Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Meeting of the Partnership Board

BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP MEETING OF THE PARTNERSHIP BOARD

Monday 23rd January 2016 at 3.00pm at University of Wolverhampton, Lord Swraj Paul Building, Molineux Street, Wolverhampton

A G E N D A

1. Apologies.

2. Declarations of Interests, etc.

3. To Receive the Minutes of the Meeting held on 21st November 2016. (Attached) 3.00pm

4. Governance Report (Attached) (Kevin O’Keefe and Sarah Middleton) 3.05pm 5. Action Between Meetings (Attached) (Sarah Middleton) 3.25pm 6. Policy Update

a) Policy Update (Attached) (Sarah Middleton) 3.40pm b) GVA Report (Attached) (Sarah Middleton) 3.45pm c) Black Country Strategic Companies Barometer (Attached) (Sarah Middleton) 3.50pm

7. Black Country Festival – Outline Proposals (Attached) (Sarah Middleton) 3.55pm 8. West Midlands Combined Authority Update – (Verbal) (Local Authority Leader) 4.00pm

9. Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Update and Pipeline (Attached) 4.05pm

a) Strategic Economic Plan – Progress (Attached) (Sarah Middleton) b) Local Growth Fund (To follow) (Paul Mellon) c) Local Programme Dashboards (Attached) (Paul Mellon)

 In Flight Current Financial Year  Pipeline  Future Years  Transport d) Draft Minutes of the Funding Sub-Board 12 December 2016. (Attached) and Draft Minutes of Funding Sub-Board 19 January 2017 (To follow) (Tom Westley) 4.15pm

10. Employment and Skills (People) Advisory Board 4.20pm

a) Area Based Review – Final Report (Attached) (Lowell Williams) b) Black Country Skills Factory - ESF Funding (Attached) (Colin Parker) c) Careers and Enterprise Company (Attached) (Colin Parker) . Enterprise Adviser Programme . Passport to Employment - Investment Fund Programme d) CEC Investment Fund description (Attached) (Colin Parker)

11. Competitiveness Theme Advisory Board 4.30pm

MIPIM 2017 (Attached) (Wayne Langford)

12. Place Making and Land Theme Advisory Board 4.35pm

a) Draft Minutes of meeting held on 10th January 2017 (Attached) b) Electric Vehicles Strategy (Attached) (Ric Bravery)

13. Active Black Country 4.40pm

Draft Minutes of meeting 30th November 2016 (Attached)

14. Assurance Framework - revisions (Attached) (Sarah Middleton) 4.45pm

15. Black Country Joint Executive Committee Decisions (Attached) 4.50pm

16. PR and Communications update – (Attached) (Ninder Johal) 4.55pm

17. Date of Next Meeting(s) –  2nd March – LEP Stakeholders Event (In the event any LEP Board business is required a short meeting will be scheduled at the ned of the event)  20th March – LEP Board Meeting – Sandwell venue TBC

18. Exclusion of the Press and Public: -

‘That the public and press be excluded from the rest of the meeting to avoid the possible disclosure of exempt information under Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 for the reasons stated on the agenda’.

Agenda (Not Open to Public and Press)

19. Competitiveness Theme Advisory Board – Membership application (To follow) (Wayne Langford) 5.00pm

Items of Business for Black Country Consortium Ltd. Directors

20. Audit Committee – Draft Minutes of Meeting Held on 19th January 2016 (To follow) (Tom Westley) 5.05pm

Estimated Time of Finish – 5.05pm

Agenda Item 3

Minutes of a Meeting of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

21st November 2016 at 3.00p.m. at Walsall Housing Group, 100 Hatherton Road, Walsall

Present: Stewart Towe Chair; Andy Cox Cox & Plant; Simon Eastwood Carillion plc; Chris Handy Accord Group; Ninder Johal Nachural Communications; Cllr Roger Lawrence Wolverhampton CC; Prof Geoff Layer University of Wolverhampton; Cllr David Sparks Dudley MBC; Lowell Williams Dudley College; Tom Westley Westley Group.

In Attendance: Sarah Middleton Black Country Consortium Ltd; Sarah Norman CX - Walsall CC Stuart Everton Strategic Transport Director; Rachel Goodwin Black Country Consortium Ltd; Paul Mellon Black Country Consortium Ltd; Angie Took Black Country Consortium Ltd; Kim Rowlands BEIS; Hywel Ruddick Black Country Consortium Ltd.

Apologies: Paul Brown and Councillors Coughlan, Eling, Lowe and Moore.

142/16 Declarations of Interest

Lowell Williams declared a pecuniary interest in the item at Minute 147/16 c) regarding the LGF application for Dudley College Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre.

1 Agenda Item 3

143/16 Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 24th October 2016 were circulated.

Lowell Williams provided an update on Minute 129/16 regarding Youth Employment Initiative funding, expressed concern that Dudley MBC’s team would be appointed after Christmas, when tender had gone live in May/June.

Sarah Middleton provided an update on Minute 130/16 &. Skills Funding Agency. She advised that appointed contractor had been asked to provide evidence on how they intended to deliver the contract within the area and stated that she would report back to the next meeting.

Agreed: - 1) that the minutes of the meeting held on 24th October 2016, be received and confirmed as a correct record; and 2) that the updates on the be noted.

144/16 Policy Update

The Board received an update on the following policy items: -

1. LGF letter to Creative Industry Council

This item was noted.

2. Industrial Strategy

The meeting was advised that this would be a future agenda item. Kim Rowlands advised that the Place agenda had featured prominently and that a discussion paper would be out soon.

It was commented that as well as Place, there should be a focus on sectors too.

Reference was made to a letter sent to Liam Fox MP and it was agreed that this be circulated to Board Members.

3. Autumn Statement

This item was noted.

2 Agenda Item 3

4. DIT Honours

This item was noted. 5. Ministerial Local Growth Champions – Margot James MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility – visit

This item was noted. 6. Future Funding Principles – a LEP view

This item was noted.

7. Local Enterprise Partnerships supporting Trade

This item was noted.

8. LEPs and Housing

This item was noted.

9. Annual Conference – LEP Network

This item was noted.

Agreed that the Policy Update be noted.

145/16 Black Country LEP - Annual Conversation

Sarah Middleton advised that the Annual Conversation represented a “Statement of Affairs” and that from the transport side the key topics would be reported. Kim Rowlands added that communication with the LEP went on throughout the year but that this represented a stock take of where the LEP currently was at with its programmes.

A discussion ensued regarding transparency and decision making, to include Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.

Cllr Roger Lawrence advised of the process at Wolverhampton, in that all journalists’ requests were reported to Members and published on the Council’s website. The aim being that people could be directed to these pages if repeated questions were received.

3 Agenda Item 3

Sarah Middleton advised that the Accountable Body – Walsall MBC – dealt with FOI requests and that legal advice had been requested for FOI and the Black Country Consortium Ltd. She stated that a report would be submitted to a future meeting on the outcome.

The Chair asked to be notified of the outcome and that a log of declarations be retained.

Agreed: - 1) that the update be noted; and 2) that a report on the outcome of the FOI discussion be reported to a future meeting.

146/16 Policy Away Day – Draft Programme

The programme for the policy planning away day was shared and the meeting noted that the location would be advised by the end of the week.

Agreed that the update be noted.

147/16 West Midlands Combined Authority Update

Councillor Roger Lawrence advised that there were concerns around the Investment Sub-Committee but that progress was being made. He advised that the Mayoral Order was progressing.

Sarah Middleton stated that there were further discussions ongoing regarding future devolutions deals. She stated that the use of the Strategic Economic Plan for the Combined Authority put them in a good position, as it provided the evidence. She referenced the Skills and Productivity Group, chaired by Lowell Williams, representing FE Colleges across the West Midlands.

Reference was made to the Land Remediation Fund of £200 million, which would be available form 1st April 2017 and the outline business case was to be presented on 7th December 2016.

Agreed that the update be noted.

(Lowell Williams declared an interest as Chair of the Skills and Productivity Group)

4 Agenda Item 3

148/16 Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Pipeline

a) Local Growth Fund Report

The Board received the regular dashboards on the progress of LGF projects and the City Deal. The Board noted the continuing work to ensure that spend for 2016/17 was achieved and to make provision for slippage in future years. It was noted that the decisions regarding additional bids were detailed under the Funding Applications Sub- Group.

Agreed: - That the LEP Board: - 1) Note the total LGF/LTB funding allocation for 2016/17; and 2) Note the forecast slippage and measures being taken to progress spend.

b) Local Growth Fund Programme Dashboards

Paul Mellon provided an update on the funding dashboards and Stuart Everton provided an update on the Transport dashboards.

In regard to the Transport Dashboards, the meeting was advised that £1.673 billion was unfunded and that bids would be identified for funding to the Department of Transport, WMCA or HS2, plus any other funding streams that became available. In regard to the RAG rating where they were showing amber, this was because the relevant Project Team had yet to be established.

The Board were notified of potential risks to include inflation and HS2 construction putting pressure on contractors.

Reference was made to the contingency built in of 10-20% for roads and 40% for metro/rail projects. There was a discussion as to whether these contingencies were too great and the potential that they overpriced projects. Stuart Everton agreed to review the programme in light of these comments.

A question was asked whether the identified projects, if all proceeded, would make a real improvement to the transport network or resolving matters that needed to be done. Stuart Everton advised that if all proceeded then there was potential for transformation of transport in the Black Country.

5 Agenda Item 3

Agreed that the update be noted.

c) Draft Minutes of the Funding Applications Sub-Group 10th November 2016

The Chair of the Funding Applications Sub-Board reported that the Sub-Board had met on 10th November 2016 and considered a number of applications for Local Growth Funding, an application for Growing Priority Sectors funding and the use of surplus Growing Places funds: -

Growing Priority Sectors – Programme Update

The Sub-Board had received an overview of the status of the applications for Growing Priority Sector funding and of the overall performance of the programme. The current potential total expenditure was £5,197,077. In addition to the full applications there were a further three approved expressions of interest in the system which, if they led to successful full applications, would add a further £590,000 to the total grant being requested leaving £473,000 to be allocated.

The Sub-Board was also updated on the progress of the submission of claims.

Growing Priority Sectors – Application for Funding – Total Construction Supplies Ltd.

The Sub-Board considered an application by Total Construction Supplies Ltd. for £750,000 for a £3,751,000 project to fund the purchase of new premises and the installation of new machinery. The application aimed to create 75 new jobs by March 2022 at £10,004 per job and an average salary of £2,200 per annum leveraging £3,001,186 of private sector funding.

The Sub-Board noted that, although there was a need to assess whether the investment would achieve the forecasted growth, the project was one of the highest scoring projects presented for consideration, offered very good value for money in terms of salaries and cost per job, would create eight apprenticeships and that the Company was a fast-growing company with a strong

6 Agenda Item 3

additionality argument in that multiple funding sources would be used to finance the project.

The Sub-Board had recommended: -

to approve the application for funding by Total Construction Supplies Ltd. subject to the following conditions: - a) a maximum grant of £750,000 to help implement a £3, 751,000 project; b) leverage £3,001,180 of private sector funding; c) the creation of 75 new jobs by March 2022; d) clarification of the Company’s ability to deliver the rate of growth and return projected in the application through due diligence.

Growing Priority Sectors – Project Change Process

The Sub-Board considered a proposed process for successful applicants who wished to make a change to their agreed project where the original contractual conditions would also change.

The Sub-Board had recommended that the process be approved subject to: -

a) the process making clear to applicants that proposals may be rejected and result in action to recover grant; b) provision being inserted for further discussions with applicants following assessment of impact of the proposed change; c) making for provision for the Sub-Board to make recommendations to the Accountable Body for legal action if necessary following refusal of a request; d) that the grant application process should ensure that applicants are aware of the possible impact of failure to comply with grant agreements and achieve targets.

Local Growth Fund (LGF) – 2016/17 Forecast Slippage

The Sub-Board had noted that detailed discussions continued to reveal potential slippage against the approved programme of circa. £5m by the end of March 2017. The Programme Office was continuing to seek opportunities to accelerate support to existing successful LGF supported schemes that were already delivering valuable outputs and had LGF supported spend in future years.

7 Agenda Item 3

Members also discussed the steps that could be taken to ensure that projects, including reserved transport schemes, were keeping Programme Office fully informed of their spend and progress.

The Sub-Board had recommended that: - further reports be submitted to the Sub-Board on the options for bringing forward spend in the current year’s programme and on any issues, that might arise in respect of establishing accurate forecast figures for current projects.

Additional LGF Bid - Dudley College Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre

The Sub-Board had considered an application from Dudley College for £600,000 of LGF grant support towards the provision of the training equipment for a £1.18m scheme to develop a Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre. The project would unlock growth objectives in building technologies and have an impact on SEP growth targets in the Black Country because of the 66 strategically important construction businesses in the region. A schedule of the equipment it was proposed to purchase was submitted to the Sub- Board.

A significant increase in demand from employers and Construction Industry Training Boards (CITB) had resulted in Dudley College developing an enhanced construction training plan to meet these needs. In order to be responsive to these demands the College needed to invest in upgrading the dated construction facilities currently located at Mons Hill Campus. The College aimed to provide state of the art construction equipment, which will not only meet the new standards and legislation within the construction industry, but also allows learners to experience different ways of working with new technologies and techniques. The key strategic partners in the project included CITB, Laing O’Rourke, BAM Construction, Lovell’s, AH Construction, Interserve, Thomas VALE, Colmore Tang Construction, Seddon’s, Keepmoat and Barhale. CITB had also introduced a wider group of construction employers to this group as part of its wider network of contacts.

The Sub-Board had recommended that: -

8 Agenda Item 3

the LEP Partnership Board be recommended to approve the application by Dudley College for £600,000 in 2016/17 to provide equipment to support the development of the Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre.

Additional LGF Bid - Middlemore Lane, Aldridge, Walsall

The Sub-Board considered an application by St. Francis Group Ltd for funding of £4,033,395 to facilitate the delivery of a speculative industrial development scheme comprising five industrial units, totalling 22,703 sq.m, on a brownfield site of approximately 5.77 hectares. The application was for gap funding to render the scheme viable for delivery on a speculative basis. The identified viability gap arose as a result of market failure, despite generally improving market conditions, whereby the costs of delivering the scheme currently exceeded the value of the completed scheme. The funding viability gap had been agreed with the applicant as the minimum element of grant required in order that the scheme could be progressed.

The proposed scheme would deliver a total of 22,703 sq.m of good quality industrial accommodation, create or safeguard up to 503 jobs and remediate approximately 5.77ha of brownfield contaminated industrial land. Overall it was considered that the scheme offered a reasonable level of value for money and particularly good value for money in relation to number of jobs created, new employment floor space and private sector leverage achieved.

The Sub-Board had recommended: -

1) that the LEP Partnership Board be recommended to approve the application by St. Francis Group Ltd for funding of £4,033,395 to 2020/21 including £89,493 in 2016/17 to facilitate the delivery of an industrial development scheme comprising five industrial units, totalling 22,703 sq.m, on a brownfield site of approximately 5.77 hectares at Middlemore Lane, Aldridge, Walsall including the Heads of Terms now submitted, subject to the following conditions:-

a) prior to entering into the funding agreement, the applicant to confirm that funding is fully available to complete the scheme;

9 Agenda Item 3

b) Confirmation from the applicant that a minimum of 3 contractors will be approached in respect of proposed construction works. Evidence of this to be provided to confirm best value is achieved; c) clawback provision being included on the basis of 50% of any increase in value achieved beyond that value included within the appraisal and payable upon either sale of the unit or upon assessment of market value at the expiration of 3 years from practical completion, whichever the earlier, such clawback to be capped at the level of grant funding drawn down; d) 75% of any costs saving made through the re-use of crushed material and also savings in respect of demolition costs to be deducted from the identified remediation cost and therefore overall grant award and a revised intervention level to be adopted. The revised intervention level to be reflective of this overall reduced cost and adopted for the calculation of future drawdown of funds. The calculation to be determined as set out in the due diligence report from Thomas Lister. Any reduction in the intervention level would require to be assessed at the point of identified saving being made; e) compliance with key identified milestones relating to demolition, remediation, submission of planning application for proposed works; f) such other conditions as may be required by Walsall MBC in their role as Accountable Body in respect of the Local Growth Fund; g) a legal charge on the site prior to initial drawdown of funding; and

2) further consideration of the configuration of the costs once the results of site investigations are available.

Very Light Rail Centre (VLR) – Additional Support for Continuing Project Development

The Sub-Board considered an application from VLR for funding of £1,136,778 to facilitate time critical investigations and advanced works to keep the project to programme to ensure the start of the main construction package in summer 2017 and completion in autumn 2018. The Sub-Board noted that Dudley MBC had agreed to underwrite the application and the ongoing discussions with stakeholders and potential partners.

10 Agenda Item 3

The Sub-Board had recommended that: -

Dudley MBC and the VLR Project Team be requested to re-evaluate the proposal separating the urgent and vital tasks to progress from the necessary list of tasks to perform within the submitted cost listing and that the further refined scheme bid be submitted to the next meeting of the Sub-Board on 30th November 2016.

Managing Short Trips – Change Request

The Sub-Board considered a request to replace the proposed canal towpath improvement scheme between Galton Bridge and Spon Lane on the Birmingham Mainline Canal with a canal towpath improvement scheme on the Tame Valley and Rushall Canals between the Chatsworth Avenue canal access and Hill Farm Bridge. The change would enable the completion of the route between Walsall/Yew Tree/Great Barr and the employment/education sites to the north of Birmingham plus the city centre. Sandwell MBC had confirmed that there was no variation to the outputs of 1km of cycle track, no additional funding and no change to the scheme completion date.

The Sub-Board had recommended that: - the LEP Partnership Board be recommended to approve the proposed scheme substitution in the Managing Short Trips Programme.

Black Country Pipeline Development 2016/17 - 2020/21 and Scheme Bid Progress

The Sub-Board noted the current position of the project pipeline and the applications being evaluated and due to be submitted to future meetings. Paul Mellon had reported on the progress of securing access to the Combined Authority Land Remediation Fund and considered other steps in the development of a land acquisition strategy to support the Black Country’s strategic ambitions.

The Sub-Board had recommended that: -

11 Agenda Item 3

the Board be requested to agree that a discussion of the next steps to implement a land acquisition strategy should be included on the programme for the December Board policy planning session.

Agreed that the minutes of the Funding Sub-Board held on 10th November 2016, to include all recommendations and associated conditions, as detailed above, be approved and confirmed as a correct record.

(Lowell Williams declared a pecuniary interest in the item at Minute 147/16 c) regarding LGF application - Dudley College Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre. He took no part in the voting or consideration thereon and, in accordance with the Assurance Framework, left the room during the Board’s consideration of this item.)

149/16 Mental Health Commission – Action Plan

Sarah Norman detailed that the Mental Health Commission were developing an action with the aim of keeping people well and in employment. She advised that a West Midlands Police DCI – Sean Russell - had been seconded as the Implementation Director for a period of two years and that a January launch was the aim.

The Board welcomed the Action Plan and were supportive of the aims.

Agreed: - 1) That the Board sign up in principle to the West Midlands Combined Authority Mental Health Commission’s summary of actions; 2) That this is subject to the Board receiving and commenting on the final Action Plan in due course.

150/16 Minutes of the meeting of the Employment and Skills (People) Advisory Board

The Minutes of the meeting of the Place Making & Land Advisory Board held on 12th October 2016, were presented.

Reference was made to the following three Minutes of the Advisory Board, where Board approval/direction was sought: -

12 Agenda Item 3

37/16 Apprenticeship Reforms

The Advisory Board Noted lack of awareness of Reforms and asked that the LEP Board and WMCA be asked to make funding available to promote awareness of the apprenticeship reforms to employers and potential apprentices in the Black Country.

39/16 DWP and BC LEP – Working Together

The Advisory Board asked the BC LEP Board to endorse the objective to promote work experience across the area.

42/16 Adult Education Budget Devolution – Implications for the Black Country

The Advisory Board asked that the three WM LEP Chairs be asked to support the inclusion of Adult Eduction, as a priority for the Productivity and Skills Commission.

Agreed: - 1) That the contents of the minutes be noted and endorsed; 2) That the Marketing and Communications Team be asked to assist with Minute Nos. 37/16 and 39/16: and 3) That the Greater Birmingham and Solihull and Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Chairs be asked to support the inclusion of Adult Education, as a priority for the Productivity and Skills Commission.

151/16 Minutes of the meeting of the Competitiveness Theme Advisory Board

The Minutes of the meeting of the Competitiveness Theme Advisory Board held on 2nd November 2016, were presented and the contents noted and endorsed.

Reference was made to Minute 38/16 Science and Innovation Audit and the request from the Advisory Board, that the Board be requested to establish an Innovations Sub-Group

Agreed: - 1) That the contents of the minutes be noted and endorsed;

13 Agenda Item 3

2) That the Competitiveness Advisory Board produce a potential membership and Terms of Reference and report back to the Board.

152/16 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework - revisions

The Board were advised that Walsall MBC as the accountable body had reviewed the Assurance Framework and requested the following amendments to be made: -

1. Update/amendment to the ‘Section 1.3 LEP Governance’ as detailed below: -

 Reference to the Theme Advisory Groups making recommendation on applications for funding to be removed in line with the Terms of Reference for these Groups.

2. Updates/amendments to the section ‘Section 2.1 Local Authority Accountable Body Structures’ as detailed below: -

 Inclusion of the reference to the Combined Authority Land Remediation Fund with regards to the Black Country Executive Joint Committee, Black Country City Deal and Growth Deal Advisory Board, Working Group and Collaboration Agreement. Review and recommendation for strategic investment in relation to City Deal and Growth Deal, the scope widened to now include the Combined Authority Land Remediation Fund.

3. Please note the following updates/amendments to the section ‘5.14 Project Lifecycle’ as detailed below:

 Further refinements to include reference to Walsall Accountable Body Stage 2 due diligence earlier into the evaluation and approval process.

4. Please note the revised Appendix 7 – Programme Management Office Terms of Reference’ which had been updated to reflect change in PMO structure.

Agreed: - 1) that the revisions to the Black Country LEP Assurance Framework be approved and confirmed; and

14 Agenda Item 3

2) that approval of future in-year revisions be delegated to the Funding Applications Sub-Board.

153/16 PR and Communications Update

The Board received the regular update on PR activity since the last meeting and updates on work to improve response rates to e- communications from the LEP.

Ninder Johal highlighted three key elements: -  There was a new website for the BC LEP;  A new shared platform had been created – File Protect – where Members could access archived Agendas and reports.  Digital /Social Media was used widely but there was a need to draw up an engagement strategy and capture non-digital communication, such as speaking engagements etc.

He further advised that work was continuing on the identity proposition “Make Your Mark”, with Stewart Towe and Andy Cox being the representatives of the Board on the established working group.

Agreed that the report be noted.

154/16 Extension to Provider Delivery on the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) European Social Fund (ESF) Opt-In

The Board were advised that in order to enable performance on contracts to be maximised and to ensure spend and programme targets, the SFA had negotiated with the Managing Authority and the Department for Education an offer to extend ESF contracts to July 2018, to ensure all contracts have at least 18 months of activity.

The contracts affected were: -

Community Grants – Walsall MBC; Skills Factory – Black Country Consortium Ltd.; Support for the Unemployed – Skills Training UK; IAG for Young People – Skills Training UK; Skills Support for the Workforce – Calderdale College; and Response to Redundancy – Calderdale College.

15 Agenda Item 3

Agreed that the Board agree to the extension of contracted activity, currently due to complete in March 2018, with a new date for completion of July 2018.

155/16 Date of Next Meeting

12th December 2016 between 12 noon and 5.00pm for Policy Planning. 23rd January 2016 form 3.00 pm, at Lord Swraj Paul Building, Molineux Street, Wolverhampton.

(The meeting closed at 4.30 p.m.)

16 Agenda Item 4

Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

23rd January 2017

Governance Report

1. Background

1.1 There have been a number of recent issues regarding Governance and this report addresses these at 3.1-3.3.

1.2 Paragraphs 3.4 to 3.6 deal with Membership issues and decisions thereon are required.

1.3 With the changes around Governance the Company Secretary has advised that changes are made to the Articles of Association and Memorandum of Understanding and Members are advised of this at 3.7.

2. Recommendation

2.1 Board Members’ are asked to: -

a) Note the contents of the Company Secretary’s advice on Declarations of Interest; b) Complete the Declaration of Interest Form and return to the Company Secretariat. training comments on the draft programme are invited to enable it be finalized and preparations put in place with the Black Country Working Group; c) Note the Freedom of Information advice and confirm the action contained therein; d) Greater Transparency – item form Warren LEP Network – see highlight below e) That existing Board Members due to complete their second period of office be invited to serve for a further period of two years expiring 31st March 2019. f) Note the resignation of the Chair of the Employment and Skills (People) Theme Advisory Board and the action to fill the vacancy; g) Note the application for the Competitiveness Theme Advisory Board and consider under Exempt business; and h) Note that the Articles of Association and the Memorandum of Understanding

3. Report Detail

3.1 Declaration of Interest

The Company Secretary, Kevin O’Keefe, will be in attendance to provide Members a training session on when a Declaration of Interest is required to made. Notwithstanding the training session the responsibility to make a Declaration of Interest will remain with Members.

Agenda Item 4

3.2 Declarations of Interest Renewal

Members will note that the Company Secretary’s training session revised an Annual Refresh of Members Declarations of Interest and a revised form will be provided by e-mail, to each Member for this purpose.

Members should note that this does not exempt Members from declaring an interest and the nature of that at interest when such matters appear on the Agenda or discussions at a meeting result in a declaration being required.

Members should also note that in-year revisions are required if there are changes to your interests and this remains your individual responsibility.

3.3 Freedom of Information (FOI)

Since January 2005, the public has a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public bodies, including councils. If you request a piece of information from us, we have a duty to disclose that information, providing we hold it and it is not subject to any legally defined exemptions.

Within the Assurance Framework, for our various Funding Streams ie Local Growth Fund, Growing Places etc the relevant overseeing Local Authority has been the Authority who have dealt with FOI requests, thus Walsall MBC would deal with requests in relation to the Local Growth Fund.

However, having sought clarification from the Company Secretary, following the recent press reports on the activities of Local Enterprise Partnerships, he has advised that as a Company Limited by Guarantee, underwritten by the four Black Country authorities, then the FOI Act 2005 does apply to us and in future, unless expressly exempt information or the costs of providing the requested information would prove prohibitive, then we will respond to FOI requests.

In regard to the recent press reports, Members were pleased to note that we did not feature in the article as our existing declarations processes had proved robust. We have however reviewed our processes as outlined in the report.

All FOI requests received and the associated response will be reported to the next scheduled Board meeting.

3.4 Retirement of Board Members

The appointments of private sector Board members were made for an initial period of two years renewable for a further period of two years. Two Board members will have completed their second period of two years at the end of March 2017.

However, in recent years there has been a considerable amount of change in the role and remit of the Partnership, with establishment of the Combined Authority leading to further development and change. Current Board Members have taken considerable responsibility in taking forward activity in many of these areas.

Agenda Item 4

In addition, the three advisory boards which the Partnership has established are operational and there remains scope for additional members on these Boards. It may be that these may provide a route for private sector representatives to gain experience of LEP activity and move from them to the full Board.

In these circumstances, it might be considered that it would not be appropriate to disturb the current make –up of the Board.

The Board are therefore asked to consider agreeing that Board members whose term of office is due to expire should be invited to serve for a further period of two years.

3.5 Employment and Skills (People) Theme Advisory Board

Members are asked to note that a vacancy has arisen, following the resignation of the Chair, George Andrews. As a result, the LEP Board is required to appoint a new Chair for the Advisory Board and support in identifying a suitable person from the SME business Sector would be welcomed.

In the interim an existing Member of the Advisory Board has been approached to undertake the role. A verbal update on this approach will be given at the meeting.

3.6 Productivity Leadership Group – Appointment

BC LEP has been approached by WMCA, who are establishing a Productivity Leadership Group.

It is envisaged that the Chair of the Employment and Skills (People) Theme Advisory Board should be BC LEP’s nominated substitute on this Group.

However, in the absence of a Chair, as detailed at 3.5, the Chair of the LEP or his nominated substitute will attend these meetings in the interim.

Members are asked to note and approve this action.

3.7 Competitiveness Theme Advisory Board Application

An application has been received from a Director of Utility Team. Details of the application for consideration are attached at Item 19 on the Agenda, as it contains information on an individual and is therefore exempt.

3.8 Review of Articles of Association and Memorandum of Understanding

The Company Secretary has advised that the Articles of Association and Memorandum of Understanding of the Black Country Consortium Ltd. require review and amendment. This will require approval of the Guarantee Members and will be reported to their next meeting. The Board will be notified of the changes at the next scheduled meeting. 3

Agenda Item 4

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd

Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email: [email protected]

Source Documents: Declaration of Interest Form Competitiveness Theme AB Application (confidential)

Agenda Item 5

Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

23rd January 2017

Action Between Meetings

1. Background

1.1 This paper provides information on Board decisions taken between meetings, as approval was required thereon before the next meeting of the LEP Board: - a) Recommendations of Funding Sub-Board (FSB) held on 12th December 2016. b) Very Light Railway – recommendation of FSB required additional information. This was received and reported to FSB Members who confirmed approval and subsequently sent to full Board, who approved the scheme.

c) Recommendation

2.1 That Board Members’ note and confirm the action taken to approve the FSB recommendations.

2.2 That the Board Members note and confirm the action taken to approve the Very Light Railway application d) Report Detail

3.1 The Report provides a record of the FSB decisions made on the 12th December 2016, which required Board approval before they could be reported to the Black Country Joint Executive Committee on 25th January 2017 for final confirmation.

3.2 The recommendations are detailed below and Board Members, having been consulted, confirmed and approved these recommendations of the FSB.

3.3 In regard to any requisite Declarations of Interest these are contained in the full minutes to of the FSB held on 12th December 2016, reported at Item 9d on the Agenda.

a) Growing Priority Sectors

Quality Metal Products Ltd The Sub-Board recommended approval of this application for a grant of £300,000 to help implement a £1,500,000 project and creating 30 new jobs.

Ash & Lacy The Sub-Board recommended approval of an increased grant to £86,500 with the creation of additional jobs to match.

Agenda Item 5

b) Growing Places

Dudley Advance The Sub-Board recommended approval of the extension of the funding end date for the Growing Places award for Dudley Advance from March 2016 to December 2016 to enable the final payment of £11,365 on completion of final payment processes.

Black Country YMCA – John Dando The Sub-Board recommended approval of the extension of the funding end date for the Growing Places award for the YMCA for the John Dando project to the end of February 2017 pending submission of further financial information to support a loan payment extension to June 2017.

c) Local Growth Fund

BIMCP Ltd - Brierley Hill Music Institute The Sub-Board recommended approval of an award of £32,000 to support site investigation works in respect of this project.

University of Wolverhampton Apprenticeship Hub The Sub-Board recommended approval of a request from the University of Wolverhampton that £50,000 of the full £200,000 allocation to the Apprenticeship Hub be paid out against the 2016/17 grant allocation.

Parkrose Industrial Estate Site Investigation Slippage into 2016/17 The Sub-Board noted that £19,170 of the £80,000 grant award to the Parkrose Industrial Site Investigation has been paid against the 2016/17 allocations as the appropriate evidence of contractual commitment was not in place at 31st March 2016.

Agreed that the change in the timing of the payment be noted.

3.4 Additional LGF Bid - Very Light Rail Centre (VLR) - Additional LGF Support for Continuing Project Development

Further to Minute No. 78/16, the Sub-Board received a revised proposal to establish a range of activities that could be accelerated to enable a full business case to be prepared for consideration. In order to establish the ‘critical’ works, which were required in order to enable the full business case to be developed and not cause significant programme issue risk, each individually itemised cost heading had been considered by Thomas Lister and comment provided as to the nature of cost, why the cost item was required during the present financial year and the impact if the item was not procured and completed this had resulted in a revised submission of £836,778 to enable a full business case to be submitted by March/April 2017.

Agenda Item 5

The Sub-Board discussed the progress of the ERDF bid for the project, demand for the technology and the future leadership and management of the project. Members were of the view that consideration of the final proposal and full business case should be accompanied by a formal presentation to the Sub-Board.

Agreed: -

1) that the applicants be requested to provide initial indications of arrangements for the future management and leadership of the project and of their estimates of demand for the technology prior to the commitment of further resources; 2) that the applicants be asked to note that, in this instance, they will be requested to make a full presentation to the Sub-Board when the full business case is submitted for consideration.

The following additional information was received and the FSB approved the application.

VLR Application Additional clarifications requested by the FSG LEP Board members.

1. Clear evidence of Business / Supply Chain need for the Innovation Centre development

The context and demand for an Innovation Centre to support the growth of a very light rail vehicle manufacturing sector has been well articulated by Warwick Manufacturing Group(WMG) following a detailed 2- year investigation into the needs of this newly emerging market. This is also evidenced by letters of support from a number of important national partners/employers including Centro, Magnomatics, VivaRail, Woolley GMC, TDI, Big Bear Plastic Products Ltd, First Group plc, Arriva Rail North, Alstrom and Siemens plc as well as national government – Department for Transport.

Locally, discussions have taken place with Thomas Dudley and Hadley Group are very supportive of the project and we have received letters of support from: Cab Auto, Clamason, Kuka, Alan Nuttall, Techniswage all stating: ‘many other regional companies, involved in the manufacturing supply chain will also benefit considerably from the proposed project and the possible expansion of its remit across other sectors and that is why we wish to see the project realised and offer our full support.’

The Revolution VLR consortium (the group of companies working with WMG to deliver a prototype very light weight ecofriendly railcar (Transport Design International, Unipart Rail, Prose, WMG)) have recently received confirmation of funding from the DfT of £3m to build

Agenda Item 5 the first pre-production prototype vehicle. There is also interest from Coventry City Council to create a VLR transport system for the city which will require the development of a fleet of VLR battery powered trams. Transport for West Midlands is aware of this and are very supportive. We anticipate much of the development will be carried out in the proposed VLR Innovation Centre, in partnership with Black Country companies, and production to be carried out within the West Midlands. Elsewhere, across the UK interest is growing and a UK supply chain is needed to feed into the build and development of VLR rolling stock. This provides a great opportunity for the region.

Having an innovation centre in the Borough will have benefits for local businesses i.e. new product testing, diversification, better skilled workforce. In addition, WMG is working closely with Dudley College and their partner companies to ensure that the Centre meets current and future skills needs. Once the Centre is under construction, WMG and Cenex (the operational managing company see the Post Construction Phase paragraph below) will begin to engage more closely with local businesses through the development of a ‘virtual innovation centre’.

Since its creation in 1980, WMG has worked with companies of all sizes across the UK in a variety of industrial sectors. Best known for its involvement with the UK automotive sector, WMG has a track record for delivering high impact applied R&D solutions into industry, achieving significant economic benefits in the process. Today WMG is working across many sectors including digital manufacturing, automotive, off- road vehicles, commercial vehicles, rail, aerospace, energy storage and autonomous transport. Founder and executive Chairman of WMG is Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, who has close relationships with the Government and many CEOs across industry. Lord Bhattacharyya has seen WMG grow to a £100m pa activity housed in 8 high technology modern buildings. The proposed VLR Innovation Centre and associated rail vehicle projects currently underway have Lord Bhattacharyya’s full support and he has expressed his support for the initiative to the Secretary of State for BEIS in a recent meeting at WMG.

2. Applicants provide an update on progress of ERDF bid for £4.5m

Following changes to the internal designs of the laboratories and research workspaces as requested by WMG, additional cost information is being completed which, it has been agreed, will be sent to DCLG on 17/1/17. It is expected that a decision on the application will be made in February/early March. Note: ERDF funding is for internal costs related to research, design and testing space, it does not rely on the RIBA Stage 3 designs and costs being funded through the ‘seed fund’ currently being considered by the LEP.

3. The applicant be requested to provide initial indications of arrangements for the future management and leadership of the

Agenda Item 5 project and of their estimates of demand for the technology prior to the commitment of further resources

The management of the project falls into 2 phases - pre and post construction.

Pre Construction and Delivery Phases of the Innovation Centre

Alan Lunt DMBC Strategic Director will be responsible for these phases.

Dudley MBC has a proven track record of delivering large publically funded capital projects, the most recent being the new BREEAM Excellent Dudley Archives Centre and infrastructure project at Castle Hill. The same systems and processes used to manage this project will be employed for the VLR project - Dudley MBC will be responsible for the overall co-ordination, management and implementation of the project as the accounting body. However the implementation of the project will be carried out by an operational steering group and series of dedicated project teams including monitoring and finance; design; and site operations. An organisation chart reflecting this structure has been sent to the LEP. WMG has a key role in providing direction for the Centre’s design, identifying revenue funding sources to support the initial core team over the first 5 years of operation and the generation of the initial project portfolio in consultation with industry collaborators. Meetings with the DfT over the past 6 months have indicated that a minimum of £5m revenue will be forthcoming, and recent meetings with BEIS have pointed us towards new funding initiatives (such as Gravitas) that we are encouraged to engage with.

