Apologies: Antony Merritt, Chris Miles, James Durie
LEP Distribution Sector Group
11th March 2014, 3:30pm
Engine Shed, Bristol
Attendees: David Coombes, Melissa Houston, Bob Pinkett, Bob Prescott, Sue Turner, Ian Steele, Ken Simpson, JosetteSavilles
Apologies: Antony Merritt, Chris Miles, James Durie
1.Introductions
David welcomed the group to the first Distribution meeting in around 2 years and introductions were made.
2.Objectives of the group
The WE LEPs main aims and objectives are to create jobs and improve economic growth. Is this too broad an agenda for the group to work with?
Past issues that the group has focused on were – Skills, land use, marketing (to cover all areas), flood risk insurance and planning.
Ken felt that sustainability and air quality (including all modes of transport) should be added.
3.Previous targets
Previous chair Russell Croft’s experience was in property – David asked if the group felt these targets were still relevant.
With a mixture of old and new members, no one knew if these targets had been actioned.
Group agreed to start afresh, aiming for something other than a long “wish” list.
4.Current transport issues
Bob Pinkett produced a list of key issues to discuss with the group:
- National Freight Movements
- Urban Freight
- Freight Gateways
- Context – Economy, Policy & Funding
These heading created an open discussion within the group. Areas of discussion included:
- Using these issues as a starting point to build a lobby
- London based concern for the safety of cyclists is spreading to Bristol. As a pro cycling city, it is important to highlight that cyclists are not at risk with freight vehicles
- Ensuring that destinations (such as Filton) have an even balance of both freight and passenger
- The loss of staff to places like Heathrow. How do we encourage people to enter the industry and stay within the West of England?
5.Avonmouth / Severnside: Flood defence consultation, M49 junction status
Ian provided an update on the flood defence consultation. A published document is available and although the public consultation period is now closed, Ian is still happy to receive feedback/comments.
Work commissioned to look into this issue resulted in 3 options:
- Land raising
- Improvements to current wall defences
- Build more wall defences
Consensus seems to be for option 2, improving what is already there. Timescale for this development is currently unknown. Hope for flood defence to be underway 2016-2017.
M49 – As there isn’t a project ready to start tomorrow or the ability to spend any funding by a set date, it is felt that funding streams have been exhausted.
Highways Agency will publish theirprogramme strategy soon – this should feature the M49 junction.
Ian will keep the group updated on the status of both these issues
6.SEP prospectus final amendments
Everyone was happy with the input/amendments made byboth David and Bob.
When David became chair he met with Jane Middleton who is now aware of the Distribution skills gap:
- A change in the HGV law from September may lead to a sudden (and large) reduction in drivers
- Averages age of a driver is currently 54 years old. Need to highlight the job opportunities within the industry
ACTION: Melissa to invite Adam Powell (new Head of Skills to replace Jane Middleton) to a meeting
7.West of England Freight Partnership
This group has not met since 2011. The partnership brought together officers from the four local authorities and the freight industry to discuss and raise common issues. It is believed that it became increasing difficult for local authorities to resource this - rejuvenation would be welcomed.
ACTION: Melissa to investigate who to contact to enable David to proceed with the group.
8.Lobbying
Not discussed as an agenda item, however lobbying was mentioned when discussing the objectives of the group.
9.7th May WE LEP event
Melissa circulated a “Save the Date” card for 3 events scheduled for 2014 – First one will be held on the 7th May at the Passenger Shed in Bristol. This will be the first LEP event that will bring together ALL members of the 11 Sector and 4 Cross Cutting groups with the aim to encourage cross collaboration.
Sector Chairs have been asked to facilitate a meeting/discussion during the 90 minute breakout session. To manage numbers, invitees will be asked to register their attendance and selection the session they would like to participate in.
Formal invitations with links to register will be emailed soon.
10.Meeting format / process / make up
Open question to the group –Should someone from the Highways Agency be invited to join the group? Is there anyone else that should be asked to join?
ACTION: David to discuss with Ian suitable people thatmight want to join the group
Group agreed that a follow up meeting before the LEP event on the 7th Maywould be beneficial as it is important to keep the energy of the group going, particularly during these early stages.
ACTION: 23rd April was selected. Melissa to send out diary invite once venue is booked.
11.AOB
No other business
Next meeting: Wednesday 23rd April
2 Rivergate, Bristol – 3pm