The Regional Economic Development Strategy was a major deliverable for our funding partners, and it was also a deliverable under the WHAM Plan. The development of this strategy involved a number of stages including;

Economic Baseline Audit: this study allowed us to develop an accurate and thorough understanding of the region's competitive advantages, and the issues affecting development. It assessed socio-economic factors, infrastructure, and significant sectors and allowed us to establish a baseline from which to measure improvement.

Scenario Planning: the next step in the process asked stakeholders in the region to look forward in terms of where we might be in 10 years time and what issues might we be facing. A number of possible future scenarios were developed, regional risks were identified, and potential strategies were suggested.

Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS): the strategy was compiled based on stakeholder input and data analysis from the above two stages, as well as a review of existing regional plans (e.g. WHAM Plan). The REDS identified six strategies, all with targeted goals attached. The REDS will assist in the selection of REDC's projects going forward.

• Executive Summary
• REDS Snapshot
• REDS Comparative Advantage
• REDS Framework

Implementation of the strategy is through a wide range of regional projects.

A number of REDS Discussion Groups, involving regional stakeholders, are also a key part of strategy implementation.