The Big Economic Delivery Plan has been developed by the Economy and Place Partnership Board, bringing together organisations from business, education, skills, culture, climate and nature, and the community sector.

Building on the Herefordshire Economic Plan 2050, the Delivery Plan sets out four priorities to drive sustainable economic growth.

Place

Creating thriving places where people want to live, work and invest by supporting sustainable housing growth, revitalising town centres, protecting Herefordshire’s natural environment and making the county an attractive destination for investment.

People and Communities

Helping residents develop the skills employers need now and in the future by strengthening apprenticeships, supporting the Youth Employment Hub, improving access to training, developing AI and digital skills and creating better pathways into work for young people and older workers.

Business Growth

Helping businesses start, grow and invest by attracting new employers to strategic employment sites including Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park and Hereford Enterprise Zone, supporting innovation in sectors such as agri-tech and defence, helping businesses make greater use of AI and strengthening the county’s inward investment offer.

Infrastructure

Delivering the infrastructure needed to unlock growth through projects including the Hereford Transport Hub, the Western Growth Corridor, employment land investment at Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park, improved rail connectivity, expanded EV charging infrastructure, better digital connectivity and improvements to public transport.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, Councillor Graham Biggs, said:

“This is about creating the right conditions for Herefordshire to thrive over the coming years.

The Delivery Plan brings together our ambitions for more better paid jobs, stronger businesses, improved infrastructure and thriving communities into a single roadmap. It’s a great example of collaboration between Herefordshire Council and our partners.

It sets out practical actions that will help attract investment, support local businesses, improve skills and deliver the infrastructure needed to unlock sustainable economic growth. By working together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous Herefordshire for current and future generations.”

Examples of actions included in the proposed Delivery Plan include:

• progressing the Western Growth Corridor and supporting future transport improvement.
• completing the Hereford Transport Hub
• attracting investment into strategic employment sites including Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park and Hereford Enterprise Zone
• supporting business innovation, including greater use of AI and robotics
• developing workforce skills through apprenticeships, digital skills and stronger links between education and employers
• improving public transport, digital connectivity and EV charging infrastructure
• strengthening Herefordshire’s position in key sectors including defence, security, advanced manufacturing and agri-tech

The Big Economic Delivery Plan was endorsed by Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet on 30 July. The county-wide plan, owned by the Economy and Place Partnership Board, will now be delivered in partnership with organisations across business, education, the public sector and the voluntary and community sector over the next three years

The Cabinet report and Big Economic Delivery Plan are available to view on the Herefordshire Council website.