Approved at Board meeting - 20/07/11

GREATER BIRMINGHAM AND SOLIHULL

LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

BOARD MEETING

MINUTES OF THE MEETIING OF 8TH JUNE 2011

ATTENDANCE

Andy Street (Chairman) John Lewis Partnership

Steve Hollis (Deputy Chairman) KPMG

Rob Brown Roger Bullivant Limited

Nick Bunker President of Kraft Foods & Cadbury UK /Ireland

Brian Francis ThyssenKrupp Tallent Ltd

Paul Heaven Blue Sky Corporate Finance

Dave Kaye National Express UK Limited

Wade Lyn Island Delights

Alan Volkaerts Jaguar Land Rover

Cllr Mike Whitby Leader, Birmingham CC

Cllr Roger Hollingworth Leader, Bromsgrove DC

Cllr George Adamson Leader, Cannock Chase DC

Cllr Richard Grosvenor Leader, East Staffordshire BC

Cllr Michael Wilcox Leader, Lichfield DC

Cllr Ken Meeson Leader, Solihull MBC

Cllr Steve Claymore Cabinet Member, Tamworth BC (for Cllr Cook)

Professor David Eastwood University of Birmingham

IN SUPPORT

Mark Barrow Secretary to the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP

Katie Trout Programme Manager Greater Birmingham & Solihull

LEP

1. APOLOGIES

Cllr Daniel Cook Leader, Tamworth BC

1 / Welcome / Action
1.1
1.2
1.3 / The Chairman welcomed members and expressed his appreciation to the group for their attendance and for their contribution in taking forward the key objectives of the LEP.
Further drew attention to the opportunity presented by BBC WM Today for an interview of the Chairman to take place following on from the meeting on the LEPs position in relation to HS2 at agenda item 4. Member’s views were sought on this approach.
Following discussion the Board agreed that the Chairman be interviewed by BBC WM Today if an appropriate way forward/decision was made on HS2. / Chairman
2 / Introduction by Mike Naysmith M.D & John Nicholson, Director of Local Government Services, WSP
2.1
2.2 / The Board received a short presentation from Mike Naysmith and John Nicholson on the aims, objectives and client base of WSP and advised how their work could bring opportunities and benefits in unlocking development and regeneration in the area.
The Chair expressed thanks for hosting the inaugural meeting of the Board and for the interesting presentation received.
3 / Draft Notes/Matters Arising from the last meeting held on 18th April 2011
3.1 / The minutes from the last meeting were agreed.
3.2 / Matters Arising From Last Meeting.
3.3 / Enterprise Zone (EZ)
3.4 / The Board received feedback from Mark Barrow on the outcomes of a recent meeting with CLG in relation to the detail for both the Enterprise Zone and the Enterprise Belt submissions.
3.5 / In relation to the Enterprise Zone proposal noted the positive feedback received and key milestones for receipt of an announcement in July. Further tabled an outline map of the Enterprise Zone which had been updated to omit residential housing tenure but included the Digital District.
3.6 / Mark Barrow went on to outline CLG feedback in respect of second round submissions and the need to work hard and provide a robust case in relation to the Enterprise Belt submission.
3.7 / Some discussion took place around the viability of the second submission and it was agreed that the original approach should be pursued.
3.8
i)
ii) / The Board agreed that:
the EZ Business Case is developed and submitted to Government by 30th June
A copy of the submission is received/noted by the Board at its meeting scheduled for 20th July / Mark Barrow
Agenda/
Secretariat
4 / High Speed Rail
4.1 / Dave Dave Kay outlined the key features of the report which made the case for High Speed Rail network and the wider supporting role of complementary transportation interventions/projects within the LEP area which maximise the local, regional and national, economic productivity/connectivity benefits.
4.2 / Further noted that there had been broad general consensus from the Task and Finish Group in favour of the concept with some caveats around the need to include a package of supporting transport measures (as outlined in appendix A) as well an effective compensation scheme.
4.3 / It was highlighted that whilst there was broad support by the LEP, the position of Lichfield DC was acknowledged as outlined at paragraphs 4.8 and 4.9 of the report.
4.4 / Dave Kaye drew attention to the financial risks and opportunities in support of a high speed rail network and the short- term and longer-term benefits that would be realised for the LEP in going forward.
4.5 / The debate was opened up for discussion by the group, the following views emerged:
