Inclusive growth in Islington

Islington has one of the strongest economies in London, with thriving businesses, world-leading innovation, vibrant neighbourhoods and a rich cultural sector. But we know that the benefits from Islington’s economic success are not shared by everyone. 

'Inclusive growth' means economic success that creates opportunities for more people and gives back to Islington’s communities. It is about:

• helping people get into good jobs
• supporting businesses to start and grow
• creating thriving town centres
• making sure that investment benefits local people and places

Inclusive Growth Plan

Our Inclusive Growth Plan sets out how we will achieve this by working with businesses, investors, developers, anchor institutions, community organisations and the people who live here. 
 
There are 9 changes we will work towards that can help create a stronger and more inclusive economy, where opportunity is more widely shared, and businesses and communities can thrive.

1. Make it easier for young people to enter high-growth jobs and careers

Create clearer routes into good careers for young people and those starting work or changing industries, especially in high-growth sectors such as tech and digital, creative industries - from design and architecture to performing arts, heritage and fashion - and professional services such as finance and law.

2. Remove barriers to work, learning and training for people with fewer opportunities

Create more flexible ways into work, learning and training for people without connections and networks or high level qualifications. This should give more residents opportunities, whatever barriers they may face.

3. Develop more workspaces for different sizes of businesses

Develop a better range of affordable, grow-on and commercial workspaces for businesses at different levels of growth. This makes sure they can start up, grow and stay in Islington.

4. Get long-term benefit from investment and development

Make sure development and investment delivers lasting benefits for local communities, through jobs, training, affordable workspace, community space and support for local businesses.

5. Make the most of Islington's Anchor Institution Network

Anchor institutions are massive employers with great investment in the area and its people, usually employing many locals. We can use the collective power of major employers and institutions in Islington to create more opportunities by working together on recruitment, procurement and investment.

6. Support neighbourhood economies for long-term success

Support local town centres, high streets, cultural destinations and neighbourhood economies to remain vibrant, distinctive and resilient.

7. Building resilience and adaptation to change in local businesses

Help our diverse business community to adapt to economic change, respond to climate challenges and keep wealth circulating locally. This includes supporting small to medium enterprises (SMEs), social enterprises, co-operatives and community-led businesses.

8. Develop the area to invite more investment in AI, life sciences and scientific research

Build on Islington's strengths in AI, life sciences and research to create a stronger innovation corridor - an area linking businesses with strong transport links, and clusters of research, technology and manufacturing innovation. This could include areas like the King's Cross Knowledge Quarter. This can attract investment and connect residents and businesses to new opportunities.

9. Share Islington's successes together

Celebrate Islington’s successes to attract investment, talent and partnerships, while building pride in the borough.

Read the Inclusive Growth Plan

How you can help

Inclusive growth depends on partnership. Whether you are a business, developer, investor, education provider, cultural organisation or community group, there are many ways you can support this shared ambition.

• Recruit locally by creating jobs, apprenticeships, work experience and progression opportunities for Islington residents.
• Support local communities through mentoring, volunteering, careers activity or sharing your organisation's expertise.
• Invest in Islington through development, workspace and business growth that creates jobs and opportunities for local people.
• Fund programmes that create opportunities and connect local residents to jobs, training and enterprise.
• Create social value through development, procurement and investment, including local employment, skills and supply-chain opportunities.
• Champion Islington by sharing opportunities and success stories and helping us attract investment, talent and visitors.

Get involved

Inclusive growth is not something we can achieve alone. We need you.

If you are an employer, developer, investor, anchor institution, education provider, community organisation or local partner, we want to work with you to help deliver the ambitions set out in the Islington Inclusive Growth Plan.

To find out more or discuss how your organisation can get involved, contact us at inclusivegrowth@islington.gov.uk