Crawley Borough is a large economic hub, including Gatwick Airport and one of the South East’s premier business parks; Manor Royal. It is a large creator of jobs, boasting 1.46 jobs for every working aged resident. However there were two suspected issues this project sought to explore. Firstly, there were question marks over whether local residents were successfully accessing the opportunities in the borough and sharing in the wealth being created. Secondly, unemployment figures are historically low and there was some evidence that businesses were struggling to recruit for the skills that they require.

The means carried out a study exploring these interrelated issues. We used a multi-method approach based on analysis of existing data, interviews with businesses and stakeholders, and focus groups with local people.

Drawing on best-practice from elsewhere, the output of this project was a report accompanied by a practical action plan to inform how the partnership can work together on addressing these challenges.

To discuss this project please email James Thomas