York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has published its first Local Growth Plan, a 10-year strategy designed to drive productivity, investment, and job creation across the region. The plan, which has secured government approval, outlines how the combined authority will build on its established economic strengths while supporting the UK’s broader growth ambitions.
The Growth Plan identifies five Competitive Advantage Sectors – food and farming innovation, engineering biology and life sciences, clean energy, rail innovation and security, and the creative industries – with defence listed as an emerging sector. These industries are expected to lead efforts in improving productivity and supporting the region’s transition toward a carbon-negative economy.
Complementing the plan are several aligned strategies, including an Adult Skills Strategy aimed at matching workforce capabilities with future opportunities, a Strategic Place Partnership focused on housing delivery, and a Local Visitor Economy Partnership that supports a sector attracting around 40 million visitors annually.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said the plan builds on the region’s strengths while focusing on quality of life and sustainable growth. “Growing York and North Yorkshire’s economy goes hand-in-hand with building healthy and thriving communities. York and North Yorkshire is a spectacular place to live with one of the highest performing economies in the North of England. We have a proud history of feeding the UK, powering the UK, connecting the UK, healing the UK, inspiring the UK and protecting the UK – and by continuing to harness all those strengths, we are growing the UK. We need government to recognise our strengths as we take our place on the national stage, strengths that can support the UK’s growth ambitions but also help to address issues that face our residents today. This plan has been created with those who live, work and do business in York and North Yorkshire at its heart, to deliver better quality and more secure jobs, more affordable homes and provide better connectivity. My ambition is simple: to help create places where people can thrive – where good health, good jobs, and a good quality of life are part of everyday experience, not just ambition.”
York and North Yorkshire’s economic development strategy positions the region as one of the North’s strongest performers, with York recognised as the most productive city in the UK. The plan aims to sustain that performance through targeted investment, innovation, and collaboration across business, academia, and local government.