4.6 / Cllr Ken Meeson advised of Solihull’s support in principle for HS2 with reserved position for a final decision. Members wish to be satisfied about the business case for connectivity to the rest of the Country, the effectiveness of the compensation scheme and that costs will not fall to the LA. A Scrutiny meeting was scheduled to take place on 5th July with recommendations for consideration/approval at their Cabinet meeting scheduled for 13th July.
4.7 / Cllr George Adamson noted the supportive position of Cannock Chase,
however highlighted the need for opportunities for regional transport
improvements to be spread across the whole of the LEP area.
4.8 / Cllr Mike Whitby conveyed Birmingham’s positive support and outlined
the need for mutual trust in the LEP acting as a catalyst to accelerate
the essential connectivity e.g. to the Airport and across the region.
4.9 / Cllr Mike Wilcox advised of Lichfield DC’s position in terms of the
resolution made by the District Council in objection to High Speed 2 and
as reiterated in paragraphs 4.8 and 4.9 of the report.
4.10 / Cllr Steve Claymore advised that his Council were still to make a final
decision and therefore could not give a clear steer to members of the
Board.
4.11
4.12 / Cllr Richard Grosvenor advised that East Staffordshire were very clear of the potential economic benefits and were completely supportive.
Cllr Roger Hollingworth advised that Bromsgrove DC were also totally
supportive although acknowledged the need to ensure effective
connectivity.
4.13 / Professor David Eastwood highlighted his supportive position in going
forward and noted the issue of past intergenerational failure to invest in
transport infrastructure and spoke of the transformational opportunity for
the LEP in going forward.
4.14 / In concluding discussions and summarising the majority views of the
Board , the Chairman reflected a sense of strong support for a positive
LEP response to the Government’s High Speed Rail consultation.
However also acknowledged the issues, sensitivities and political
challenges as outlined by members and in particular the position of
Lichfield DC, noting that its position would be reflected in
communications going forward. Further reiterated the need for the LEP
to be supportive of such transformational interventions in order to make
a real difference for the future benefit of the area.
4.15 / The Board agreed:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv) / A positive LEP response on HS2 would be communicated but also
reflect that Lichfield DC is not supportive of the position. This
would be communicated via an interview with the Chairman and
BBC WM Midlands Today as well as in a press release following on
from the Board meeting and in any future communications.
A LEP response to the Government’s formal High Speed Rail consultation would be developed and a draft be brought back to the next Board meeting scheduled for 20th July
The package of supporting transport measures proposed were noted and agreed that these are further developed and included as appendices to the LEP response.
That a case should be made to the Government for an alternative and more efficient/effective compensation scheme (rather than that currently on offer by Government) which will be more attractive to recipients. / Chairman
Solihull MBC
Dave Kaye/
HS2 Sub-
Group
Agenda/Sect
Dave Kaye/
HS2 Sub-
Group
Dave Kaye/
HS2 Sub-
Group
5 / Employment and Skills
5.1 / Lynda Hackwell (Lead Officer – Solihull MBC) and Paul Thandi (Chair of Birmingham & Solihull Employment & Skills Board) outlined the background and proposals for taking forward a LEP approach to employment and skills. In doing so, sought the Boards consideration and agreement to:
i)  The creation of strategic and local structures featuring a LEP Employment and Skills Board (ESB), together with local ESBs
ii)  6 priorities for the ESB to address
iii)  The ESB initial work programme
5.2 / In considering the proposals outlined, Board members expressed the following views:
5.3 / Cllr Mike Whitby highlighted the content of a letter he had received from Cllr Jerry Evans (BCC Chair of Overview & Scrutiny) in relation to the challenges and key priorities as set out in the report. In noting recommendations from the scrutiny review, noted the need to also address as a priority the issue of skills requirements of those unemployed over the age of 19 years of age and in particular those whom have lost jobs over the last two years or so.
5.4 / In discussing strategic objectives and success factors, Cllr Ken Meeson suggested that there was a need for quick wins and delivery through more emphasis being placed on apprenticeships and work experience.
5.5 / In responding to a query from Nick Bunker on the role and effectiveness of the proposed structure, Paul Thandi advised that the model presented an opportunity for delivery and expertise to be more localised with the role at the strategic level to set strategic objectives and monitor performance on the ground.