Post Construction Phase and Management of the Innovation Centre

Nick Malinson WMG and Robert Evans Cenex (for up to 18 months after the opening of the Centre) will be responsible for this phase.

The building will be leased by Dudley MBC to a company limited by guarantee - Black Country Manufacturing Innovation Centre Limited - which will be responsible for operating the Innovation Centre. The company will have a Supervisory Board made up of key stakeholders (non-executive Directors drawn from industry, local and central government, consultants and others) with a part time salaried Chairman and fulltime salaried Chief Executive to advise on strategy and provide governance. The structure and operational model is based on the successful model used by Cenex, now in its 10th year of successful operation: it has been very successful as a centre of excellence for low carbon vehicles over the past 10 years, demonstrating a proven track record of managing R&D and technology transfer whilst achieving financial sustainability. Cenex has agreed to provide support to create the operating company, recruit Supervisory Board members and the initial operational team, set up early collaborative R&D projects and seek various funding streams to support project activities. Cenex will continue

Agenda Item 5 to provide support beyond the opening of the centre for a period of up to 18 months. We are confident that we have a credible and proven way forward that will enable the Innovation Centre to be sustainable in the long term. WMG and Cenex have worked together collaboratively for several years and Cenex’s CEO, Robert Evans, sits on the WMG centre HVM Catapult Board.

4. The applicant be asked to note that, in this instance, the Programme Delivery Directory will be requested to make a full presentation to the Sub-Board when the full business case is submitted for consideration.

Noted

5. What will the ‘seed funding’ of £836K add in terms of additional knowledge of ground conditions etc.

Rather than identify the ‘additionality’ of undertaking each of these works, they have been grouped under 8 headings:  General Site Access – this will provide a clean, clear and secured site. Hard clearance including rail and sleepers will also be undertaken as will testing of materials.  Geotechnical Investigations – this includes ground investigation works and topographical and engineering support to determine the level of soil contamination within the site and ground stability. This is particularly important for the site due to its previous usage.  Public Utility Investigations including Stats– investigations to identify existing apparatus on the site; line level and condition for future connections.  Ecological Surveys and Mitigation – part of the site clearance, this includes ongoing sterilisation of invasive species and watching briefs.  Drainage Investigations – investigating current existing networks and infrastructure to determine future requirements and connections.  Outline Planning Conditions – to satisfy reserve matters on outline planning.  Economic and Environmental Appraisals – to understand fully the impact that the development of the Innovation Centre will have on the local environment and economy.  Key Stakeholders – ongoing legal support to further negotiations with key stakeholders i.e. Transport for West Midlands (Centro) and Network Rail

In summary, all the above identified time critical works included in the ‘seed funding’ application are essential to progressing the development of the Innovation Centre. However, should the Innovation Centre not be developed, the completion of this phase of works will result in a prime development plot on Castle Hill. Therefore, none of these works are considered ‘abortive’.

Agenda Item 5

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd

Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email: [email protected]

Source documents – E-mail from Hywel Ruddick to LEP Board Members dated 13th December 2016 – entitled “reply requested - Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership - Urgent Decisions - Growing Priority Sectors, Growing Places and Local Growth Fund” – and responses received E-mail from Hywel Ruddick to LEP Board Members dated 20th December 2016 – entitled “Reply requested: Funding Sub-Board VLR Additional Clarifications” - and responses received

Agenda Item 6b Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

23rd January 2017

Black Country Economic Intelligence – Gross Value Added

1. Background

1.1 The Office for National Statistics published the regional estimates for Gross Value Added (GVA) on 15th December 2016. This paper focuses on Black Country performance for Total GVA and GVA per head. It also includes the update on the Black Country Output Gap. The 2015 regional GVA estimates update those published in December 2015.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That the Board note the Office for National Statistics estimates for GVA as at 15 December 2016.

3. Report Detail

3.1 The appendix details the Total Gross Value Added(TGVA) and the Gross Value Added (GVA) per Head.

3.2 In terms of TGVA, Members will note that the Black Country ranks 27th out of the 32 English Regions. However, in terms of growth between 2010-15 the Black Country ranks 21st ahead of Greater Manchester and Shropshire and Staffordshire. actions detailed to date and those to be undertaken by the end of January.

3.3 In terms of GVA again the Black Country ranks 27th out of the 32 English Regions. However, in terms of growth between 2010-15 the Black Country ranks 19th ahead of regions including Greater Manchester, Tees Valley & Durham and Merseyside.

3.4 The Output Gap for the Black Country has been recalculated using the 2015 mid-year population estimates and the 2015 figures for TGVA and GVA per head and has stablised at £10bn. The appendix details the components of the output gap across Employment, Skills and Business.

3.5 The appendix also provides local area analysis across the four local authorities.

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive, Black Country Consortium Ltd

Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email:[email protected]

SOURCE MATERIAL Office of National Statistics – regional estimates for Gross Value Added – 15th December 2016

Black Country Economic Intelligence January 2017 Gross Value Added Update

Background The Office for National Statistics published the regional estimates for Gross Value Added (GVA) on 15th December 2016. This paper focuses on Black Country performance for Total GVA and GVA per head. It also includes the update on the Black Country Output Gap. The 2015 regional GVA estimates update those published in December 2015.

Total Gross Value Added

 Total Gross Value Added in Black Country in 2015 was £20.2bn compared to £19.9bn for 2014. The Black Country accounts for 17% of the region’s GVA and 1.4% of national GVA.

 Growth rates have slowed compared to the previous year. The Black Country’s growth rate over the last year was 1.7% compared to 2.2% for the West Midlands region and 3% nationally. Stoke-on-Trent had the lowest growth rate in the region at 0.0%. Solihull has the highest growth rate at 8.2%. In the Black Country, Wolverhampton had the lowest growth rate at -1.5%.

 In the long term, between 1997 and 2014, total Black Country GVA increased by 59% (£7.5bn) compared to 101% nationally.

 In the short term, from 2010 to 2015, total Black Country GVA increased by 16% (£2.7bn) compared to 18.2 for the West Midlands region and 19.4% nationally.

Gross Value Added per head

 Gross Value Added per head in the Black Country is currently £17,375, an increase of £171 from £17,205 in 2014. This compares to £20,826 for the West Midlands and the England average of £26,159.

 GVA per head increased by 1% over the past year in the Black Country compared to a 2.1% growth rate nationally and 1.6% growth for the West Midlands. Solihull saw the highest rate of growth in the region (7.9%). Coventry experienced the lowest growth rate in the region (-1.2%). In the Black Country, Wolverhampton saw the lowest growth rate in the region (-2.1%).

 GVA per head increased by 48.7% (£5,691) over the period 1997-2015. The national average increase over this period is 78.2% (£11,480).

 From 2010 to 2015, there has been a 12.2% rise (£1,875) compared to an increase of 14.8% nationally.

1 Total GVA growth rate - West Midlands - 2014 to 2015

Area Growth Rate Solihull 8.2% Birmingham 5.1% England 3.0% Worcestershire 2.4% West Midlands 2.2% Telford and Wrekin 1.9% Black Country 1.7% Herefordshire, County of 1.6% Coventry 1.2% Herefordshire, Worcestershire and 1.2% Warwickshire Shropshire and Staffordshire 0.5% Staffordshire CC 0.4% Shropshire CC 0.2% Warwickshire 0.1% Stoke-on-Trent 0.0%

GVA per head growth rate - West Midlands - 2014 to 2015

Area Growth Rate Solihull 7.9% Birmingham 4.2% England 2.1% Worcestershire 1.9% West Midlands 1.6% Herefordshire, County of 1.1% Black Country 1.0% Telford and Wrekin 0.9% Herefordshire, Worcestershire and 0.7% Warwickshire Staffordshire CC 0.1% Shropshire and Staffordshire 0.1% Shropshire CC -0.2% Stoke-on-Trent -0.3% Warwickshire -0.4% Coventry -1.2%

2 Total GVA - Regional Comparisons

The table below sets out the comparison of Black Country GVA compared to the English regions. The Black Country ranks 27th out of the 32 areas. In terms of growth over the period 2010-2015, the Black Country ranks 21st (15.7%) ahead of Greater Manchester and Shropshire & Staffordshire.

Region name 2015 Change Change Change (£m) 2014-15 2010-15 1997- 2015 Inner London - West 157,285 1.8% 26.7% 174.1% Inner London - East 96,666 5.0% 28.5% 156.0% Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire 83,848 4.1% 23.1% 108.4% Surrey, East and West Sussex 77,310 2.3% 19.7% 95.8% Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area 65,062 3.2% 16.0% 99.8% Outer London - West and North West 61,424 3.5% 33.8% 107.5% East Anglia 59,661 3.1% 20.2% 97.8% Greater Manchester 59,606 3.9% 15.6% 94.0% West Midlands 59,341 3.7% 20.0% 73.1% Hampshire and Isle of Wight 50,233 2.5% 14.6% 90.7% Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire 47,936 1.9% 18.1% 91.5% Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire 44,090 2.2% 18.0% 82.9% Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire 39,929 1.5% 16.1% 87.9% Essex 38,054 3.1% 17.1% 87.5% Kent 37,783 3.9% 18.0% 91.7% Outer London - East and North East 34,467 4.6% 23.7% 91.6% Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire 30,798 1.2% 22.6% 97.4% Shropshire and Staffordshire 29,630 0.5% 10.8% 67.0% Lancashire 29,013 3.9% 14.6% 71.8% Northumberland and Tyne and Wear 28,998 3.8% 19.0% 92.0% Outer London - South 28,582 2.5% 16.0% 77.0% Dorset and Somerset 27,911 2.9% 17.1% 88.0% Cheshire 27,601 3.5% 20.3% 108.7% South Yorkshire 24,315 3.0% 12.4% 88.5% Devon 23,122 1.7% 11.8% 88.6% Tees Valley and Durham 20,680 1.9% 10.6% 78.9% Black Country 20,225 1.7% 15.7% 58.6% North Yorkshire 18,629 2.3% 14.1% 82.7% East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire 17,802 1.8% 6.7% 63.7% Lincolnshire 13,869 1.4% 18.2% 86.2% Cumbria 11,200 1.9% 15.3% 100.9% Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 9,911 4.1% 12.9% 85.3%

3 GVA per head - Regional Comparisons

The table below sets out the comparison of GVA per head in the Black Country compared to the English regions. In terms of growth over the period 2010-2015, the Black Country ranks 19th ahead of regions including Greater Manchester, Tees Valley & Durham, Shropshire & Staffordshire and Merseyside.

Region name 2015 Change Change Change (£m) 2014-15 2010-15 1997- 2015 Inner London - West 137,513 0.0% 20.0% 123.3% Inner London - East 41,518 2.5% 15.7% 91.4% Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire 35,550 3.3% 17.7% 81.8% Cheshire 30,099 3.0% 18.0% 95.5% Outer London - West and North West 29,888 2.6% 25.8% 70.1% Surrey, East and West Sussex 27,276 1.4% 14.9% 72.9% Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area 26,673 2.1% 11.0% 74.0% Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire 26,320 0.6% 11.3% 63.9% Hampshire and Isle of Wight 25,711 1.7% 10.7% 70.6% East Anglia 24,173 2.2% 15.6% 70.7% Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire 23,319 0.7% 19.8% 79.1% North Yorkshire 23,023 1.9% 11.9% 64.9% Cumbria 22,490 1.9% 15.8% 97.0% Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire 22,445 0.3% 10.8% 61.3% Outer London - South 22,292 1.5% 9.8% 55.2% Greater Manchester 21,626 3.0% 11.7% 77.5% West Yorkshire 21,457 2.8% 11.4% 70.7% Essex 21,294 2.3% 12.5% 65.6% Dorset and Somerset 21,289 2.1% 13.1% 67.1% Kent 20,977 2.9% 12.3% 64.5% West Midlands 20,942 2.8% 14.8% 58.3% Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire 20,399 1.6% 14.6% 66.9% Northumberland and Tyne and Wear 20,173 3.6% 17.2% 89.3% Devon 19,777 0.9% 8.0% 69.6% Lancashire 19,628 3.5% 13.0% 64.1% Merseyside 19,319 3.1% 7.6% 86.2% East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire 19,243 1.7% 5.5% 55.4% Lincolnshire 18,826 0.7% 14.2% 57.0% Shropshire and Staffordshire 18,556 0.1% 8.4% 54.0% Outer London - East and North East 18,487 3.1% 15.2% 57.7% Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 17,964 3.3% 8.9% 62.9% South Yorkshire 17,688 2.4% 9.0% 75.0% Tees Valley and Durham 17,419 1.6% 9.2% 73.4% Black Country 17,375 1.0% 12.1% 48.7%

4 Black Country Output Gap

The Black Country Output Gap has been recalculated using the 2015 mid-year population estimates and the 2015 figures for total GVA and GVA per head.

In the context of the national average, the Black Country Output Gap has now stabilised at £10bn.

The figure below demonstrates the components of the output gap:

 Employment: the contribution of this component to the output gap has increased over the year from £1.7bn to £2.2bn. The Black Country employment rate has reduced from 66.7% to 66.5% compared to an increase in the England employment rate from 72.5% to 73.8%. To reach the current national average (73.8%) would require an increase of 52,063 people in employment in the Black Country.

 Skills: the component has increased from £1.5bn to £1.7bn over the past year. The NVQ4+ rate in the Black Country has dropped from 23% in 2014 to 22.4% in 2015, a reduction of 3,100 people. An increase of 103,046 people educated to degree level or above is required to close the gap with the current national average.

 Business: this is the largest component of the output gap, £6.1bn, requiring a significant increase in performance in innovation and enterprise. The number of new businesses in the Black Country has increased from 39 per 10,000 population to 44 per 10,000 population. However this compares to 63 per 10,000 population for England. The Black Country needs to create an additional 2,189 new businesses each year, in addition to the current 5,145 new businesses started, to achieve the current national average. The number of businesses in the Black Country has increased by 1,300 businesses from 33,385 in 2014 to 34,950. This equates to 300 businesses per 10,000 population compared to 429 for England. There would need to be an additional 15,045 businesses in the Black Country to achieve the current national average of 429 businesses per 10,000 population.

5 The table below shows the comparisons of the components of the output gap over the period 2012-2016. The skills element has started to increase over the last two years, increasing by £0.3bn from 2012.

The employment component has doubled since 2012 and now stands at £2.2bn.

Business is the largest component and has increased by £2.4bn from 2012. However, the contribution of this element has reduced over the past year by £0.7bn.

Output Gap Components (£bn) 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Skills 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.7 Employment 1.1 1 1.9 1.7 2.2 Business 3.7 5.4 4.8 6.8 6.1 Total Output Gap 6.2 7.8 8.1 10 10

Other Indicators

Business Stock: The number of businesses operating in the Black Country continues to increase with 2015 being the 11th year of continuous increases in business stock. There are currently 34,950 active enterprises in the Black Country, an increase of 1,565 businesses over the year

Source: ONS Business Demography, 2015

Wages: Wages continue to go up in the Black Country. Average full-time annual earnings for Black Country residents rose by £460 to £24,375, an increase of 2%. This compares to the average England increase of 2.4%.

6 Local Area Analysis

The breakdown of the Black Country Output Gap across the Local Authority Areas is below.

Dudley Sandwell Walsall Wolverhampton Output Gap (£bn) 3.3 2.5 2.4 2.0 Output Gap Components: Employment 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.7 Skills 0.4 0.6 0.4 0.3 Business 2.6 1.3 1.3 1.0

Note - components for each Local Authority area may not add up to BC total due to rounding

Total GVA in Wolverhampton is £4.6bn, the lowest GVA of any area in the Black Country. This has decreased by 1.5% from £4.7bn in 2014. Total GVA for the Black Country has increased by 1.7%.

Area Total GVA Growth Rate (£bn)

Walsall 4.8 4.1%

Dudley 5.0 3.1% Sandwell 5.8 1.2% Wolverhampton 4.6 -1.5%

Sandwell has the highest GVA per head at £18,302. GVA per head in Wolverhampton has reduced by £388 (-2.1%) over the past year, the only Local Authority area with a decrease.

Area GVA per head Growth Rate

Walsall £17,257 3.3% Dudley £15,762 2.9% Sandwell £18,302 0.4% Wolverhampton £18,179 -2.1%

Employment: Sandwell and Wolverhampton have seen increases in the employment rate over the past year, from 63.1% to 69.8% in Sandwell and from 63.3% to 64.4% in Wolverhampton. Dudley and Walsall have experienced reductions in the employment rate (3.1 and 2.6 percentage points respectively).

Skills: Sandwell has the lowest proportion of the working age population qualified to NVQ4+ and above of the Local Authority areas (19.8%) and this rate has reduced from 21.6%. Wolverhampton has seen a slight increase from 23.6% to 23.9%. Dudley has experienced the largest growth from 23.5% to 24.7%.

Business: The number of new businesses has increased in all areas. Wolverhampton and Sandwell have seen the largest increases in the number of new businesses per 10,000 population, increasing from 39 to 46 in Wolverhampton and 41 to 48 in Sandwell. Dudley has experienced the lowest increase from 38 to 39 new businesses per 10,000 population.

7 Agenda Item 6c Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

23rd January 2017

Black Country Strategic Companies Barometer – January 2017 (Draft)

1. Background

1.1 The Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) identifies 12 strategic programmes aimed at enabling businesses in our priority sectors to grow and deliver our contribution to the implementation of the UK Industrial Strategy. It is critical that the Black Country has the economic, social and physical infrastructure to enable those companies to grow. This report seeks to highlight the importance of the Strategic Companies in the Black Country to achieving the aims of the SEP.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That the Board be invited to comment on the Black Country Strategic Companies Barometer January 2017.

3. Report Detail

3.1 The appended report details the definition of a Strategic Company, of which there are 1,820 in the region.

3.2 It also details the Gross Value Added (GVA), these companies bring to the economy both nationally and internationally, being approximately £11.8bn. It should be noted that over half of this (£6.4bn) comes from three companies – Jaguar Land Rover, Carillion plc and Boparan Holdings.

3.3 Of the 446,000 workforce jobs in the Black Country, these 1820 strategic companies account for approximately 332,000 people, although not all companies have declared their number of employees.

3.4 It should also be noted that not all these employees reside in the Black Country and the statistics is based on the full company which may have branches outside of the Black Country.

3.5 The appendix details the five priority Transformational sectors which will secure the most economic growth because of their export potential and supply chain opportunities, these being advanced manufacturing, building technologies, transport technologies, business services and environmental technologies. Currently there are 220,00 jobs in these sectors and the ambition is to grow them to 273,000 by 2030, with forecasted GVA to increase from £11.6bn to £23.5bn.

3.6 Also detailed are the Enabling sectors – retail, visitor economy, sports, health and the public sector (including education and skills). These are crucial in terms of the wider economy and quality of life in the Black Country and their performance is linked to the growth of the Transformational sectors. Currently there are 276,000 jobs in these sectors and our ambition is to grow jobs in these sectors by 49,000 by 2030.

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive, Black Country Consortium Ltd

Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email:[email protected]

Agenda Item 6c SOURCE MATERIAL - Office of National Statistics – regional estimates for Gross Value Added – 15th December 2016

Black Country Strategic Companies Barometer

January 2017 (Draft)

Strategic Context

Our Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) identifies 12 strategic programmes aimed at enabling businesses in our priority sectors to grow and deliver our contribution to the implementation of the UK Industrial Strategy. It is critical that the Black Country has the economic, social and physical infrastructure to enable those companies to grow. This report seeks to highlight the importance of the Strategic Companies in the Black Country to achieving the aims of the SEP.

At the core of the strategy are seven priority propositions which are intended to focus action to enable growth in the Black Country and demonstrate our ambition and vision. A key feature of our approach is to focus our effort on 10 identified leading sectors that are crucial in securing economic growth, jobs and productivity in the Black Country.

There are a range of activities currently underway to deliver these programmes. Understanding the impact of current activity against our ambitions and identifying what additional activity is required is important to assessing for 2033 vision targets. Key to achieving the business aims of the SEP are the Black Country Strategic Companies. These companies are vital to creating economic growth and reducing the £10 billion productivity gap with the national economy and generating future growth.

Source: Office for National Statistics, 2017

Key Messages

 There are 34,950 active companies in the Black Country.  3,575 companies have a turnover of >£1m.  1,820 companies are included on the 2017 ‘Black Country Strategic Companies List’.  Advanced Manufacturing and Transport Technologies are the two leading sectors in terms of the high turnover business concentration. Black Country Business Base

The Black Country is home to a diverse business base of 34,950 enterprises. (Office for National Statistics, Business Demography, 2015). An enterprise can be thought of as the overall business, made up of all the individual sites or workplaces. It is defined as the smallest combination of legal units (generally based on VAT and/or PAYE records) that has a certain degree of autonomy within an enterprise group (Nomis, 2017). These firms have been categorised into five groups based on their turnover band1:

1. There are 940 “High Achiever” companies, these firms have a turnover of more than £5 million a year and account for 3% of the business base. 2. “Growth Pioneers” are those second tier growth firms turning over £1m-£4.99m - 2,635 companies (8% of total business base). 3. The 6,350 “Potential Gazelles” companies turning over £250k to £999k account for 20% of the business base. 4. The 9,030 SMEs with a turnover between £100k to £249k are classified as “Solid Performers” - (28% of the business base), 5. Firms turning over less than £100k are classed as “Lifestylers”, this includes micro enterprises - 12,730 (40% of the total).

Source: Inter Departmental Business Register, Office for National Statistics, 2016

1 Currently the Business Demography dataset does not provide a breakdown by turnover of the 34,950 registered enterprises. However, this breakdown can be obtained via the UK Business Count Dataset, which is a snapshot (March 2016) of the Business Demography dataset. At the time of the snapshot there were 31,685 enterprises in the Black Country. The turnover analysis above is based on the snapshot number of 31,685 enterprises. The enterprise business base is categorised into five groups based on turnover band as shown above.

Defining a Strategic Company

A survey conducted in the Black Country identified that businesses with a turnover of more than £1m are significantly more likely to grow - the Black Country is home to 3,575 companies with turnover level of greater than £1m. In order to get a list of Black Country Strategic Companies a filtering process is applied to these High Turnover firms with information available via the Financial Analysis Made Easy (FAME)2 data portal. The following parameters are applied:

1. Turnover & Trading Address - Strategic companies should have a minimum estimated turnover of £1m a year and have a registered or trading office in the Black Country. 2. Parent Company - If a company has many subsidiaries the parent company is chosen for the Strategic Companies list. 3. Signs of Activity - Holding companies that don’t appear to trade are also excluded from the list based on the premise that they do not contribute to the productivity of the Black Country business base. 4. Private Sector - Many public sector establishments such as schools are identified through the initial strategic search but are subsequently excluded from the final Strategic Companies list which measures private sector productivity in the Black Country. 5. Partner Information - Local intelligence is also applied to the list and it is updated on an annual basis. Local intelligence can suggest the addition of firms that that don’t strictly qualify for one of the parameters listed above, but are seen to make a significant contribution to growth in the Sub-Region.

We have identified 1,820 Strategic Companies in the Black Country. The following infographic illustrates the economic impact of the Strategic companies.

2 FAME is a financial information database of 7 million companies in the UK and Rep. of Ireland updated daily, with up to 10 years of data. Detailed financial, descriptive and ownership information for these companies plus summary. The database allows users to search by a wide selection of criteria (name, code, location, size, and many others).

Value to the Black Country Economy3

Gross Value Added GVA Number of  These firms generate approximately £11.8bn (GBP) Companies Gross Value Added (GVA) both nationally and internationally. Over half of this (£6.4bn) comes > £500m 3 from just three of our firms Jaguar Land Rover, £250-500m 5 Carillion Plc and Boparan Holdings (2 Sisters £100-250m 2 Food Group). £50-100m 7  Ensuring these companies remain in the Black £20-50m 29 Country and continue to grow is fundamental to £15-20m 18 the Sub-Region’s economy and addressing the £10-15m 31 £10 billion output gap. £5-10m 95

£1-5m 326

<£1m 1,090 Unknown 214

Turnover Turnover Number of (GBP) Companies  > £500m 10 These 1,820 companies have a combined turnover of approximately £47bn. £250-500m 2  2% of these strategic companies had a £100-250m 28 turnover of £100m or more. £50-100m 46  80% of these companies have an estimated £20-50m 110 turnover of less than £10m. £15-20m 63 £10-15m 97 £5-10m 148 £1-5m 115 Estimated £1m 1,201

Jobs  These 1,820 companies employ approximately Number of Number of 332,000 people. However, not all firms declared Employees Companies how many people they employed. 500+ 42  25% employ between 10 and 250 people. 250-500 43  14% of these companies employ less than 50 100-250 130 people. 50-100 163  2% of these companies employ over 500 people. 10-50* 162  There are currently 446,000 workforce jobs in 1-10 17 total in the Black Country. Unknown 1,263

3 Please note data on these companies needs to be interpreted with caution as not all of the economic benefits will be to the Black Country economy. The data is based on the full company which may have branches outside of the Black Country.

Sector Analysis

Transformational

We have identified five priority sectors which will secure the most economic growth because of their export potential and supply chain opportunities. These sectors are: advanced manufacturing, building technologies, transport technologies, business services and environmental technologies.

These firms make up a large proportion of the strategic companies and make a large contribution to the Black Country. Our Economic model sectoral analysis sets out the composition of jobs by sector and shows that there are currently 220,000 jobs in our transformational sectors and our ambition is to grow to 273,000 jobs by 2030. GVA growth is forecasted to increase from £11.6bn to £23.5bn in the same period.

Enabling

Our five enabling sectors which are crucial in terms of the wider economy and quality of life in the Black Country. The effectiveness of our programme to secure growth in the transformational sectors hinges in part on the performance of these sectors. They are: retail, visitor economy, sports, health and the public sector (including education and skills).

Our Economic Model shows that there are 276,000 jobs in the enabling sectors. Our ambition is to grow jobs in these sectors by 49,000 net new jobs by 2030.

Source: Oxford Economics, Black Country Economic Model Vision Scenario

GVA Growth

Jobs Growth

GVA Growth

Jobs Growth

Transformational Sectors

Priority Sectors No of Turnover Employees GVA  1,226 (67%) of all strategic companies Companies (£bn) (£bn) are in one of the 5 transformational Advanced sectors identified in the Black Country 651 8.7 166,240 2.1 Manufacturing as shown below. The remaining 594 Building Technologies 227 6.2 44,600 1.9 (33%) firms are in the enabling sectors. Business Services 186 2.1 13,030 0.8  The strategic companies in Transport 122 21.5 48,900 5.4 transformational sectors generate the Technologies highest proportion of GVA - £10.3bn. Environmental 40 0.3 1,100 0.1 Technologies  A significant proportion of these Total 1,226 38.8 273,940 10.3 strategic companies are based in the advanced manufacturing sector (36%) Enabling Sectors - 651 companies. This sector also accounts for the largest number of Priority Sectors No of Turnover Employees GVA employees in all strategic companies Companies (£bn) (£bn) (50%) and 20% of 17.8% of the total Health 37 0.1 5,840 0.1 GVA generated.

Retail 513 6.7 34,500 0.9  Within this sector the manufacturing of metals and machinery, equipment, Sports 2 0.3 300 0.2 furniture and recycling are the Visitor Economy 25 1.3 16,730 0.3 dominant activities, accounting for Public Sector 17 0.4 420 0.1 32% of all strategic companies (586 companies). Total 594 8.8 57,190 1.6  The highest GVA is generated by the transport technologies sector (46%). Number of Major Sector Companies  The building technologies sector is Banks 3 also well represented amongst these Construction 213 Education, Health 38 companies, accounting for 12% of all Gas, Water, Electricity 4 companies. This sector also employs a Hotels & restaurants 19 significant number of employees - Insurance companies 2 13.4% of employees in all strategic Manufacturing - chemicals, rubber, companies. plastics, non-metallic products 68 Manufacturing - food, beverages, tobacco 22  The remaining 33% of strategic Manufacturing - machinery, equipment, companies are in the enabling sectors. furniture, recycling 249 the vast majority (382) of these Manufacturing - metals & metal products 337 Manufacturing - primary Sector coming from retail based firms which (agriculture, mining, etc.) 6 also account for the largest number of Manufacturing - publishing, printing 10 employees. Manufacturing - textiles, wearing apparel, leather 19 Manufacturing - wood, cork, paper 25 Other Services 266 Post and telecommunications 4 Transport 37 Wholesale & retail trade 493

Sector Dashboards

We have developed a dashboard for each sector to enable us to target our action to support economic growth. The dashboards list the leading businesses in each sector, chart progress in GVA, jobs and business formation. They also map the location of top performing businesses and the strength of the local supply chain.

All of the dashboards include:  The scale of GVA, jobs and businesses for each sector in relation to the total Black Country numbers and the comparison of the proportion of GVA and jobs to the national average.  An overview of the growth ambitions for GVA and jobs in each sector compared to the current position and the 2004 baseline.  A comparison of growth rates for GVA and jobs to the national average growth rate.  An analysis of the component sub sectors, highlighting the most important sub sectors for the Black Country and the UK in terms of GVA and jobs.  The density of businesses and growth rates in the Black Country compared to the West Midlands LEP areas.

For the transformational sectors, the dashboards also include:  A list of the top performing businesses in each sector with an analysis of financial records to establish GVA contribution, average GVA per employee, GVA per employee comparisons against the UK average for each sector and GVA growth rates and an overview of the ownership of these businesses.  An assessment of the GVA impact of the leading businesses - Low (£0-£49,999m); Medium (£50,000- £99,999m); High (£100m+)  Analysis of the sectors that the top businesses operate in using the FTSE Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) Industry Structure and Definitions to identify high value added sectors.  A map to show the location of the top performing businesses.  An analysis of the local supply chain for Advanced Manufacturing, Transport Technologies and Building Technologies.

An example of one of the sector dashboards is below:

High Growth Companies

High growth is defined as annualised average growth in employment of 20% or more over a three year period. Of the 1,820 strategic companies in the Black Country, 105 are high growth companies (5.8%).

These high growth companies currently employ 98,300 people - 30% of people employed in all strategic companies. Total employment in these companies has increased overall by 5% over the latest one year period (4,650 employees). These companies account for £6.6bn GVA.

The majority of the high growth companies in the Black Country are in the advanced manufacturing sector (35 companies). Retail and Transport Technologies sector also account for a signification proportion of high growth companies.

Proportion of High Growth Companies by Sector

The London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies To Inspire Britain 2016’ report highlights 1,000 of the fastest growing SMEs in the country. The selection criteria require companies to have shown not just growing revenue over the past four years but also to have outperformed their sector peers.

The 1,000 companies highlighted in the report are growing at an average of 50% a year. In addition, because high growth companies’ success tends to be based on innovation, rather than the strict cost control typical of large cap, the jobs they create are usually higher skilled and higher paid.

The report shows more high-growth firms coming from outside London, with 8% fewer companies coming from London compared with last year. The report also highlights that almost a quarter of the 1,000 companies operate within the manufacturing, construction, and engineering sectors - which is broadly reflective of our own transformational sectors.

The 2016 report features 20 Black Country firms, as shown in the table below. Four of these companies also featured in the 2015 report - Barlow Motors Ltd, G&P Group Holdings Ltd, Harper Group Management Ltd and Jonathan Lee Contracts Ltd.

1000 Companies To Inspire Britain 2016: Black Country Companies

Company Name Location AL Building Systems Ltd West Bromwich Alca Fasteners Ltd Wednesbury Barlow Motors Ltd Wolverhampton Central Supplies (Brierley Hill) Ltd Cradley Corrugated Box Supplies Ltd West Bromwich Direct Corporate Clothing Plc Oldbury Ensen Ltd/Hill Steels Ltd Wednesbury G&P Group Holdings Ltd Aldridge Harper Group Management Ltd Rowley Regis HBS Foods Ltd Dudley HK Foods Ltd Bilston IB Construction Ltd Willenhall Jonathan Lee Contracts Ltd Stourbridge L & J Holdings Ltd/ M&J Evans Construction Ltd Walsall L & S Engineers Ltd Walsall Middleton Food Products Ltd Willenhall Nuclear Engineering Group Ltd Wolverhampton Pallet Track Wolverhampton Sherwood Stainless Steel (Service Centre) Ltd Wolverhampton Trust Group UK Ltd Dudley

Strategic Company Ownership

Global Ultimate owner details are available for 515 strategic companies; 136 of these are foreign owned. The graph below shows the breakdown of ownership by individual countries.

Great Britain accounts for 379 (73.5%) of the 515 companies with known Global Ultimate Ownership. Of the foreign owned companies, the United States of America and Germany account for the highest number of companies.

Source: FAME

Location

The spread of companies is fairly even across the Black Country, 30% of firms are located in Dudley, 30% in Sandwell, 20% in Walsall and 20% in Wolverhampton. Sector clusters are most notable in the advanced manufacturing, transport technologies and building technologies sectors.

The locations of the strategic companies are aligned to the growth network across the Black Country as can be seen on the map directly below. These strategic corridors and centres are vital to the economic prosperity of the Sub-Region underpinning GVA growth in the Black Country economy, which as of 2015 stands at £20.2bn.

Of the 1,820 strategic companies in the Black Country, 1,332 companies are located within regeneration corridors & strategic centres (73%).

The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the number of strategic companies in each corridor/centre and the number of strategic companies located on either existing high quality, potential high quality or local quality employment land.

There are currently 714 hectares of High Quality Employment (HQE) land in the Black Country, +18 hectares of which was created in the last year. The Black Country Joint Core Strategy target is 1,571 hectares of HQE land by 2026. This target was set in 2006 and an additional +857 hectares is needed to achieve this aim by 2026. The areas shaded in pink illustrate potential areas of HQE land but require various interventions for this to happen. These interventions are vital to expanding our Strategic Companies business base.

Summary

Identifying the barriers to growth for our entire business base (34,950 companies) is key to the growth of the Black Country economy. 89% of businesses in the Black Country generate less than £1million turnover, further highlighting the need to support smaller as well as larger businesses.

However, our Strategic Companies are the bedrock to Black Country economy, leading on growth opportunities through exporting and supply chain opportunities for smaller firms in the area. The London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies To Inspire Britain 2016’ features 20 Black Country firms - 30% of the featured Black Country companies operate within the manufacturing, construction, and engineering sectors.

Key Future Actions

 The Black Country LEP is leading on intelligence work to develop a suitable portfolio of information, including a number of dashboards for each sector within both the transformation and enabling sectors (Appendix C), on the Strategic Companies in order to engage with these firms and target our action to support economic growth. This intelligence will be crucially important for the LEP as we continue to engage with our partners locally, regionally and nationally.

 Identifying the planned interventions required to enable our strategic companies to grow is a key activity and will inform our infrastructure plan.

 Ensuring the voices of businesses can be heard by the Black Country LEP is a key priority and we are developing a communications plan to engage all business networks to establish a ‘networks of networks’ for two way communications.

 Intelligence from these companies to support the development and implementation of our seven priority propositions in our Strategic Economic Plan will be key:

 High Value Manufacturing City: a series of interventions to accelerate the growth of high value manufacturing businesses in the Black Country;  Strengthening the business base: a programme to create the conditions for higher levels of business birth, growth and survival and to enable Black Country businesses to improve their productivity and competitiveness;  Strategic centres: action to seek maximum economic benefit from our strategic centres and ensure that they contribute to the attractiveness of the back country as a place to live, work, visit and invest;  Black Country Garden City: a programme to accelerate house building and improve our housing mix by treating our supply of brownfield land as an opportunity for place-shaping and the creation of sustainable communities;  Fit for Purpose Skills System: action to ensure that our skills system can meet the needs of businesses and enable Black Country residents to benefit from growth;  Connectivity Solutions: a programme of investment in broadband and in transport to support growth by enabling the movement of goods and people;  Productivity, innovation and public service reform: a programme to secure innovation and public service reform in a way that raises productivity and secures improved public service outcomes at less cost.

