Minutes of LEP Distribution Sector Group

19thMay 2014, 3pm

2 Rivergate, Bristol BS1 6EH

Attendees: David Coombes, Bob Pinkett, Melissa Houston, Andrew Ridler, Adam Powell, Chris Miles, Ken Simpson, Jonathon Mordaunt, Pearl Mills, Ian Steele, Bryan Jackson, George Elliott

Apologies: Jack Allen, Anthony Merritt

  1. Welcome
  2. David welcomed the group and introductions were made for the benefit of new members.
  3. Actions from the previous meeting were reviewed. David and Ian have discussed who else should be invited to join the sector group. There’s a good representation from logistics – Who is missing? Highways Agency? Group agreed that it might be difficult to get large organisations to commit to attending regular meetings and that having a strong UA presence should be enough.
  4. Moving forward the group feel they should be engaged with the Low Carbon’s core group.
  5. Dates for future meetings need to be decided and circulated (ASAP) to ensure everyone can attend. This will also help when trying to invite new people to join.ACTION: David and Melissa to agree dates and circulate to the group.
  1. Group Objectives
  2. David did a quick review of the group’s objectives for the benefit of those that weren’t at the first meeting.
  3. Group agreed that a strategy needs to be produced. There’s a lot of focus on passenger, important to not forget jobs and freight.
  4. Important to align the draft documentwith the bullet points within the Sector Prospectus.
  1. Lobbying
  2. David believes that to help raise the presence of the sector group they should be lobbying but what does this mean?
  3. Ken informed the group that there’s a strong cross over with the Retail Sector Group = potential to support each other.
  4. Open discussion: What are the “Terms of Reference”? Clarity needed on the correct process – Does the group always have to go through the LEP Board?
  1. WE LEP Collaboratorium
  2. Melissa updated the group on the LEP event. Over 150 key members attended and participated in a number of different workshops.
  3. This was the first time sector and cross cutting group members had been brought together for an event. With onus on chairs to filter information down to members, this was a great opportunity for everyone to receive a LEP update, network and encourage group collaboration.
  4. Melissa expressed that it would be good to have a strong presence from the Distribution group at the next event – 11th September.
  1. WE SEP
  2. Melissa gave a very brief update – SEP was submitted to Government at the end of March. We’re now waiting to hear how much we’ll get which should be in July.
  3. Although the LEP has since been told the money available isn’t as high as first informed, we’re feeling positive about the bid.
  1. WE Freight Partnership
  • David met with Melissa and Barbara Davies (Head of Place and Infrastructure) to discuss reinvigorating the group, as it hasn’t met since 2011. Barbara didn’t see this as a problem as David has different objectives i.e. Freight focus not planning.
  • David feels the name is more identifiable to people outside of the LEP - This group will be used as a forum to discuss/open debate on freight issues.
  1. M49 Junction Status
  2. Route based strategy produced – there are references within other strategic documents for the need of a junction extending back at least 20 years. The Strategy directly references the City Deal process and therefore some form of Highways Agency/City Deal partnership may be the funding outcome requirement in order to get the junction built.
  3. The Route Based Strategy document relating to the M49 does not make an unequivocal case for a junction as perhaps had been expected in the lead-in to its publication.
  4. Assessment criteria – while referencing (in places) that the junction is a priority, there are some assessment criteria where the junction scores less well relative to other Strategy schemes. The key strength is probably the link to the economic development potential as a result of a junction.
  1. Draft Distribution, Freight & Logistics Strategy 2014-2019
  2. Bob circulated and took the group through the (draft) strategy – What they would like to achieve in the next 5 years.
  3. It is felt that Distribution’s contribution to the economy is underestimated.
  4. There are a number of projects to focus on. Important to make sure they do not conflict with LEP activities.
  5. Once projects are defined, it’s important for the group to see where they fit with other sectors/cross cutting groups.
  • ACTION: Bob to recirculate the draft document for members to read and amend/add comments and any facts/figures that can be added would be appreciated.
  1. Skills Gap
  2. Adam introduced himself to the group as the new Head of Skills for the LEP and there is a focus on the 5 priority sectors (High Tech, Low Carbon, Advanced Engineering & Aerospace, Creative and Professional Services). Adam also gave an overview of what the team does – connections between FE colleges, universities, businesses, funding for training etc.
  3. Adam understands that the focus is on the promotion of careers to schools and the shortage of qualified drivers. Adam expressed the importance of linking up with other sectors – there shouldn’t (and needed be) 12 separate strategies working towards the same goal.
  4. Pearl recently held an event and facilitated a workshop to find out what the restraints are.
  5. Pearl has emailed David details on future UWE events that include 121 with graduates. ACTION: David to circulate this information to members.
  6. Consensus was that clarity on what support is available, funding streams etc would be useful. George feels that the Apprenticeship Hub should achieve this.
  1. AOB
  2. Nothing raised

Next meeting: Tuesday 29th July, 3pm

2 Rivergate, Bristol BS1 6EH