I am delighted to present Bexley’s Economic Growth Strategy. From the outset, our ambition should be clear, we want Bexley to be the foremost Borough in London for inclusive Economic Growth. This is no idle aspiration, we have the focus, drive, ambition, locations, opportunities and resources to make this happen. Whether you are a business owner or employee, a student or returning to work after a break, if you want to develop and grow, you need look no further than our borough.
This strategy sets out how we will work together to achieve our shared ambitions. We see growth as an imperative but also as an opportunity for everyone to create a better life, irrespective of their background. This must be a joint endeavour, and our diversity of interests is our strength, establishing an environment where different ideas meet and creativity and innovation flourish. However, where barriers exist to prevent this happening spontaneously, the Council stands ready to use its resources and powers to bring people together, making connections, encouraging, supporting and persuading.
Our Vision as set out in the strategy, is to be ready for tomorrow and grow for a better future. Growth does present challenges as well as exciting possibilities and we don’t want to shy away from these. If benefit is to be shared widely, we need to make sure that everyone is equipped to take advantage of the opportunities when they arise through a framework of mutual support and guidance.
We also know we need to talk up our borough a lot more and raise its profile. Bexley has much to shout about but too often our enormous strengths are quietly or modestly assumed. We know Bexley is a great place to live and work and we all need to be effective brand ambassadors for the place if it is to continue to thrive.
Ultimately, we want this document to be a shop window into Bexley, to present our road map to greater success and what that will look like, including our short, medium and longer-term priorities. It is therefore essential that we get it right, so I would invite and encourage you to read this draft strategy and respond to the consultation. Let’s take this opportunity to secure a bright and prosperous future for Bexley.
