The report profiles the location and characteristics of deprived areas in England, including case studies of Sunderland, Doncaster and Derby.  It explores the relationship between deprivation and enterprise, and identifies a group of thirty business-deprived areas. The report also examines why business activity levels are so low in business deprived areas. The government’s approach to economic development in deprived areas is outlined especially policies to promote employment and business activity. The report assesses the effectiveness of business-led regeneration interventions, and identifies a need for improved demand-side policies in business deprived areas. It identifies lessons to learn from four area-based initiatives and sets out some key principles for boosting business activity in business deprived areas.

Boosting enterprise in deprived areas has been a recurring goal of UK government policy, aimed at kick-starting local economies and alleviating deprivation. This research aimed to contribute to the process of rationalising and improving economic development and regeneration schemes.

The study focused on a group of thirty business deprived areas – Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) districts – with very low levels of business activity, mostly in the north-east and north-west of England.

The report concludes that business deprived areas will each require a different approach, dependent on their own particular local economic circumstances. It recommends a number of principles that should be followed when considering whether to boost business activities in business deprived areas.

Centre for Cities
Phone: +44 20 7470 6167
info@ippr.org.uk

01/01/2006

Lix Troni and Tracy Kornblatt

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Business support, Employment