Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025-2030) Annual Progress Report
Perth and Kinross Council · 26 August 2026
Back to Economy and Infrastructure Committee — 26 August 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Economy and Infrastructure Committee Date of Meeting: 26 August 2026 Report Title: Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025-2030) Annual Progress Report Report Number: 26/221 Report Author: Kirsty Easton, Business Growth Team Leader Organisational Lead: Serge Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy Development and Planning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this Report is to provide the first annual progress update on the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025–2030), including progress against the agreed actions, the work of the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership and the governance arrangements established to oversee delivery. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background/Context 4. Main Issues 5. Partnership Delivery 6. Communications and Engagement 7. Business Champions 8. Data Working Group 9. Collaborative Investment 10. Economic Summit 11. Review of the Action Plan 12. Conclusion 13. Impact and Value Assessment 14. Appendices
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2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Notes the good progress made during the first year of delivery of the Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025–2030); 2.2 Notes the Action Plan progress update attached as Appendix 1, including progress against individual actions; 2.3 Notes the continued work of the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership in coordinating delivery of the Action Plan and strengthening collaborative working across partner organisations; and 2.4 Asks that further annual progress reports continue to be presented to Economy and Infrastructure Committee. 3. Background/Context 3.1 In February 2025, the Economy and Infrastructure Committee endorsed the draft Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025–2030) and agreed that it should proceed to public consultation before being finalised by the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership. The Action plan was finalised by the Partnership in May 2025 when it was formally published. 3.2 The Action Plan provides a shared framework for economic development activity across Perth and Kinross linking to the Tay Cities Regional Economic Strategy and Prospectus for Regional Growth (2025-2035). It focuses on growing a stronger, greener and fairer economy through collaborative action by public, private, education and third sector partners. 3.3 Delivery of the Action Plan commenced during 2025 and is led by Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership. The Partnership provides strategic oversight, challenge and coordination of delivery across partner organisations, ensuring a collaborative approach to achieving shared economic priorities. This report provides the first annual update on progress and demonstrates how the Partnership has continued to strengthen collaborative working whilst progressing delivery of the agreed actions. 4. Main Issues 4.1 Good progress has been made during the first year of delivery. A number of actions have now been completed, with the majority of remaining actions progressing as planned. Several longer-term projects continue to develop and will require ongoing partnership working, external investment and project development over the lifetime of the Action Plan. 4.2 Progress against each action has been reviewed, and an updated Action Plan is provided at Appendix 1. Actions have been assigned a Red, Amber or Green (RAG) status to provide a clear indication of delivery progress.
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4.3 Several significant actions have already been completed during the first year, whilst others have moved from planning into delivery. Examples include continued progress on strategic investment projects, development of business support initiatives, advancement of city centre regeneration activity and implementation of actions supporting clean growth, tourism and inward investment. 4.4 The Partnership recognises that several actions represent long-term transformational projects extending beyond a single reporting year. Progress therefore continues to be monitored through quarterly Partnership meetings, with delivery adapted where appropriate to reflect changing economic conditions, emerging opportunities and available funding. 5. Partnership Delivery Partnership Governance 5.1 The Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership has continued to meet quarterly throughout the year, providing strategic oversight of delivery of the Economic Action Plan. 5.2 Partnership meetings provide opportunities to: • monitor progress against agreed actions; • consider emerging economic opportunities and challenges; • align partner activity and resources; • identify opportunities for collaborative working; and • oversee delivery of shared economic development priorities. 5.3 The Partnership continues to bring together representatives from the Council, business support organisations, education providers, the private sector and the third sector, ensuring a coordinated approach to economic development across Perth and Kinross. 5.4 The high participation rates in meetings, events and joint activities and the good level of satisfaction amongst partners indicate efficient partnership working and that the Partnership is developing as a strong and quality partnership. 6. Communications and Engagement 6.1 Over the course of this first year the Partnership approved a Communications and Engagement Plan to support delivery of the Economic Action Plan. The Plan establishes a coordinated approach to promoting the Partnership’s priorities, communicating progress, engaging businesses and communities and strengthening awareness of economic opportunities across Perth and Kinross. It also supports inward investment activity through consistent messaging across partner organisations.
