Salisbury Vision folds – new forum to take its place

A new forum is being established to ensure the continuing development of Salisbury’s economic future, following the dissolution of the Salisbury Vision board due to funding cuts.

The Salisbury Vision board met for the last time on 16 April and decided to dissolve following the withdrawal of direct resourcing from Wiltshire Council for the three advisory Vision Partnerships in Salisbury, Chippenham and Trowbridge.

Since the formation of Salisbury Vision, says Wiltshire Council, the local partnership landscape has changed considerably resulting in substantial duplication between the role of the Vision and other bodies.

The combined activities of the Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID), the Salisbury Area Board, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) and Salisbury City Council working in partnership with Wiltshire Council will provide a more efficient and focused strategic approach to the city’s economic success, it says.

Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, Wiltshire Council cabinet member with responsibility for economic development, skills and strategic transport said: “These agencies are working in a strong partnership to ensure Salisbury continues to flourish economically. We’re grateful to all those involved with the Vision for their work over the years.”

The forum will bring together all the key economic, civic, cultural and community partners in the city with a role in its economic development including: Wiltshire Council (including relevant Area Boards), Salisbury City Council, Salisbury Business Improvement District , Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry , Salisbury Federation of Small Businesses , Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury Civic Society, VisitWiltshire, and Salisbury Arts community.