Report of the Working Group On Business and Economy
2. Summary and Conclusions
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The Cookhams’ business community of 245 enterprises is estimated to produce £15m of GDP annually. It employs several hundred local people serving the needs of local residents and businesses as well as many external customers. Whilst the overwhelming number of employers is in the small business category (less than 5 employees), the CIM and JLP account for over 200 and 115 staff respectively. The quantitative survey data indicate a vibrant business community with most businesses reporting good prosperity now and a similar forecast for the future.
The Cookhams are seen as a positive and desirable place in which to conduct business. Whilst there is a positive level of satisfaction in doing business in the Cookhams there are some key issues that the business community would like to see addressed, notably: -
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A desire for a co-ordinated plan to upgrade the Station Parade, both from an overall Cookhams’ image viewpoint and to increase its attractiveness to customers.
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Provision of more car parking capacity especially in the Village and Rise and to reduce traffic congestion. These issues are believed to be affecting business growth.
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The provision of more readily accessible business support facilities – e.g. IT, finance and admin through some centralised presence in the Station Parade area, along with the creation of a local business networking facility. These would be particularly helpful to the growing home worker population.
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There exists no co-ordination of the Cookhams’ tourist attractions, facilities and events and an opportunity exists for significantly improving Cookham’s tourist trade to the benefit of the local economy by more focussed planning co-ordination and publicity.