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6.2 Having a Communications and Engagement Plan in place supports the development of a clear joint narrative to be used through established communication channels. 7. Business Champions 7.1 The Partnership has also developed a Business Champions initiative to strengthen engagement with the local business community and demonstrate its customer-focused approach. 7.2 The initiative brings together respected business leaders from across Perth and Kinross to act as ambassadors for the region, promote the Economic Action Plan, support inward investment activity and provide practical business insight to help inform future priorities. 7.3 Business Champions will also support delivery of engagement activity including roundtable discussions, business events, place promotion and the inaugural Perth and Kinross Economic Summit. 8. Data Working Group 8.1 Recognising the importance of evidence-led decision making, the Partnership has established a joint Data Working Group with the Perth and Kinross Local Employability Partnership. 8.2 The purpose of the group is to improve the sharing and use of economic, labour market and demographic intelligence across partner organisations. The group will review existing data sources, identify opportunities to share information appropriately, develop common indicators and strengthen the evidence base used to inform investment decisions, policy development and targeting of support. 8.3 This collaborative approach will reduce duplication, improve understanding of local economic challenges and support more informed decision making across both partnerships. 8.4 Although a Regional Intelligence Hub has not been established yet as stated in the Plan, the Data Working Group is a robust starting point to contribute to its development. 9. Collaborative Investment 9.1 The Partnership has continued to play an important role in overseeing collaborative investment activity across Perth and Kinross. 9.2 During delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme, partners collectively considered project proposals, agreed funding recommendations, monitored delivery, reviewed project performance and considered the reallocation of funding where appropriate.
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9.3 This collaborative governance approach has ensured that investment decisions reflect the priorities of the Economic Action Plan whilst benefiting from the expertise and challenge provided by a broad range of partners. 9.4 The good and efficient delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme has demonstrated an efficient sharing of financial resources. 9.5 Although there is a good commitment from Partners and sharing of specific tasks and actions, more progress would need to be made in relation to efficient sharing of staff and training. 10. Economic Summit 10.1 The Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership has also supported development of the inaugural Perth and Kinross Economic Summit which will take place on 9 September 2026. 10.2 Partnership members have contributed to programme development, and will assist through promotion of the event, facilitation of roundtable discussions, participation in the Economic Village and wider stakeholder engagement. The Summit will provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between businesses, partners and communities whilst promoting the shared ambitions of the Economic Action Plan. 11. Review of the Action Plan 11.1 The Economic Action Plan is intended to be a live document that evolves in response to changing economic circumstances and emerging opportunities. 11.2 At its May 2026 meeting, the Partnership agreed to undertake a comprehensive review of the Action Plan at its September 2026 meeting. This review will consider progress during the first year of delivery, update completed actions, review actions requiring amendment and identify any new collaborative priorities. 11.3 This approach ensures the Action Plan remains relevant, responsive and focused on delivering the greatest impact for Perth and Kinross. 12. Conclusion 12.1 The first year of delivery demonstrates that good progress has been made in implementing the Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan. 12.2 Alongside progressing individual actions, the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership has continued to strengthen collaborative working through robust governance, coordinated communications, enhanced business engagement, improved data sharing and joint investment decision making. 12.3 While a number of longer-term actions remain in development, the Partnership has established strong foundations for delivery and remains committed to continually reviewing and refining the Action Plan to respond to changing economic conditions and maximise opportunities for businesses, communities and residents across Perth and Kinross.
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13. Impact and Value Assessment This is an operational report, and as such, no further assessment is required. 14. Appendices 14.1 Appendix 1 - PK Economic Action Plan Progress Update 14.2 Appendix 2 - Communications and Engagement Plan