the local economy.
Planning jobs
If you’re searching for your next interim planning job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Planning recruitment services
As planning recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with our planning specialist, Josh Draycott, on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re a vibrant and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West.
We continually reimagine the recruitment process to challenge convention and defy expectations; from creating a better recruitment experience to remodelling employee engagement, we thrive off doing things differently and turning heads along the way.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
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