The Economic Growth team has an important role to play in supporting and developing York’s economy. It’s our job to make sure York’s economy, and therefore its people, thrive and prosper by:
- providing advice and guidance on a wide variety of economic topics
- looking to create employment opportunities
- attracting and supporting businesses
- helping to shape the workforce of the future
See further information and resources about how we are supporting York's economy:
- A new Economic Strategy
- Economic impact of business rates for York city centre
- Skills and York's workforce
- York Central
- Acomb Front Street
- Local Economic Partnerships
- Resources for economic growth
A new Economic Strategy
Read the York Economic Strategy 2022-2032 which was adopted by the council in December 2022.
Read more about the process of updating our Economic Strategy:
- Development of a new Economic Strategy, presentation (Economy and Place Policy and Scrutiny Committee, 12 February 2020)
- Agenda and minutes, Economy and Place Policy and Scrutiny Committee, Wednesday 12 February 2020
- York Economic Strategy update (Decision Session, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, 16 March 2020)
- Agenda and minutes, Decision Session, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, 16 March 2020
We have published research and economic statistics that explore:
- the city’s economic output
- employment
- skill levels
- the council’s ambition of raising household disposable income for our residents
This wide range of themes shows all the evidence we have considered to ensure that York is a successful city, both regionally and nationally. Read the York Economic Strategy Technical Annex.
Economic impact of business rates for York city centre
This 2019 report addresses the subject of business rates in and around York city centre, and the associated impacts for businesses.
See further details in minutes from related Committee meetings:
Skills and York's workforce
As well as our work on the York Economic Strategy and The Council Plan, the Economic Growth Team is closely aligned with the York Skills Plan 2017 to 2020.
Our colleagues in the Skills Team play a major role in guiding young people in their employment and training choices. Whether this is in further or higher education, or through apprenticeships, there are many resources available to help the employees of the future, one of the largest and most valuable economic assets to the city, make the right decision.
York Central
York Central is a major residential and commercial development planned for one of the largest brownfield sites in the United Kingdom, situated in a prime location next to York Railway Station.
The project is being steered by the York Central Partnership, a team of organisations made up of:
This is a multi-million pound project for the city, and once completed the provision of new homes and employment is expected to grow the economy by 20%. You can read more in the council's Brief to the Master Developers, which sets out our aspirations for the site.
Acomb Front Street
We're undertaking a study to help shape Acomb Front Street's future.
The study aims to better understand:
- the needs of Acomb Front Street
- the needs of traders who work there
- the evolving needs and expectations of those who use the area
- how we can support productivity growth
- how we can boost footfall in Front Street
In addition, this study will scope out how Front Street is likely to change in the wake of unprecedented technological change, and what opportunities and challenges this presents in terms of place-making.
Central to this will be investing in the local environment on Acomb Front Street, along with a study to consider physical improvements to the public realm, designed to make a longer term impact. The findings of this study will enable us to seek out suitable options for capital funding, for example, through the Council’s internal capital funding process, or funds such as Future High Streets.
Local Economic Partnerships
There are 38 Local Economic Partnerships (LEPs) across the country, set up to make major strategic decisions about regional financial priorities, and to find ways to grow and strengthen their economies. This includes attracting funding and investment, capitalising on existing assets, and looking to develop new economic initiatives and projects.
As a local authority, the City of York currently sits across two LEPs:
- York and North Yorkshire LEP (Y&NY)
- Leeds City Region LEP (LCR)
This combined partnership approach gives our city a voice across the whole region.
See the Local Industrial Strategy Consultation Responses from these LEPs:
- York and North Yorkshire LEP Local Industrial Strategy Consultation response
- Leeds City Region LEP Local Industrial Strategy Consultation Response
In addition, Y&NY LEP provide a wide variety of information and support on their Growth Hub page.
This includes sector specific support, Government and financial support, and a news and blog section which covers Coronavirus related topics.
They also have a wealth of experience in sector-specific areas, as well as skills and wider regional issues.
Resources for economic growth
The Economic Growth Team have produced a number of documents and resources to summarise York’s economic strengths, key assets and major regeneration projects. They help to build a picture of the work that the Council does to create an environment in which all businesses can prosper.
New documents and links will be added here regularly, so keep an eye out for updates.
You can contact the Economic Growth Team for information or advice.