5.6 / There was some discussion around the strategy in going forward, David Eastwood suggested the need to be forward thinking in terms of attracting businesses to the area and looking to plan and provide the skills required for business relocation of the future. In this respect there is a need to align this approach with the LEP economic strategy to take advantage of competitive opportunities.
5.7 / Following discussion the Board agreed:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv) / That a LEP Employment & Skills Board is created together with
local ESBs, the structure will need to align with wider LEP
structure and so may need to be revised as this develops.
The six priorities as outlined in the report, but advised that these
will need to align within the context of the LEP Strategy as this
develops.
The initial work programme as appended to the report.
Once a structure is established an Employment & Skills champion from the Board will be identified alongside the identification of other Board champions as the wider LEP work priorities develop. / Paul Thandi
Lynda Hackwell
LEP ESB
LEP ESB
Chairman
6 / RGF Update/LEP Submission
6.1 / Mark Barrow gave an overview by way of background to the process and successful outcomes from round 1 of RGF and noted the process and funding available for round 2, highlighting that 6 expressions of interest (EOI) for project packages from the LEP were submitted to BIS on 1st June with final bids to be submitted by 1st July.
6.2 / Members attention was drawn to the summary of EOI Project Package bids at paragraph 18 A-F of the report and the two options outlined at paragraph 21 of the report for the Boards consideration in order to secure their input into the final LEP submission.
6.3 / Mark Barrow also went onto highlight the details and opportunities presented for the LEP in making a submission to the Government’s Start-Up-Fund as outlined at paragraphs 24 and 25 of the report, with a submission deadline by 30th June. Further sought a steer from the Board on the content of the Start-Up-Fund and agreement for a process to sign off the LEP bid.
6.4 / In considering the recommendations as outlined in the report and in particular the priorities for the 6 RGF project package bids, members of the Board highlighted the following key matters:
·  Acknowledged the tight timeframes to finesse ideas in order for officers to work up a full application
·  The need to be realistic in terms of what can be delivered in a reasonable time frame and measured effectively
·  Supportive of option 2 as an approach, i.e for a small Task and Finish Group, comprising of an equal number of business and local authority members is created to work with the relevant officers and partners. This would ensure the process in going forward and input from the Board
·  Acknowledged the need to be “forward thinking” when assessing priorities e.g. access to finance for small businesses, the skills agenda were supported
·  Views in relation to a combined LEP bid as outlined at paragraph 18 (D) – aerospace, automotive and manufacturing programme which was identified as a key priority and an innovative programme
·  In terms of Paragraph 18 (B) – Retail development programme, suggested that deliverables from coaching and mentoring are difficult to measure
·  Measurement is key to success – direct job creation needs to be demonstrated
·  Start-Up-Fund to focus on research required to underpin the Economic Strategy. Noted that caution required and need to be objective in terms of research utilised as evidence base in going forward/decision making.
6.5
i)
ii)
iii)
iv) / Following discussion the Board agreed :
RGF Task and Finish Group to be established to assess / develop
the LEP’s programme bids. Task and Finish Group to sign-off bids
before submission to Government (deadline 1st July).
LEP to endorse private sector bids that meet the priorities that are
set out in the Interim Economic Strategy. Process - Bids to be
collated and assessed and aligned with strategic fit of priorities.
Bids will be endorsed by the Task & Finish Group at the
recommendation of the Funding Sub-Group. Those agreed will be
covered by a LEP endorsement letter.
Start-Up Fund bid to focus on research required to underpin the
Economic Strategy. Research requirements to be identified and a
bid developed.
Chairman to agree Start-Up Fund application by bid submission deadline of 30th June / Steve Hollis &
Paul Heaven
To be business
Leads (support-
ed by Funding
Sub-Group)
Recommend-
actions from
Funding
Sub-Group to
be
ratified by T&F
Group
Steve Hollis/