A PLAN which aims to place Hambleton as a top place to base business has been approved by district councillors.

Hambleton District Council’s Inward Investment Strategy aims to attract high quality jobs to the district by looking at its unique selling qualities and how they can be recognised nationally.

It will look to attract businesses based on their economic and community needs, encourage collaborations between companies and ensure there is access to good quality employment sites.

Finding land links with the council’s new Local Plan, but the initial focus will be on potential employment sites around Leeming Bar near Bedale.

The plan was given the approval of councillors at Hambleton’s full cabinet meeting.

The action plan will look at the land, skills, support and opportunity the area has to offer investors and ensure a sufficient supply of good quality employment sites over the next five years, as well as encouraging links between existing and potential new businesses in the area.

As well as encouraging collaboration between businesses, it will also promote the creations of centres of excellence in some sectors.

Deputy Leader of the council, Cllr Peter Wilkinson said it was hoped the plans could bring more top quality jobs to the area which would benefit everyone, particularly young people.

He said “This strategy will help us attract high quality jobs for local people – particularly for graduates and apprentices, improve the current infrastructure and grow the existing network of businesses.

“It will also market Hambleton for investors – we want to see the district recognised nationally as a place to do business and invest in.”

Hambleton council covers Northallerton, Thirsk and Easingwold.