For more information: contact the Economic Intelligence Unit 01384 471115 or email [email protected]

Appendix A - Strategic Company List

Company name Cluster Local Authority 1ST Access UK Ltd. Advanced Manufacturing Walsall A & B Richardson Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell A & M EDM Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell A & T Enclosures Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley A C Steels Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Walsall A J S Metals Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall A. & P.J. Steels Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley A.B.R. (Specialist Welding) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell A.J. Baker (Grinding) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall A.J. Metal Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley A.K.Hughes Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley A.P.D. Truck Mixer Repairs Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Walsall A.Perry & Co.(Hinges)Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell A.S. Rubber & Plastics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell A.S.H. Plastics (Wolverhampton) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton A.T.B. Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Abbey Spuncast Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Access Technologies Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Accumix Concrete Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Accura Group Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Accurate Laser Cutting Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Accurate Section Benders Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Acenta Steel Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Acme Spring CO. Limited(The) Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Adams Enclosures Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall ADI Treatments Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Advanced Chemical Etching Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Advanced Seals And Gaskets Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Adwin Spring Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Aeroplas (U.K.) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Air (Ventilation) Designs Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Air Industrial Developments Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Air Seating Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley AJS Profiles Holdings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell AJT Supplies Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Alanto Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Albion Sections Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Alca Fasteners Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Alderdale Fixing Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Alexander Comley Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley All Alloy Slitting Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Allens Crankshafts Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Alloy Wire International Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Alucast Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Aluminium Special Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Amber Shearing Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Ancol Pet Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Angle Ring Company Limited(The) Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Anvil Steels (Sandwell) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Apex Machining Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Apic UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell

Company name Cluster Local Authority Aqua Holdings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Arc Specialist Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Arford Steel Profiles Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Arlec Fabrications Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Armoloy (U.K.) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Armon Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Ash & Lacy Perforators Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Ashley Manor Upholstery Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Ashmores Press Brake Tooling Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Assa Abloy Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall A-Stat Office Technology Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton ATB Special Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Aurubis UK Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Aztec Centreline Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell B C Barton Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton B.& G.Lock & Tool Co.Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall B.B. Price Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley B.E. Wedge Holdings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall B.M.I. Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley B.S.T. Supplies & CO Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Baker Boys Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Banners Gate Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Barnfather Wire (Midlands) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Barnshaw Bending Centre Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Barpoint Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Baylis Automotive (Smethwick) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell BD Profiles Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Beaconsfield Products (Halesowen) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Beck Prosper Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Beepath Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Benbow Steels Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Berck Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Beta Heat Treatment Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell BIG Time Soft Drinks Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton BIP (Oldbury) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Birchfield Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Birchills Automotive (Presswork) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Birford Cable & Harness Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Bishoprise Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Black Country Pressings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Blackprint Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Bloomfield Packaging Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Bodill Parker Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Bodykraft (Dudley) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Boltight Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Bonner Studs Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Boparan Holdings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Boro Foundry Limited(The) Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Boss Design Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Bowling Finishing Services Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Bowman Stor Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Bradcray Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Brandenburg (UK) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority Brian Lowndes Print Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Bricesco Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Bri-Mac Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Broadway Kitchens & Bedrooms (Midlands) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Brockhouse Group Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Brockmoor Foundry Company Limited(The) Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Bromford Iron And Steel Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Bromsgrove Steel Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Brooks England Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Brooks Forgings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Brookside Metal Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Broyce Control Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Bruck UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Butterfly Embroidery Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell C R F Sections Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley C S Labels Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall C. Brown & Sons (Steel) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley C.& S Steels(Wolverhampton)Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Camcraft Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Carey Holdings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Castings Public Limited Company Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Central Patternmaking Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Central Plate Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Challenge Power Transmission Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Chamberlin PLC Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Chapel Ascote Farms Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Charter Castings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Chatsworth UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Chemipetro Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Chemique Adhesives And Sealants Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Chemviron Carbon Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Chicken Joes Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall China Industries Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Clamason Industries Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Clarkwood Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Colson Castors Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Component Supplies Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Concorde Commercial Maintenance Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Consolidated Steel Products Ltd. Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Cooke Brothers Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Cooper & Jackson Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Cooper Coated Coil Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Cope Technology Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Copper & Automotive Washer Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Cornwallis Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Corrugated Box Supplies Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Counterplas Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell County Saddlery Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Cox And Plant Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Craig & Derricott Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Croft Architectural Hardware Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Crosland Cutters Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Crown Polishing And Plating Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton

Company name Cluster Local Authority CSJ Coil Trading Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Cube Precision Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Customark Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Cuxson Gerrard & Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell D & M Electro Plating Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton D&J (Steels) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell D.G.S. (Grinding Wheels & Machines) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton D.S. Willetts (Stainless) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Daniel Batham & Son Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Darcast Crankshafts Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Dart Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Davicon Mezzanine Floors Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Davies Woven Wire Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Dawson Bros.(Timber)Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Deacon Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Deepdale Engineering CO. Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Diamond Box Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Diamond Coatings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Dinsmores Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall DM Midlands Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Doal International Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Dom-Uk Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Drywall Steel Sections Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Duright Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell E W Turner And Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall E. Hulme & Son Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall E.B.C. Group (U.K.) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Easi-Dec Access Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Easiflo Investments Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Easygates Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Eccles (UK Foundries FE) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Eclipse Sprayers Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell EFD Induction Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Electro Discharge Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Electrolytic Plating Company Limited(The) Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Elite Aluminium Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Elite Fasteners Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Elta Group Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Energy Saving Glass Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Energy Tubes Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Engineered Timber Solutions Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Enzone Plastics 1990 Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton ERA Home Security Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Erodex (U.K.) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Ervin Amasteel Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Esprit Group UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Essentia Protein Solutions Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Euro Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Euro Profile International Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Eurocraft Technologies Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley European Electrical Laminations Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley European Steelcraft Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Eurowire Containers Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority Eurstyle Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall EWS (Manufacturing) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Exallot Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Excel Print Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Excelsior Panelling Systems Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Exol Lubricants Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Express Bonding Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell F & L Smout & Sons Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell F T L Foundry Equipment Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall F. Martin And Son Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall F.A.Gill.Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Fablink Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Fairfax Saddles Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Farrellys Metal Polishers Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Fern Plastic Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Fine Mesh Metals Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley First Components Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Firstmark Consultancy Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Flexello Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Flint INK (U.K.) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Fontus Health Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Forgeco Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Formbend Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Francis W Birkett & Sons Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Fullex Locks Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Futura Recruitment Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Future Garments Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell G F Laser Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley G F S A Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley G J F Fabrications Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall G. John Power Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley G.E. Starr Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton GAS & Industrial FAN Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Generic Punching Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Genius Facades Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Gibson Trading Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Giffords Property Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Glass Express Midlands Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Glassworks Hounsell Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Glendenning Plastics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Glenlake International Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Global Metal Finishers Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Goldring Industries Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Gorge Fabrications Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Grasshopper Holdings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Griff Chains Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Grovestar Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Guardian Lock And Engineering Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Guardrail Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton GW 351 Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell H&R Chempharm (UK) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell H. & E. Knowles (LYE) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell H. & J. Speake Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton

Company name Cluster Local Authority H. Davenport & Sons Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall H. Docherty Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell H. H. Plastics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall H.Eccles(Pattern Makers)Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley H.Geddes & Sons Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall H.L.Thorne & Co.Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell H.S. Pitt & CO. Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley H.V.C. Supplies (Stourbridge) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Haden Design (Kitchen & Bedrooms) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Hadley Industries PLC Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Haemmerlin Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Hague Fasteners Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Halgurd Foods Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Hallen Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Handicare Accessibility Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Harco Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Harris Pipework Fabrications Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Harris-Walton Lifting Gear Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley HBS Foods Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Headstock Distribution Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Heat Treatment 2000 Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Heathyards Engineering CO. Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Henry Squire & Sons Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Hewigo (UK) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Hewmor Products Ltd. Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Hickman & Love (Tipton) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Higgins & Hewins Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley High Speed Lasers Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Hinton Perry & Davenhill Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Hobut Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Hockley Pattern & Tool CO Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Howell Tomkins Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall I.M.M. Hydraulics (U.K.) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Ideal & W R S Company Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Impacta Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Incotech Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Independent Tube & Fittings Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Industrial Brakes Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Industrial Brushware Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Industrial Dielectrics (U.K.) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Industrial Power Units Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Industrial Valves Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Ingospec Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Intercoat Industrial Paints Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Intervate Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Intralox Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Irvon Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Isaac H. Grainger & Son Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Iwis Drive Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell J P L Print & Design Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley J T B Pressings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall J. B. Products (Dudley) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell J.H. Lavender & Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell

Company name Cluster Local Authority J.L.Float Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Jactone Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton James W. Shenton Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell JBS Industries Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Jerseytex Ltd. Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Jet Cox Ltd. Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Jigsaw Joinery Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Walsall John Buckley(Dudley)Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley John Grimes Sawmills Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton John Stokes (Hard Chrome Plating & Grinding) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Jordhan Industries Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Joseph And Jesse Siddons Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell K.Engineering Company (West Bromwich) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall K.T.C. (Edibles) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Kalu Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Kashket & Partners Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Keith Bryan Saddlery CO. Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Keiton Engineering Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Kennametal UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Kepston Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Kespar Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Ketley Brick Company,Limited(The) Advanced Manufacturing Dudley KEY Technologies Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Kirkpatrick Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Kuka Robotics UK Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell L.A. Metals Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell L.M. Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Lamons UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Landywood Concrete Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Laystall Engineering Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Leamore Windows Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Lichtgitter (U.K.) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Lion-Fpg Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Lisega Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Dudley London Screw Co.Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Longwear Alloys Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Lowe And Fletcher Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell M. Billingham & CO. Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell M. Greenaway & Son Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall M.C.H. Electrical Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall M.G.B. Press Brake Sections Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley M.J. Sections Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Mackwell Electronics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Malcolm Enamellers ACP Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Malthouse Engineering CO. Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Manchester Doors And Cubicles Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Manor Optical CO. Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Marcegaglia (UK) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Mariner Holdings PLC Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Marquin Engineering Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Masefield-Beta Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Mcgean-Rohco (U.K.) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Mechatherm International Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority Mercian Weldcraft Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Meridian Metal Trading Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Mersona Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Metafin Group Holdings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Metal Assemblies Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Metal Processes (1959) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Metal Spraying (UK) Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Metalforms Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Metsec Lattice Beams Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton MI Glass Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Micron Alloy Castings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Middleton Paper Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Midland Building Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Midland Deburr & Finish Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Midland Oil Refinery Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Midland Tool And Design Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Midtherm Flue Systems Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Midtherm Laser Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley MIF Filter Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Millennium Pressed Metal Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Mitek Industries Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Moldwel Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Monarch Equestrian Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Morelock Signs Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Moseley Brothers Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley MPB Garden Buildings Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell MTM Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Mucklow Hill Interiors Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Mueller Europe Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Multi-Stroke Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell N.D. Jig And Gauge Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell N.Smith & Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell NCH (UK) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton NEC Graph - FIX Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Necessary Manufacturing Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Neonickel Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Network (Catering Engineers) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Newbrel Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Newby Foundries Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Nicholas Packaging Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Nikal Steels Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Non-Ferrous Stockholders Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Nova Design And Management Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Nu-Weld Engineering Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Oakham Sheet Metal Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Office Options (Midlands) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Offshore Stainless Supplies Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Old Superior Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Onboard Corrugated Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton One-Lux Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Openthorpe Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Orbit International PLC Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Ortek Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall

Company name Cluster Local Authority Ovako Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley P & P Non-Ferrous (Stockists) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley P. Mccann Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell P.K. Engineering (West Bromwich) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Pacegrade Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Painter And Son Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton PAL Group Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Palace Furniture Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Palmer Timber Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Pan Technologies Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Panesar Foods Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Paragon Engineering & Logistics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Pargat & CO Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Parmelee Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Pencom Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Pendeford Metal Spinnings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Pepperl+Fuchs Manufacturing UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Perfection Foods Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Petford Tools Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Phoenix 1872 Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Phoenix Brands Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Phoenix Calibration & Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Pickersgill-Kaye Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Piquant Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Pitchford Steelstock Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Plastic Bottle Supplies Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton PM Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Polypack Polythene Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Portway Tool And Gauge Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Powell, GEE & Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Power Utilities Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Precision Chains Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Premax Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Presco Components Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Press Leakage Control Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Prima Doors Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Priory Woodfield Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Profab Holdings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Professional Polishing Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Profile Techniques Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Proplas 2008 Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Prospot Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Protega Paints Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell PSU Designs Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Purity Soft Drinks Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Pyramid Profiles Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Qualfab Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Quality Metal Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Quality Springs & Pressings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Quantum Print And Packaging Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Queen Anne Tableware Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell R & R Residential Properties Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Dudley R And J Mesh Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority R.D.P. Electronics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton R.J.Hawkins & Co.(Dudley)Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley R.M.P. Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell R.W. Badland Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Rainbow Upholstery Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Ralph Martindale And Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Ramfoam Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Ramsay Rubber & Plastics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Ramsden Steel Drums Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Rapid Industrial Fasteners Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Rayburn Plastics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall RCF Bolt & Nut CO (Tipton) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Re-Carb Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Regent Engineering CO (Walsall) Limited(The) Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Reliable Spring & Manufacturing Company Limited(The) Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Repose Furniture Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley RGK Wheelchairs Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Rical Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Richards And Jerrom Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Ridgeway Steel & Manufacturing Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley RIO Stainless Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Robert Lickley Refractories Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Robinson Brothers Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Rolevet Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Rotometrics International Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall RP Technologies Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Rubbernek Fittings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Rugby Plastics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Runflat International Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Rushworth & Co.(Sowerby Bridge)Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley S A & D E Dixon Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton S Jones Containers Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Saddlers Court MFG Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Salisbury Poultry (Midlands) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Samuel Lewis Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Samuel Wilkes (Engineering) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Sandland Packaging Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Sankey Laminations Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Sant Castings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Sawcraft UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Saxton Logistics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Scheff Foods Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Schuler Presses UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Scot Young Research Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Securiclear Aluminium Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Securistyle Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Select Windows (Home Improvements) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Sentinel Plastics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Serter Medical Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley SFC (Europe) Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Shakespeare Forgings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Sharps Bedrooms Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Shearline Steel Strip Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority Sheco Automotive Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Sherwood Stainless Steel (Service Centre) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Siddons Alloy Castings Ltd. Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Signpost Solutions Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Silverthorne Engineering Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Simonswerk UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Simply Foam Products Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Sirus Automotive Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Skilled Manufacturing Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Smart Plastic Cards Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Smethwick Drop Forge Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Smethwick Maintenance Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Smithpack Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Solair Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Solutions Acrylic And Display Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Solvay Solutions UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Somers Forge Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley South Staffs Industries Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Southdown Materials Testing Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Southern Doors & Cubicles Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Spice Hawk Steel Sections Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Spire Manufacturing Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Sponmech Safety Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Spunalloys Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Ssab Swedish Steel Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Stainless Handrail Systems Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Stanley Horne & Sons Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Steam Plant Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Steel & Alloy Processing Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Steel Sections (Warley) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Steelstrip Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Steelway Fensecure Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Stephens Gaskets Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Stevetone (UK) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Stirchley Burger Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Stokes Group Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Strimech Engineering Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Structural Steelwork Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Sturge Industries Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Summercliff Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Sunrise Medical Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Superior Sections Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Swatkins Group Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Synergy Biologics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall T.M. Engineers (Midlands) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Takecrown Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Tansun Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Teknor Apex UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Tentec Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell The Cubra Casting Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell The Deritend Group Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton The Imperial Bathroom Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall The Label Centre Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority The Phoenix Pattern And Tool Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton The Walsall Wheelbarrow Company Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Thomas Dudley Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Thomas Howse,Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Thomas Parish & Son(Halesowen)Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Thorne International Boiler Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Threeway Pressings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Timken UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Tokai Carbon Europe Limited. Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Tom Carrington & Co.Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Totalkare Heavy Duty Workshop Solutions Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Tredamega Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Trench Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Tribulo Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Trident Sections Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Trimat Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Trojan Hardware & Design Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Truflo Air Movement Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Tru-Thread Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Tubeclamps Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Turford Bros Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Ucontrol Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton UK Doorsets Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Ultra-Mation Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Unisant (Holdings) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Unistrut Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell United Automotive Interiors Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton United Industrial Converters Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley United Slitting Services Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley United Steels Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Universal Boltforgers Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Universal Fixings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Utopia Furniture Ltd. Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Vale Brothers Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Valen Fittings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Vanguard Foundry Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Varol Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Victoria Drop Forgings Co.,Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Voestalpine Metsec PLC Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Vogue (UK) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton W. & G. Yates (Yieldfields) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall W.G.Thursfield(Pattern Makers)Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall W.H. Tildesley Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall W.R.R.Pedley & Co.Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Walter Frank & Sons Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Warburtons Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Waterfit Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Welded Presswork (1982) Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Welin Lambie Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley West Mercia Sections Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell West Midlands Bright Bar Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall West Midlands Foundry CO. Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Westley Group Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell

Company name Cluster Local Authority Westley Plastics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Whiston Industries Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Whitehouse Cox & CO. Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Wilkinson Dynamic Balancing Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley William Gibbons & Sons,Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton William King Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Willpack Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Wm.Print Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Wolf Corporation Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Wolverhampton Electro Plating Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton Wrights Plastics Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Wulfrun Specialised Fasteners Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton XL Technical Services Ltd Advanced Manufacturing Walsall Yeoman Pressings Limited Advanced Manufacturing Dudley Z.M.R. Limited Advanced Manufacturing Sandwell Zaun Limited Advanced Manufacturing Wolverhampton ZF Lemforder UK Limited Advanced Manufacturing Walsall A & A Joinery And Woodworking Limited Building Technologies Sandwell A P B Painting Services Limited Building Technologies Dudley A&H Construction & Developments (Holdings) Limited Building Technologies Dudley A. B. Construction (West Midlands) Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Adastra Access Limited Building Technologies Walsall Advance Door Engineering Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Arcc Communications Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Argus Fire Protection Company Limited Building Technologies Dudley Arthur M.Griffiths & Son Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Asbestos Abatement Services Limited Building Technologies Walsall Ash & Lacy Building Systems Limited Building Technologies Sandwell B. E. Barker Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Bains Builders Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Banelec Limited Building Technologies Dudley Barhale PLC Building Technologies Walsall Bateman Roofing Services Limited Building Technologies Dudley Baxcrest Limited Building Technologies Dudley Beauimel Floors Limited Building Technologies Walsall Billingham & Kite Limited Building Technologies Dudley Birmingham Garage & Industrial Doors Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Birmingham Plating Company Ltd. Building Technologies Sandwell Bradley Environmental Consultants Limited Building Technologies Dudley Briggs Amasco Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Brindley Asphalt Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Britmet Tileform Limited Building Technologies Dudley Bryant Electrical (Midlands) Limited Building Technologies Sandwell C & A Flooring Ltd Building Technologies Wolverhampton C.7.Contractors Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton C.A.B. Joinery Services Limited Building Technologies Sandwell C.A.S. (Mount Farm) Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton C.C. Contracting Limited Building Technologies Dudley Cafequote Limited Building Technologies Dudley Callow Shopfitters Limited Building Technologies Walsall Carillion PLC Building Technologies Wolverhampton Carjan Properties Limited Building Technologies Dudley Central Plumbing & Heating Services Limited Building Technologies Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority Central RPL Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Central Scaffold Access Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Chapel Windows Limited Building Technologies Dudley Choice Plumbing & Heating (Midlands) Limited Building Technologies Walsall CMK (Treatments) Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Core Five LLP Building Technologies Wolverhampton Cottam & Preedy.Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Crane Rail Installations (U.K.) Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Crown Technologies Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton D & R Contract Services Limited Building Technologies Walsall D&W Construction Services Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton D. W. Windows Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton D.& J.Bailey(Flooring)Limited Building Technologies Walsall Dalvie Storage Systems Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Daneways Limited Building Technologies Dudley Dent & Partners Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Dewsbury & Proud Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Direct Security Systems (Midlands) Limited Building Technologies Walsall Dismantling & Engineering Services Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Drillcore (Wednesbury) Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Ducatt Heating Company Limited(The) Building Technologies Dudley E. Aston & Son Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Eclipse Plumbing & Heating CO. Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Eco-1 Electrical Solutions Ltd Building Technologies Walsall Electrixs Installations Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Elite Systems (UK) Limited Building Technologies Dudley Estil Limited Building Technologies Dudley European Mezzanine Systems Limited Building Technologies Dudley Excel 2000 Windows Limited Building Technologies Dudley Faraday Electrical Installations Ltd. Building Technologies Dudley Fire Glass UK Limited Building Technologies Sandwell First Choice Assembly Limited Building Technologies Dudley First Process UK Limited Building Technologies Dudley Folkes Properties Limited Building Technologies Dudley Forkers Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Fortel Construction Group Limited Building Technologies Walsall Four Seasons Air Conditioning Supplies Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton G I Sykes Limited Building Technologies Dudley G.B.G. Fences Limited Building Technologies Walsall G.Purchase Construction Limited Building Technologies Walsall Generation (UK) Limited Building Technologies Sandwell GLJ Contracts Limited Building Technologies Walsall Goodwin & Price Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Graybuild Limited Building Technologies Dudley Guild Homes Limited Building Technologies Dudley Hallford Refurbishments Limited Building Technologies Dudley Harcon Services Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Harper Group Construction Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Heatco Midlands Limited Building Technologies Walsall Hilton Main Construction Limited Building Technologies Walsall Homeserve PLC Building Technologies Walsall Horgan Homes And Developments Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Horizon Air Conditioning Limited Building Technologies Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority Hovi Developments Limited Building Technologies Dudley Howells Patent Glazing Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Humphries Demolition Limited Building Technologies Sandwell I.B. Construction Limited Building Technologies Walsall Imac Developments Limited Building Technologies Dudley Insulation Techniques & Services Limited Building Technologies Dudley Intergas Heating Limited Building Technologies Dudley Interior Service Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Interserve Industrial Services Limited Building Technologies Sandwell J & L Electrics (LYE) Limited Building Technologies Dudley J. C. (Holdings) Limited Building Technologies Walsall J.D. Electrical & Mechanical Services Limited Building Technologies Sandwell John A. Bates (Contractors) Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Joinery Specialists Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Jones & Woolman UK Limited Building Technologies Walsall K & M Homes Limited Building Technologies Dudley K.R.Hardy Estates Limited Building Technologies Walsall K.T.B. Contract Interiors Limited Building Technologies Dudley KEE Safety Group Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Keen Roofing Limited Building Technologies Dudley Kendrick Construction Limited Building Technologies Dudley Kingfisher Industrial Management Limited Building Technologies Sandwell L & J Holdings Limited Building Technologies Walsall Lathams Security Doorsets Limited Building Technologies Dudley Localrun (Decorating) Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Logistic Engineering Services Ltd Building Technologies Dudley Lord Combustion Services Limited Building Technologies Sandwell M & A Doocey Civil Engineering Limited Building Technologies Sandwell M & J Evans Construction Limited Building Technologies Walsall M G Shopfronts Limited Building Technologies Dudley M. & J. Drilling Services Limited Building Technologies Sandwell M. Foster Construction Limited Building Technologies Dudley MAC Surfacing Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Map Concrete Pumping Limited Building Technologies Dudley Mapei (UK) Limited Building Technologies Dudley Maplewood Homes (Midlands) Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Mario Insulation Ltd. Building Technologies Wolverhampton Mcauliffe Civil Engineering Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton MDS Industries Ltd Building Technologies Sandwell Measham Heating And Air-Conditioning Limited Building Technologies Walsall Mercia International Products Ltd Building Technologies Dudley Midland Erection Limited Building Technologies Dudley Midland Medical Services Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Midland Properties (West Midlands) Limited Building Technologies Walsall Midland Technical Solutions Limited Building Technologies Walsall Midtherm Engineering Limited Building Technologies Dudley Midwest Electrical Services Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Miller Industrial Cladding Limited Building Technologies Dudley Model Builders (Birmingham) Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Modlit Limited Building Technologies Sandwell MVS Mechanical Services Limited Building Technologies Dudley Natralight Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Neway Doors Limited Building Technologies Sandwell

Company name Cluster Local Authority Newey Electrical Installations Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Newfield Electrical Limited Building Technologies Dudley Northern GAS Heating Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Oak Grange Homes Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Oakham Lift Services Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Old Park Engineering Services Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Opaque Decorators Limited Building Technologies Walsall Ovivo UK Limited Building Technologies Sandwell P & R Morson & Company Limited Building Technologies Dudley P & R Projects (Midlands) Limited Building Technologies Walsall P. J. Arnold Limited Building Technologies Walsall Park Hall Plant Services Limited Building Technologies Walsall Pascon Limited Building Technologies Walsall Paul Structure Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Pentax Developments Limited Building Technologies Dudley Performance Scaffolding Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Phase 9 Roofing Limited Building Technologies Walsall PJB (Midlands) Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Powersave Direct Ltd Building Technologies Sandwell Priory Shutter & Door Company Limited(The) Building Technologies Sandwell R James Electrical Limited Building Technologies Sandwell R S Miller Roofing Limited Building Technologies Dudley R S W Roofing (South West) Limited Building Technologies Walsall R.D. Jukes & CO. Limited Building Technologies Walsall R.D.S. Construction Limited Building Technologies Sandwell R.H.F.Heating Company Limited Building Technologies Dudley Ravenscroft Developments Limited Building Technologies Dudley Regency Homes (Brierley Hill) Limited Building Technologies Dudley Rings Security Shutters & Gates Limited Building Technologies Dudley RMC Mechanical Services Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton RMD Kwikform Limited Building Technologies Walsall Roman Roads Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Rowelec Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Ruskin Properties Limited Building Technologies Dudley Rydale Group Limited Building Technologies Dudley S J Richards Limited Building Technologies Dudley S S Concrete MIX Ltd Building Technologies Wolverhampton S Thacker Plastering Contractors Ltd Building Technologies Walsall S. D. P. Floor Screeds Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Safesite Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Sandunn Projects Limited Building Technologies Dudley Sandvik Limited Building Technologies Dudley Security Hardware Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Security Link Services Limited Building Technologies Dudley Severn Bore Piling Limited Building Technologies Dudley Shaylor Group PLC Building Technologies Walsall Signature Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Simco External Framing Solutions (UK) Limited Building Technologies Walsall Site Management Services (Central) Ltd. Building Technologies Dudley Soloply Limited Building Technologies Dudley Spanclad Construction Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Specialist Joinery Products Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Spectrum Building Envelopes & Facades Ltd Building Technologies Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority SPV Shopfitting And Building Limited Building Technologies Walsall Stanford Industrial Concrete Flooring Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Star Scaffolding Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Starrant Limited Building Technologies Walsall Stebro Flooring Company Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Stourbridge Paving Company Limited Building Technologies Dudley Structal (UK) Limited Building Technologies Dudley Summit Electrical Installations Limited Building Technologies Walsall Tarmac Building Products Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Tatton Hall Homes Limited Building Technologies Dudley Technicare Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Telec Solutions Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Tennals UK Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Tettenhall Windows & Conservatories Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton The Gateway Estate (Lincoln) Ltd Building Technologies Sandwell The General Asphalte Company Limited Building Technologies Walsall TPS Consult Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Traffic Safety & Management Limited Building Technologies Dudley TSG Electrical Services Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton UK Access Solutions Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Velcol Limited Building Technologies Walsall Viking Electrics Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton W.R. Enterprise Glass & Glazing Limited Building Technologies Dudley Wade Building Services Limited Building Technologies Sandwell West Midlands Installations Limited Building Technologies Sandwell Whittaker Bros.,Limited Building Technologies Dudley William Gough & Sons Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton William Kendrick & Sons Limited Building Technologies Dudley Woodcraft Joinery Limited Building Technologies Dudley Wootton & Wootton (T & D) Limited Building Technologies Walsall Wulfrun Building Solutions Limited Building Technologies Wolverhampton Zero 1 Exhibitions Limited Building Technologies Walsall A & A Walters Limited Business Services Dudley A & J Mucklow Group P L C Business Services Dudley ABA Crane Hire Limited Business Services Walsall ABC Early Learning & Childcare Centre UK Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Acton Banks Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Adas UK Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Admiral Self Storage Ltd Business Services Walsall Advanced Direct Mail Limited Business Services Dudley Aerotech Inspection & NDT Limited Business Services Sandwell Alphonsus Homes Limited Business Services Dudley Andrews Sykes Group PLC Business Services Wolverhampton APG UK Limited Business Services Walsall Applied Coating Technologies Limited Business Services Sandwell Ashmore Properties Limited Business Services Sandwell Avaiyo Limited Business Services Dudley Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited Business Services Sandwell Baldwins Holdings Limited Business Services Walsall Bayley Needham Limited Business Services Wolverhampton BBS Technology Limited Business Services Dudley Bertrandt UK Limited Business Services Sandwell Bilston Properties Limited Business Services Sandwell

Company name Cluster Local Authority Black Country Pallets Limited Business Services Sandwell Byron Park Properties Limited Business Services Dudley Capital Outsourcing Group Limited Business Services Walsall Careerlink Limited Business Services Walsall Castors International Limited Business Services Sandwell Charter Court Financial Services Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Charterbridge Properties Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Chartway Industrial Services Limited Business Services Dudley Chase Plant Hire Limited Business Services Walsall Chrysalis Solmotive Limited Business Services Sandwell Clark Brookes Turner Cary Limited Business Services Sandwell Claverley Group Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Cloud And Clear Limited Business Services Wolverhampton CMS Hire Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Coach Choice Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Cobco 840 Limited Business Services Walsall Cognitive Network Solutions Limited Business Services Dudley Colter Steels Limited Business Services Walsall Connect Advertising & Marketing LLP Business Services Wolverhampton Cox Jerome Taxation & Accountancy Consultants Limited Business Services Walsall CRE (W.Mids) Limited Business Services Sandwell Creativity International Limited Business Services Dudley CTM Fire & Security (Preston) Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Cygnia Technologies Limited Business Services Sandwell Dartmouth Global Trading CO. Limited Business Services Dudley Digital Imaging Services Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Direct Personnel Midlands Limited Business Services Sandwell DKV Geotechnical Plant Limited Business Services Sandwell Dunwood Travel Limited Business Services Dudley Envateq Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Environmental Integrated Solutions Limited Business Services Dudley Eurofins Food Testing UK Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Eurohire Vehicle Rentals (Oldbury) Limited Business Services Sandwell European African Trading CO. Ltd Business Services Sandwell Express And Star Limited Business Services Wolverhampton F.P. Gaunt & Sons Limited Business Services Sandwell Facepunch Studios Ltd Business Services Walsall Farcroft Restorations Ltd Business Services Walsall FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Business Services Wolverhampton First Personnel Group Limited Business Services Walsall Flexi Forklift Rental Limited Business Services Sandwell Frontline Exhibitions Limited Business Services Dudley Genie Solutions Limited Business Services Wolverhampton George Featherstone Limited Business Services Sandwell Goold Estates Limited Business Services Walsall Grainrent Limited Business Services Dudley Halcon Properties Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Harbay Limited Business Services Sandwell Hills Plant Hire Limited Business Services Walsall Hison Services Business Services Dudley Horobin,Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Hulbert Properties Limited Business Services Dudley I Q Wholesale Ltd Business Services Sandwell

Company name Cluster Local Authority IBP Global Trading Limited Business Services Dudley Iconics U.K. Limited Business Services Dudley Ideal Employment Limited Business Services Sandwell Integrated Tanker Services Limited Business Services Walsall Inter-Bold Limited Business Services Walsall Interchoice Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Iorek Limited Business Services Sandwell J.B. Langford & CO. Limited Business Services Sandwell J.Vernon Kendrick Limited Business Services Dudley Jay Allied Assets Limited Business Services Dudley Jobsworth Recruitment Solutions Limited Business Services Dudley Jofson Limited Business Services Walsall John Ward & Sons (Group) Limited Business Services Dudley Jonathan LEE Contracts Limited Business Services Dudley Jordans Solicitors Midlands Limited Business Services Sandwell Jubilee Personnel Services Limited Business Services Dudley Kerry Collins Recruitment Limited Business Services Walsall L & S Engineers Limited Business Services Walsall Lane & CO Solicitors Limited Business Services Walsall Leamore Internet Limited Business Services Walsall Linde Creighton Limited Business Services Sandwell London & Cambridge Properties Limited Business Services Dudley London Creations Limited Business Services Wolverhampton LSP Holding (UK) Ltd Business Services Walsall Masstemps Limited Business Services Walsall Midland Machinery (Heavy Lift) Limited Business Services Walsall Midland News Association Limited(The) Business Services Wolverhampton Midshire Business Systems Limited Business Services Sandwell Midwest Forklift Services Limited Business Services Sandwell Mirage Property Services Limited Business Services Dudley MJR Services Limited Business Services Dudley MPS Networks PLC Business Services Dudley New Company Services Limited Business Services Sandwell New Rose Limited Business Services Sandwell Next Car & Van Rental Limited Business Services Sandwell Ngeneration Limited Business Services Dudley Nova Recruitment Services Limited Business Services Dudley Ocean Swimming Pools Limited Business Services Dudley Ombiel Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Otis Vehicle Rentals Limited Business Services Sandwell Owen Payne Recruitment Services Limited Business Services Wolverhampton P. & W. Enterprises Limited Business Services Walsall Parry People Movers Limited Business Services Sandwell Paycare Business Services Wolverhampton Penbrick Limited Business Services Dudley Peter Maddox & Associates Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Phoenix Steel Structures Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Polymer Logistics (UK) Limited Business Services Dudley Postworth Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Powerpro (UK) Limited Business Services Walsall Powerstream Services Limited Business Services Walsall Press Computer Systems Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Prestige Hire Limited Business Services Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority Principal Hygiene Systems Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Protech Computer Systems Limited Business Services Walsall Quality Office Supplies Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Quasartronics Limited Business Services Dudley Quest Search And Selection Limited Business Services Walsall R. & F. Steel Stockholders (Property) Limited Business Services Dudley R.S. Recovery Limited Business Services Sandwell RAC Group Limited Business Services Walsall Raylane Ltd Business Services Sandwell Red Diamond Distribution Limited Business Services Walsall Red Rock Consultants Ltd Business Services Dudley Redditch Co-Operative Homes Business Services Sandwell Remax Frimley Limited Business Services Sandwell Ridgeway Homes (UK) Limited Business Services Dudley Ripe4 Resourcing Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Russell Pike Media Limited Business Services Walsall S.Webb & Son Limited Business Services Sandwell Sandwell Training Association Limited Business Services Sandwell Sheet Anchor Properties Limited Business Services Dudley Sherborne Paper Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Shooting Stars Nurseries LLP Business Services Dudley Sidhu Fashions Limited Business Services Walsall Simcorp Coric Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Simon Developments Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Smestow Pattern & Tool Company Limited Business Services Dudley Spire Group Limited Business Services Walsall Staff Direct 4 U Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Starting Point Recruitment Limited Business Services Walsall Steps To Work (Walsall) Ltd Business Services Walsall Sterling Power Utilities Limited Business Services Dudley Stiltz Limited Business Services Dudley Stourbridge Holdings (U.K.) Limited Business Services Dudley Stourbridge Turning & Grinding Limited Business Services Dudley Studio JL Ltd Business Services Sandwell Syscom PLC Business Services Dudley Talbots LAW Ltd Business Services Dudley Technology Finance (UK) Limited Business Services Walsall Technology Management (Midlands) Limited Business Services Wolverhampton The Flame Lily Healthcare Ltd Business Services Wolverhampton The KGJ Insurance Services Group Limited Business Services Wolverhampton The Staffing Group Limited Business Services Walsall The Vine Trust Walsall Business Services Walsall Thornes Legal Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Tibs Energy Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Time Right Limited Business Services Sandwell Trafalgar Accountants Ltd Business Services Wolverhampton Trinity Personnel Limited Business Services Dudley Tube Bend Form International Ltd Business Services Walsall Tudor Employment Agency Limited Business Services Walsall Unimetal Product Components Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Valent Applications Limited Business Services Walsall Vital Recruitment (UK) Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Watts Clift Holdings Ltd Business Services Walsall

Company name Cluster Local Authority West Bromwich Commercial Limited Business Services Sandwell White Label Lending Limited Business Services Sandwell Wolverhampton Homes Limited Business Services Wolverhampton Wyvern Group Limited Business Services Sandwell Xinex Limited Business Services Sandwell Zeel Solutions Limited Business Services Wolverhampton AB Waste Management Limited Environmental Technologies Sandwell Alutrade Limited Environmental Technologies Sandwell Alwin Limited Environmental Technologies Sandwell ARK Environmental Services Limited Environmental Technologies Walsall Arrow Environmental Services Limited Environmental Technologies Sandwell Central Waste Oil Collections Limited Environmental Technologies Walsall Ductmann Limited Environmental Technologies Dudley ELG Carbon Fibre Limited Environmental Technologies Dudley Enablelink Limited Environmental Technologies Dudley Environmental Contracts Limited Environmental Technologies Dudley Environmental Resource Group Limited Environmental Technologies Walsall Envirotreat Technologies Limited Environmental Technologies Dudley Green World Recycling Limited Environmental Technologies Dudley Hanford Waste Services Limited Environmental Technologies Wolverhampton I.A.N. Metals Limited Environmental Technologies Dudley J T W Metals Limited Environmental Technologies Wolverhampton Jacopa Limited Environmental Technologies Sandwell JBR Recovery Limited Environmental Technologies Sandwell Jennics Limited Environmental Technologies Dudley Jones Skip Hire (Wolverhampton) Limited Environmental Technologies Wolverhampton Knowaste (Midlands) Limited Environmental Technologies Wolverhampton L & J Lonsdale Metal Merchants (Walsall) Limited Environmental Technologies Walsall M.B.H. Builders Limited Environmental Technologies Wolverhampton Mason Metals Limited Environmental Technologies Dudley MBH Builders (CN) Ltd Environmental Technologies Dudley MES Environmental Limited Environmental Technologies Wolverhampton Monmore Recycling Limited Environmental Technologies Dudley MTB (Midlands) Limited Environmental Technologies Sandwell Premier Metal Recyclers Limited Environmental Technologies Sandwell Ramsden And Whale Limited Environmental Technologies Sandwell Recycled Plastics (UK) Limited Environmental Technologies Wolverhampton Robert Hopkins And Son Limited Environmental Technologies Sandwell S & B Waste Management & Recycling Limited Environmental Technologies Wolverhampton South Staffordshire Water PLC Environmental Technologies Walsall Swancote Energy Limited Environmental Technologies Wolverhampton Tardis Environmental UK Limited Environmental Technologies Walsall Timmins Waste Services Limited Environmental Technologies Wolverhampton Triple R Solutions Limited Environmental Technologies Walsall Trust Hygiene Services Limited Environmental Technologies Walsall Tuke And Bell Limited Environmental Technologies Sandwell 3 Dimensional Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell A. Hingley Transport (Brierley Hill) Limited Transport Technologies Dudley A.Clarke & Co.(Smethwick)Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Adam Jones And Sons (Blackheath) Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Allgroup LLP Transport Technologies Walsall Alphamation Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Andyfreight Limited Transport Technologies Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority Ansaldo Nuclear Engineering Services Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton Ansell Jones Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Apollo Flow Measurement Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Arbil Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Arcelormittal Tailored Blanks Birmingham Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Ashworth Europe Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Aspray Transport Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Atticrose Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Bevan Group Ltd Transport Technologies Sandwell Birds Groupage Services Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Bronx Engineering Limited Transport Technologies Dudley CAB Automotive Ltd. Transport Technologies Sandwell Car Parts Industries UK Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Cargo Carriers (Midlands) Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Carlyle Bus & Coach Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Carver Group Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Central Freight Services Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Comar Engineering Services Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton Combat Hvac Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Complex Cold Forming Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Controlled Heat Treatments Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Conway Packing Services Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell D.K. Rewinds Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Daily Irish Services Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Davis-Standard Ltd Transport Technologies Dudley Dpdgroup UK Ltd Transport Technologies Sandwell Eriks Industrial Services Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Fabwell Ltd Transport Technologies Dudley Fives Bronx Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Fleet Express & Logistics Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Formrite Precision Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Fort Jason Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Fortress Interlocks Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton Fred Smith & Sons (Motor Bodies) Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Globe Air Cargo Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Hallmarket Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton Hansons (Wordsley) Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Hasco-Thermic Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Hayley 247 Engineering Services Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Heinrich Georg (U.K.) Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton Hills Coaches Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton HS Marston Aerospace Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton HUF U.K. Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Hydratight Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Ibex Worldwide Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Indentec Hardness Testing Machines Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Interlink Express Parcels Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Interplas Coatings Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Interpower Induction Ltd Transport Technologies Walsall J C Payne (UK) Limited Transport Technologies Walsall J. Barnsley Cranes Limited Transport Technologies Dudley J.Hayward & Sons of Walsall Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Jaguar Land Rover Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton

