Transition from Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone to Tech Valleys
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Transition from Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone to Tech Valleys Mark Langshaw MBE Managing Director Continental Teves UK Ltd Chair, Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone/TechValleys Strategic Advisory Boards Background • EZ established by Welsh Government in 2012 • Objective – to sustain and create jobs & improve GVA in the area • Ebbw Vale one of eight zones in Wales • Enterprise Zones are designated geographical areas that support new and expanding businesses by providing business infrastructure and support • The Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone focuses primarily on the advanced materials and manufacturing sector • Advisory Board appointed, private sector led • Partnership Welsh Government / local government / private sector Vision for EVEZ will be of a vibrant; world class high technology hotspot for Welsh based manufacturing companies of all sizes spanning many key sub sectors, providing employment that is challenging, rewarding and valued Objective – jobs and growth creation Support the improvement of infrastructure links and development of circa 450,000 sq. ft. of new industrial /commercial floor space, which could generate up to £20 million of private sector investment and the potential to accommodate 1,000 permanent jobs PLUS employment during construction phases Roles and Responsibilities • Recommendation and implementation of strategic interventions and priorities to secure jobs and investment • Monitor/challenge progress on key areas, including • strategic advice towards investment opportunities • encouraging supply chain development • Identifying needs - property, infrastructure, business support, international export, R&D • Marketing and promotion of the Enterprise Zone. • Support WG Business Development to attract new investors in the area, providing real world local experience of running a business in their sector in the area • Reviewing the existing strategies ensuring they remain current and reflect the opportunities presented Achievements A465 dual Aspire 38 enquiries carriageway shared Apprenticeship 68 individuals 3,000+ potential jobs £158 Mn 20 companies Employment 14 graduates Liaison Project 449 £53k 55 companies Flexible Skills 387 individuals jobs 40 full time jobs 379 training referrals Rail link 237 training places £11.5 Mn May 2015 Property Improvement Business Rates Relief Grants £1.3Mn, 28 businesses Other Highlights Future Direction – TechValleys What In 2027 the south Wales Valleys and Blaenau Gwent in particular, will be a globally recognised centre for the development of new technologies to support cutting edge industry. Wales will be internationally recognised as a leading location for the development and delivery of emerging technologies, particularly within the automotive sector. As host to significant organisations in the next wave of high value manufacturing, Blaenau Gwent will be a beacon for collaboration between business, academia and the public sector, delivering these ambitions through a series of strategic investments. TechValleys Vision Building on the work of the Strategic Advisory Group, the Tech Valleys programme will be delivered through a portfolio of related and complementary projects, as well as inward investment, over the short, medium and long term In line with the Economic Action Plan, TechValleys will have the principles of growth, fair work and decarbonisation at its heart while seeking to spread the fruits of economic growth to areas that have not fared so well in recent years. Likely investment in innovative areas such as the development and testing of battery and motor technology, 5G activity, the infrastructure needed for automated and ultra low emission vehicles. TechValleys Strategic Plan Vision published 2017, Strategic Plan in 2018 Short, medium & long term activities and targets : • Governance - Strategic Advisory Group • Property – range of properties suitable to house new opportunities • Skills – to future-proof jobs! • Infrastructure – digital connectivity • Inward Investment Welsh Government spend is not expected to be linear throughout the ten year programme, but both proactive and reactive as new opportunities for both private and public sector leverage are identified and evaluated TechValleys Projects Finance Skills Committed: • 50,000 sq ft unit being progressed Infrastructure • 22,000 sq ft agreed in principle – JV • Former Techboard building – long term lease • Land acquired adjacent to Techboard building • Capital funding Coleg Gwent – Denison Advanced Materials Centre for composites • Innovation Point commissioned study on AI/5G In development: • Small number of proposals in varying stages of development (cyber security / materials) Property Strategy RASSAU Tafarnaubach Business Improvement Hybrid Business Units District 9 units ranging from 2,400sq. ft. up to 10,000sq. ft. Lime Avenue Employment Park BOX Works– 21 units 25 units ranging from Ranging from 159 – 220 sq.ft. 600sq. ft. up to 5,000sq. ft. (subject to funding) (subject to planning & funding) Legacy beyond TechValleys Continuation of activityHow which do is aligned we continue with but with outside of the scopelocalised of Tech Valleys..... activities that are outside of the scope, but aligned with TECH Valleys BLAENAU GWENT ENTERPRISE BOARD (BGEB) Vision and Mission: ‘Secure sustainable economic growth by supporting people and business to drive prosperity’. Thank you for your attention .