Economic development and enterprise

There is growing recognition of the contribution that voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) make to Middlesbrough's economy. As employers, small businesses and social enterprises, VCOs are capable of attracting resources to the area, investing surpluses in local services and developing the workforce.

Frontline services support the progression to employment of some of the most excluded groups of Middlesbrough people. Other VCOs are active in the arts and culture, housing and a range of other work to support Middlesbrough's economic and social regeneration.

MVDA has supported the voluntary and community sector (VCS) contribution to both the strategic planning and the commissioning of initiatives to promote Middlesbrough's economic vitality. We are disappointed that from 1 April 2011 we no longer have a specialist Planning and Partnership Officer for economic development and enterprise.