Company name Cluster Local Authority Jubilee Automotive Group Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Kuka Systems UK Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Lift And Engineering Services Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Lifting Gear Direct Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Lodent Precision Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Lodge Cottrell Ltd. Transport Technologies Dudley Lowes Transport Group Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell M.B. Distribution Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell M.I.S. Fuel Monitoring Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton Mainline Haulage Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton Maloney Metalcraft Ltd Transport Technologies Walsall Maxpower Automotive Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Mcdowall Limited Transport Technologies Walsall MDS Petrochemical Supplies Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Metallisation Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Midland Freight Service Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Midland Polishing & Plating CO Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton Mika (UK) Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton Monarch-Els Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Moog Wolverhampton Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton MTI Welding Technologies Ltd Transport Technologies Dudley Narrow Aisle Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Network Packaging Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton New Generation Courier Logistics Ltd Transport Technologies Sandwell Pallet - Track Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton Parker Precision Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton Passenger Lift Services Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell PDS Group Holdings Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Phoenix Seating Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Prestige Transport Solutions Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Prospect Coaches (West) Limited Transport Technologies Dudley R K Transport Services Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Reel (UK) Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Rimstock PLC Transport Technologies Sandwell Rotala PLC Transport Technologies Sandwell Rothley Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton S.Turier & Sons Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Sas-Thermal Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Sheldon Clayton Logistics Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Sim-Worx Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Solid Swivel Company Limited(The) Transport Technologies Sandwell Specialist Induction Refractories Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Superite Tools Limited Transport Technologies Walsall Swagemaster Engineering Services Limited Transport Technologies Wolverhampton T. Masters & Sons Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell T.Baker & Sons(Transport)Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell T.D.R. Transport Services Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Telldeal Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell TFL Transport & Warehousing Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Thermetal Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Trac Tooling Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Travelstar European Ltd Transport Technologies Walsall Truck Engineering Limited Transport Technologies Walsall

Company name Cluster Local Authority Truck-Lite CO. Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell V.N.A. Trucks Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Vacuum Furnace Engineering Limited Transport Technologies Dudley VEE BEE Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Walsall Pressings Company Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Warley Carriers Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Weatherite Air Conditioning Limited Transport Technologies Sandwell Westfield Sports Cars Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Worcester Presses Limited Transport Technologies Dudley Allied International Trading Limited Health Sandwell B C S Associates Limited Health Dudley Benton Care Limited Health Dudley Blacks Vets Limited Health Dudley BSB Care Ltd Health Sandwell Cotdean Nursing Homes Limited Health Dudley County Air Ambulance Trust Health Walsall First Care Services Limited Health Wolverhampton Greenleigh Care Home Limited Health Dudley Halas Homes Health Dudley Hartlands Care Home Limited Health Sandwell Henry Newton Care Limited Health Wolverhampton Hunstone Limited Health Wolverhampton Inshore Support Limited Health Dudley Jubilee Pharmacy Limited Health Sandwell Kaleidoscope Plus Group Health Sandwell Langstone Society Health Dudley Leabrook House Limited Health Wolverhampton LJM Homecare Ltd Health Dudley Mclaren House Limited Health Sandwell Medi-Services Limited Health Dudley Mohs Workplace Health Limited Health Sandwell Mroke Limited Health Sandwell Oakville Practice Limited Health Sandwell Options For Life Health Sandwell Orton Manor Ltd Health Walsall Poplars Medical Practice Limited Health Wolverhampton Princess Lodge Limited Health Wolverhampton R82 UK Limited Health Dudley Select Lifestyles Limited Health Sandwell Sevacare (UK) Limited Health Wolverhampton The Keepings Limited Health Dudley The Poplars Care & Support Services Limited Health Sandwell The Sandwell Community Caring Trust Health Sandwell Vale Vets Limited Health Dudley Vision Homes Association Health Sandwell Wood Green Nursing Home Limited Health Wolverhampton A & R Vehicle Services Limited Retail Walsall A Thompson Motor Bodies Limited Retail Sandwell A. MIR & CO. Limited Retail Sandwell A.B.S. (Burton) Limited Retail Walsall A.E.Chapman & Co.,(Old Hill)Limited Retail Sandwell A.F.Blakemore And Son Limited Retail Walsall A.K. International (Imports & Exports) Limited Retail Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority Abacus Builders Merchants (Walsall) Limited Retail Walsall Abingdon M.G. Parts Limited Retail Sandwell Absolute Apparel Limited Retail Sandwell Acerinox (U.K.) Limited Retail Walsall Addison Saws Limited Retail Dudley Adroit Accessories Limited Retail Walsall Agir Haddecilik International LLP Retail (metal) Dudley AIB Foods Limited Retail Wolverhampton Air Methods Limited Retail Wolverhampton Albert Jagger Limited Retail Walsall Alcomet Limited Retail Dudley Aldridge Accident & Repair Centre Limited Retail Walsall Aldridge Trimming Limited Retail Wolverhampton Alexander And James Limited Retail Dudley Alexara Limited Retail Sandwell Alliance Optical CO. (Harborne) Limited Retail Walsall Allied Machine & Engineering CO. (Europe) Ltd. Retail Dudley ALM Distribution Limited Retail Dudley Alpharm Ltd Retail Wolverhampton Alstain Metal Services Limited Retail Dudley Ambertex Limited Retail Sandwell Amlin Motors Limited Retail Dudley Ample Fabrics Limited Retail Wolverhampton AMX Design Limited Retail Dudley AP Lifting Gear Company Ltd. Retail Dudley Apex Retailers Limited Retail Wolverhampton Aquila Truck Centres Limited Retail Sandwell Arcelormittal Distribution Solutions UK Limited Retail Wolverhampton Ardel OEM Limited Retail Wolverhampton Astec Europe Limited Retail Dudley Atex Factors Limited Retail Dudley Atlas Ball And Bearing CO. Limited Retail Walsall Atotech UK Limited Retail Sandwell Auto Styling U.K. Limited Retail Dudley Autosales Limited Retail Wolverhampton B & J Distribution Limited Retail Walsall B D Healthcare Limited Retail Sandwell B. M. I. Foundry Services Limited Retail Dudley B. Shakespeare & Company Limited Retail Dudley B.E.S. Limited Retail Wolverhampton B.G.N. Boards Company Limited Retail Sandwell B.T.C. Activewear Limited Retail Sandwell Baby Travel Ltd Retail Wolverhampton Bahia Superstores Limited Retail Walsall Bains Supersave Ltd Retail Wolverhampton Barlow Motors Limited Retail Wolverhampton Baydonian Limited Retail Walsall Bearing Man Limited Retail Dudley Bearwood Builders Supply CO. (Smethwick) Limited Retail Sandwell Beesley Fuel Services Limited Retail Sandwell Beeswift Limited Retail Sandwell Beltrami UK Limited Retail Dudley Benham Wolverhampton Ltd. Retail Wolverhampton

Company name Cluster Local Authority Bernstein Ltd Retail Walsall Biasi UK Limited Retail Walsall Birmingham Seals Company Limited Retail Walsall BJ Cheese Packaging Ltd Retail Sandwell Black Country Commercials Ltd Retail Dudley Blackheath Products Limited Retail Dudley Bloom's (Wolverhampton) Limited Retail Wolverhampton BOB Richardson Tools & Fasteners Limited Retail Dudley Bohler-Uddeholm (UK) Limited Retail Sandwell Bollhoff Fastenings Limited Retail Walsall Boltfast Limited Retail Walsall Booze Factory (UK) Ltd. Retail Sandwell Bordesley Green Garage (Bilston) Limited Retail Sandwell Boswell & CO. (Steels) Limited Retail Dudley Branded Housewares Limited Retail Wolverhampton Brierley Lifting Tackle Company Limited Retail Dudley Brighton-Best International, (UK) Limited Retail Sandwell Brigstock Dairies Limited Retail Dudley Brincars Limited Retail Wolverhampton Broen-Lab Ltd. Retail Dudley Brownhills Glass Company Limited Retail Walsall Bryland Fire Protection Limited Retail Dudley Burke Bros Recovery Limited Retail Wolverhampton Business Supplies Limited Retail Walsall C & W Commercials Limited Retail Walsall C. Adams & Sons Limited Retail Sandwell C. Fullard (Metals) Limited Retail Walsall C. Hearn & Sons (Darlaston) Limited Retail Walsall C. S. T. Pharma Limited Retail Walsall C.A.Clemson & Sons Limited Retail Dudley C.Beech & Sons (Netherton) Limited Retail Dudley C.G.Murray & Son Limited Retail Dudley C.M. Electrical Wholesalers Limited Retail Sandwell Cable & Alloys (Willenhall) Limited Retail Walsall Cables Britain Limited Retail Sandwell Cambrian Decorators Supplies(C.D.S)Limited Retail Walsall Cannock Road Garage Limited Retail Wolverhampton Cannon Tools Limited Retail Sandwell Capus (U.K.) Limited Retail Wolverhampton Carrs Tool Steels Limited Retail Sandwell Casper Stores Limited Retail Wolverhampton Castle Carbide Limited Retail Dudley Castle Polishing & Chrome Plating Limited Retail Dudley Caterfish Limited Retail Walsall Central Supplies (Brierley Hill) Ltd Retail Dudley Chapel Tyres Limited Retail Sandwell Charles Clark Motors Limited Retail Wolverhampton Charles Fellows Supplies Limited Retail Dudley Charlie Brown Limited Retail Sandwell Chemex International Limited Retail Sandwell City Grange Limited Retail Wolverhampton CK Special Gases Limited Retail Sandwell Classic Enterprises (UK) Limited Retail Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority Clinpharm Plus Ltd Retail Dudley CMS Motors Limited Retail Dudley Coil Processing Supplies Limited Retail Sandwell Comfort Beds Company Limited Retail Walsall Commercial Services (Birmingham) Limited Retail Dudley Commercial Trade Vehicles (UK) Limited Retail Wolverhampton Commercial Truck Repairs (Wolverhampton) Ltd Retail Walsall Companion Stairlifts Limited Retail Dudley Concept Stainless Limited Retail Sandwell Conex Universal Limited Retail Dudley Cooper Mobile Services Limited Retail Wolverhampton Corbetts Motor Company Limited Retail Dudley Corbetts Support Solutions Limited Retail Sandwell County Stationery Limited Retail Sandwell Cousins Furniture Stores Limited Retail Sandwell Cozens & Cole Limited Retail Wolverhampton Cronexrabo Limited Retail Dudley Crown Screw Limited Retail Sandwell Cube Pharmacy Limited Retail Sandwell Data Housewares Limited Retail Wolverhampton Data Modul Limited Retail Walsall Davern Work-Wear Limited Retail Sandwell David Manners Limited Retail Sandwell Davison Forklift Limited Retail Wolverhampton Davro Steel Limited Retail Dudley Deal Pot Limited Retail Wolverhampton Deligo Limited Retail Dudley Dell Factor Limited Retail Wolverhampton Denwire Limited Retail Dudley Designer 12 Limited Retail Wolverhampton Devilbiss Healthcare Limited Retail Sandwell DF Walsall Limited Retail Wolverhampton Diesel Technic UK & Ireland Ltd. Retail Dudley Digby Trading Limited Retail Dudley Direct Corporate Clothing PLC Retail Sandwell Direct Healthcare Limited Retail Sandwell Direct Wholesale Europe Limited Retail Walsall DMG Wholesale Limited Retail Walsall Donghua Limited Retail Wolverhampton Drywite Limited Retail Dudley Ducati Wolverhampton Limited Retail Dudley E & S Motors Limited Retail Walsall E.L.Bouts Motors Limited Retail Wolverhampton Earnest Machine Products Company Ltd Retail Wolverhampton Earthmet Limited Retail Walsall East End Foods PLC Retail Sandwell Edmund Howdle (Butchers) Limited Retail Walsall EFB Holdings Limited Retail Walsall Ehrco Limited Retail Dudley Eliza Tinsley Limited Retail Sandwell Emmat Medical Limited Retail Wolverhampton Empire Star Limited Retail Sandwell Ensen Limited Retail Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority EP Consultants UK Ltd Retail Wolverhampton Euro Architectural Hardware Limited Retail Walsall Euro Beer Distribution Ltd Retail Walsall Euro Claddings Limited Retail Sandwell Eurofit Autocentre Limited Retail Wolverhampton Eurolec Components (Midlands) Limited Retail Dudley European Handling Equipment Limited Retail Dudley European Truck Parts Limited Retail Sandwell Europlus Pharma Ltd Retail Sandwell Exclusive Collections Ltd Retail Wolverhampton Expo-Europe Ltd Retail Sandwell Eye Express.Com Ltd Retail Walsall F & J Exports Limited Retail Dudley Fabory UK Limited Retail Sandwell Fairdon Services Ltd Retail Sandwell Fastauto Limited Retail Dudley Fastener Network Holdings Limited Retail Dudley Fellows & Fullwood Limited Retail Dudley Femco Limited Retail Wolverhampton Ferdotti Motor Services Limited Retail Sandwell Feridax (1957) Limited Retail Dudley First National Vehicles Limited Retail Sandwell Fleetline Tyre Services Limited Retail Sandwell Flint & Partners Eyecare Limited Retail Wolverhampton Foley Steels Limited Retail Wolverhampton Fontana Fasteners UK Limited Retail Sandwell Forton Supplies Limited Retail Wolverhampton Francis Catering Equipment Limited Retail Dudley Freemans Confectionery Supplies Limited Retail Walsall Fundamental Fashions Limited Retail Dudley G B Tyres (UK) Ltd Retail Sandwell G.C. Rickards Limited Retail Walsall G.H.Stafford & Son Limited Retail Walsall G.J.N. Supplies Limited Retail Dudley G.M. Treble Limited Retail Wolverhampton G.N. Grosvenor Limited Retail Wolverhampton Galaxy Printek Europe Limited Retail Dudley Gallop Equestrian Limited Retail Wolverhampton Garland Products Limited Retail Dudley Geldbach (UK) Limited Retail Sandwell Genee World Limited Retail Wolverhampton Geo. Johnson (Metals) Limited Retail Dudley George Taylor & CO. Lifting Gear (Midlands) Limited Retail Walsall Giles Evans Limited Retail Wolverhampton Gilmore Building Supplies Limited Retail Walsall Giomani Designs Ltd Retail Walsall Glaze Auto Parts Limited Retail Wolverhampton Global Truck & Trailer Parts Limited Retail Sandwell Global Wines (UK) Limited Retail Sandwell Gold Direct (Midlands) Limited Retail Sandwell Granlyn Specialist Coatings Limited Retail Sandwell Grasam Samson Limited Retail Sandwell Group Gear Limited Retail Dudley

Company name Cluster Local Authority Guest Motors Limited Retail Sandwell Gurdal Ltd Retail Sandwell Guymark UK Limited Retail Dudley H & H Architectural Systems Limited Retail Sandwell H F Contract Furniture Limited Retail Dudley H.Q. Foods Limited Retail Sandwell Hadley Steel Framing Limited Retail Sandwell Hamilton Contracts Limited Retail Walsall Hammond Chemicals Limited Retail Dudley Harold L. Smith (Transmissions) Limited Retail Wolverhampton Harris (Steels) Limited Retail Dudley Hayes (Leisure) Limited Retail Walsall Hayley Group Limited Retail Dudley Healthplan Limited Retail Wolverhampton Heartlands Furniture (Wholesale) Limited Retail Sandwell Helen E Hair And Beauty Products Limited Retail Dudley Helix Trading Limited Retail Dudley Hewitts of Stourbridge Limited Retail Dudley High Tensile Bolts Limited Retail Walsall Highley Steel Limited Retail Dudley Hill Steels Limited Retail Dudley HK Foods Ltd Retail Wolverhampton Homescapes Europa Limited Retail Sandwell Horizon Soft Drinks Limited Retail Walsall House of Lancaster Limited Retail Walsall Howard LEE & Son Limited Retail Sandwell Hydraulic Supplies Limited Retail Sandwell IAN Mcardle Limited Retail Dudley IAN Smith Group Limited Retail Sandwell Iasis Limited Retail Dudley Innovate Distribution Ltd Retail Wolverhampton Interfit Photographic Limited Retail Sandwell International Door Controls Limited Retail Dudley International Eyewear Limited Retail Dudley International Insignia Limited Retail Wolverhampton International Tyres & Trading Limited Retail Sandwell Italtruck Ltd Retail Walsall ITS Trac Limited Retail Wolverhampton J & N Superfoods Limited Retail Wolverhampton J J & J Enterprises Limited Retail Sandwell J.N. Dairies Limited Retail Wolverhampton J.P. Polymer Sheetings Limited Retail Sandwell Jack Moody's Limited Retail Sandwell Jack Sharkey & Company Limited Retail Sandwell Jackdaw Tools Limited Retail Walsall James Lister & Sons Limited Retail Sandwell Janan Meat Limited Retail Dudley Jays Sourcing Group Limited Retail Dudley JEI Brands Limited Retail Dudley JG Foods Limited Retail Dudley Jhoots Healthcare Limited Retail Walsall JMP Wilcox & CO Limited Retail Wolverhampton JMR Vehicle Solutions Limited Retail Walsall

Company name Cluster Local Authority Johal Dairies Limited Retail Wolverhampton John Hill & Son (Walsall) Limited Retail Walsall Junction 2 Interiors Limited Retail Sandwell K.C. Glass Limited Retail Wolverhampton Kebrell Nuts And Bolts Limited Retail Walsall Keltruck Limited Retail Sandwell Keytracker Limited Retail Sandwell Khaira Care Ltd Retail Sandwell Kilo Limited Retail Walsall Kipor UK Limited Retail Sandwell Kirkby Steel Tubes Limited Retail Walsall Krothsco Finance Limited Retail Walsall Kuhn Rikon (U.K.) Limited Retail Wolverhampton L. & S. Middleton Limited Retail Wolverhampton LAD Chemist Limited Retail Dudley Laidler Steels Limited Retail Dudley Langley Business Systems Limited Retail Sandwell Laverock Services Limited Retail Sandwell Laxmi Jewellers UK Limited Retail Walsall Lay's Wholesale Meats Limited Retail Sandwell Levi Walters Metal Merchants Limited Retail Sandwell Levine Brothers (Home Furnishings) Limited Retail Sandwell Lewisham Limited Retail Sandwell Linak-Uk Limited Retail Sandwell Lister Gases Limited Retail Sandwell Littletown Farm Limited Retail Dudley Lodar Limited Retail Walsall Lodi UK Ltd Retail Dudley Lones (UK) Limited Retail Walsall Lovato Electric Limited Retail Dudley Lumag Ltd Retail Sandwell Luxury Living Retail Limited Retail Wolverhampton Lydonford Limited Retail Walsall M & S Alloys Limited Retail Sandwell M D Trading U K Limited Retail Dudley M J C Motors Ltd Retail Sandwell M. Barnwell Services Limited Retail Sandwell M. Golunski & Co., Limited Retail Dudley M.K.G.(Food Products)Limited Retail Walsall Magnum Venus Products Europe Limited Retail Dudley Magrini Limited Retail Walsall Main Man Supplies Limited Retail Sandwell Majorfax Limited Retail Walsall Majorsell Limited Retail Sandwell Map Metals Limited Retail Sandwell Marcus Gear Ltd. Retail Walsall Martin Motor Services Limited Retail Wolverhampton Martyn Price (Bolts & Nuts) Limited Retail Dudley Ma-Shell (Motor Cycles) Limited Retail Dudley Mastertrade Supplies Limited Retail Sandwell Mazcare Limited Retail Wolverhampton Medistop Limited Retail Walsall Megadyne UK Limited Retail Sandwell

Company name Cluster Local Authority Mercia Roadstone Limited Retail Wolverhampton Metalltechnik (UK) Limited Retail Sandwell Metelec Limited Retail Walsall Metelli UK Limited Retail Wolverhampton Metpro Limited Retail Sandwell Metro Alloys & Residues Limited Retail Dudley MFS Seafoods Limited Retail Walsall MID West Displays Limited Retail Sandwell Middleton Food Products Limited Retail Wolverhampton Midland Bearings Limited Retail Dudley Midland Bright Steels Limited Retail Wolverhampton Midland Chilled Foods Limited Retail Walsall Midland Industrial Metals Limited Retail Sandwell Midland Lamps And Panels Limited Retail Sandwell Midland Steel Sections Limited Retail Dudley Midland Trailer Limited Retail Wolverhampton Midsteel Flanges And Fittings Limited Retail Dudley Millstock Stainless Limited Retail Walsall MMS Recovery Limited Retail Wolverhampton Mobile Extra Ltd Retail Sandwell Monks & Crane Industrial Group Limited Retail Sandwell Monmore Confectionery (Midlands) Limited Retail Wolverhampton Motor Land 2008 Limited Retail Walsall Motor Market Ltd Retail Sandwell Mullah Discount Stores Ltd Retail Sandwell N & G Pharma Limited Retail Dudley N & W Global Vending Limited Retail Wolverhampton N.G. Limited Retail Sandwell NEO Granite Ltd Retail Sandwell Nepron Ltd Retail Walsall Nero Pipeline Connections Limited Retail Sandwell Newform Distribution Limited Retail Dudley Nickolls & Perks Limited Retail Dudley O & P Fashion Fabrics Limited Retail Sandwell Office Furniture New & Used (Midlands) Limited Retail Dudley Oglaend System (UK) Limited Retail Walsall Olympus Distribution Limited Retail Sandwell On-Time Specials Limited Retail Walsall Opium Cars Ltd Retail Wolverhampton Optimal UK Distribution Limited Retail Dudley Optiproducts Limited Retail Walsall Orapi Applied Limited Retail Sandwell Orchid Jet J G. Shepherd Limited Retail Dudley Orwell Management Services Limited Retail Sandwell P J Commercials Limited Retail Wolverhampton P.B.R.Abrasives(Wolverhampton)Limited Retail Walsall Paraplan Limited Retail Dudley Parkrow Alloys Limited Retail Wolverhampton Paroh Ltd Retail Sandwell Pauls Produce Limited Retail Wolverhampton Pces Limited Retail Wolverhampton Pedley Steels Limited Retail Dudley Penn Commercials Limited Retail Sandwell

Company name Cluster Local Authority Philip Hand Limited Retail Walsall Phoenix Dispensed Drinks Limited Retail Dudley Pitford Ltd. Retail Walsall Plastic Omnium Urban Systems Limited Retail Sandwell Plastics Plus Limited Retail Wolverhampton Pommier Furgocar UK Limited Retail Wolverhampton Porter & Woodman Gifts Limited Retail Dudley Poundland Limited Retail Walsall Powertrain Products Limited Retail Walsall Premium Stores Limited Retail Walsall Prentex Limited Retail Wolverhampton Press Metal UK Limited Retail Wolverhampton Priory Steel Group Limited Retail Wolverhampton Process Flow Components Limited Retail Dudley Prosper Fasteners And Fixings Limited Retail Wolverhampton Provincial Safety Services Limited Retail Sandwell Q.B. Motorcycles Limited Retail Dudley Quest 4 Alloys Limited Retail Walsall Quest Retail Limited Retail Wolverhampton R V Astley Ltd Retail Walsall R. Davies Metals And Sons Limited Retail Dudley Reca-Uk Ltd Retail Sandwell Regal Motors (Bilston) Limited Retail Wolverhampton Riley Industries Limited Retail Walsall Roadlink International Limited Retail Wolverhampton Robin Reed International Limited Retail Sandwell Roma Fittings Limited Retail Dudley Romsley Retail Limited Retail Dudley Royal Brush Manufacturing (UK) Limited Retail Sandwell RSS Edge Shoes Limited Retail Wolverhampton Rubery Owen Holdings Limited Retail Walsall S & D (Non-Ferrous Stockholders) Limited Retail Sandwell S.J.Dixon & Son Limited Retail Wolverhampton S.T.B. Foods Limited Retail Wolverhampton Sandwell Garages Limited Retail Sandwell Schmolz+Bickenbach (UK) Limited Retail Sandwell Scientific And Chemical Supplies Limited Retail Wolverhampton Seagull Fittings Limited Retail Sandwell Sealco International Limited Retail Dudley Secco Ltd Retail Walsall Seconique PLC Retail Walsall Security Devices Limited Retail Dudley Select Hardware Limited Retail Sandwell Serene Furnishings Limited Retail Sandwell Sherwood Truck And Van Ltd Retail Sandwell Sievert UK Limited Retail Sandwell Sleep Design Ltd Retail Walsall Sovereign Office Equipment Company Limited Retail Dudley SPG Packaging UK Ltd Retail Walsall Stainless International Limited Retail Sandwell Star Agro Marine Foods Ltd Retail Wolverhampton Starchem Limited Retail Wolverhampton Still Waters Properties Limited Retail Sandwell

Company name Cluster Local Authority Strut Direct Limited Retail Sandwell Sunrise Bag CO. Limited Retail Wolverhampton Sunsolar Energy Limited Retail Sandwell Swift And Whitmore Limited Retail Dudley Swift Business Solutions Limited Retail Walsall Swimrite Supplies Limited Retail Dudley Sync Chem Ltd Retail Dudley T. H. Baker Group Limited Retail Dudley T.A.Henn And Son Limited Retail Wolverhampton T.C. Hayes Limited Retail Sandwell T.G.S. Limited Retail Walsall T.L. Harvey Limited Retail Walsall Task Consumer Products Limited Retail Wolverhampton Tasman Industries Limited Retail Dudley Taylor Special Steels Limited Retail Sandwell The Brewers Wholesale Limited Retail Dudley The Business Wear Company Ltd Retail Sandwell The Independent Coatings Group Limited Retail Sandwell Theos Food CO. Limited Retail Walsall Three Pears Limited Retail Sandwell Thyssenkrupp Materials (UK) Limited Retail Sandwell Tigerstat Limited Retail Dudley Tile Choice Limited Retail Wolverhampton TIM Jones Limited Retail Wolverhampton Titanium Metals UK Limited Retail Sandwell Tokyo Fabric INT Limited Retail Sandwell Tools of The Trade Limited Retail Dudley Toolsave Limited Retail Sandwell Total Construction Supplies Limited Retail Wolverhampton Tractor Spares,Limited Retail Wolverhampton Tradetrux Ltd Retail Dudley Transervice Express Transport Limited Retail Sandwell Triflow Concepts Limited Retail Dudley Trinity Carpets Limited Retail Sandwell Trophy Distributors UK Limited Retail Walsall Truck Sales 2000 (UK) Limited Retail Wolverhampton Truck Tyre Solutions Ltd Retail Dudley Truduct Products Limited Retail Dudley Trust Group UK Limited Retail Dudley TTS Exports Limited Retail Wolverhampton Tungaloy UK Limited Retail Wolverhampton Tunkers-Expert UK Limited Retail Dudley Tylers of Bilston Limited Retail Wolverhampton Ultimate Cleaners (Industrial) Limited Retail Wolverhampton Unger U.K. Limited Retail Wolverhampton Union Steel Tubes Limited Retail Wolverhampton Valbruna UK Limited Retail Sandwell Van Leeuwen Limited Retail Dudley Veli's Doner Kebab Manufacturers (Wholesale) Limited Retail Sandwell Vendaid Limited Retail Sandwell Ventilation & Environmental Supplies PLC Retail Dudley Victoria Healthcare Limited Retail Sandwell Victory Fasteners Limited Retail Wolverhampton

Company name Cluster Local Authority Vision Paper And Board Limited Retail Walsall Vogue Ceramics Limited Retail Sandwell Voss Stainless UK Limited Retail Dudley W. & S. Allely Limited Retail Sandwell W.Brindley(Garages)Limited Retail Wolverhampton W.H.Marren Limited Retail Walsall W.P. Metals Limited Retail Walsall W.Pym & Son Limited Retail Dudley Walsall Brake Services Limited Retail Walsall Wattcars.Com Ltd Retail Dudley Weishaupt (U.K.) Limited Retail Wolverhampton West Midland Merchants Limited Retail Dudley West Midlands Motorcycle Centre Limited Retail Dudley Westlands Limited Retail Sandwell Whitmore Reans Plumbers Merchants Limited Retail Wolverhampton Wicke UK Limited Retail Sandwell Wide Range Tiles (Distribution Centre) Limited Retail Dudley Will Hire Limited Retail Dudley Willenhall Commercials Limited Retail Walsall Willenhall Fasteners Limited Retail Walsall William Cole Limited Retail Dudley William Mitchell Calligraphy Limited Retail Sandwell Winster Limited Retail Wolverhampton Wirs (Wolverhampton) Limited Retail Wolverhampton Wolverson Fitness Limited Retail Walsall Wolverson X-Ray Limited Retail Walsall Worcester Carsales Limited Retail Dudley Yoko International Limited Retail Walsall Young's Home Brew Limited Retail Wolverhampton John Harrhy & Sons Limited Walsall Sports W.W. (1990) Limited Wolverhampton Sports Alliance In Partnership Limited Visitor Economy Dudley Angel Springs Limited Visitor Economy Wolverhampton Astrad Limited Visitor Economy Wolverhampton Caram (AH) Limited Visitor Economy Wolverhampton Coin-A-Drink Limited Visitor Economy Walsall Eastern Leisure Limited Visitor Economy Walsall Fairlawns Hotel Limited(The) Visitor Economy Walsall Falcondale Limited Visitor Economy Dudley Five Rivers 2 UK Limited Visitor Economy Dudley In Touch Games Limited Visitor Economy Dudley Lost Leisure Limited Visitor Economy Dudley Ludlow Taverns Springhill Limited Visitor Economy Wolverhampton M.S. Entertainments Limited Visitor Economy Dudley Marston's PLC Visitor Economy Wolverhampton MKG (UK) Ltd Visitor Economy Walsall Mooi Foods Limited Visitor Economy Walsall Mynards Limited Visitor Economy Sandwell Neville Hay Limited Visitor Economy Sandwell Professional Pizza Company Limited Visitor Economy Walsall Robert Holdcroft Limited Visitor Economy Dudley The Black Country Living Museum Trust Visitor Economy Dudley The Haven Wolverhampton Visitor Economy Wolverhampton

Company name Cluster Local Authority Whitehill Country Park Limited Visitor Economy Dudley Wilson Vale Catering Management Limited Visitor Economy Sandwell Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (1982) Limited(The) Visitor Economy Wolverhampton

Agenda Item 7

Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

23 January 2017

Black Country Festival – Outline Proposal

1. Background

1.1 The Black Country Festival is a collaboration between community groups, businesses and local government that was developed in Dudley starting in 2014 that has established the popularity of the now recognisable Black Country Flag.

1.2 The existing Black Country Festival Committee is primarily an enabling group that promotes a large number of community-organised events throughout July under banner of The Black Country Festival.

1.3 In addition, the Festival Committee has taken a lead role in organising Festival events in Dudley and Stourbridge (the latter in partnership with the existing Stourbridge Carnival), providing merchandise, producing a Black Country Festival programme and has provided support, advice and assistance on request to other events.

1.4 A growing number of Black Country Festival events have also taken place outside of Dudley Borough, some of these have been new events while others have been existing events that have chosen to be part of the larger Festival programme. Permission is not required from the committee to put on an event however there are obvious benefits to working with the committee in terms of publicity, access to merchandise and entertainers.

1.5 Over the next three years Black Country Festival Committee believe that they can extend the success of the Black Country Festival in terms of number of events (including more events throughout the year) and the geographical reach by using the template developed successfully in Dudley throughout the other Black Country Councils.

1.6 Black Country Festival Committee has advised that BC business leaders are keen to support and work is being done on a core group of businesses to approach for support.

2. Recommendation

2.1 That the LEP Board note and support the proposal.

2.2 That the BC Consortium work with Dudley Arts Council to develop the project, identify funding streams and report back to a future meeting of the BC LEP.

3. Report Detail

3.1 The proposal is for 3-year funding to support the employment of three paid staff with complementary skills who would deliver the aspirations outlined in the 3 year plan, detailed below.

3.2 Year 1 (2017) – Consolidate and build (primarily in Dudley)

Consolidate the existing Black Country Festival in July by increasing engagement with more community groups, businesses and town centres.

This will include helping to plan and deliver additional events similar to those associated with the Festival before and after July, to include Black Country branded town centre entertainment, encouraging increased footfall into town centres; a Lye-based Balti Festival; high profile Black Country variety nights; additional Black Country Beer Festivals; and showcases of Black Country Business events.

3.2 Year 2 (2018) – Extend and build in other Black Country Councils

Using the success of the Black Country Festival in Dudley as a template and the growth aspired to for 2017, they will work throughout 2017 to develop existing relationships and forge new ones with community groups, businesses and local councils in Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton with a view to developing the Black Country Festival in July in these areas, and with a view to extending this further in 2018.

They believe it is important to establish a strong foundation of Black Country Festival events in July to celebrate Black Country Day to demonstrate the benefits of community-organised events under the Black Country Festival banner.

Their experience in Dudley is that it will take at least 2 years to establish a sense of expectation that the Black Country Festival is an annual event and while this is now the case in Dudley, it is less so in the other three local authority areas.

3.3 Year 3 (2019) – Consolidate and aspire

The plan is that by year 3, there will be Black Country themed events and projects throughout the year across the Black Country and they will need to consolidate and plan for the future with a structure that is self-sufficient, capable of growth and able to recognise and act on opportunities as they present.

It is not realistic to expect these plans to be developed using the current model of organisation which is predominately voluntary in nature. Paid staff who are able to dedicate their time and talents to this would enable a rapid growth of the Black Country Festival and move towards a self-sufficient organisation under the auspices of the Black Country Arts Council (a registered charity) that develops and maintains links between local business, local councils and the collective “arts” to provide opportunities to promote the Black Country, assist in

the regeneration of town centres and provide alternative options for night-time and daytime entertainment.

4. Financial Implications

It is envisaged that a budget of £200,000 will be required over the three-year delivery programme and the aim is to seek voluntary and sponsorship funding from local businesses.

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd

Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email: [email protected]

Source Documents:

e-mail form Kevin Horsfall – Chair of Dudley Arts Council

Agenda Item 9a

Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

23 January 2017

Black Country Strategic Economic Plan - Progress

1. Background

1.1 In December Members attended the Policy Planning Away Day to discuss the emerging Strategic Economic Plan.

1.2 Following these discussions, detailed in the Notes to the meeting (app 1) and Shared Intelligence’s review note (app 2), work has been undertaken to review the following Story Boards in the SEP – Economic Growth Delivering the Industrial Strategy – Black Country (app 3); Economic Growth Delivering the Industrial Strategy – RC10: Pensnett (app 4); and Physical Activity & Sport Enabling Sector – Towards an Active Black Country (app 5). The Story Boards are attached for information and to provide an example of changes required to the SEP to reflect the discussions and outcomes of the Away Day.

