Action plan to boost business gears up for next phase (From Witney Gazette)

Action plan to boost business gears up for next phase

10:00am Monday 24th September 2012 in News

. THE latest stage of an action plan to support businesses in South Oxfordshire and bring further investment to the area has been drawn up.

The economic development framework has been prepared by South Oxfordshire District Council to outline steps businesses can take in the coming year. Projects include networking events, business breakfasts and securing faster broadband Internet access.

The document is the latest update to the action plan for 2010 to 2013.

The council’s cabinet member for economic development, Judith Nimmo-Smith, left, said: “We’re continuing to support the local economy by working with businesses and partners throughout South Oxfordshire.

“We’re working on an action plan which will help organisations grow, find and develop the right staff, and bring more investment to the area.”

Earlier this year, the county council announced that it was investing £3.6m to roll out superfast broadband connections for rural communities across the county, matching funding provided by the Government.

In a pilot project, Wallingford’s telephone exchange was upgraded and, from June, 6,775 homes and 460 businesses could upgrade to superfast broadband. For details, see www.southoxon.gov.uk/ supportforbusiness