Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Horsham District Council representatives visited the newly opened Schroders Campus to foster public–private collaboration.
- Talks centred on *business support*, investment opportunities, and workforce development in West Sussex.
- Partnerships with Benchmark Capital could unlock fresh investment streams for local enterprises.
- New career pathways and training initiatives aim to equip residents for the evolving financial sector.
- The visit signals Horsham’s ambition to become a **regional hub** for financial innovation and economic growth.
Table of Contents
Background of the Visit
Representatives from Horsham District Council toured the state-of-the-art Schroders Campus earlier this month, signalling a renewed commitment to bolster the district’s economic landscape. As a FTSE 100 powerhouse in asset and investment management, Schroders’ decision to anchor significant operations in Horsham presents a strategic opportunity for the council to cultivate high-value partnerships.
“Collaboration with industry leaders like Schroders is pivotal to Horsham’s future prosperity,” a council spokesperson remarked.
Key Discussion Points
During the visit, council delegates and campus leadership explored a triad of priorities designed to supercharge regional growth:
- Developing robust *business support* frameworks for startups and scale-ups.
- Co-creating investment platforms that attract new capital into West Sussex.
- Establishing career pipelines through internships, graduate schemes, and continuous learning.
Economic Impact on Horsham & West Sussex
Schroders’ presence is already rippling through the local economy. Initial estimates suggest the campus could generate *hundreds* of skilled jobs over the next five years, boosting disposable income and strengthening the district’s tax base. Moreover, proximity to a blue-chip firm enhances Horsham’s allure to ancillary industries—think legal, tech, and professional services—creating a multiplier effect that benefits the broader South East region.
Opportunities for Local Businesses
Beyond headline employment figures, the council is keen to leverage Schroders’ ecosystem to open doors for local enterprises. Planned initiatives include:
- Supplier matchmaking events connecting SMEs with procurement teams at both Schroders and Benchmark Capital.
- Workshops on accessing *investment readiness* programmes and seed funding.
- A proposed “Innovation Sprint” to fast-track fintech solutions addressing real-world challenges.
Career Development Initiatives
Schroders is partnering with local colleges to design curricula that blend technical finance skills with sustainability and digital fluency. *Work-based learning* models, including apprenticeships and mentoring circles, are expected to equip residents with in-demand competencies, reducing skills gaps and enhancing social mobility.
Community Engagement & Future Plans
Looking ahead, Horsham District Council intends to formalise its collaboration with Schroders through a memorandum of understanding. Key milestones include quarterly progress reviews, joint grant applications for *green finance* projects, and a public open day at the campus to showcase opportunities for residents.
FAQs
What does the council hope to achieve from this partnership?
The council aims to attract investment, create high-quality jobs, and nurture an innovation-friendly ecosystem that benefits businesses and residents alike.
How will local businesses be able to engage with Schroders?
Through supplier fairs, networking sessions, and collaborative grant bids that prioritise regional companies.
Will there be new training programmes for young people?
Yes. Apprenticeships, internships, and joint courses with local educational institutions are planned to help young people gain industry-relevant skills.
What sectors stand to benefit most from the collaboration?
Financial services, technology, professional advisory, and green energy sectors are likely to see the greatest gains.
When will residents start seeing tangible outcomes?
Some initiatives—like business workshops—will roll out within months, while larger infrastructure and employment impacts are expected over the next two to three years.