2. Recommendation

2.1 That the Board receive the Away Day Notes and Shared Intelligence’ s review note;

2.2 That the Board approve the two Economic Growth Storyboards, as amended, and ask these changes be replicated across the Economic Growth – Delivering the Industrial Strategy, story boards for all areas detailed in the SEP; and

2.3 That the Board note the contents of the Physical Activity & Sport Enabling Sector Story Board and note the ambition of the Sector the £0.1bn contribution to the overall GVA of the Black Country.

2.4 That Members comment on the questions being developed for the engagement process with BC businesses.

3. Report Detail

3.1 The Story Boards contain the relevant detail of how each Sector will contribute to the uplift in GVA.

3.2 Black Country Story Board details the overall ambition for Economic Growth through delivering the Industrial Strategy;

3.3 RC10: Pensnett Story Board details the ambition for Economic Growth through delivering the Industrial Strategy in a targeted area and can be replicated for other industrial areas in the region.

3.4 Physical Activity & Sport Enabling Sector Story Board provides the overall ambition for raising productivity and delivering £0.1bn contribution to the overall GVA.

3.5 There will be a session arranged with the four Black Country Local Authorities on the Black Country SEP.

3.6 An engagement process is being developed with BC businesses to draw on additional intelligence and have further input into the SEP.

3.7 An example of the questions drafted are detailed below: -

Does your business have an ambition to grow over the next five years? If so what form is that growth likely to take?  Investment in plant or equipment for example?  Increasing workforce or expanding your business premises?  Improving the skills in your business?  Expanding to new markets in this country or abroad?

What needs to happen to ensure that growth happens?  Investment in National, Regional or Local Infrastructure  Ability to access finance  Access to skills and training  Innovation and R&D

What external support or action could significantly increase the likelihood of that growth happening?  Grants and new funding streams  Training and skills development  Access to export markets  Road, Broadband and other infrastructure  New or expanded premises  Access to new technology/innovation

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd

Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email: [email protected]

Source Documents:

Attached x 5

Note of an ‘Away Day’ Session of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

12th December 2016 at 12.00pm University of Wolverhampton, Lord Swraj Paul Building, Molineux Street, Wolverhampton

Present: Stewart Towe Chairman; Paul Brown Ernst & Young; Simon Eastwood Carillion plc; Chris Handy Accord Group; Ninder Johal Nachural Communications; Prof Geoff Layer Wolverhampton University; Cllr Roger Lawrence City of Wolverhampton; Lowell Williams Dudley College; Tom Westley Westley Group.

In Attendance: Mark Wingfield A&M EDM; Phil Calcutt A&M EDM; Charlie Baker Red Architects; Tony Bray BEIS; Stuart Everton City of Wolverhampton Tim Johnson City of Wolverhampton; Keith Ireland City of Wolverhampton; Alan Lunt Dudley MBC; Sarah Middleton Black Country Consortium Ltd; Paul Mountford Sandwell MBC; Simon Neilson Walsall MBC; Sarah Norman Dudley MBC; Paul Sheehan Walsall MBC; Simon Tranter Walsall MBC; Delma Dwight Black Country Consortium Ltd; Rachel Goodwin Black Country Consortium Ltd; Wayne Langford Black Country Consortium Ltd; Paul Mellon Black Country Consortium Ltd; Hywel Ruddick Black Country Consortium Ltd; Christopher Styche Black Country Consortium Ltd; Angie Took Black Country Consortium Ltd; Phil Swann Shared Intelligence.

1 Apologies: Councillors Sean Coughlan, Steve Eling, Peter Lowe, Paul Moore and David Sparks and Andy Cox, Jan Britton and Nick Bubalo.

Introductions and objectives for the session

The Chair welcomed attendees to the meetings and the outlined the objectives for the day, as contained in the Agenda.

1. Session 1: Where are we? The national and sub-regional context

 Housing Infrastructure – whilst Government had announced additional funding it was to be focussed mainly around London and the South East.  Digital Communication – BC 100% coverage enabled apart from Wolverhampton City Centre – outside of funding allocation.  Growth Deal and Devolution – advised Black Country LEP provided one of the strongest bids in Country.  Industrial Strategy – paper out in New Year.  Refresh of Strategic Economic Plan must build on strengths of the LEP and include evidence against the identified sectors.  Apprenticeship Levey need to come through.  Midlands Engine – narrative being developed by BEIS and No. 10.

Conclusion – Question for LEP on how work collectively with Midlands Engine and WMCA context, to reflect on the existing plans.

2. Session 2: Where are we now? A business perspective

Mark Wingfield and Phil Calcutt from A&M EDM provided an overview of their business and the work they were undertaking.  As employers in the area practical help was needed to overcome barriers, and provide additional support for SME businesses.  They referenced the Enterprise Act 2002 and advised on accreditation through peer support.

2  Reference was made to the Apprenticeship Levy and the need to see what capacity was produced.  There was a need to simplify the model and review how government and the local authorities could assist SME’s with support.  A need was identified for a different model for SME’s to communicate with colleges and universities so that courses reflected business requirements.

Conclusion – SME’s required additional support from LEP and partners to include local authorities, Government offices and education establishments.

3. Session 3: Where are we? The local context  Reference was made to the Economic Plan and the Programmes on a Page.  Housing pipeline – core strategy and spatial distribution in relation to employment land to be identified.  Existing business parks needed to uplifted to 21st Century standards.  Reference made to LGF money and the detail of spend in each year since it was launched.  Growth Deal 3 was referenced and it was noted that the current pipeline contained £646 million of schemes.

Conclusion – LEP had demonstrated a good track record of delivery.

4. Session 4: Where are we going? The priority propositions in the refreshed SEP

Garden City – presentation on benefits of proposals to builders and attracting increased investment to increase the supply of the BC housing stock.

Next steps: -  to consider land use through the WMCA Land Commission;  opportunity to offer comments to Paul Marcuse – Chair of the Land Commission.  Discussion on Kitemark for Garden City – reluctance for gold, silver, bronze banding. Instead AGREED Kitemark for

3 developments that met Garden City standards, with a platinum award for those schemes that went over and above.

Transport – detailed Midlands Connect – “Connected for Growth” and plans for forthcoming years.  Commented need a ten-year plan for transport to include key corridors, such as Hagley Road.  Business case should include business needs and people’s needs.  Metro Station at Five Ways no parking included.  Challenge was whether LEP was ambitious enough.  Noted that WMCA provide a ten-year plan in the Spring.  Reference was made to future Enterprise Zones and how these would be linked into transport solutions.  Reference to improved infrastructure and connectivity with development of a “swift” card for all modes of public transport.  Opportunity to align transport to Industrial Strategy and link in with themes of place and competitiveness.  It was noted that there would be difficult decisions moving forward. Conclusion – further discussions to be organised.

Education and Skills –  FE Area Based Review conclusions and actions noted.  Question on challenges of SME’s and more that could be done. Noted that issue was pre-16, when choices were being made at schools. Need schools on side locally.  Reference was made to the proposed Institute of Technology – a BC prototype, which would target over 16’sd and adults. The initiative was welcomed.

HVM City –  Detailed Skills profile and supply chain development.  Noted that problem existed with energy supply not being consistent.  In regard to the HVM platform – meeting was advised that product existed and now the requirement was for more local companies to register.  The development the SEP and pipeline propositions would link into HVM City.

Strategic Centres –  The development of Wolverhampton City Centre leading to an increase in the visitor economy and environmental uplift was noted.

5. Session 5: Where are we going? Are we doing enough? Are these game changing propositions?  Noted that LEP and partners were removing barriers to growth and the comments of BEIS were welcomed that there were massive changes in Government perception of the Black Country.  Need to develop Garden City, Skills agenda and promote development sites.  Continue to develop Black Country as an attractive place to live, work, invest in and visit.

6. Session 6: Maximising External Support  Need to link in with Midlands Engine and WMCA to avoid duplication and identify gaps in delivery.  Post EU funding need to map the outcome of the Annual Conversation.  Commented useful to check how others measured their performance.  Place branding required clarity as to who could use and why – BC LEP and ABCA authorities needed clear input.  Need to ensure that there was capacity to deliver.

7. Reflections and Conclusions Shared Intelligence identified: -  Availability of large sites;  Quality of employment areas;  Need for improved intelligence.  Branding needed to be “bottom up” not imposed.

Session closed at 3.40pm.

5 Towards an industrial strategy: following up the Black Country LEP Board Away Day

The national context

This is a period of significant change nationally and internationally. The key elements include:

 Brexit and its implications for funding, exporting and pipelines;  The forthcoming industrial strategy with its sector and place focus (which matches precisely the approach adopted in the Black Country);  The changing landscape in which LEPs are working, including the Daily Mail and Public Accounts Committee Scrutiny;  The introduction of the apprenticeship levy (which is expected to generate £13m in the Black Country) and its implications for the LEP’s apprenticeship and other skills targets.

The Black Country LEP is well-regarded nationally. It’s refreshed SEP must reinforce that position. There is a need to:

 Build on our sector and place focus to both influence and benefit from the Industrial Strategy;  Look in more detail at the implications of the apprenticeship levy;  Demonstrate the value that an engaged LEP can deliver;  Seek to participate in and influence the debate about the implications of Brexit. The sub-regional context

The BC LEP is fully engaged in the West Midlands Combined Authority. It led the work on the WMCA SEP and the development of its approach to performance management. Most recently it has led the development of a digital supply chain tool for the rail sector.

The Midland Engine is now being given priority by the Government with a strategy for the area due to be published shortly.

It is essential that the LEP and Councils develop a shared “bottom up” approach to the respective roles of: the four councils; the BC LEP and ABCA/BC Joint Committee; the WMCA; the Midland Engine. A business perspective

The issues arising from the discussion with A&M ADM are:

 The challenge for small businesses in recruiting apprentices;  The confusing business support and innovation landscape;  The unintended consequences of the Enterprise Act 2002.

Game-changing propositions

The BC has at least two high profile game-changing propositions in Black Country Garden City and HVM City. These are examples of the LEP and its partners taking the initiative.

It is important to continue to develop and pursue these propositions, including:

 Promoting the Garden City principles;  Focusing on a programme to improve the quality of existing industrial areas and accelerate the delivery of high quality employment sites.

It is important to take the initiative in a similar way in other areas. Action required includes:

 Developing our transport strategy informed by a further discussion with LEP Board members to enable them to influence the 10-year strategy;  A concerted drive on skills, including the apprenticeship levy, the potential role of an IOT, the roll-out of the Skills Factory approach and school improvement;  A higher profile for action on our strategic centres, building on the contribution of Wolverhampton City Centre;  A new approach to strengthening our business base.

The refreshed SEP must set out an overarching narrative which articulates the combined impact of the propositions and the links between them with a focus on place and sectors at its core.

Reinforcing our approach

It is important to recognise the fact that for the first time the LEP has a well-developed project pipeline in place.

We also need to:

 Act on power, which is a barrier to growth for many businesses;  Continually improve the BC LEP’s business intelligence, building on the existing strong foundations, including the sector dashboards;  Adopt a hard-nosed approach to the use of the Black Country brand in the wider context;  Continually strengthen our assurance framework and ensure that it fully reflects the latest national requirements.

Economic Growth - Raising Productivity and generating an additional BLACK COUNTRY 98% Superfast Delivering the Industrial GVA £16bn GVA through our Broadband Coverage Strategy key sectors. with plans to reach 100% BUSINESSES Sector Growth Growing business Our ambition is to grow to 273,000 jobs (53k net new jobs) and £23.5bn GVA in our base of 31,680 , transformational sectors by 2030. increasing start up Our ambition for our enabling sectors is to grow and attract Foreign jobs in these sectors to 325,000 jobs by 2030 Direct Investment (49k net new jobs). 40k Industrial Sites of Excellence HQ Land Over £200m of investment in transport Creating an additional 857 ha of high infrastructure projects to quality employment land - 482 ha from enable connectivity workers new development site opportunities and to/from jobs, goods to/from 375 ha from uplift. market and investors and visitors to and through. 370 ha Supported by Energy infrastructure 1,571ha HOMES Midlands Connect improving access to major NVQ LEVEL 4 infrastructure such as ports, airports, rail hubs and motorway networks JOBS POPULATION Working towards a skilled workforce. 550k There are currently 485k homes in the Black Raising apprenticeships to over 23,000. 36% Country whilst the ambition is to build an additional 42k homes to meet the requirements for a growing population. The pipeline identifies The ambition is to create 102,000 jobs. The sites for 38k homes accounting for 93% of the employment sites would provide 62,000 jobs Growing Population ambition. base – changing whilst the business base would create a further socio-economic mix 40,000 jobs. and raising wages. High concentration of businesses ; Economic Growth - The infrastructure developments will create RC10 : PENSNETT 640 businesses are located on or Delivering the Industrial GVA around the Pensnett Industrial Estate. £263m GVA that is 60% Strategy of the target for the Whilst of those are strategic 80 corridor. companies & 9 are companies looking BUSINESSES to grow. 53 of the Sector Growth Our ambition is to grow to 273,000 jobs (53k net strategic companies new jobs) and £23.5bn GVA in our transformational sectors by 2030. (66%) are those in key Our ambition for our enabling sectors is to grow transformational sectors jobs in these sectors to 325,000 jobs by 2030 with 32 in advanced (49k net new jobs). manufacturing. Superfast Broadband Enabled Improvement of road access HQ Land between Pensnett Trading Industrial Sites of Excellence Estate and the Strategic Approximately 13 ha of high quality Highway Network planned employment land across 2 sites are in the to take place in the form of pipeline that will enable the corridor to the LGF supported achieve 260% above the number of Pensnett High Street hectares targeted. HOMES scheme as well as the Metro Extension to NVQ LEVEL 4 Brierley Hill planned nearby. JOBS POPULATION There are 426 homes in the pipeline Working towards a skilled workforce. development of 2 sites that will deliver 64% Raising apprenticeships to over 23,000. of the targeted 670 new homes required.

The employment sites would provide 138 jobs Growing Population base – in 2011 there which is 5% of the target for the strategic were 10,367 residents; -355 compared centre (2,800 jobs). to 2001. Physical Activity & Sport Raising Productivity and £0.1bn+ contribution to Enabling Sector – GVA the additional £16bn “Towards an Active Black GVA from the Sports Country” Sector Sector Growth Technology Ambitions: • Everyone active everyday Accelerating the growth in levels of £0.1bn+ • ontributing an additional £0.1bn+ to GVA physical activity through utilising open Priority: 73,100+ more people active in the BC leading data and technology such as Beat the to public health savings of £25m+ Streets.

In partnership with Network of high quality PA facilities transport, realising “Bucking the national trend” ambitions to get more Building a quality network of sport and people moving: physical activity, facilitating to meet latent strengthening the network demand including Leisure Centres, 3G of quality and safe cycling pitches and open spaces. and walking routes, & a campaign of cycle hire, HOMES promoting more Active No Quals Travel

POPULATION UK’s first Sector Skills Action Plan JOBS • Encouraging active design and • Balancing supply and demand for skills. 550k well being Suppling the non-technical leadership -1,115 • Accessing cycle and walk skills for all sectors routes, and urban park • 191 additional apprenticeships spaces. . Growing Population The ambition is to create 102,000 BC jobs. One of the base – changing fastest growing sectors is the sport and physical activity socio-economic mix sector, contributing an additional 2,300+ jobs. and raising wages. Black Country LEP LGF Programme Dashboard as at 11 January 2017 v1.0 Summary 1 of 3 – IN FLIGHT 16/17 FINANCIAL YEAR SPEND PROFILE Baseline expenditure compared to latest forecast for 2016/17 2016/17 Project Spend (£m) Local Growth Deal Funding Profile £50  LGF Projects are in a mixture of Start-Up and £46.30m Grant Funding 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Total Implementation Allocated  LEP Board funding of £1.25m is in place to support £40 LGF Competitive £23.70 £33.25 £11.94 £4.44 £7.13 £0.03 £80.49 development of Council and Transport strategic schemes LGF DfT Retained (M6 J10) £0.65 0.35 0.12 14.26 14.27 £29.65 £45  The LEP board have approved overprogramming of £5m £30 LGF Expansion £3.90 £3.60 £3.60 £6.40 £6.40 £23.90 on the total LGF funding awarded £46.3m, resulting in £51.3m of funding in 16/17 £40

Total LGF Commitment £24.35 £37.50 £15.66 £22.30 £27.80 £6.43 £134.04 £m  Current forecasts from projects show utilisation of £20 LTB pre-allocated £5.60 £8.80 £2.90 £1.10 £0.20 £18.60 £47.79m. £35 Existing DfT transport major* £3.60 £3.60  Although the 16/17 programme appears to be over £10 committed, detailed discussions have revealed a Total Other £9.20 £8.80 £2.90 £1.10 £0.20 £0.00 £22.20 potential slippage of c£6m £30 £0  The Programme Office continue to monitor reforecasts 1 2 3 4 Total Growth Deal £33.55 £46.30 £18.56 £23.40 £28.00 £6.43 £156.24 of year end expenditure Quarter £25  Development schemes being supported by each council Total LGF Programme Funding Baseline 16/17 Latest Forecast 16/17 *tail funding for Darlaston are detailed as appendix to this report: £m £20 . SMBC reported they will not be claiming against the £17.23m £250k resource development fund committed* OUTPUTS – TO BE REALISED POST PROJECT DELIVERY £15 as of 4th Jan Quarterly Spend Profile (Cumulative £m)

Programme Outputs Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Key Outputs Achievement against Forecast £10 2015-16 to 2020-21 Commercial Housing Units Business Learner Apprenticeships £5 Jobs Created Floorspace Total LGF Programme Funding £11.58 £23.15 £34.73 £46.30 £46.30 Completed Assists Assists Created Commercial Floorspace (sqm) (sqm) Apprenticeships Created Baseline 16/17 £9.48 £22.15 £31.04 £45.07 £45.07 £ Local Growth 5,000 1,400 3,200 7,000 - - Learner Assists Deal Commitment Business Assists Latest Forecast 16/17 £6.77 £13.40 £26.24 £47.79 £47.79 £17.23m Baseline 3,583 1,522 2,061 7,539 1,643 48,165 Housing Units Completed Jobs Created Over Utilisation of Grant Forecast 3,766 1,596 2,475 13,791 3,740 99,012 £1.49 Funding 0% 50% 100% Actual 137 261 249 1,355 482 5,131 *Committed as per Project Status Actual Forecast NB: LGF Programme Funding includes LGF Competitive, LGF/LTB and DfT retained funding for M6 J10 NB: The above table excludes outputs for ‘ear-marked’ schemes as previously reported. Report Updates to Programme Office PROGRAMME ISSUES & RISKS CLAIMS

2016/17 LGF Claims Paid (£m) Outputs Commentary Issue Impact Description RAG Action 16/17 Grant Claimed YTD (£m) Substantial Black Country pipeline under Submitted Jan YTD Paid Jan YTD Grant allocation is under Risk under utilisation of grant support and adverse development. Council strategic schemes being committed comment by BEIS on annual performance £45  Programme Office emphasise to scheme bidders the need for developed through additional LEP development fund. LGF Claim Value (£m) £15.76 £14.76 eligible outputs and schemes with little or no outputs are £40 Further pipeline projects are being prioritised to close unlikely to receive grant support Outputs Shortfall in committed outputs against Business Assists th the remaining gap in projected outputs  At 11 January 2017, claims to value of £15,763,086 for LGF and LTB £35 combined have been submitted to Walsall Accountable Body.  Forecasts for Apprenticeships Created and Commercial Without effective monitoring in place for all regeneration BC Programme Office now report LGF, Transport £30 Comprehensive LEP  To date £14,762,187 has been authorised and paid Floorspace continue to grow significantly programmes, BC Programme Office can not guarantee portfolio and City Deal, to inc Growth Hub. Other Board Reporting  Payment of £1,000,899 balance awaiting outstanding information / evidence suitable use of DCLG grant allocations funding streams remain to be incorporated. £25 from projects  Actual achievements continue to rise with substantial gains  There are currently 20 projects without contracts / grant agreements in £20 £14.76m reported for skill based outputs: place. In the main subject to outstanding actions on behalf of bidder to paid as of  Apprenticeship Starts - 66 Risk Impact Description RAG Mitigation £15 satisfy Walsall AB financial due diligence process. 11th Jan  Apprenticeship Completions - 106 Increased agility required by all LGF administrators. Use of  There is currently a total of £21.82m of approved funds not yet contracted, £10 2017  Leaner Assists - 89 Delegated Authority awarded by Joint Committee to Capacity constraints Closed. of which £10.34m is forecast for 16/17. £5 support bids would alleviate risk of under utilisation of LGF grant Projects reporting significant expenditure but no / inequivalent claims include: £ Limited capacity to Limited transport resources in Local Authorities to support Black Country Transport Director is urgently Springfield Campus Interchange, Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, £14.76m support Pipeline project development and subsequent project delivery developing a range of innovative responses to help Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro and Managing Short Trips Development & delivery would impact Black Country ability to take advantage of secure funding for priority Black Country transport of Transport Schemes emerging transport scheme funding opportunities. schemes. BCC Programme Office – LGF Programme Dashboard Summary 1 of 3 – In Flight v1.0 Contact Officer: Rachel Goodwin Source Data: LGF Project Status Reports (Confidential – not for public review) LGF 2016/17 SPEND PROFILE – LATEST FORECAST & OVERALL PROJECT RAG STATUS 2016/17 Last This PROJECT NAME Borough Commentary Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL Period Period Accessing Growth Programme W'hampton £0.73 £1.10 £2.51 £1.68 £6.02 Overall programme allocation for 16/17 of £6.02m. Anticipated that at least c£780k will slip into 17/18 as currently unallocated. Site infrastructure works complete & next phase of residential development land being marketed. Full LGF allocation has been drawn down and the project is now reporting outputs; the construction of 78 houses is underway and due to be Bilston Urban Village W'hampton £0.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.50 completed by August 2018. Good level of interest in the next phase of residential development. Open space works due to be tendered January 2017. Discussions are ongoing with the NHS regarding the development of a commercial plot, however a decision has been agreed in principle. The programme is still on plan however it is noted that the Christmas period limited progress and there has been some increase in the March 2017 forecast. The fixing of the inner skin of the external envelope has commenced as has the mechanical Dudley Advance Construction Centre Dudley £0.81 £1.12 £1.72 £2.20 £5.85 and electrical installations. UoW still in discussions with Walsall AB over legal charge proposal causing delays to project progress and completion of the Grant Agreement, however progress is now being made following acceptance of the second legal charge. Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills BC Wide £0.07 £0.39 £0.63 £2.38 £3.46 Currently forecasting an underspend of over £2m in 16/17. Actuals noted have increased but only 13% of the current forecast has been committed and no claims have been made. Milestones have been adjusted accordingly to reflect the build timeframe which has changed sine the original application due to a number of factors including the timeframe and sign-off of the design of each build element. To date the following outputs have been completed; 261 homes completed, 6 jobs safeguarded , 12 apprenticeships started and 10 apprenticeships supported. LEP approval achieved to accelerate grant award of £2.38m into 16/17 is in line with Goscote Lane Corridor Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.38 £2.38 accelerated Phase 3 development programme and funding has been forecast for Q4 of this year. Programme has £6.1m allocated against full three year budget of £6.5m. The total forecasted underspend for 2016/17has increased from £450,940 resulting in £711,940 slipping into 2017/18 due range of issues including a stalled application. Growing Priority Sectors BC Wide £0.11 £0.12 £0.30 £1.76 £2.29 Whilst the current forecast for 16/17 is £2.3m the contracted forecast spend for 16/17 is only £1.4m. Programme forecast to create 625 jobs & 35 apprenticeships. 17 jobs created to date. Tender analysis has begun and it expected that contract documentation will be sent out to the preferred bidder in December 16. Wolverhampton Civic Hall W'hampton £0.11 £0.83 £0.37 £1.25 £2.56 It has been requested that Visitor figures targets and employment targets move 1 year, to more accurately reflect the current programme of works and a reduction in the business assists targets in view of the new agreed definition. Although over 60% of spend is yet to be committed, no underspend is predicted for 16/17. This will be confirmed Jan/Feb 2017. Traffic Modelling/Economics: To be completed to a sufficient level for review wk/c 23 January 2017. Continue Traffic modelling to enable SGAR review in November. Work continues on the traffic modelling related PCF Products. M6 Junction 10 Walsall £0.08 £0.15 £0.12 £0.00 £0.35 Environment/Planning: Awaiting final report following completion of ecological surveys (was due 30 November 2016). Environmental impact work is continuing. Legal/Governance: Further drafting of the Development Agreement between WMBC & HE continues. All canal schemes are now complete, except for the 5 additional schemes that recently received additional funding. Subject to receiving the Deed of Variation, these additional schemes are due to start in January 2017, and complete by the end of Managing Short Trips BC Wide £0.84 £0.42 £0.40 £2.25 £3.92 March 2017. All but two highway schemes are still on schedule to deliver by 31 Dec 2016, with the remaining two forecast to deliver and complete by March 2017. Programme plan on target and moving forwards positively. The build is on schedule and the building is now watertight with external brickwork and rook works being complete. Associated works is now slightly ahead and interior decorating is Science, Technology & Prototyping Centre W'hampton £2.22 £1.36 £0.00 £0.00 £3.58 already underway. The final claim has been submitted to the AB with the full £4.88m of grant being claimed. Phase II demolition was delayed due to discovery of previously unidentified basement, now due to complete by end of Jan 17. Construction of new access road on target to complete Feb 17. Option Agreement and associated Section 33 Deed are being finalised, valuation obtained for Smout & Sons, negotiations to acquire are still ongoing. Woods Lane Sandwell £0.39 £0.52 £1.01 £1.45 £3.36 Spend forecast has shifted from Q3 to Q4 with a substantial change in the February forecast (from £415,268 to £622,036). Potential for a significant underspend; almost 60% of total forecast expenditure is still remaining for Q3 and Q4 plus the Q4 forecast for February has increased. Following the selection of the preferred contractor, considerations have been raised by WMBC legal and Procurement during finalisation of the works contract. This has impacted project timescales and on-site remediation works are now not Walsall Waterfront Walsall £0.00 £0.02 £0.00 £0.01 £0.03 expected to be undertaken and completed until Q1 2017/18. The forecasted underspend for 2016/17 (and potential slippage into 17/18 has therefore increased from £260,835 to £353,498). PM to review forecasts following appointment of contractor and confirm underspend at next PSR. Dudley Town Centre - Sites & Buildings Improvements Dudley £0.13 £0.05 £0.09 £0.04 £0.30 All works now completed at Kings Street Parade & units let. Works at New Mill Street Car Park also complete. Works progressing on several properties that form part of Townscape Heritage Programme, private sector funding started to be realised. Chances Glassworks Site Assembly Sandwell £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.60 £0.60 Outcome toward delivering site assembly continues to remain uncertain. Unlikely to commit full £600k this financial year Music Institute and Student Accommodation Feasibility Dudley £0.07 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.07 Feasibility complete. FBC under development, anticipated for Feb 17 submission. Costs subject to results from SI work approved at Dec LEP Board meeting. Very Light Rail Feasibility Dudley £0.15 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.15 Feasibility complete. Submission for SEED funding made at December LEP Board. University of Wolverhampton Apprenticeship Hub W'hampton £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.05 £0.05 Slippage from 2015/16 Airfield Drive Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.07 £0.07 Awaiting confirmation that the grant agreement has been completed following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Halesowen College - Access Centre for HE Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.70 £0.00 £0.70 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Dudley College - Advanced Engineering Equipment Dudley £0.00 £0.10 £0.00 £0.00 £0.10 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Dudley Brownfield Land - Ph 1 Dudley £0.00 £0.38 £0.03 £0.13 £0.54 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Pensnett Estate Extension Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.40 £1.20 £1.61 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Infrastructure works started on site 28 November 16 and are due to be completed by end of March 17. Walsall College – Additional Engineering Equipment Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.15 £0.00 £0.15 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk, funding fully committed in Oct 2016. Middlemore Lane Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.09 £0.09 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Dudley College - Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.60 £0.60 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Very Light Rail SEED Funding Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.84 £0.84 Approved "offline" between meetings. Seeking JC approval Jan 17. Site Investigation Approved Funding Parkrose Industrial Estate Sandwell £0.02 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.02 SI Complete. Challenge Block Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.04 £0.04 Quotes for the demolition of the original buildings on site are circa £20-25k. There is therefore a likely underspend of £15k. This will be confirmed once the consultant has been appointed. Alexander Metals W'hampton £0.00 £0.03 £0.05 £0.00 £0.07 SI progressing to plan and one claim already made. Moxley Tip Walsall £0.00 £0.03 £0.06 £0.00 £0.08 SI progressing to plan and one claim already made. Shidas Lagoon Sandwell £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.08 £0.08 Awaiting completion of the grant agreement. Bourne St, Coseley Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.06 £0.06 Completion of grant award stalled, WMBC awaiting DD submission from applicant. Wharf Approach, Aldridge Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.02 £0.02 Completion of grant award stalled, WMBC awaiting DD submission from applicant. Bull Street Sandwell £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.06 £0.06 No progress. Awaiting completion of grant agreement post January Joint Committee. Black Country Living Museum Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.03 £0.03 SI progressing to plan. Awaiting completion of the grant agreement. Former Caparo Site Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.02 £0.02 SI progressing to plan. Awaiting completion of the grant agreement. Reedswood (former) Golf Course Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.01 £0.01 SI progressing to plan. Awaiting completion of the grant agreement. Brierley Hill Music Institute Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.03 £0.03 LEP Approved Dec 16. Seeking JC approval Jan 17. PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT JC Programme Expenditure BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.18 £0.18 Local Authority Programme Work and Development Fees - claims submitted to Walsall AB. LEP Programme Management BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.36 £0.36 Current expectations that Sandwell MBC will not be claiming against their £250k allocation. To date the eligible expenditure following Walsall AB capital guidelines amounts to £640k LA Programme Work and Development BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.64 £0.64 Total Committed / Forecast Spend £6.23 £6.63 £8.53 £20.50 £41.90

Local Transport Board Schemes (LTB) MSCP: Works continuing to progress well. Wolverhampton Interchange Commercial Gateway Phase 2 W'hampton £0.54 £0.00 £4.01 £0.09 £4.63 Station Change Designs: Station designs are progressing and the submission has been delayed. Network change meeting held and pedestrian flow and fire strategies submitted. Metro: Utility diversion works continuing, works progressing well and on schedule. Building survey and design completed. Undertaken the preliminary highways scheme for maximising pavement space. A4101 Pensnett Strategic Access Improvement Scheme Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.30 £0.80 £1.10 Scheme programmed to start on site February 2017. Property Negotiation and Acquisition ongoing. Detailed Design & review of costs completed. Grant Agreement with WMBC now in place. The Aldridge station scheme has funding allocated under LTB / LGF of £4.1m which is unlikely to be spent in total on that scheme. Black Country Transport Director has requested £1.1m be transferred into scheme development funding. Latest LTB Development Funding BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.16 £0.16 forecasts show that over £900k will slip into 17/18. LTB Unallocated Funds (Aldridge Station) £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Remaining funding requirement for £3m 16/17 funding currently unallocated. Allocation to be confirmed by BC Transport Director. Until then funding has been slipped into 17/18 with 17/18 original allocation slipped into 18/19. Total Committed / Forecast Spend £0.54 £0.00 £4.31 £1.05 £5.89

Grand Total Committed / Forecast Spend £6.77 £6.63 £12.84 £21.55 £47.79 Black Country Wide LEP Priority Pipeline Dashboard as at 10th January 2017 v1.0 Summary 2 of 3 – BLACK COUNTRY PIPELINE (NOT RESTRICTED TO LGF)

PROJECT PIPELINE Note: Initial Proposals have been received for all projects listed on reverse. Full Business Cases are under development for priority schemes. (See reverse for detail)

Summary 1 - Projects Bids by LEP Priority Proposition Total Outputs Commercal Flrspace Learning Flrspace Total Project Funding Bid (£m) Jobs Created Jobs Safegrded Housing Business Assists Learner Assists Apprenticeships Land Remediated (ha) (sqm) (sqm) Priority Proposition Investment 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- £m 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 Sub Total 2021 + Total 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 16/17-20/21 2021+ 2021+ 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 Strategic Population Centres £414.01 £0.29 £13.82 £34.57 £31.36 £11.90 £91.93 £1.69 £93.61 3,851 34 16 0 644 152 16 0 0 0 30 4 20.97 5.22 104,423 5,250 0 0

Delivering Black Country Garden City £622.08 £0.00 £22.71 £31.68 £33.98 £16.24 £104.61 £7.65 £112.26 305 150 200 0 11,483 841 23 0 0 0 22 0 191.34 5.20 12,480 1,000 0 0

Establishing High Value Manufacturing £738.53 £0.84 £23.56 £87.38 £63.55 £17.35 £202.17 £26.27 £228.44 9,028 1,750 650 0 505 489 166 0 166 0 475 0 162.53 6.13 533,531 62,500 0 0 Capital City Delivery of supporting local Transport £181.62 £0.30 £31.62 £28.21 £30.64 £49.34 £140.10 £35.00 £175.10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 solutions Delivering Skills Capital £102.85 £0.25 £12.95 £12.82 £1.26 £0.00 £27.28 £0.00 £27.28 147 45 12 0 700 0 190 0 4,468 0 927 0 6.00 0.00 0 0 21,100 0

Programme Development & Delivery £8.90 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £8.90 £0.00 £8.90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0

Total £2,068.00 £3.46 £106.43 £196.43 £162.57 £96.61 £574.99 £70.61 £645.60 13,331 1,979 878 0 13,332 1,482 395 0 4,634 0 1,454 4 381 17 650,434 68,750 21,100 0

COMMENTARY PROGRAMME ISSUES SCHEDULE – LGF PIPELINE BIDS WITH ESTIMATED APPROVAL DATES

 LGF pipeline is now consolidated listing of all the priority bids for Black Country Wide Approval Funding 18/19- support and will tap into a range of funding opportunities; Jan 16/17 17/18 Total 20/21  WMCA Development Fund 16/17 + Issue Impact Description RAG Resolution Funding Approved up to Sept 16 £ 10.80 £ 3.07 £ 3.35 £ 17.21  LGF Round 3 17/18 + Black Country Joint Committee approval has been  Transport Majors awarded to capitalise proposition development work - Limited resources in Local £8.9m to 2021. Each Local Authority will be requested Reedswood (former) Golf Course (SI) £ 0.01 £ 0.01  Other opportunities as they arise Former Caparo site, Walsall (SI) £ 0.02 £ 0.02 Limited capacity to Authorities to support project to identify, for the 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2017/18 Dudley Town Centre Heritage - Additional Funding £ 0.03 £ 0.03 support Pipeline development and subsequent financial years, any revenue funding that could  The PMO are currently working on revision of the pipeline; working with each of the Dudley Brownfield Land - Acceleration £ 0.10 £ 0.10 Development & project delivery will impact become available as a result of this capital allocation Middlemore Lane £ 0.09 £ 1.99 £ 1.95 £ 4.03 councils, the colleges and the University to further refine the timeline of when Grant delivery of Projects Black Country economic to form a Black Country Proposition Funding Pot that Dudley College Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre £ 0.60 £ 0.60 support will be needed for Strategic Priority schemes. growth in future years. can be used to underwrite speculative capital UoW Apprenticheship Hub £ 0.05 £ 0.05 expenditure. Very Light Rail - SEED Funding £ 0.84 £ 0.84  To profile potential Grant bids by linking LEP Funded SI and Development activity Music Institute (SI) £ 0.03 £ 0.03 presently being undertaken with potential Delivery timeframes identified as working Limited transport resources in Total £ 1.74 £ 2.02 £ 1.95 £ 5.72 towards. Limited capacity to Local Authorities to support support Pipeline project development and Black Country Transport Director is urgently Development & subsequent project delivery developing a range of innovative responses to help Grand Total £ 12.53 £ 5.09 £ 5.30 £ 22.93  This will facilitate the development of a schedule of Grant funding requirements, delivery of would impact Black Country secure funding for priority Black Country transport specific to prioritised schemes, that can be supported as Growth Deal 3 and Land ability to take advantage of Transport Schemes schemes. Total Funding Accelerated £ 2.48 £ 2.48 Remediation and any other Grant Funding opportunities become available. emerging transport scheme funding opportunities. Total Transport Funding (Accessing Growth / LTB Schemes) £ 3.03 £ 0.18 £ 3.21  Councils are now developing Business Cases for their strategic priority schemes. Total Additional Programme Funding £ 7.02 £ 4.91 £ 5.30 £ 17.23

