Purpose

The current Economic Development Strategy,
produced by Hatch Regeneris in 2019 (accompanied by a
Socio-Economic Baseline), expired in 2024 and is therefore in need
of updating, both in line with events which have occurred since its
adoption by the Council (COVID-19, change in government, other
economic impacts) but also the emerging Local Plan.
As part of the Local Plan review, TDC’s Planning department
agreed to include a light touch review of the Economic Development
Strategy to ensure it continues to align with the needs and
priorities of the district and the emerging new Local Plan.
Following the review by external consultants (ekosgen 2025), it was
advised that opportunities for delivery identified in the previous
Strategy and the 5 identified objectives remain relevant
locally.
Further to this, taking into consideration Local Government
Reorganisation, it was felt inappropriate for a new strategy to be
developed and that a refresh of the existing document to align with
new opportunities and risks would be sufficient to cover the next
three years until TDC becomes part of the new combined
authority.
To ensure the refresh of the Economic Development Strategy is as
current as possible, aligns with neighbouring authorities and has a
refreshed Socio-Economic Baseline a full Request for Quotation
(RfQ) process took place to secure a consultant and after a
subsequent evaluation, GC Insight have been selected as the
preferred supplier based on value for money.

Content

To award the contract to GC Insight for the
value of £19,825, to review and refresh the existing 2019
Economic Growth Strategy for Tendring, identifying remaining
opportunities from the previous work which are outstanding/ongoing,
as well as new opportunities which are anticipated as part of
Devolution and LGR.

Alternative options considered

Taking into consideration Local Government
Reorganisation, it was felt inappropriate for a new strategy to be
developed and that a refresh of the existing document to align with
new opportunities and risks would be sufficient to cover the next
three years until TDC becomes part of the new combined
authority.