Milton Keynes is known for being a popular location for all kinds of business, from start-ups to international head offices, and the city council is passionate about supporting them where we can. It is important that we work with them to help create opportunities for local people and grow our economy, that’s why it is great news that our economic recovery plan has helped so many local businesses.
Milton Keynes City Council’s four-year £3.6m Economic Recovery Plan has ended on schedule, having given intensive support to over 1,700 local businesses and more than 8,000 individuals, between winter 2020 and spring 2024.
The award-winning Economic Recovery Plan was set up in a bid to revitalise businesses in the city and provide job opportunities for local people in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The programme focussed on young people and women, who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
The plan has helped businesses in a range of sectors from tech to creative arts, and from sole traders to large companies seeking to innovate. The city council unlocked projects with training and skills providers so local people could access support. Many projects have helped individuals returning to work and young people seeking employment.
Some of the Economic Recovery Plan’s key projects include:
- Women into Work – the city council invested in a range of training and skills programmes specifically aimed at helping women return to work. More than 500 women have been supported into work or training thanks to the programme. The plan has received industry-wide recognition, with the Local Government Association highlighting the positive impact the programme has made for women.
- Green Recovery – through its Net Zero project, the city council has helped over 800 businesses to take steps towards reducing their carbon footprint. Businesses have had access to grant funding and workshops to help tackle the climate emergency.
- Tech and AI – the Economic Recovery Plan supported a number of AI initiatives, including growing an AI Development Programme, and connecting leaders and academics to develop and strengthen AI skills in the city. Most recently, the city council launched the MK Tech Fund for start-ups to help tech talent stay within the city, creating new jobs and opportunities.
- Young people – working with MK College, Future Wolverton and MK Melting Pot, the city council has supported hundreds of young people into work and training. Young people have used these opportunities to gain qualifications and start careers in hospitality, social care and in culture and tourism. In the plan’s time, more than 2,800 students enrolled in over 120 career employability sessions through WorkTree.
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Leader Milton Keynes City Council