LEP Board Approval Joint Committee Approval Delegated Authority

BCC Programme Office – LGF Programme Dashboard Summary 2 of 3 – Pipeline v1.0 Contact Officer: Rachel Goodwin Source Data: LGF Project Status Reports (Confidential – not for public review) BLACK COUNTRY PIPELINE Total Outputs Commercal Flrspace Learning Flrspace Total Project Funding Bid (£m) Jobs Created Jobs Safegrded Housing Business Assists Learner Assists Apprenticeships Land Remediated (ha) SEP Funding % Private (sqm) (sqm) Project Bid Name / Site Borough Opportunity Area Investment Theme Start Date Leverage 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- £m 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 Sub Total 2021 + Total 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 16/17-20/21 2021+ 2021+ 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 Black Country Garden City PLACE Heath Town Estate Regeneration W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £43.00 £0.00 £4.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £4.00 £0.00 £4.00 81.40% 0 0 0 0 400 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Dudley Gateway - Strategic Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Dudley 2017/18 £33.90 £0.00 £1.87 £2.88 £2.25 £0.00 £7.00 £0.00 £7.00 77.29% 250 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.05 0.00 10,000 0 0 0 Infrastructure Programme Town Centre) PLACE Friar Park, Wednesbury Sandwell Facilitating Schemes 2017/18 £103.03 £0.00 £0.06 £5.00 £5.00 £0.00 £10.06 £0.00 £10.06 90.13% 0 0 0 0 183 517 0 0 0 0 0 0 39.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Station Street, Walsall Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2018/19 £19.38 £0.00 £0.00 £0.55 £1.25 £0.75 £2.55 £0.00 £2.55 86.71% 55 0 0 0 250 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0.70 0.00 1,100 0 0 0 PLACE Willenhall Garden City Walsall Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £21.72 £0.00 £0.03 £0.70 £4.27 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 73.57% 0 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Garden City - Holloway Street, Gornal Dudley Facilitating Schemes 2018/19 £29.60 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £2.50 £0.00 £4.00 £0.00 £4.00 84.46% 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10.50 0.00 0 0 0 0 Jewellery Line (Rowley PLACE Lye Garden City Dudley Regis to Stourbridge 2017/18 £18.50 £0.00 £0.45 £0.95 £1.90 £1.90 £5.20 £0.00 £5.20 70.27% 0 0 200 0 900 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 30.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Junction) Dudley Brownfield Land Improvement PLACE Dudley Facilitating Schemes 2019/20 £30.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.85 £0.85 £1.70 £0.85 £2.55 30.00% 0 0 0 0 240 80 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 2.00 0 0 0 0 Programme Phase 2 PLACE Bourne Street, Coseley Dudley Facilitating Schemes 2017/18 £14.40 £0.00 £0.10 £0.40 £0.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.00 £0.50 96.53% 0 0 0 0 118 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.60 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Housing Development Programme Dudley Brierley Hill Town Centre 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Jewellery Line (Rowley PLACE Housing Development Programme Dudley Regis to Stourbridge 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Junction) Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Housing Development Programme Dudley 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Town Centre) PLACE Housing Development Programme Dudley Pensnett 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Site Investigation for Residential Land Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Dudley 2017/18 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme Town Centre) PLACE Eastern Gateway South Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2018/19 £21.39 £0.00 £0.00 £0.17 £0.23 £5.09 £5.49 £0.00 £5.49 73.86% 0 0 0 0 85 29 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.26 0.00 0 0 0 0 M5 J1 Location PLACE Mill Lane Sandwell 2017/18 £15.45 £0.00 £0.07 £0.98 £0.98 £0.00 £2.03 £0.00 £2.03 86.47% 0 0 0 0 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.30 0.00 0 0 0 0 Development PLACE Bradleys Lane Site Acquisition Sandwell Facilitating Schemes 2018/19 £2.30 £0.00 £0.00 £0.80 £1.50 £0.00 £2.30 £0.00 £2.30 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5.80 0.00 0 0 0 0 M5 J1 Location PLACE Housing Development Programme Sandwell 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Development Site Investigation for Residential Land PLACE Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2017/18 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme PLACE Housing Development Programme Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 M5 J2 Location PLACE Doulton Road, Rowley Regis Sandwell 2017/18 £27.49 £0.00 £0.75 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.75 £0.00 £0.75 97.27% 0 0 0 0 188 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5.03 0.00 0 0 0 0 Development Former Caparo and Reedswood Golf M6 J10 Location PLACE Walsall 2017/18 £60.13 £0.00 £0.13 £4.50 £5.40 £0.00 £10.03 £0.00 £10.03 83.15% 0 0 0 0 340 170 0 0 0 0 0 0 11.40 0.00 0 0 0 0 Course, Walsall Development Brownhills Residential Masterplan PLACE Walsall Facilitating Schemes 2018/19 £14.62 £0.00 £0.00 £0.30 £1.05 £0.85 £2.20 £0.00 £2.20 TBC 0 0 0 0 45 45 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.00 0.00 380 0 0 0 Plan M6 J10 Location PLACE Former Goscote Works, Walsall Walsall 2017/18 £29.60 £0.00 £2.35 £2.25 £0.00 £0.00 £4.60 £0.00 £4.60 84.46% 0 0 0 0 395 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Development M6 J10 Location PLACE Housing Development Programme Walsall 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Development Site Investigation for Residential Land PLACE Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2017/18 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme PLACE Housing Development Programme Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Wolverhampton City PLACE Royal Wolverhampton W'hampton 2017/18 £54.00 £0.00 £2.50 £2.50 £0.00 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 90.74% 0 150 0 0 350 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.10 3.20 1,000 1,000 0 0 Centre PLACE Cable Street W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £39.77 £0.00 £5.20 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £5.20 £0.00 £5.20 86.92% 0 0 0 0 229 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.30 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Alexander Metals W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £12.80 £0.00 £1.40 £1.40 £0.00 £0.00 £2.80 £0.00 £2.80 78.13% 0 0 0 0 70 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.30 0.00 0 0 0 0 Site Investigation for Residential Land Wolverhampton City PLACE W'hampton 2017/18 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme Centre PLACE Housing Development Programme W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Housing Development Programme W'hampton i54 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Wolverhampton City PLACE Housing Development Programme W'hampton 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Centre PLACE Housing Development Programme BC Wide Facilitating Schemes 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Total Black Country Garden City £622.08 £0.00 £22.71 £31.68 £33.98 £16.24 £104.61 £7.65 £112.26 £13.71 305 150 200 0 11,483 841 23 0 0 0 22 0 191.34 5.20 12,480 1,000 0 0 HVM Capital City Very Light Rail Innovation Centre and Metro Extension (Dudley BUSINESS Dudley 2016/17 £29.20 £0.84 £2.81 £10.86 £0.00 £0.00 £14.50 £0.00 £14.50 13.70% 335 0 0 0 0 0 84 0 166 0 331 0 3.00 0.00 4,041 0 0 0 Test Track Town Centre) M6 J10 Location PLACE Anson Road, Willenhall Walsall 2017/18 £32.28 £0.00 £0.06 £3.20 £0.00 £0.00 £3.26 £0.00 £3.26 89.90% 575 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 10.00 0.00 31,500 0 0 0 Development PLACE Moxley Business Park Walsall Willenhall / Bilston 2018/19 £27.57 £0.00 £0.00 £3.00 £4.00 £0.00 £7.00 £0.00 £7.00 74.61% 575 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 10.20 0.00 31,500 0 0 0 Brierley Hill Brownfield Land Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Dudley 2017/18 £4.00 £0.00 £0.14 £1.50 £1.20 £1.16 £4.00 £0.00 £4.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10.00 0.00 45,000 0 0 0 Programme Town Centre) Site Investigation for Commercial Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Dudley 2017/18 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Land Remediation Programme Town Centre) Grove Lane Intervention Area, M5 J1 Location PLACE Sandwell 2017/18 £26.82 £0.00 £0.30 £9.44 £2.80 £0.00 £12.53 £0.00 £12.53 52.68% 40 0 0 0 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.87 0.00 600 0 0 0 Smethwick Development BLACK COUNTRY PIPELINE Total Outputs Total Commercal Flrspace Learning Flrspace Funding Bid (£m) Jobs Created Jobs Safegrded Housing Business Assists Learner Assists Apprenticeships Land Remediated (ha) SEP Funding Project % Private (sqm) (sqm) Project Bid Name / Site Borough Opportunity Area Theme Start Date Investmen Leverage 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 Sub Total 2021 + Total 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 16/17-20/21 2021+ 2021+ t £m 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 HVM Capital City PLACE Metro Plaza / Mid Line Station, West Bromwich Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2017/18 £13.94 £0.00 £0.13 £2.68 £1.09 £1.09 £4.99 £0.00 £4.99 63.62% 130 0 130 0 43 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.35 0.00 1,875 0 0 0 M5 J1 Location PLACE Black Patch, Smethwick Sandwell 2017/18 £93.50 £0.00 £1.50 £18.65 £12.20 £5.00 £37.35 £0.00 £37.35 59.89% 520 1,750 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8.00 0.00 17,500 62,500 0 0 Development M5 J1 Location PLACE Pope's Lane Gap Funding Sandwell 2017/18 £17.50 £0.00 £2.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.50 £0.00 £2.50 TBC 400 0 280 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 4.70 0.00 23,000 0 0 0 Development PLACE Shidas Lagoon Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2017/18 £11.67 £0.00 £1.75 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.75 £0.00 £1.75 TBC 216 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.80 0.00 10,684 0 0 0 M5 J1 Location PLACE Lyng Industrial Estate Sandwell 2017/18 £123.07 £0.00 £0.08 £6.28 £8.24 £0.00 £14.60 £25.47 £40.06 TBC 0 0 0 0 12 482 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.75 6.13 0 0 0 0 Development M5 J1 Location PLACE Park Rose Industrial Estate Sandwell TBC £9.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £9.50 £0.00 £9.50 TBC 245 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.90 0.00 16,000 0 0 0 Development M5 J1 Location PLACE Chances Glassworks Main Scheme Sandwell 2018/19 £21.36 £0.00 £0.00 £2.32 £2.52 £0.80 £5.64 £0.00 £5.64 52.68% 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.20 0.00 0 0 0 0 Development Site Investigation for Commercial Land Remediation PLACE Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2017/18 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Programme M6 J10 Location PLACE Phoenix 10 Walsall 2017/18 £48.00 £0.00 £0.95 £0.75 £5.00 £5.00 £11.70 £0.00 £11.70 75.63% 900 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 16.50 0.00 55,000 0 0 0 Development M6 J10 Location PLACE Tempus Ten Walsall 2017/18 £10.43 £0.00 £0.50 £3.00 £0.00 £0.00 £3.50 £0.00 £3.50 66.44% 300 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3.46 0.00 10,500 0 0 0 Development M6 J10 Location PLACE Parallel 9-10 Walsall 2018/19 £8.30 £0.00 £0.00 £2.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 75.54% 100 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4.59 0.00 9,500 0 0 0 Development M6 J10 Location PLACE Former Gasholders Site, Darlaston Rd Walsall 2018/19 £22.63 £0.00 £0.00 £5.40 £0.00 £0.00 £5.40 £0.00 £5.40 76.01% 400 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 8.30 0.00 26,022 0 0 0 Development M6 J10 Location PLACE Aspect 2000, Bentley Mill Way Walsall 2017/18 £9.00 £0.00 £0.70 £1.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.70 £0.00 £1.70 81.11% 140 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 3.30 0.00 9,402 0 0 0 Development PLACE Challenge Block Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2017/18 £37.20 £0.00 £0.50 £1.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 95.97% 100 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 1.26 0.00 23,800 0 0 0 M6 J10 Location PLACE Willenhall Economic Development Programme Walsall 2019/20 £5.74 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Development PLACE Showcase Cinema, Bentley Mill Way Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2019/20 £8.32 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 81.97% 180 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2.53 0.00 10,150 0 0 0 PLACE Hills Scrap Yard, Wolverhampton Road Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2018/19 £7.19 £0.00 £0.00 £2.00 £0.90 £0.00 £2.90 £0.00 £2.90 59.67% 120 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.62 0.00 6,500 0 0 0 Site Investigation for Commercial Land Remediation PLACE Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2017/18 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Programme PLACE Lupus Park W'hampton i54 2017/18 £55.50 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE i54 Western Extension W'hampton i54 2017/18 £32.80 £0.00 £3.70 £7.50 £16.80 £2.00 £30.00 £0.00 £30.00 TBC 2,900 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 40.00 0.00 170,000 0 0 0 PLACE Bilston Urban Village East W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £10.03 £0.00 £3.00 £2.00 £0.00 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 49.88% 370 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.40 0.00 17,600 0 0 0 Wolverhampton City PLACE East Park Gateway W'hampton 2017/18 £17.11 £0.00 £0.16 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.16 £0.00 £0.16 73.08% 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11.80 0.00 1,280 0 0 0 Centre PLACE Pantheon Park, Wednesfield Way W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £26.09 £0.00 £2.50 £2.50 £0.00 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 80.84% 54 0 150 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 12,077 0 0 0 Site Investigation for Commercial Land Remediation Wolverhampton City PLACE W'hampton 2017/18 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Programme Centre BUSINESS Black Country Innovation Fund BC Wide Facilitating Schemes 2018/19 £25.80 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £1.50 £1.50 £4.50 £0.00 £4.50 TBC 168 0 90 0 0 0 42 0 0 0 84 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Total HVM Capital City £738.53 £0.84 £23.56 £87.38 £63.55 £17.35 £202.17 £26.27 £228.44 £12.23 9,028 1,750 650 0 505 489 166 0 166 0 475 0 162.53 6.13 533,531 62,500 0 0 Local Transport Solutions i54 Western Extension - A449 Vine Island to Junction 1) Provide necessary highway infrastructure improvements to Junction 2 / A449 to meet the needs and expansion of i54 Western Extension; and 2) Implement Phase 1 of the wider PLACE 2 improvements- A449 Vine Island to Junction 2 W'hampton i54 2017/18 £6.91 £0.00 £5.32 £0.80 £0.00 £0.00 £6.12 £0.00 £6.12 1.59% Public Transport Programme associated with i54 / North Wolverhampton Corridor improvements PLACE Sustainable Transport Programme BC Wide Facilitating Schemes 2017/18 £25.00 £0.00 £4.00 £7.00 £7.00 £7.00 £25.00 £0.00 £25.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Metro Extension (Dudley Improving highway movement operations for public transport & accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists & mobility impaired will encourage modal shift thereby improving network PLACE Dudley Town Centre Access Improvements Dudley 2018/19 £2.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.90 £0.90 £0.00 £1.80 £0.00 £1.80 TBC Town Centre) efficiency & reducing congestion, therefore unlocking barriers to growth. PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Dudley Brierley Hill Town Centre 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Jewellery Line (Rowley PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Dudley Regis to Stourbridge 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Junction) Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Dudley 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Town Centre) PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Dudley Pensnett 2017/18 £7.50 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Metro Extension (Dudley Alterations to Metro Line 1 track at Wednesbury to allow existing metro services to turn back to Birmingham, giving flexibility for timetabling now and with future Metro extension PLACE Accessing Growth - Metro Line 1 Turnback Sandwell 2017/18 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 TBC Town Centre) to Brierley Hill. M5 J1 Location PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Sandwell 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Development PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Increased opportunity to connect commuters to the employment opportunities in both strategic centres and Willenhall district centre with improved journey times by creating a PLACE Walsall - Wolverhampton Rail Corridor Walsall Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £29.03 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £1.25 £27.00 £29.00 £0.00 £29.00 TBC new rail passenger service between Walsall and Wolverhampton with two intermittent stations in Willenhall and James Bridge Improvement at the Shire Oak Junction (A461/A452) to include intelligent traffic signals and enhanced right-turn facilities. To operate as part of a ‘SCOOT region’ with the nearby PLACE Accessing Growth - Salters Road & Shire Oak- Walsall Walsall Facilitating Schemes 2017/18 £2.30 £0.00 £2.30 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.30 £0.00 £2.30 TBC Salters Road Junction. M6 J10 Location PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Walsall 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Development BLACK COUNTRY PIPELINE Total Outputs Land Remediated Commercal Flrspace Learning Flrspace Funding Bid (£m) % Jobs Created Jobs Safegrded Housing Business Assists Learner Assists Apprenticeships Funding Total Project (ha) (sqm) (sqm) SEP Theme Project Bid Name / Site Borough Opportunity Area Private Start Date Investment £m 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 Sub Total 2021 + Total Leverage 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 Local Transport Solutions PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Northern Gateway – A449 Stafford Road Corridor Wolverhampton City PLACE W'hampton 2016/17 £5.75 £0.15 £1.04 £1.53 £1.52 £1.52 £5.75 £0.00 £5.75 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 (Scheme Dev Costs) Centre 1) Remove a congestion hotspot on the A454, a primary road connecting Wolverhampton City Centre to East Wolverhampton / West Walsall and junction 10 of the M6; City Gateway - A454 Willenhall Road Multi Modal PLACE W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2016/17 £74.63 £0.15 £8.91 £9.53 £13.52 £7.52 £39.63 £35.00 £74.63 TBC 2) Improve the capacity of Willenhall Road & improve journey time reliability for public transport, business journeys and private car users; and 3) Unlock sites along the Corridor route for redevelopment. Junction Improvement on Cannock Road to facilitate access to new developments opportunities within the surrounding area (Cross Street North and Cambridge street PLACE Accessing Growth - Cannock road cross station north W'hampton i54 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC within WCC Canalside Quarter) Accessing Growth - Wolverhampton Science Park New access / egress to improve flows into the site and alleviate pressure on the Stafford Road A449. Scheme complements University development and improves access PLACE W'hampton i54 2018/19 £1.50 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 TBC Access to existing available development opportunities. PLACE Accessing Growth Programme W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £2.50 £0.00 £0.60 £0.65 £0.65 £0.60 £2.50 £0.00 £2.50 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Accessing Growth Programme W'hampton i54 2017/18 £2.50 £0.00 £0.60 £0.65 £0.65 £0.60 £2.50 £0.00 £2.50 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Wolverhampton City PLACE Accessing Growth Programme W'hampton 2017/18 £2.50 £0.00 £0.60 £0.65 £0.65 £0.60 £2.50 £0.00 £2.50 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Centre PLACE Accessing Growth Programme BC Wide Facilitating Schemes 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Total Local Transport Solutions £181.62 £0.30 £31.62 £28.21 £30.64 £49.34 £140.10 £35.00 £175.10 £0.02 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Skills Capital PEOPLE Sandwell College - New Talent Studio Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2016/17 £9.32 £0.25 £2.55 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.80 £0.00 £2.80 TBC 30 0 12 0 0 0 100 0 900 0 100 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 1,300 0 Wolverhampton City PEOPLE Relocation of Wolverhampton City College W'hampton 2017/18 £39.51 £0.00 £4.94 £10.28 £0.26 £0.00 £15.48 £0.00 £15.48 43.03% 20 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 1,593 0 827 0 5.00 0.00 0 0 11,000 0 Centre PEOPLE Music Institute and Student Accommodation Dudley Brierley Hill Town Centre 2017/18 £48.45 £0.00 £4.55 £2.01 £1.00 £0.00 £7.56 £0.00 £7.56 83.05% 93 45 0 0 600 0 0 0 1,915 0 0 0 1.00 0.00 0 0 4,800 0 Wolverhampton City PEOPLE Grand Post House W'hampton 2017/18 £5.57 £0.00 £0.91 £0.53 £0.00 £0.00 £1.44 £0.00 £1.44 24.19% 4 0 0 0 0 0 90 0 60 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 4,000 0 Centre Total Skills Capital £102.85 £0.25 £12.95 £12.82 £1.26 £0.00 £27.28 £0.00 £27.28 £1.50 147 45 12 0 700 0 190 0 4,468 0 927 0 6.00 0.00 0 0 21,100 0 Strategic Population Centres PLACE Brierley Hill Infrastructure Package Dudley Brierley Hill Town Centre 2017/18 £12.00 £0.00 £1.00 £2.25 £2.25 £5.50 £11.00 £0.00 £11.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.00 0.00 0 0 0 0

Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Dudley Zoological Gardens Investment Package Dudley 2017/18 £6.00 £0.00 £0.35 £0.25 £0.64 £1.25 £2.49 £1.00 £3.49 TBC 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0.00 0.00 1,250 0 0 0 Town Centre) Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE The Black Country Living Museum: Forging Ahead Dudley 2016/17 £18.60 £0.03 £0.73 £0.23 £2.43 £2.62 £6.04 £0.00 £6.04 4.44% 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 4 0.00 0.00 5,575 0 0 0 Town Centre) Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Dudley Bus Station Dudley 2016/17 £9.60 £0.20 £0.00 £4.50 £4.50 £0.00 £9.20 £0.00 £9.20 2.08% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.80 0.00 0 0 0 0 Town Centre) Dudley Town Centre - Buildings and Sites Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Dudley 2017/18 £4.50 £0.00 £0.38 £1.68 £1.83 £0.63 £4.50 £0.00 £4.50 TBC 0 0 16 0 80 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 1.50 0.00 0 0 0 0 Improvement Programme - Phase 2 Town Centre) PLACE Bull Street / Farley Centre, West Bromwich Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2016/17 £13.69 £0.06 £0.20 £0.42 £0.96 £0.00 £1.64 £0.00 £1.64 87.51% 140 34 0 0 24 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.70 0.72 250 250 0 0 PLACE St Michaels Square, West Bromwich Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2017/18 £6.91 £0.00 £0.10 £0.17 £0.76 £0.40 £1.43 £0.69 £2.11 67.94% 40 0 0 0 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.19 0.00 620 0 0 0 PLACE West Brom Public Realm Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2017/18 £1.98 £0.00 £1.21 £0.58 £0.00 £0.00 £1.79 £0.00 £1.79 TBC Public realm improvements to key routes between transport hubs and key destinations. Building on previous investment in area. PLACE Walsall town centre public realm improvements Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2017/18 £12.40 £0.00 £1.50 £1.50 £1.50 £1.50 £6.00 £0.00 £6.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Wolverhampton City PLACE Connected Places – Commercial Centre W'hampton 2017/18 £3.25 £0.00 £1.00 £1.25 £0.00 £0.00 £2.25 £0.00 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Centre Wolverhampton City PLACE Southside Infrastructure works W'hampton 2017/18 £54.10 £0.00 £0.50 £3.00 £0.00 £0.00 £3.50 £0.00 £3.50 92.42% 1,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 20,000 0 0 0 Centre Wolverhampton City PLACE Strategic Centre – Wolverhampton Public Service Hub W'hampton 2017/18 £55.00 £0.00 £1.50 £1.50 £0.00 £0.00 £3.00 £0.00 £3.00 94.55% 1,500 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 20,000 0 0 0 Centre Wolverhampton Interchange: Steam Mill and Sack Wolverhampton City PLACE W'hampton 2017/18 £7.50 £0.00 £1.10 £1.70 £0.00 £0.00 £2.80 £0.00 £2.80 62.67% 261 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.58 0.00 3,128 0 0 0 Works Site Centre Wolverhampton City PLACE Wolverhampton Westside W'hampton 2018/19 £57.50 £0.00 £0.00 £4.00 £1.50 £0.00 £5.50 £0.00 £5.50 86.96% 550 0 0 0 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 13,000 0 0 0 Centre Wolverhampton City PLACE St Georges W'hampton 2018/19 £16.80 £0.00 £0.00 £6.80 £10.00 £0.00 £16.80 £0.00 £16.80 TBC 280 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.20 0.00 5,600 0 0 0 Centre Wolverhampton City PLACE Canalside W'hampton 2017/18 £131.00 £0.00 £3.00 £3.00 £5.00 £0.00 £11.00 £0.00 £11.00 91.60% 0 0 0 0 200 140 0 0 0 0 0 0 11.00 4.50 35,000 5,000 0 0 Centre Wolverhampton City PLACE Regeneration of Bilston Centre W'hampton 2017/18 £3.18 £0.00 £1.25 £1.75 £0.00 £0.00 £3.00 £0.00 £3.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Centre Total Strategic Population Centres £414.01 £0.29 £13.82 £34.57 £31.36 £11.90 £91.93 £1.69 £93.61 £5.90 3,851 34 16 0 644 152 16 0 0 0 30 4 20.97 5.22 104,423 5,250 0 0 Programme Development & Delivery BC Wide . 2016/17 £8.90 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £8.90 £0.00 £8.90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0

£2,068.00 £3.46 £106.43 £196.43 £162.57 £96.61 £574.99 £70.61 £645.60 13,331 1,979 878 0 13,332 1,482 395 0 4,634 0 1,454 4 380.84 16.55 650,434 68,750 21,100 0 Black Country LEP LGF Programme Dashboard as at 11th January 2017 v1.0 Summary 3 of 3 – FUTURE YEARS

SPEND PROFILE

Local Growth Deal Funding Profile Programme Funding vs Spend (Cumulative £m) Competitive LGF Funding (£m) See reverse for breakdown by project £180 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Total £160 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 Total LGF Competitive £23.70 £33.25 £11.94 £4.44 £7.13 £0.03 £80.49 £140 Total LGF Grant Award* £29.95 £46.30 £18.56 £23.40 £28.00 £6.43 £152.64 LGF DfT Retained (M6 J10) £0.65 0.35 0.12 14.26 14.27 £29.65 £120 LGF Expansion £3.90 £3.60 £3.60 £6.40 £6.40 £23.90 £100 Baseline £28.33 £39.97 £27.06 £21.22 £3.49 £0.36 £120.34 Total LGF Commitment £24.35 £37.50 £15.66 £22.30 £27.80 £6.43 £134.04 £80 Latest Committed / Forecast Spend £29.95 £47.79 £37.72 £33.10 £17.18 £0.33 £166.07 LTB pre-allocated £5.60 £8.80 £2.90 £1.10 £0.20 £18.60 £60

Existing DfT transport major* £3.60 £3.60 £40 Overutilisation of Grant Funding £0.00 £1.49 £19.16 £9.70 -£10.82 -£6.10 £13.43 £20 Total Other £9.20 £8.80 £2.90 £1.10 £0.20 £0.00 £22.20 £0 *Inc. LGF Competitive, LTB Pre-Committed Funds, DfT Retained for M6 J10, & Expansion Profile 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 Total Growth Deal £33.55 £46.30 £18.56 £23.40 £28.00 £6.43 £156.24  Current round of competitive LGF Funding is now 100% committed through to 2021  This results from: *tail funding for Darlaston Total LGF Grant Award Baseline Latest Forecast 1. The positive actions from the LEP Board in adopting over programming in the early years of the 6 year programme OUTPUTS – TO BE REALISED POST PROJECT DELIVERY 2. Slippage of schemes from 15/16 in subsequent years has enabled £19.5m of additional schemes to be funded Outputs Forecast by Year Programme Actual to 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Forecast Date Achievement to Date Against Forecast 2015/16 - 2020/21 Jobs Created 131 339 808 392 534 1,562 3,766 137 Jobs Jobs Safeguarded 118 179 750 150 150 163 1,510 118 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Homes Started 441 132 462 185 185 100 1,505 441 Houses Homes Completed 175 151 435 345 313 177 1,596 261 Jobs Created # new enterprises receiving non financial support 9 3 9 12 9 8 50 9 Jobs Safeguarded # of enterprises receiving non financial support 107 109 474 439 449 484 2,062 156 Homes Started # of enterprises receiving grant support 13 19 11 4 4 2 53 16 Business assists Total Business Assists # of enterprises receiving financial support other than Grant 6 2 1 1 0 0 10 6 Learner Assists # of potential entrepreneurs assisted to be enterprise ready 46 49 50 50 50 55 300 62 Apprenticeships Started Total Business Assists 181 182 545 506 512 549 2,475 249 Learner Assists 866 1,453 2,707 3,122 2,811 2,832 13,791 1,355 New build / refurbished training/ learning space (sqm) Learner Assists Apprenticeships Started 289 399 688 793 785 786 3,740 482 Apprenticeships Completed 73 136 194 467 483 550 1,903 153 Commercial floorspace constructed / Refurbished Gross (sqm) New build / refurbished training/ learning space (sqm) 1,826 5,950 0 0 0 0 7,776 1,826 Area of site reclaimed, (re)developed or assembled (ha) Commercial floorspace constructed / Refurbished Gross Land and Property 5,461 13,988 29,869 22,254 9,769 17,671 99,012 5,131 (sqm) Total Length of Resurfaced Roads (Km) Area of site reclaimed, (re)developed or assembled (ha) 3.86 6.82 38.46 14.05 5.36 7.86 76.41 4.66 Visitor Economy Visitor Numbers 197 561 465 160,487 170,520 180,546 512,776 698 Total Length of Newly Built Roads (Km) Total Length of Resurfaced Roads (Km) 0.12 13.34 0.69 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.14 0.30 Total Length of New Cycleway (km) Infrastructure Total Length of Newly Built Roads (Km) 4.65 0.00 0.36 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.01 4.65

Total Length of New Cycleway (km) 12.33 13.76 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 26.09 12.33 Actual Programme Forecast NB: The above table excludes outputs for ‘ear-marked’ schemes as previously reported. BCC Programme Office – LGF Programme Dashboard Summary 3 of 3 – Future Years v1.0 Contact Officer: Rachel Goodwin Source Data: LGF Project Status Reports (Confidential – not for public review) LGF FUNDING COMMITMENT FULL PROGRAMME 2015/16 – 2020/21 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Total Project PROJECT NAME Total LGF Leverage TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL Investment 2015/16 Completed Projects £2.30 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.30 £4.24 £6.53 Accessing Growth Programme £1.99 £6.02 £3.79 £3.00 £0.00 £0.00 £14.80 £1.88 £16.68 Bilston Urban Village £2.75 £0.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £3.25 £81.25 £84.50 Dudley Advance Construction Centre £2.03 £5.85 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £7.88 £41.10 £48.98 Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills £0.17 £3.46 £4.58 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £8.21 £4.15 £12.36 Goscote Lane Corridor £1.70 £2.38 £1.42 £2.85 £0.47 £0.00 £8.82 £78.59 £87.41 Growing Priority Sectors £1.49 £2.29 £2.71 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £6.50 £18.00 £24.50 Wolverhampton Civic Hall £1.88 £2.56 £2.56 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £7.00 £5.43 £12.43 M6 Junction 10 £0.65 £0.35 £0.12 £14.26 £14.27 £0.00 £29.65 £0.34 £29.99 Managing Short Trips £2.43 £3.92 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £6.35 £0.21 £6.56 Science, Technology & Prototyping Centre £1.30 £3.58 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £4.88 £5.26 £10.14 Wolverhampton Interchange Commercial Gateway Phase 2 £4.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £4.50 £105.20 £109.70 Woods Lane £0.55 £3.36 £0.88 £0.17 £0.11 £0.06 £5.14 £43.79 £48.93 Walsall Waterfront £0.03 £0.03 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.06 £0.31 £0.37 Dudley Town Centre - Sites & Buildings Improvements £0.17 £0.30 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.47 £0.30 £0.77 Chances Glassworks Site Assembly £0.00 £0.60 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.60 £0.06 £0.66 Music Institute and Student Accommodation Feasibility £0.08 £0.07 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.15 £0.13 £0.28 Very Light Rail Feasibility £0.15 £0.15 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.30 £0.04 £0.34 University of Wolverhampton Apprenticeship Hub £0.15 £0.05 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.18 £0.38 Parkrose Industrial Estate £0.05 £0.02 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.07 £0.00 £0.07 Airfield Drive £0.00 £0.07 £0.30 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.37 £4.71 £5.08 Halesowen College - Access Centre for HE £0.00 £0.70 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.70 £1.34 £2.04 Dudley College - Advanced Engineering Equipment £0.00 £0.10 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.10 £0.00 £0.10 Dudley Brownfield Land - Ph 1 £0.00 £0.54 £0.72 £0.96 £0.46 £0.17 £2.85 £27.19 £30.04 Pensnett Estate Extension £0.00 £1.61 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.61 £14.86 £16.47 Walsall College – Additional Engineering Equipment £0.00 £0.15 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.15 £0.05 £0.20 Middlemore Lane £0.00 £0.09 £1.99 £0.88 £0.96 £0.11 £4.03 £19.91 £23.94 Dudley College - Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre £0.00 £0.60 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.60 £0.54 £1.14 Very Light Rail SEED Funding £0.00 £0.84 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.84 £0.00 £0.84 SOABE £0.00 £0.00 £1.76 £1.76 £0.00 £0.00 £3.52 £23.33 £26.85 Site Investigation Approved Funding 16/17 Challenge Block £0.00 £0.04 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.04 £0.00 £0.04 Alexander Metals £0.00 £0.07 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.07 £0.00 £0.07 Moxley Tip £0.00 £0.08 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.08 £0.00 £0.08 Shidas Lagoon £0.00 £0.08 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.08 £0.00 £0.08 Bourne St, Coseley £0.00 £0.06 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.06 £0.00 £0.06 Wharf Approach, Aldridge £0.00 £0.02 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.02 £0.00 £0.02 Bull Street £0.00 £0.06 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.06 £0.00 £0.06 Black Country Living Museum £0.00 £0.03 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.03 £0.00 £0.03 Former Caparo Site £0.00 £0.02 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.02 £0.02 £0.05 Reedswood (former) Golf Course £0.00 £0.01 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.01 £0.00 £0.01 Brierley Hill Music Institute £0.00 £0.03 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.03 £0.00 £0.03 EARMARKED SCHEMES (TO BE APPROVED) Current Opportunities £0.00 £0.00 £9.30 £7.21 £0.71 £0.00 £17.22 TBC TBC PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT JC Programme Expenditure £0.13 £0.18 £0.18 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.48 £0.00 £0.48 LEP Programme Management £0.26 £0.36 £0.36 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.99 £0.00 £0.99 LA Programme Work and Development £0.63 £0.64 £1.25 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.52 £0.00 £2.52 Total Committed / Forecast Spend 25.38 41.90 31.93 31.10 16.98 0.33 147.62 482.40 612.79

LTB Projects M6 Junction 10 £0.10 £0.00 £0.20 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.30 As Above Wolverhampton Interchange Commercial Gateway Phase 2 £4.37 £4.63 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £9.00 As Above Birchley Island M5 J2 £0.10 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.10 TBC A4101 Pensnett Strategic Access Improvement Scheme £0.00 £1.10 £1.80 £0.70 £0.20 £0.00 £3.80 £2.50 £6.30 LTB Development Funding £0.00 £0.16 £0.79 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.95 TBC LTB Unallocated Funds (Aldridge Station) £0.00 £0.00 £3.00 £1.30 £0.00 £0.00 £4.30 TBC Total Committed / Forecast Spend 4.57 5.89 5.79 2.00 0.20 0.00 18.45 2.50 6.30

Grand Total Committed / Forecast Spend 29.95 47.79 37.72 33.10 17.18 0.33 166.07 484.90 619.09

2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/2020 2020/2021 Total Total LGF Grant Award (LGF/LTB/M6 J10) £29.95 £46.30 £18.56 £23.40 £28.00 £6.43 £152.64 Utilisation of Grant Funding £29.95 £47.79 £37.72 £33.10 £17.18 £0.33 £166.07 Variance £0.00 £1.49 £19.16 £9.70 -£10.82 -£6.10 £13.43 Black Country Transport Programme Dashboard as at 10th January 2017 v2

FUNDING PROFILE LGF/LTB 16-17 SPEND

Scheme Investment LGF/LTB Total Road £338.00 15  The current spend profile Funding Stream 4% Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Leverage Metro £718.70 indicates that all projects are £m 8% Rail £570.00 Forecast £2.19 £1.59 £7.33 £4.98 £16.09 currently on target to meet LGF/LTB £66.26 Sustainable Transport £14.55 10 the required delivery Actual £2.19 £1.59 £4.96 £0.00 £8.74 deadlines as per the Leverage £144.46 Accessing Growth £8.67 individual grant agreements. Park and Ride £13.50 Variance £0.00 £0.00 -£2.37 - -£7.36  The main risk to this will be Not Millions 5 Not Secured (DfT/WMCA) £1,489.90 the Wednesbury to Brierley Secured New Stations & Improvements £37.08 Hill Metro scheme due to the (DfT/ Weak bridges £0.12 potential decision required Total £1,700.62 WMCA) - 88% £8.74m from treasury. Major maintenance schemes £0.00 Total £1,700.62 PROGRAMME LIFECYCLE PROGRAMME ISSUES & RISKS Transport Pipeline Programme Commentary Issue Impact Description RAG Action The current West Midlands Strategic model is Meeting called with Mott MacDonald to understand key 3. Fully funded currently not capable of running all of the £14.82m  The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill scheme is the Prissim issues, a procurement process is due to commence to schemes that have been identified across the £29.95m largest by far within the current programme. commission a new strategic model . Black Country and wider West Midlands. There are significant risks to the delivery 3. Delivery 3. 2. Partially funded £118.7m The level of local contribution required to timescales if the land required cannot be secure funding from the CA has still not been Liaise with TfWM and James Aspinall to£4.98m understand the Local Contributions acquired through negotiation and requires a determined and this may have an adverse process. 3. Fully funded £71.3m Compulsory Purchase Order. effect on some schemes.  The LEP and ABCA need to seek a high level Budgets are provisionally allocated to some of Make provision for a large risk contingency for all Accuracy of these schemes without a detailed assessment agreement with partners to prevent any schemes to ensure there is sufficient budget available to 2. Partially funded Forecast Costs being undertaken. The cost of these schemes £114.7m objections being raised as part of a CPO prior cover any cost increases.

to awarding LGF funding for other schemes. could vary and increase significantly over time. 2. Development 2. 1. Not secured £50m Scheme No. of Projects Risk Impact Description RAG Mitigation 3. Fully funded Road 9 £0.4m Lack of expertise to accurately forecast how long a Metro 4 scheme will take to develop and take to site can result Rail 5 Deliverability in funding being tied up for a scheme. This will result in 2. Partially funded £570m more deliverable schemes currently not allocated Sustainable Transport 2 funding being prevented from taken to site.

