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What have we discovered about this theme? |
General Findings
Any small town initiative that aims to generate more jobs must also work to strengthen the local economy. However, economies do not have concrete boundaries - within every local economy, there are links to the surrounding rural areas and to the wider economy. Many job-creating programmes may be linked to Town Centre Management schemes or Town Marketing Promotions. (see ‘Town Centre Management’ and ‘Marketing and Promotion’ components). It is important for small towns, though, that the initiative also extends beyond the town centre and into the more rural areas surrounding the town.
Since many small town economies rely increasingly on tourism, it is also beneficial for employment if a town can extend the season (see ‘Tourism’). Whilst small towns can brand themselves, exploit their unique features, and establish niche markets, it is best to keep the economic base as wide as possible in order to be more sustainable. Finding solutions that create large numbers of new jobs is unlikely for a small town, so working to create a series of small-scale solutions is a more feasible strategy. Existing businesses can sustain a small town’s economy better by co-operating with each other; either in the form of a joint project or as an established business association.
Essential Aspects
In order for an employment-generating initiative to be successful, it must deliver two key aims:
- Improving the skills base of local residents; and
- Strengthening and diversifying kinds of jobs available.
If one of these levels fails, the initiative will not be successful in the long-term. Improving the skills base of residents without providing jobs to match these skills will result in residents migrating to other areas. On the other hand, making more kinds of jobs available is meaningless if the local residents do not have the skills to qualify for employment.
The delivery of these two aims requires the establishment of partnerships (see ‘Partnership’ component).
Local agencies cannot tackle such issues on their own. By doing this, small towns will encourage long-term investment rather than a short-lived subsidy. The kind of partnership will vary according to the needs of the initiative and will be unique to each community.
Modern, caring societies will seek to create jobs and employment opportunities for everyone in the community. Small towns often have many people also willing to consider part-time work and/or voluntary work. Advances in technology now make it possible for people in small towns to homework and/or study towards work qualifications.
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