1. ProgrammeEntry 1. 1. Not secured £110m Accessing Growth 7 Park and Ride 9 RESOURCES

0. 1. Not secured £650.7m New Stations & Improvements 5 Capacity: 37%  Currently, there is insufficient resource to develop

Feasibility and deliver all of the schemes listed within the 0 5 10 15 20 Weak bridges 1 programme over a 10 year period. No. of Projects 34 out of 93 staff in place  The Black Country needs to work with TfWM and Key Major maintenance schemes 0 to successfully deliver all WMCA to identify the best delivery methods that projects in pipeline can address the resource issue whilst mitigating Project Stages: 0. Feasibility, 1. Programme entry, 2. Development, 3. Delivery Total 42 £0.76m Funding Status 1. Funding not secured, 2. Partially funded, 3. Fully funded financial risks. £0m

BCC Programme Office – Transport Programme Dashboard V2.0 Contact Officer: Treona Holden Source Data: Transport Project Status Reports (Confidential – not for public review) TRANSPORT 2016-17 PROJECT UPDATE – MAJOR SCHEMES (£5M+)

Funding LGF/LTB Not Secured (DfT/ Total No. of Staff No. of staff in Staff Last This Stage Project Name Borough Leverage £m Commentary Status Funding £m WMCA) £m Investment £m Required place RAG Period Period Road Traffic Modelling/Economics: To be completed to a sufficient level for review wk/c 23 Jan 17. Continue. Work continues on the traffic modelling related PCF Products Environment/Planning: Awaiting the final report following completion of ecological surveys. Environmental Impact going. Communications/Consultation: Communications/consultation PCF products required for SGAR1 awaiting sign-off ben Dec 16. Inception planning meeting with newly 2 M6, J10 Major Walsall 3 £29.95 £35.05 £0.00 £65.00 3 3 appointed Estates Surveyor 15 Dec 16. Legal/Governance: Further drafting of the Development Agreement between WMBC & HE continues.

A bid on behalf of the Black Country LEP has been submitted to the DfT for £295k, to develop an outline business case in conjunction with Highways England. A decision 1 M5, J1 Major Sandwell 1 £0.00 £0.00 £65.00 £65.00 4 0 on this funding is expected in the autumn statement 2016. A full MSBC has been developed for this scheme by Sandwell Council, there is no funding committed to this scheme to enable construction to commence. Sandwell are 1 Birchley Island M5, J2 Sandwell 1 £0.10 £0.00 £24.90 £25.00 3 2 continuing with Detailed Design and to commence the CPO process at their own expense. A full business case has been developed for this scheme. £6m has been included as part of a wider LGF3 submission for transport. A decision is expected in the Autumn 2 M54. J2 - Vine Island W'hampton 2 £0.00 £0.00 £7.00 £7.00 3 3 2016 budget statement. Scheme programmed to start on site Feb 2017. Property Negotiation and Acquisition ongoing. Detailed Design & review of costs completed. Grant Agreement with 2 Pensnett High Street (A4101) Dudley 3 £3.80 £2.50 £0.00 £6.30 2 2 WMBC in place.

A449 Corridor Improvements 2 W'hampton 2 £0.00 £0.00 £49.85 £49.85 3 1 AECOM have been commissioned to develop Business Case for scheme, some funding allocated through the HS2 connectivity package. (Wolverhampton to I54) Major 2 A454 Neachells Road Major W'hampton 2 £0.00 £0.00 £49.85 £49.85 3 1 AECOM appointed to develop Business Case for scheme. Currently no funding identified for this scheme, but LGF3 may make £6m contribution.

W'hampton, AECOM have been commissioned to develop a major scheme business case along with modelling work. This is expected to be completed by March 2017. £150k from 2 A4123 Development Works 1 £0.15 £0.00 £49.85 £50.00 3 0 Sandwell, Dudley £1.1m LTB Development funding through Growth Deal.

1 A461 Dudley 1 £0.00 £0.00 £20.00 £20.00 3 1 No work has commenced on this corridor yet. £34.00 £37.55 £266.45 £338.00 27 13 Metro MSCP: Works progressing well. Station Change Designs: Station designed are progressing and the submission has been delayed. Network change meeting held and pedestrian flow and fire strategies submitted. 3 Wolverhampton Interchange W'hampton 2 £13.50 £105.20 £0.00 £118.70 Metro: Utility division works continuing, works progressing well and on schedule. Building survey and design completed. Undertaken the preliminary highways schemes for maximising pavement space.

Systra have been commissioned to undertake business case development. This work will commence in 17/18 with £400k from £1.1m LTB Development funding through 0 Wolverhampton to Willenhall W'hampton 1 £0.55 £0.00 £399.45 £400.00 3 0 Growth Deal. 0 Wednesbury to Walsall Walsall 1 £0.00 £0.00 £200.00 £200.00 3 0 No work commenced on this at present. May commence in the 2017/18 financial year.

0 Willenhall - Onwards 1 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 3 0 No work commenced on this at present. Likely to commence once case has been approved for Metro to Willenhall. £14.05 £105.20 £599.45 £718.70 9 0 Rail Walsall to Aldridge Electrification and 1 Walsall 2 £4.30 £0.00 £25.70 £30.00 1 1 Funding from the HS2 Connectivity Package has been removed for delivery and reallocated to the Darlaston, Willenhall and Brierley Hill Train Stations. Stations Walsall to Wolverhampton Rail GRIP3 Study completed on Willenhall train station, a wider commission has just been awarded to look at improvements along the whole corridor. Bid also being 1 W'hampton, Walsall 2 £0.00 £0.00 £30.00 £30.00 1 1 Service and Stations submitted to national station fund. Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury 1 W'hampton 2 £0.00 £0.00 £60.00 £60.00 1 0 Currently undertaking a feasibility study via TFWM. Electrification Dudley, Dudley Port and Sandwell 0 Dudley, Sandwell 1 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 1 0 A series of workshops are currently being undertaken with Network Rail, WMR, DfT and Local Authorities to identify how best these locations can be improved. Interchanges This scheme is currently one of the top priorities across the whole of the West Midlands, the scheme unlocks numerous rail paths, thus increasing the volume of trains 1 Camphill Court - WM Connectivity West Midlands 2 £0.00 £0.00 £450.00 £450.00 10 0 able to operate across the West Midlands Network. £4.30 £0.00 £565.70 £570.00 14 2 Sustainable Transport All canal schemes complete except for the 5 additional schemes that recently received additional funding. Subject to received the Deed of Variation, these additional schemes are due to start in Jan 17 and complete by the end of March 17. All but two highway schemes are still on schedule to delivery by 31 Dec 16, with the remaining 3 Managing Short Trips BC Wide 3 £6.35 £0.20 £0.00 £6.55 3 3 forecast to delivery and complete by Mar 17.

£400k allocated to develop this scheme. The work will involve TfWM and Dudley Council to develop a design that complements the wider metro scheme. £200k from 2 Dudley Bus Station Stage 1 Dudley 2 £0.20 £0.00 £7.80 £8.00 3 3 £1.1m LTB Development funding through Growth Deal. £6.55 £0.20 £7.80 £14.55 9 6 £58.90 £142.95 £1,439.40 £1,641.25 56 21

Key Project Stages: 0. Feasibility, 1. Programme entry, 2. Development, 3. Delivery Funding Status 1. Funding not secured, 2. Part ally funded, 3. Fully funded TRANSPORT 2016-17 PROJECT UPDATE – SCHEMES UNDER £5M

Funding LGF/LTB Leverage Not Secured (DfT/ Total Investment No. of Staff No. of staff in Staff Last This Stage Project Name Borough Commentary Status Funding £m £m WMCA) £m £m Required place RAG Period Period Accessing Growth

Site works are now complete and the next phase of residential development land is being marketed with good levels of interest. Kier on site sincel Apr 16 and on programme to 3 Bilston Urban Village W'hampton 3 £3.10 £0.00 £0.00 £3.10 2 2 complete 78 houses by Aug 18. Works to enhance and create further areas of public open space due to go out to tender in Jan 17, confirmation of ERDF funding expected shortly.

3 M6, J10 Resilience Package Walsall 3 £1.55 £0.17 £0.00 £1.72 1 1 Snagging to be completed by main contractor and new comms equipment to be ordered and installe over the next few weeks. Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Development Sandwell, 1 3 £0.40 £0.00 £0.00 £0.40 5 2 Business Case is nearing completion, submission to Treasury expected Mar/Apr 2017. Work Tranche 1 & 2 Dudley 3 Springfield Campus Interchange Connectivity W'hampton 3 £0.60 £1.20 £0.00 £1.80 2 2 The contractor has now started works on site and progress is being monitored as the scheme of works is scheduled.

3 A459 Dudley Road/Coombs Road Halesowen Dudley 3 £0.54 £0.06 £0.00 £0.60 2 2 Scheme programmed to commence on site January 2017. Work on site commenced in Nov 16 with completion planned for Mar 17. The road closure notice was agreed Oct 16. A temporary pedestrian footbridge is due to be completed 3 Pinfold Bridge, Wednesfield Road, Wolverhampton W'hampton 3 £0.67 £0.08 £0.00 £0.75 2 2 by 3 Jan 17. Canal closure and utility diversions to be discussed and finalised next quarter. City East Gateway A454 Willenhall Road Corridor & AECOM have been commissioned to develop a major scheme business case along with modelling work. This is expected to be completed by March 2017. Linked toA454 and A449 3 W'hampton 3 £0.30 £0.00 £0.00 £0.30 3 1 City North Gateway A449 Stafford Road Corridor major schemes in "Road". Orders placed and work underway to delivery outcome. Prism extracts progressing but issue identified which has delayed receipt of data.

£7.16 £1.51 £0.00 £8.67 17 12 Park and Ride 0 Bloxwich North Walsall 1 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £1.50 1 0 Identified as a priority, still awaiting funding opportunity

0 Bescott Walsall 1 £0.00 £0.00 £2.00 £2.00 1 0 Identified as a priority, still awaiting funding opportunity

0 Prestfield Metro Site W'hampton 1 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £1.50 1 0 Identified as a priority, still awaiting funding opportunity

0 Tame Bridge Sandwell 1 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £1.50 1 0 Identified as a priority, still awaiting funding opportunity

0 Sandwell & Dudley Sandwell 1 £0.00 £0.00 £1.00 £1.00 1 0 Identified as a priority, still awaiting funding opportunity

0 Cradley Heath Sandwell 1 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £1.50 1 0 Identified as a priority, still awaiting funding opportunity

0 Coseley Street Dudley 1 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £1.50 1 0 Identified as a priority, still awaiting funding opportunity

0 Lye Dudley 1 £0.00 £0.00 £1.00 £1.00 1 0 Identified as a priority, still awaiting funding opportunity

0 Stourbridge Junction Dudley 1 £0.00 £0.00 £2.00 £2.00 1 0 Identified as a priority, still awaiting funding opportunity £0.00 £0.00 £13.50 £13.50 9 0 New Stations and Improvements 0 Darlaston Walsall 1 £0.00 £0.00 £6.00 £6.00 2 0 Awaiting the outcome of the West Midlands Rail Franchise - June 2017.

0 Willenhall Walsall 1 £0.00 £0.00 £6.00 £6.00 2 0 Awaiting the outcome of the West Midlands Rail Franchise - June 2017.

0 Brierley Hill - New Canal Street Dudley 1 £0.00 £0.00 £10.00 £10.00 2 0 Awaiting the outcome of the West Midlands Rail Franchise - June 2017.

0 Dudley Port Sandwell 1 £0.00 £0.00 £15.00 £15.00 2 0 Awaiting the outcome of the West Midlands Rail Franchise - June 2017. Sandwell, 0 West Coast Mainline HS2 Study 1 £0.08 £0.00 £0.00 £0.08 2 0 £80k from £1.1m LTB Development funding through Growth Deal to commence in 17/18. Walsall £0.08 £0.00 £37.00 £37.08 10 0 Weak Bridges Mill Lane Bridge GRIP 3 Study & Aldridge Line 0 Walsall 1 £0.12 £0.00 £0.00 £0.12 1 1 £120k from £1.1m LTB Development funding through Growth Deal. Aqueduct GRIP 3 Study £0.12 £0.00 £0.00 £0.12 1 1 Major Maintenance Schemes £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 0 0 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 0 0 £7.36 £1.51 £50.50 £59.37 37 13

Key Project Stages: 0. Feasibility, 1. Programme entry, 2. Development, 3. Delivery Funding Status 1. Funding not secured, 2. Part ally funded, 3. Fully funded TRANSPORT LIFECYCLE AND RESOURCE COMMITMENTS FOR MAJOR SCHEMES (Excluding Schemes under £5m)

No. of Staff No. of staff in LGF/LTB Total Leverage Not Secured Total Investment Stage Project Name 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 25/26 Funding Status Required place Funding £m £m £m £m Road 2 M6, J10 3 3 3 £29.95 £35.05 £0.00 £65.00 1 M5, J1 4 0 1 £0.00 £0.00 £65.00 £65.00 1 Birchley Island M5, J2 3 2 1 £0.10 £0.00 £24.90 £25.00 2 M54, J2- Vine Island 3 3 2 £0.00 £0.00 £7.00 £7.00 A4101 Pensnett Strategic Access Improvement 2 2 2 3 £3.80 £2.50 £0.00 £6.30 Scheme A449 Corridor Improvements (Wolverhampton 2 3 1 2 £0.00 £0.00 £49.85 £49.85 to I54) 2 A454 Neachells Road 3 1 2 £0.00 £0.00 £49.85 £49.85 2 A4123 3 0 1 £0.15 £0.00 £49.85 £50.00 1 A461 3 1 1 £0.00 £0.00 £20.00 £20.00 Metro 3 Wolverhampton Interchange 2 £13.50 £105.20 £0.00 £118.70

0 Wolverhampton to Willenhall 3 0 1 £0.55 £0.00 £399.45 £400.00 0 Wednesbury to Walsall 3 0 1 £0.00 £0.00 £200.00 £200.00 0 Willenhall - Onwards 3 0 1 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Rail

1 Walsall to Aldridge Electrification and Stations 1 1 2 £4.30 £0.00 £25.70 £30.00

Walsall to Wolverhampton Rail Service and 1 1 1 2 £0.00 £0.00 £30.00 £30.00 Stations

1 Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury Electrification 1 0 2 £0.00 £0.00 £60.00 £60.00

Dudley, Dudley Port and Sandwell 0 1 0 1 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Interchanges 1 Camphill Court- WM Connectivity 10 0 2 £0.00 £0.00 £450.00 £450.00 Sustainable Transport 3 Managing Short Trips 3 3 3 £6.35 £0.20 £0.00 £6.55 GD3 Sustainable Transport Package- Walking 1 3 0 1 £0.15 £0.00 £23.85 £24.00 and Cycling 2 Dudley Bus Station Stage 1 3 3 2 £0.20 £0.00 £7.80 £8.00 59 21 £59.05 £142.95 £1,463.25 £1,665.25

Key Project Stages: 0. Feasibility, 1. Programme entry, 2. Development, 3. Delivery Funding Status 1. Funding not secured, 2. Partially funded, 3. Fully funded CURRENT ACTIVITY Agenda Item 9d

Minutes of a Meeting of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Funding Applications Sub-Board

12th December 2016 at 11.00am at the Lord Swraj Paul Building, Molineux Street, Wolverhampton

Present: Simon Eastwood Carillion plc; Chris Handy Accord Housing; Ninder Johal Nachural Communications; Tom Westley Westley Group.

In Attendance: Mark Lavender Walsall MBC; Simon Tranter Walsall MBC; Rachel Goodwin Black Country Consortium Ltd. Paul Mellon Black Country Consortium Ltd. Paul Mountford Sandwell MBC; Nigel Easom Black Country Consortium Ltd.

Apology: Paul Brown.

83/16 Growing Priority Sectors – Programme Update

Further to Minute No. 73/16, the Sub-Board noted that the current potential total expenditure was £5,758,577. The Sub-Board was also updated on the progress of the re-profiling exercise in the light of the position concerning the submission of claims.

84/16 Growing Priority Sectors – Application for Funding – Hawthorn Trading Company (Score 36/76)

The Sub-Board considered an application by Hawthorn Trading Company for £230,000 for a £3m project to fund the purchase of new premises and the installation of new machinery. The application aimed to create 24 new jobs by March 2022 at £9,583 per job and an average salary of £23,200 per annum leveraging £2,770,000 of private sector funding. 1

Agenda Item 9d

The Sub-Board noted that the overall score is below the normally accepted standard of 50% although the application offered very good value for money and an average salary above the Black Country average. However, there was a very high risk of local displacement including bringing locally subcontracted services in house. This could be balanced by the development of a local service of benefit to other local businesses.

Agreed that the application be deferred and that further information be sought from the applicants concerning the supply chain implications of its proposals.

85/16 Growing Priority Sectors – Application for Funding – Quality Metal Products Ltd (Score 42/76)

The Sub-Board considered an application by Quality Metal Products Ltd for £300,000 for a £1.5m project to fund the purchase of new premises and the installation of new machinery. The application aimed to create 30 new jobs by March 2022 at £10,000 per job and an average salary of £21,500 per annum leveraging £1,200,000 of private sector funding.

The Sub-Board noted that the Company had enjoyed good growth and success in the last three years. Although the application was weak in terms of innovation and offered average value for money, the low risk nature of the project and the number of new jobs made it an attractive proposition.

Agreed that the LEP Board be recommended to approve the application for funding by Quality Metal Products Ltd. subject to the following conditions: -

a) a maximum grant of £300,000 to help implement a £1,500,000 project; b) leverage £1,200,000 of private sector funding; c) the creation of 30 new jobs by March 2022; d) confirmation of match funding to successfully deliver the project; e) submission of claims at each stage of the project process.

86/16 Growing Priority Sectors – Project Change Request – Ash & Lacy Ltd

Agenda Item 9d

Further to Minute No. /16, the Sub-Board considered a project change request from Ash & Lacy Ltd as environmental and health and safety legislation and increased automation had increased the price for its proposed PPC facility from £550,000 to £865,000. As a consequence, the Company was now seeking an increased grant of £86,500. All other key criteria for the application (intervention rate, cost per job, average salary) remained the same as Ash & Lacy was committing to create additional jobs to match the increase in grant request.

Agreed that the Funding Applications Sub-Board approve the change to the application for funding by Ash & Lacy Ltd.

87/16 Growing Places Programme - Black Country YMCA - John Dando

Further to Minute No. 58/16, the Sub-Board considered further cashflow information from Black Country YMCA in relation to its request to extend the period for the repayment of the £560,000 loan for the John Dando project from the end of January to 30th June 2017.

Agreed:-

1) that further information be sought from the YMCA concerning the flow of revenue to support the proposed repayment schedule and confirmation that its bank is willing to extend the borrowing facilities to the YMCA by a further £2 million in June 2017; 2) that the Partnership Board be recommended to approve an extension of the repayment period to the end of February 2017 pending receipt of the information requested at (1) above.

88/16 Growing Places Programme - Dudley Advance

The Sub-Board considered a request from Dudley College to further extend the period for the final claim of £11,365 for the Dudley Advance project as the final snagging process had delayed the issue of the final certificate for payment. The College had assured Sandwell MBC that it was now in a position to make the final claim.

Agreed that Partnership Board be recommended to approve the extension of the funding end date for the Growing Places award for Dudley Advance from March 2016 to December 2016.

(Tom Westley declared a non-pecuniary interest in this matter, withdrew from the meeting and did not vote thereon.) 3

Agenda Item 9d

89/16 Local Growth Fund (LGF) – 2016/17 Forecast Slippage

Further to Minute No. 76/16, the Sub-Board noted the current estimates of the level of slippage against the approved programme by the end of March 2017. Programme Office has reached agreement in principle with City of Wolverhampton Council to arrange a passporting of £6m of Capital Grant between 16/17 and 17/18. The Interim Delivery Director reported on discussions with Wolverhampton CC, the Accountable Body and BEIS concerning a proposal for LGF Grant support of £6m to be provided to Wolverhampton CC as cashflow / loan support to the Interchange project in March 2017. The project would then repay the loan before the end of the third quarter of 2017/18. This would address a cashflow issue the Interchange needed to manage and also effectively passport grant capacity between the two grant years while still spending the entire LGF award on Capital schemes in 2016/17. It was noted that the heads of terms of a formal agreement were under discussion with the various parties to the agreement.

Agreed that that proposed loan arrangement with Wolverhampton CC be approved in principle subject to the submission of a formal proposal and terms of agreement for consideration by the Sub-Board.

90/16 Additional LGF Bid - Very Light Rail Centre (VLR) - Additional LGF Support for Continuing Project Development

Agenda Item 9d

Agreed:-

91/16 Additional LGF Bid - BIMCP Ltd - Brierley Hill Music Institute

Further to Minute No. 68/16, the Sub-Board considered an application by BIMCP Ltd for £32,000 in 2016/17 for site investigations to inform the full business case bid for the proposed Brierley Hill Music Institute expected to be submitted in early 2017/18. The application would fund building and site surveys to conclude the detailed design process and enable the planning application to be prepared, along with estimation of detailed costings for undertaking the refurbishment and conversion works for educational use.

Agreed:-

1) that the LEP Board be recommended to approve the application by BIMCP Ltd for £32,000 in 2016/17 for site investigation works in respect of the proposed Brierley Hill Music Institute subject to:-

a) the applicant obtaining quotations for the surveys in accordance with local government tendering processes; b) the applicant providing copies of all quotations prior to works being commissioned; c) a programme for undertaking the surveys being provided to Thomas Lister. d) the funding for the surveys not to be drawn down until terms for the acquisition of the building have been agreed with the owners; e) copies of the surveys to be provided to support any future application for funding and to remain the property of the applicant and not for use by the current owners, particularly in the event that the acquisition does not proceed.

Agenda Item 9d

92/16 University of Wolverhampton Apprenticeship Hub

Further to Minute No. /16, the Sub-Board considered a request from the University of Wolverhampton that £50,000 of the full £200,000 allocation to the Apprenticeship Hub be paid out against the 2016/17 grant allocation.

Agreed that the request from the University of Wolverhampton be supported.

(Ninder Johal and Chris Handy declared non-pecuniary interests in this item and took no part in the discussion and did not vote thereon.)

93/16 Parkrose Industrial Estate Site Investigation Slippage into 2016/17

Further to Minute No. /16, the Sub-Board was informed that £19,170 of the £80,000 grant award to the Parkrose Industrial Site Investigation has been paid against the 2016/17 allocations as the appropriate evidence of contractual commitment was not in place at 31st March 2016.

Agreed that the change in the timing of the payment be noted.

94/16 Black Country Pipeline Development 2016/17 - 2020/21 and Scheme Bid Progress

Further to Minute No. 69/16, the Sub-Board noted the current position of the project pipeline and the applications being evaluated and due to be submitted to future meetings. Currently the Black Country wide Pipeline stood at £0.65bn, delivering over £2bn of accelerated Investment leverage, and accelerating GVA by over £3bn. It was capable of delivering over 14,800 houses, over 15,000 Jobs, 400 hectares of remediated land, over 720,000 sq. m of commercial floorspace and over 21,000 sq. m of learning floorspace. The Sub- Board also noted the position concerning the announcement of allocations under Round 3 of the Growth Deal.

95/16 Dates of Future Meetings

To be advised

(The meeting closed at 12.10 p.m.)

Agenda Item 10a

Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

23 January 2017

Black Country Area Review – Final Report

1. Background

1.1 As Members will recall, in September 2015 Nick Boles officially announced Area Reviews and a framework was published “Reviewing post -16 institutions: guidance on area reviews”. The aim of the review was to ensure that there are fewer, more resilient, financially sustainable Colleges in the future.

1.2 Whilst the Area Review has completed some weeks previously, the final report was published on 10th January 2017 and is reported here for Members to note the conclusions and recommendations in the report.

2. Recommendation

2.1 That the Board note the seven recommendations of the steering group detailed below; and

2.2 That the Board note the conclusions contained in the appended report.

3. Report Detail

3.1 The Area Review Steering Group agreed seven recommendations at their meeting held in July 2016: - 1. The colleges in the review area to further develop the Black Country College Group collaborative working model in order to deliver shared services, increase apprenticeship delivery, improve the high needs provision offer for the future, and improve literacy and numeracy, adult skills and higher education

2. City of Wolverhampton College to undertake further work to explore, identify and commit to a solution that will deliver greater financial resilience and the potential for significant improvement in the college estate, by December 2016, ready to move quickly to implementation after that date

3. Dudley College of Technology to remain as a stand-alone general FE College but work collaboratively with other colleges on key aspects such as apprenticeships, adult skills and higher education

4. Halesowen College to remain as a stand-alone general FE college but work collaboratively with the other colleges in the area on key aspects such as apprenticeships, adult skills and higher education. To also work collaboratively with King Edward VI College on developing a shared services arrangement and a joint multi-academy trust

5. King Edward VI College to remain as a stand-alone sixth-form college working collaboratively with Halesowen College on developing a shared services arrangement and the King Edward VI and Halesowen multi- academy trust

6. Sandwell College to remain as a stand-alone general FE college but work collaboratively with other colleges on key aspects such as apprenticeships, adult skills and continue to develop its HE pathways working in partnership with Coventry University

7. Walsall College to explore the potential for partnerships with both Walsall Adult Community College and South Staffordshire College.

Each of these options is outlined in more detail in the appendices.

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd

Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email: [email protected]

Source Documents:

Attached x 3

Black Country Area Review Final Report

January 2017 Contents

Background 3 The needs of the Black Country area 4 Demographics and the economy 4 Patterns of employment and future growth 6 LEP priorities 7 Feedback from LEPs, employers, local authorities students and staff 8 The quantity and quality of current provision 10 Performance of schools at Key Stage 4 11 Schools with sixth-forms 11 The further education and sixth-form colleges 12 The current offer in the colleges 13 Quality of provision and financial sustainability of colleges 14 Higher education in further education 15 Provision for students with special educational needs and disability (SEND) and high needs 16 Apprenticeships and apprenticeship providers 16 Competition 16 The need for change 18 The key areas for change 18 Initial options raised during visits to colleges 19 Criteria for evaluating options and use of sector benchmarks 20 Assessment criteria 20 FE sector benchmarks 20 Recommendations agreed by the steering group 21 Black Country Colleges Group Collaboration 21 City of Wolverhampton College 22 Dudley College of Technology 22 Halesowen College 22 King Edward VI College, Stourbridge 23 Sandwell College 23 Walsall College 24 Conclusions from this review 26 Next steps 28

2 Background

In July 2015, the government announced a rolling programme of around 40 local area reviews, to be completed by March 2017, covering all general further education and sixth- form colleges in England.

The reviews are designed to ensure that colleges are financially stable into the longer-term, that they are run efficiently, and are well-positioned to meet the present and future needs of individual students and the demands of employers. Students in colleges have high expectations about standards of teaching and learning and the extent to which their learning prepares them to progress further, to higher education or directly into employment.

The local steering group was chaired by Sir David Collins, the Further Education (FE) Commissioner. The steering group met on 4 occasions between April 2016 and July 2016, and additional informal meetings also took place to consider and develop options in greater detail. Membership of the steering group comprised each college’s chair of governors and principal, representatives from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the 4 local authorities (Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton), the Regional Schools Commissioner, and representatives from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), the Education Funding Agency (EFA), and the Department for Education (DfE).

Visits to colleges and support throughout the process were provided by staff from the FE and Sixth Form College Commissioners’ teams. The Joint Area Review Delivery Unit (JARDU) provided the project management, administrative support and developed supporting materials and papers used by the steering group. JARDU also led on consultations with local stakeholders.

3 The needs of the Black Country area

Demographics and the economy

The Black Country area review covers the 4 local authority areas of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Walsall Council and Wolverhampton City Council, with a total population of approximately 1.16 million people 1. Birmingham City sits to the east of Sandwell.

The area is illustrated on the map below:

1 ONS Local Authority Profiles – see data annex: Local socio-economic data

4 The table below provides a snapshot of key demographic and economic data2, which acted as a starting point for this review.

Council

Dudley Council Council Borough Borough Sandwell City Council Metropolitan Metropolitan Great Britain Walsall Wolverhampton Total population 316,500 319,500 276,100 254,400 63,258,400 (2015)

Population aged 60.9% 62.6% 61.2% 62.8% 63.3% 16 to 64

% with higher education 24.7% 19.8% 21.2% 23.9% 37.1% qualifications3

Those formally qualified to level 63.8% 53.8% 57.9% 60.4% 73.6% 2+

Gross weekly pay £495.60 £451.60 £475.50 £434.20 £529.00 ££ of residents

Gross weekly pay £466.60 £463.20 £490.00 £460.00 £528.50 ££ by workplace

Out-of-work 2.8% 3.3% 2.8% 4.2% 1.8% benefit claimants

% of main benefit 10.3% 13.3% 12.2% 14.2% 9.0% claimants

Jobs density 4 0.64 0.70 0.65 0.75 0.82

2 ONS Local Authority Profiles – see data annex: Local socio-economic data. Please note that ONS update the data set on a regular basis and that the data included relates to the point at which the report was written. 3 Percentages relate to those aged 16 to 64 4 Job density relates to the level of jobs per resident aged 16 64. For example, a job density of 1.0 would mean that there is 1 job for every resident aged 16-64. The job density for the West Midlands as a whole is 0.78, which is slightly below the national average.

5 Average for Total workplace the West units: Midlands

Micro5 81.2% 78.9% 80.8% 80.2% 82.6%

Small 15.2% 16.2% 15.3% 15.7% 13.9%

Medium 3.3% 4.2% 3.5% 3.6% 3.0%

Large 0.3% 0.6% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5%

The key points to note are:

• residents of the Black Country area are less well qualified when compared to the national average. All 4 local authorities have noticeably lower levels of residents qualified to level 2 and degree level and this is particularly so for Sandwell residents • all 4 local authority areas within the Black Country have higher levels of benefit claimants, fewer jobs and lower pay than the national average • Wolverhampton and Sandwell have noticeably higher levels of benefit claimants than the national average • the area generally has a lower concentration of micro businesses than the regional average, although Dudley is closest to the regional figure. All 4 local authority areas have a higher percentage of small and medium businesses than the regional average.

Patterns of employment and future growth

The Black Country has a high proportion of people employed in the manufacturing, health and retail sectors6.

The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) reports that the Black Country will require 213,000 people over the period 2012 to 2022, approximately 21,000 per year, as a result of growth and replacement demand7. This growth is driven by an expansion in the health and social care workforce and smaller growth in construction linked to projects as well as an ageing workforce.

5 Micro-businesses have a total of 1 to 9 workers; small businesses have 10 to 49 workers; medium have 50 to 249; large have 250+ (2015 data). 6 ONS Local Enterprise Partnership Profile 7 Working Futures 2012-2022 Warwick Institute for Employment Research

6 By 2022 it is anticipated there will be a shift to higher level occupations requiring increasing numbers of individuals with degree or equivalent qualifications and skills. It is expected 44% of the demand for employment will be at degree or equivalent by 2022 and 15.9% will be at higher degree or doctorate level7.

However, the area has higher levels of the working age population with no qualifications than the national average. To ensure individuals benefit from future work opportunities there is a need to increase qualification levels of Black Country residents. The Black Country LEP indicates that to maintain the Black Country’s advantage in manufacturing it will have to retrain or upskill nearly 14,000 people up to 20227. The LEP has also stated that support services and transport and storage will see a large requirement for training over the same period.

The LEP have indicated that approximately one in 6 employers in the Black Country (18%) reported at least one vacancy at the time of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) Employer Skills Survey 2015, similar to the England figure of 20%. However, 46% of the vacancies in the LEP area are reported to be hard to fill8 which is higher than the England average of 39% and overall, skill-shortage vacancies represent 39% of all vacancies, higher than the England figure of 29%. The reasons provided by employers for the hard to fill vacancies are a low number of people with the required skills, a lack of work experience, or a lack of qualifications.

Regeneration and proposed projects such as Garden City, HS2, Midland Metro Hospital will contribute to the jobs and skills required.

LEP priorities9

The Black Country LEP has identified 5 transformational sectors for economic growth linked to export potential and supply chain opportunities. These sectors are advanced manufacturing, building technologies, transport technologies, business services, and environmental technologies.

The Black Country LEP has also identified 5 enabling sectors which are crucial in terms of the wider economy and quality of life in the area. These sectors are retail, visitor economy, sports, health, and the public sector (including education and skills).

One of the central aspirations for the Black Country is to reverse the trend of low qualifications and low numbers qualified to level 4 and above, to propel the growth that is urgently needed in the 5 transformation sectors. It is anticipated that this growth will lead to

8 UKCES Employer Skills Survey 2015 9 Black Country Strategic Economic Plan

7 an upsurge in gross value added rates and a reduction in the persistent output gap of £10 billion.

The Black Country LEP has highlighted that the number of people with no qualifications will need to decrease by approximately 57,300 by 2033 for the Black Country to equal the national average and an additional 90,000 extra residents need to be qualified to degree level or equivalent to match the national average for level 4 and above qualifications.

The LEP has outlined a target for apprenticeships of 23,191 by 2030, an increase of over 10,000 (76%) on 2014 to 2015 baseline of 13,150. There is likely to be significant growth and demand for apprenticeships in health, manufacturing, construction, and support services. This forecast growth is largely driven by replacement demand. There is also a need to grow apprenticeships across 3 of the enabling sectors: wholesale and retail; public administration; and health which currently have relatively low numbers.

The LEP believes improved information, advice and guidance will form a key part in providing individuals with a greater understanding of the roles and occupations that are in demand locally and how they can progress from their current level of skill to match those required. On the other side of the equation, employers must also have a greater understanding of what is available both locally and beyond.

Feedback from LEPs, employers, local authorities students and staff

Feedback from LEP representatives, local authority representatives and employers consulted during the area review process drew attention to:

• high numbers of residents in the area with no formal qualifications • low numbers of local residents with qualifications at level 4 and above • low numbers of young people gaining GCSEs at grades A*-C in English and maths at key stage 4, which puts pressure on colleges and can restrict progression on to apprenticeships • the challenges facing employers in the area that are compounded by these low skills levels • growth in the number of learners with high needs and the broadening of the types of support needs. There is a need for colleges to review their provision to ensure that it better meets these growth needs, linking education to employability and sharing information with the local authorities • the need for colleges to improve responsiveness to the skills needs of employers and the market, addressing gaps and offering more flexible provision to support growth, development and upskill individuals. This can be enabled by greater information sharing between the LEP and colleges • the need to increase the volume and range of apprenticeship opportunities, including the breadth of higher apprenticeships. A borough/area wide strategy for

8 apprenticeships and support for the work needed around the apprenticeship levy is to be considered • the need to improve information, advice and guidance, again enabled by greater flow of information between schools, colleges, LEP and local authorities • the need to improve progression, specifically into work and apprenticeships • the challenges around recruitment and training of employees, finding suitable candidates for apprenticeships, and in ensuring that there is a future pipeline of skilled and interested employees.

Information received from the LEP on employer views of local provision bears out the above and indicates areas that could be improved or that need further consideration, such as progression, apprenticeship growth, higher apprenticeships, communication, opening hours of colleges and greater development of specialisms in provision.

As part of each area review there was engagement with students coordinated by the National Union of Students (NUS). Where the NUS submitted a report on the views of students these are available on NUS connect.

The colleges that took part in the review took primary responsibility for ensuring that their staff and union representatives had an opportunity to provide input throughout the review, which the steering group took into account. The Further Education Commissioner held meetings with staff union representatives prior to some of the steering group meetings to enable them to feed their views into the review.

9 The quantity and quality of current provision

The steering group considered information provided by each local authority about population projections, focusing on the changes in the number and needs of young people aged 16+.

In the Black Country, the number of young people aged 16 to 18 is declining and this continues until 2019, after which it rises significantly to 2030. The decline in the age 19 to 25 cohort continues until 2024, when it starts to rise and reaches 2015 levels by 203010.

10 ONS sub-national population projections – see data annex: Population projections

10 Performance of schools at Key Stage 4

The recent trend in GCSE pass rates for 16 year old school pupils completing year 11 across the Black Country local authorities is illustrated below 11.

Five GCSEs A*-C including English and Maths 65

60 England State-funded Total 55 Dudley Sandwell 50 Walsall 45 Wolverhampton % youngpeople achieving

40 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

The overall performance of schools at year 11 (key stage 4) within the 4 local authority remains below both the regional and the national averages12.

Schools with sixth-forms

Area reviews of post-16 education and training institutions are predominantly focused on general further education and sixth-form colleges in order to ensure there is a high quality and financially resilient set of colleges in each area of England. Schools with sixth-forms have the opportunity to seek to opt in to a review if the local steering group agrees.

The underpinning analysis for the review included current post-16 provision in the area made by schools with sixth-forms. Regional Schools Commissioners and local authorities have had the opportunity to identify any issues with school sixth-form provision, and feed these into the review. Regional Schools Commissioners take account of the analysis from area reviews in any decisions they make about future provision.

There are currently 56 funded schools with sixth-forms in the review area, including 14 local authority maintained and 39 academies, 1 studio school and 2 university technical

11 School Key Stage 4 results – see data annex. Local authority and total (state-funded sector) figures covering achievements in state- funded schools only. 12 In 2013 to 2014, a change in how the GCSE performance of schools was defined led to a drop in the overall numbers of young people achieving 5 GCSEs A*-C including maths and English.

11 colleges 13. In addition, there are 13 special schools designated for post 16 provision and a special post-16 institution. Most school pupils in the age range 16 to 18 are enrolled on A level courses.

Overall funded student numbers in mainstream school sixth-forms increased by 2.4% in the 3 years 2013 to 2014 to 2015 to 2016 14. School sixth-forms in the area vary in size but, using as a guide, for illustration purposes only, the application threshold of 200 for new school sixth-forms in academies, there are 37 school sixth-forms (including local authority maintained and academies but excluding special schools) that were funded below that figure in 2015 to 2016. The majority of schools with sixth-forms were graded by Ofsted as good or better.

A free school for age 4 to18 pupils, the Royal School Wolverhampton, is due to open in 2016, with plans for 250 students in the sixth-form when full.

The further education and sixth-form colleges

Six colleges (1 sixth-form college and 5 general further education colleges) participated in this review:

• City of Wolverhampton College • Dudley College of Technology • Halesowen College • King Edward VI College Stourbridge • Sandwell College • Walsall College

13 EFA Allocations – see data annex: 16 to 19 funding. Where part of a local authority is in the review area, that local authority has been included in the school sixth-form data. 14 EFA allocations – see data annex: 16 to 19 funding.

12 The location of these colleges is shown below:

Part of the area review process involved a visit to each college by specialist further education and sixth-form college advisers who report to the respective commissioners. The advisers met with governors, senior managers and staff, and reviewed a wide range of documents and data relating to each college’s current range and quality of provision, their track record in attracting students, and their overall financial health. Through a data sharing protocol between members of the steering group, the information from each of these visits was shared with colleges and has informed the evidence base to the steering group for this review.

The current offer in the colleges

The colleges in the Black Country offer a broad range of provision in terms of both subject and level across the area. The provision being offered is broadly in line with the sectors identified by the LEP.

All of the colleges have a recruitment area that is mainly focused around their locality for adults, young people and apprentices. There is however, significant travel crossover to and from Birmingham.

All the general further education colleges offer apprenticeships. Some higher apprenticeships are offered in accounting and finance, health and social care, information and communication technologies (ICT) and manufacturing technologies.

13 All of the colleges, with the exception of Walsall College, offer A levels and this is the largest curriculum area across the Black Country. The sixth-form college King Edward VI College, in Stourbridge is the largest provider of A levels of all the colleges in the review area. Halesowen College is the largest provider of A levels among the general FE colleges.

All 5 general FE colleges offer age 16 to 19 EFA funded core aims in: business administration and law; health and social care; childcare and well-being; engineering and manufacturing technologies; ICT; service enterprises; and sport, leisure and recreation. The most popular curriculum areas overall are: health, nursing and social care; construction and the built environment; business administration and law; and preparation for life and work.

All the general FE colleges offer adult learning in: business, administration and law; health and social care, adult learning, child development and well-being; science and mathematics; ICT; service enterprises; hospitality and catering; and arts, media and publishing. The most popular curriculum delivery area by far is preparation for life and work, followed by health, nursing and social care.

All the general FE colleges offer some provision at level 4+ and this is an area where the colleges have plans to grow provision to meet local need.

Quality of provision and financial sustainability of colleges

The following table provides a summary of the size and quality of education provision in each of the colleges:

College Most recent EFA SFA Total overall Ofsted allocations allocations college grade 15 (2015 to 16) 16 (2015 to 16) 17 income (2014 to 2015) 18

City of Good (October £10,358,853 £8,374,861 £25,970,000 Wolverhampton 2014) College

Dudley College of Good £17,516,529 £11,714,770 £35,056,000 Technology (February 2013)

15 Ofsted – see data annex: College inspection reports 16 EFA allocations – see data annex: 16 to 19 funding 17 SFA allocations – see data annex: Adult funding 18 College accounts academic year 2014 to 2015 – see data annex: College accounts

14 Halesowen College Good (June £18,570,884 £1,450,208 £24,040,000 2013)

King Edward VI Outstanding £8,522,620 Nil £8,539,000 College Stourbridge (February 2008)

Sandwell College Good (May £14,685,623 £6,290,667 £22,268,000 2014)

Walsall College Outstanding £17,815,442 £9,468,715 £34,061,000 (February 2013)

Where a college was subject to a financial notice of concern or a financial notice to improve this was a factor which was taken into account in the assessment of options for structural change in the review. City of Wolverhampton College is subject to a financial notice of concern issued by the Skills Funding Agency.

Overall, the condition of college buildings is good. Some colleges have higher average space per student than others, but this does not necessarily indicate being over-spaced. Each college has unique circumstances and constraints regarding estates. The area review has highlighted some instances where rationalisation or further investment might be considered further during implementation.

Higher education in further education19

Progression of young people to higher education (HE) across the Black Country is low compared to the regional average. Data published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) shows the progression rate for students accessing HE by age 19 for both Sandwell and Walsall as less than 27.7% and in the case of Dudley and Wolverhampton between 27.7 to 31.3%, compared to a national progression rate of 32.6% for the United Kingdom 20.

The University of Wolverhampton offers the majority of higher education in the Black Country area. The 5 further education colleges offer higher education provision, with the largest number of learners studying at the City of Wolverhampton College (in 2013 to 2014). Higher education provision is also available in the surrounding area of Birmingham.

19 HEFCE POLAR 3 – see data annex: Higher education progression 20 Derived from HEFCE POLAR 3– see data annex: Higher education progression

15 Provision for students with special educational needs and disability (SEND) and high needs21

In 2015 to 2016, the EFA funded 766 post-16 places across the 4 local authorities in colleges, special schools and specialist post-16 institutions. Colleges delivered 346 funded places between them. The colleges delivering the highest numbers of funded places are City of Wolverhampton College and Walsall College.

During the review, local authorities expressed satisfaction that the quality of high needs provision offered by colleges responded to local needs. However, the 4 local authorities identified a need for provision for high needs learners that is better linked to employability and progression.

The National Deaf Children’s Society provided a submission to the review outlining the needs of deaf students generally and highlighting the need to consider the impact of any changes in colleges structures on high needs provision and the learner experience.

The steering group acknowledged that structural changes taking place as a result of the review should not disadvantage post-16 students with SEND or high needs.

Apprenticeships and apprenticeship providers

In 2014 to 2015, approximately 18,330 apprenticeship starts were delivered by providers in the 4 local authority areas. 6,870 of those apprenticeships were delivered by the colleges in the review area, 10,760 apprenticeships were being delivered by independent training providers, including larger national companies and 700 apprenticeships were delivered by local authorities22.

Overall, the most popular subject areas for apprenticeships in 2014 to 2015 in the Black Country were: business, administration and law; health, public services and care; engineering and manufacturing technologies; and retail and commercial enterprise.

This pattern may change in 2017, with the introduction of the apprenticeship levy23.

Competition

While some of the Black Country colleges have seen a decrease in EFA funding for 16-18 year olds linked to the declining cohort, this has not been experienced by all and has not been to the extent experienced in some other areas. The retention of a college tertiary

21 EFA Allocations – see data annex: 16 to 19 funding: High needs 22 Numbers of apprenticeships by provider and LA – see data annex: Apprenticeships 23 ‘Apprenticeship levy and how it will work’ on gov.uk

16 model across the Black Country (except in Walsall), has led to a continued and significant reliance on the colleges for A level provision and the colleges continue to recruit well, which has also supported their financial resilience.

Adult Education

Walsall Adult and Community College is an Ofsted rated outstanding provider based in Walsall. The college receives funding from the Education Funding Agency and Skills Funding Agency and offers community and technical education provision to 16-18 year olds and adults in health and public services, ICT, arts, media and publishing, preparation for life and work, English and maths and ESOL. The college delivers traineeships and apprenticeships focusing on business services, care services, facility services and media services. There is some crossover of provision with Walsall College.

Wolverhampton Adult Education is an Ofsted rated outstanding provider based in Wolverhampton offering community and technical provision mainly to adults across 12 subject sector areas. The majority of provision is part time and at entry and level 1. Provision delivered at level 3 and above includes access to HE, art and design, teaching assistant, child development, British sign language and teacher training. The provider works collaboratively with City of Wolverhampton College on shared accommodation, specialist staffing and curriculum mapping.

Sandwell Adult Education (graded requires improvement by Ofsted) and Dudley Adult Education (graded good by Ofsted) both offer community and technical provision to adults mainly at entry and level 1. There is no crossover with the offer by the 2 local colleges.

17 The need for change

Area reviews are intended to ensure that the further education sector has a strong and sustainable future – in terms of efficiency of operation, quality of provision, and the responsiveness of courses to the needs of individuals and employers.

With the exception of some issues for City of Wolverhampton College, there are no current concerns around quality of estate, the curriculum offer or financial health for the colleges in the Black Country, factors that are key to stability of provision.

The key areas for change

The key issues in relation to this review, and deliberated during steering group meetings, were:

• the need for City of Wolverhampton College to build long term financial resilience and develop a strategy for rebuild or relocation of its poorer quality estate • the need to grow apprenticeships to contribute to the government’s target of 3 million by 2020, the shortage of people in technical and specialist areas and develop more opportunities to progress to higher education. Collaboration on mapping and expanding the apprenticeships offer, improving quality, promotion, shared working and protocols, stakeholder engagement • the increasing volume of high needs learners and the need for colleges and local authorities to work collaboratively to identify gaps, provide employment opportunities, develop a joint approach to promotion of the offer, improve assessment processes, protocols, opportunities for shared working and good practice • adult skills - the need for colleges, providers, LEP and the newly formed West Midlands Combined Authority to work collaboratively to review and plan adult provision linked to market information to help reduce the high numbers of adults with no qualifications or low qualifications • NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training) – the need to work collaboratively to offer provision to help reduce the high 18 to 24 year old claimant rate in the Black Country area • improving English and maths – the impact on colleges from increasing volumes of learners for English and maths. This is due to all the local authority areas within Black Country area being below national average for learners gaining GCSE at A*- C at key stage 4 and low levels of adult qualifications. The opportunity for formal collaboration on staff sharing, best practice and continuing professional development was highlighted • the need to increase the number of residents with qualifications at level 4 and above to meet the need for higher skilled roles expected especially in light of net loss of individuals educated to higher levels. Colleges need to work collaboratively to map provision, identify gaps in skill needs, develop the offer building on specialisms,

18 developing progression pathways and devising promotion/signposting to provision specifically higher apprenticeships • how the Black Country College Group might develop solutions to address local needs through extending the current collaborative working arrangements.

Initial options raised during visits to colleges

During their visits, advisers reported that all colleges had given considerable thought to potential strategic options in advance of the review. In some cases, this meant informal discussions with neighbouring colleges and stakeholders to canvas views and to assess the potential level of support for change.

The types of options discussed were:

• formal structural change (including mergers, federations) to reduce management and back-office costs, strengthen quality of provision and curriculum planning, or share the costs of investment in new areas of work • the potential for collaboration to reduce costs, share services and specialise to improve the offer and delivery to residents and employers in the area • the case for remaining stand-alone where student numbers and finances were sufficiently strong to withstand policy and funding changes • conversion to an academy. This option is available primarily but not exclusively, to sixth-form colleges. By becoming an academy, a college is able to develop partnerships more easily with other schools in the area. In order to be approved, academisation proposals must be able to demonstrate how they will lead to strong links with schools, whether through joining or establishing a multi-academy trust (with other academies) or as a single academy trust collaborating with other schools in the area. Like other academies, sixth-form colleges which become academies would be eligible to receive reimbursement of their non-business VAT and would be classified as public sector bodies.

19 Criteria for evaluating options and use of sector benchmarks

Assessment criteria

In each area review, 4 nationally-agreed criteria are used for the process of assessment. These are:

• meets the needs of current and future students and employers • is feasible and generates financial sustainability • raises quality and relevance of provision, including better outcomes • achieves appropriate specialisation.

FE sector benchmarks

To support rigorous assessment of proposals, particularly options leading to major structural change, DfE have developed a series of sector ‘quality and financial indicators and related criteria’.

Financial benchmarks relate to delivering operating surpluses of 3% to 5%, ensuring borrowings stay below 40% of annual income (the maximum threshold set for affordability), staff costs of no more than 65% of total income (FE sector average) and a current ratio greater than 1. Financial plans were assessed for each option, including colleges seeking to stand alone, prior to consideration by the local steering group.

A number of other indicators are also taken into account by the steering group. These relate to the impact of proposed changes on quality of provision, on teaching efficiency, and how they actively support growth in apprenticeships and work at levels 4 and 5. Within proposals, overall levels of provision for high needs students should be maintained. New strategic plans need to be supported by LEPs and local authorities. Colleges may also need to review their senior staffing and their governance to ensure that they have the required skills, and the capacity to implement rapid change.

The assessment of options indicated that, based on the information available to the area review steering group, the colleges would move towards the benchmarks and indicators through successful implementation of options, and that the protected characteristics groups, including high needs students, would retain at least equal access to learning. More detail about these benchmarks is contained in area review guidance Annex F 24 (revised March 2016).

24 Reviewing post-16 education and training institutions: updated guidance on area reviews Annex F, Pages 49-53 20 Recommendations agreed by the steering group

Seven recommendations were agreed by the steering group at their meeting in July 2016. These were:

• the colleges in the review area to further develop the Black Country College Group collaborative working model in order to deliver shared services, increase apprenticeship delivery, improve the high needs provision offer for the future, and improve literacy and numeracy, adult skills and higher education • City of Wolverhampton College to undertake further work to explore, identify and commit to a solution that will deliver greater financial resilience and the potential for significant improvement in the college estate, by December 2016, ready to move quickly to implementation after that date • Dudley College of Technology to remain as a stand-alone general FE College but work collaboratively with other colleges on key aspects such as apprenticeships, adult skills and higher education • Halesowen College to remain as a stand-alone general FE college but work collaboratively with the other colleges in the area on key aspects such as apprenticeships, adult skills and higher education. To also work collaboratively with King Edward VI College on developing a shared services arrangement and a joint multi-academy trust • King Edward VI College to remain as a stand-alone sixth-form college working collaboratively with Halesowen College on developing a shared services arrangement and the King Edward VI and Halesowen multi-academy trust • Sandwell College to remain as a stand-alone general FE college but work collaboratively with other colleges on key aspects such as apprenticeships, adult skills and continue to develop its HE pathways working in partnership with Coventry University • Walsall College to explore the potential for partnerships with both Walsall Adult Community College and South Staffordshire College.

Each of these options is now outlined in more detail:

Black Country Colleges Group Collaboration

The 6 Black Country colleges have already established the Black Country Colleges Group as a legal entity and this is a platform for the colleges to establish and take forward collaborative working projects. During the area review the colleges have developed plans further and have agreed on key areas for significant future work, establishing targets they feel they can achieve through collaborative working by 2019. These targets are outlined in the ‘Conclusions from this review’ section below. Surrounding these targets are plans for joint marketing that will provide a more coherent offer for local people that will also support the improvement of local information, advice and guidance.

21 City of Wolverhampton College

City of Wolverhampton College to undertake further work to explore, identify and commit to a solution that will deliver greater financial resilience and the potential for significant improvement in the college estate, by December 2016, ready to move quickly to implementation after that date.

• in terms of meeting current and future needs, working collaboratively with the other Black Country colleges will provide opportunities to deliver savings for the college, support the expansion of apprenticeships taking into account apprenticeship reform and develop progression routes to higher education to meet local skill needs • with regard to financial sustainability, while the college has made significant strides to improve its financial position, it still faces challenges around this and, in particular, the affordability of improvements needed to the college estate • in respect of quality of provision, the college is rated good by Ofsted and achievement rates have increased significantly over the past 3 years • the college offers provision in 14 subject areas including all 5 of the LEP’s priority ‘transformational sectors’ of advanced manufacturing, building technologies, transport technologies, business services and environmental technology.

Dudley College of Technology

To remain as a stand-alone general FE college working collaboratively with other colleges on key aspects such as apprenticeships, adult skills and higher education.

• in terms of meeting current and future needs, working collaboratively with the other Black Country colleges will enable opportunities to deliver savings for the college, support the expansion of apprenticeships taking into account apprenticeship reform and develop progression routes to higher education to meet local skill needs • with regard to financial sustainability, initial financial assessment and college accounts indicate this college is in a positive position, with the financial resilience needed to remain stand-alone • in respect of quality of provision, the college is rated good by Ofsted and student success rates are substantially above national averages in all areas • the college has specialist facilities for training young people with learning difficulties and disabilities and a centre for advanced manufacturing and engineering.

Halesowen College

To remain as a stand-alone general FE college working collaboratively with other colleges on key aspects such as apprenticeships, adult skills and higher education. To also work collaboratively with King Edward VI College on developing a shared services arrangement and a joint multi-academy trust.

22 • in terms of meeting current and future needs, working collaboratively with the other Black Country colleges will enable opportunities to deliver savings for the college, support the expansion of apprenticeships taking into account apprenticeship reform and develop progression routes to higher education to meet local skill needs • with regard to financial sustainability, initial financial assessment and college accounts indicate this college is in a strong position, with the financial resilience needed to remain stand-alone • in respect of quality of provision, the college is rated good by Ofsted and success rates for students are above national averages in many areas • the college specialises in A levels and in level 3 technical education provision, the latter is extensive, covering visual and performing arts and design; animal care; hair and beauty; business; catering; health and care; ICT; science; sport, travel and tourism; and public services. The college also delivers HNC, HND, foundation degree and higher apprenticeship programmes.

King Edward VI College, Stourbridge

King Edward VI College to remain as a stand-alone sixth-form college working collaboratively with Halesowen college on developing a shared services arrangement and the King Edward VI and Halesowen multi-academy trust.

• in terms of meeting current and future needs, working collaboratively with the other Black Country colleges will enable opportunities to deliver savings for the college, support the expansion of apprenticeships taking into account apprenticeship reform and develop progression routes to higher education to meet local skill needs • with regard to financial sustainability, initial financial assessment and college accounts indicate this college is in a strong position, with the financial resilience needed to remain stand-alone • in respect of quality of provision, the college is rated outstanding by Ofsted • the college offers 43 subjects to over 2,000 full-time students and expects to continue to grow further over the next few years. Over 80% of students progress to universities, about 30% of those to the Russell Group.

Sandwell College

To remain as a stand-alone general FE college working collaboratively with other colleges on key aspects such as apprenticeships, adult skills and continue to develop its HE pathways working in partnership with Coventry University.

23 and continue to develop its HE pathways working in partnership with Coventry University • with regard to financial sustainability, initial financial assessment and college accounts indicate this college is in a strong position, with the financial resilience needed to remain stand-alone • in respect of quality of provision, the college is rated good by Ofsted and student success rates are improving steadily • the college offers provision in 15 sector subject areas and is extending its A level provision in response to increased demand.

Walsall College

Walsall College to explore the potential for partnerships with both Walsall Adult Community College and South Staffordshire College.

While initial financial assessment and college accounts indicate this college is in a strong position, with the financial resilience needed to remain stand-alone, the college wishes to explore opportunities to develop its provision in partnership with others to improve the offer for local learners and employers.

Walsall Adult and Community College (WACC) is an Ofsted outstanding provider that is only 2 miles away from Walsall College and offers a broad range of community provision and some apprenticeship learning. It is in the process of becoming stand-alone from Walsall Council by 2017 and is in discussion with Walsall College about the potential for working collaboratively to reduce any overlap in provision, recognising that the student profiles are different, and to consider the potential for shared services and marketing strategies in order to reduce costs.

Walsall College has been approached by South Staffordshire College with a view to developing a partnership. Walsall College is based approximately 10 miles south of Cannock and 9 miles to the south west of Lichfield, which are 2 of the key campuses of South Staffordshire College. The catchments of the 2 colleges are adjacent. Detailed feasibility work is currently being undertaken, but governors could see potential for rationalising back-office and other services, undertaking a full review of the curriculum to eliminate unnecessary duplication between sites, and reviewing the combined estate.

• in terms of meeting current and future needs, the merged college would consider expansion of provision for students with profound and complex learning difficulties. The colleges would also explore the opportunities of harmonised apprenticeship delivery to create a more far reaching employer-facing service • with regard to financial sustainability, the merger would create a college with a £59 million turnover. • in respect of quality of provision, Walsall College achieved an overall grade of outstanding in its most recent inspection report and South Staffordshire College

24 achieved good. This position is a strong base for making further gains in quality of provision • South Staffordshire College’s land based specialism will continue and the specialist high needs facility (Futures@SSC) may be enhanced by the establishment of a second centre in Tamworth.

These potential options will not halt the plans for Walsall College to continue to work collaboratively with the other Black Country Colleges.

• in terms of meeting current and future needs, this collaborative working will enable opportunities to deliver savings for the college, support the expansion of apprenticeships taking into account apprenticeship reform and develop progression routes to higher education to meet local skill needs • the college specialises in technical education and the largest areas are: engineering and manufacturing; construction and building services; hair and beauty; health, public services and care; business and finance; ICT and sport.

25 Conclusions from this review

The purpose of area reviews is to put colleges on a stronger financial footing whilst also enabling them to better meet the economic and educational needs of students and employers for the long term.

Throughout the review, colleges have worked closely with their LEP, local authorities and the review team, sharing detailed information about their performance and processes. Each local steering group member has been in a position to offer ideas for change, and make comments and assessments about others’ proposals and plans for their area. The review team is grateful for the positive approach taken by all the local stakeholders involved in the review.

The issues arising from the area review summarised in: The need for change, will be addressed through the Black Country Colleges Group agreement on 8 specific targets to address the needs of residents in the area and support a sustainable college sector:

• to reduce the number of Black Country resident adults with no qualifications (currently around 125,000), they aim to support an additional 65,000 adults in gaining qualifications by 2019, targeting participation of 25,000 adults per annum in classroom-based learning across the colleges • to raise the number and levels of Black Country residents participating in apprenticeships by increasing the number of apprenticeship learners supported annually by the colleges from 7,600 to 10,000 annually (some outside of the area) • to increase the number of adult residents qualified to level 4 or above through working collaboratively to grow delivery of higher level and degree level apprenticeships and NVQ level 4 programmes and market these more effectively • to increase the number of young people achieving grades A*-C in GCSE English and maths at age 16 to 18 through sharing good practice and resources and developing joint improvement strategies. By 2019, the colleges wish to be in a positon where achievement of students is at or close to the national average • to reduce by 15% the number of young residents not in education, employment or training (NEET) by 2019 through the joint delivery of large-scale targeted NEET intervention projects, in particular Talent Match • to improve the capacity of the Black Country colleges to support post-16 learners with high needs and increase the number of students moving to positive destinations (with a focus on employability). This will be achieved through strategic joint working to develop a coherent pattern of new provision, services and resources. The colleges aim to be able to offer 580 high needs places by 2019. The colleges are already discussing the potential for the joint planning of work experience placements, particularly in relation to provision for high needs students and have plans to share specialist staffing expertise across the colleges to support and develop practice • to ensure the long term financial resilience of the Black Country colleges, with key financial indicators at or above national benchmarks by 2019, through exploration of

26 shared services, joint Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) arrangements and collaborative procurement • to increase the capacity of the colleges to work together and with key stakeholders through the continued development of joint plans aligned to regional needs and priorities. There will be termly meetings with key stakeholders such as the local authorities, West Midlands Combined Authority, Black Country LEP and local MPs.

The 4 local authorities and the LEP expressed support for these targets and will work with the colleges to help connect this with their own initiatives, for example around NEETs, training for the unemployed and adult learning.

Further work will also be undertaken to explore and develop a solution by December 2016 that will deliver greater financial resilience for the City of Wolverhampton College.

27 Next steps

The agreed recommendations will now be taken forward through recognised structural change processes, including due diligence and consultation.

Proposals for merger, sixth-form college conversion to academies, or ministerial approval, for example of a change in name, will now need intensive work by all parties involved to realise the benefits identified. Colleges will want to give consideration to making timely applications for support from the Restructuring Facility, where they can demonstrate that the changes cannot be funded through other sources. Colleges exploring academy conversion will be subject to the application process and agreement by the Sixth Form College Commissioner and the Regional Schools Commissioner.

Primary responsibility for implementation of recommendations relating to individual colleges rests with those institutions. However, it will be important to understand how progress is going in the round in each area and each set of area review recommendations will be formally monitored at both national and local levels. As the guidance produced for LEPs and local authorities sets out all those involved in the local steering group will be expected to play their full part in ensuring that changes happen within the timescale agreed. In this context, LEPs and local authorities are expected to retain their focus on driving changes, and assessing how implementation of recommendations is contributing to local economic performance. The EFA and SFA, with oversight from the FE Commissioner and Sixth Form College Commissioner, will also be monitoring progress across all areas.

A national evaluation of the area review process will be undertaken to assess the benefits brought about through implementation of options. It will include quantitative measures relating to the economy, to educational performance, to progression, to other measures of quality, and to financial sustainability. This analysis will also take account of the views of colleges, local authorities, LEPs, students and employers about how well colleges are responding to the challenges of helping address local skills gaps and shortages, and the education and training needs of individuals.

© Crown copyright 2017 This publication (not including logos) is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

To view this licence: visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 email [email protected] write to Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London, TW9 4DU

About this publication: enquiries www.education.gov.uk/contactus download www.gov.uk/government/publications

Reference: DFE-00003-2017

Black Country Area Review College annex

January 2017 Contents1

City of Wolverhampton College 3 Dudley College of Technology 5 Halesowen College 6 King Edward VI College, Stourbridge 7 Sandwell College 8 Walsall College 9

1 Please note that the information on the colleges included in this annex relates to the point at which the review was undertaken. No updates have been made to reflect subsequent developments or appointments since the completion of the review.

2 City of Wolverhampton College

Type: General further education college

Location: The college is based in Wolverhampton in the West Midlands

Local Enterprise Partnership: Black Country LEP

Principal: Claire Boliver

Corporation Chair: Barry Picken

Main offer includes:

The college offers provision in 14 subject sector areas to 16 to 18 year olds and adults

Apprenticeships

Employer-led learning

Higher Education

Details about the college offer can be reviewed on the City of Wolverhampton College website

Specialisms:

Advanced manufacturing, building technologies, transport technologies, business services and environmental technology

Partnerships:

The college is a member of the Black Country Colleges Group

The college receives funding from:

Education Funding Agency

Skills Funding Agency

Higher Education Funding Council

For the 2014 to 2015 academic year, the college’s total income was: £25,970,000

Ofsted inspections:

The college was inspected in October 2014 and was assessed as good

3 Notice of concern:

The college is subject to a notice of concern issued by the Skills Funding Agency

4 Dudley College of Technology

Type: General further education college

Location: The college is based in Dudley, West Midlands

Local Enterprise Partnership: Black Country LEP

Principal: Lowell Williams

Corporation Chair: Peter Davies

Main offer includes:

Provision for 16 to 18 year olds and adults across a range of subject sector areas

Apprenticeships

Employer-led learning

Higher Education

Details about the college offer can be reviewed on the Dudley College website

Specialisms:

The college has specialist facilities for training young people with learning difficulties and disabilities and a centre for advanced manufacturing and engineering

Partnerships:

The college is a member of the Black Country Colleges Group

The college receives funding from:

Education Funding Agency

Skills Funding Agency

Higher Education Funding Council

For the 2014 to 2015 academic year, the college’s total income was: £35,056,000

Ofsted inspections:

The college was inspected in February 2013 and was assessed as good

5 Halesowen College

Type: General further education college

Location: The college is based in Halesowen in the West Midlands

Local Enterprise Partnership: Black Country LEP

Principal: Keith Bate

Corporation Chair: Leslie Williams

Main offer includes:

Provision for 16 to 18 year olds and adults across a range of subject sector areas

Apprenticeships

Employer-led learning

Higher Education

Details about the college offer can be reviewed on the Halesowen College website

Specialisms:

The college offers A level and level 3 technical education for 16-18 year olds particularly in visual and performing arts and design; animal care; hair and beauty; business; catering; health and care; IT; science; sport, travel and tourism; and public services. The college also delivers HNC, HND, foundation degree and higher apprenticeships

Partnerships:

The college is a member of the Black Country Colleges Group

King Edward VI and Halesowen Multi-Academy Trust

The college receives funding from:

Education Funding Agency

Skills Funding Agency

Higher Education Funding Council

For the 2014 to 2015 academic year, the college’s total income was: £24,040,000

Ofsted inspections:

The college was inspected in June 2013 and was assessed as good

6 King Edward VI College, Stourbridge

Type: Sixth-form college

Location: The college is based in Stourbridge in the West Midlands

Local Enterprise Partnership: Black Country LEP

Principal: Remley Mann

Corporation Chair: Professor Chris Painter

Main offer includes:

A level provision for 16 to 18 year olds

Details about the college offer can be reviewed on the King Edward VI College website

Specialisms:

The college delivers a broad range of A level subjects

Partnerships:

The college is a member of the Black Country Colleges Group

King Edward VI and Halesowen Multi-Academy Trust

The college receives funding from:

Education Funding Agency

For the 2014 to 2015 academic year, the college’s total income was: £8,539,000

Ofsted inspections:

The college was inspected in February 2008 and was assessed as outstanding

7 Sandwell College

Type: General further education college

Location: The college is based in Sandwell, West Midlands

Local Enterprise Partnership: Black Country LEP

Principal: Graham Pennington

Corporation Chair: John Tew

Main offer includes:

Provision for 16 to 18 year olds and adults across a range of subject sector areas

Apprenticeships

Employer-led learning

Higher Education

Details about the college offer can be reviewed on the Sandwell College website

Specialisms:

The college offers technical education across 15 subject areas to 16 to 18 year olds and adults, plus A level, apprenticeships and higher education

Partnerships:

The college is a member of the Black Country Colleges Group

The college receives funding from:

Education Funding Agency

Skills Funding Agency

Higher Education Funding Council

For the 2014 to 2015 academic year, the college’s total income was: £22,268,000

Ofsted inspections:

The college was inspected in May 2014 and was assessed as good

8 Walsall College

Type: General further education college

Location: The college is based in Walsall in the West Midlands

Local Enterprise Partnership: Black Country LEP

Principal: Jatinder Sharma

Corporation Chair: Brian Lowe

Main offer includes:

Provision for 16 to 18 year olds and adults across a range of subject sector areas

Apprenticeships

Employer-led learning

Higher Education

Details about the college offer can be reviewed on the Walsall College website

Specialisms:

The largest areas are: engineering and manufacturing; construction and building services; hair and beauty; health, public services and care; business and finance; IT and sport

Partnerships:

The college is a member of the Black Country Colleges Group

The college receives funding from:

Education Funding Agency

Skills Funding Agency

Higher Education Funding Council

For the 2014 to 2015 academic year, the college’s total income was: £34,061,000

Ofsted inspections:

The college was inspected in February 2013 and was assessed as outstanding

To view this licence: visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 email [email protected] write to Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London, TW9 4DU

About this publication: enquiries www.education.gov.uk/contactus download www.gov.uk/government/publications

Reference: DFE-00001-2017

Black Country Area Review Data Annex

January 2017 Contents

Introduction 3 Public domain data used to inform review 4

Introduction

This annex illustrates the data which was used to inform the Black Country area review steering group. Where those data are in the public domain, links are provided to the websites on which the data are stored. Areas for reviews do not necessarily fit with the geography of data provided via the links, which can vary. Users are guided to extract ‘best-fit’ LA-based and LEP-based data to match with review areas.

Where data that was presented to the steering group is not in the public domain, it cannot be published in this annex. The reasons for this include: commercial sensitivity; the risk that publication would allow individuals to be identified and that the release of data would breach the code of practice for the publication of National Statistics. For non-published data, users are provided with a blank version of the data packs provided to steering groups under data sharing protocols, to provide them with an understanding of the nature of the data considered by each steering group.

Please note that for all published sources, the data included relates to the point at which the report was written, irrespective of any subsequent updates.

Public domain data used to inform review

Item What it is about Data How to select data for this area review Link Publisher

Local socio- Population, Office for Select the local authorities that you want www.nomisweb.co.uk/report economic data number of jobs, National from the 'select from list' section. Press 'view s/lmp/la/contents.aspx earnings, Statistics profile'. qualification levels, etc. Because ONS has updated their data, this link will take you to the 2015 data.

To view 2014 data, follow the same link, then in the black ribbon select ‘Data downloads’ then ‘Query Data’. Here you can select the data set you require, such as population estimates or benefit claimants. Once you have selected this you will need to make selections as shown on the left hand side of the screen. These include geography, date, age, depending on the data set selected. Once you have made all your selections, you can download the data in excel format.

Deprivation How deprived Department for Download 'File 10 - local authority district www.gov.uk/government/sta people in an area Communities summaries'. Select IMD tab. Choose the tistics/english-indices-of-

are, using a multi- & Local areas which interest you in column B. deprivation-2015 Item What it is about Data How to select data for this area review Link Publisher

factored index Government

Travel to work Where people live Office for Choose the place of work in which you are www.nomisweb.co.uk/query/ and where they National interested under 'place of work'. Choose the construct/summary.asp?res work Statistics usual residence in which you are interested et=yes&mode=construct&da under 'usual residence'. Press 'download taset=1211&version=0&anal

data'. =1&initsel

Population Projections of Office for Select the table entitled ‘Subnational www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepop projections future populations National Population Projections, Local Authorities in ulationandcommunity/popul by single year of Statistics England: SNPP Z1’. You may need to type ationandmigration/populatio age ‘z1’ in the refine search box. nprojections/datalist?filter=d Once the spreadsheet is open, if you add atasets&page=2 filters to the first row, you can then filter column B for the area(s) you are interested in, and column E for the ages.

School School inspection Ofsted Download the 'management information - www.gov.uk/government/sta Inspections results schools' file for the quarter in which you are tistical-data-sets/monthly- interested (shown in 'date downloaded' management-information- column). Use the filter in the column headed ofsteds-school-inspections-

'school name' on the tab marked 'school outcomes level data' to identify the school in which you are interested.

5 Item What it is about Data How to select data for this area review Link Publisher

College College inspection Ofsted In the ‘Name or address’ field enter the full https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ inspections results name or address of the college you wish to search for. Search results will then appear on the next page. Click on the name of the college you want to view, which will take you to a page with a list all of the latest Ofsted inspection reports for that college.

School Key GCSE results Department for Download file ‘Local authority table: https://www.gov.uk/governm Stage 4 results Education SFR01/2016’. Select table LA2. Select the ent/statistics/revised-gcse- criterion you want in cell I3. Select the LA and-equivalent-results-in-

you want in column A. england-2014-to-2015

16-19 funding EFA funding by Education Download the file marked '16 to 19 www.gov.uk/government/pu provider and total Funding allocation data: 2015 to 2016 academic blications/16-to-19- student number Agency year'. On the Allocations tab, use the filter in allocation-data-2015-to-

column D to choose the local authorities in 2016-academic-year which you are interested. The number of students at the institution is shown in column J and the total funding allocation is shown in column Q.

Provider type can be selected using the filter in column G.

6 Item What it is about Data How to select data for this area review Link Publisher

Number of funded Education Download the file marked ‘16 to 19 https://www.gov.uk/governm schools and Funding allocation data: 2015 to 2016 academic ent/publications/16-to-19- academies with Agency year’. On the allocations tab use the filter in allocation-data-2015-to- sixth-forms and column D to select the local authority areas 2016-academic-year associated learner in which you are interested. Filter column G numbers to select the provider types in which you are interested. Count the values in column J to obtain the number of schools and academies with sixth-forms. Sum the values in column J to obtain the total learners at those schools and academies.

Comparison of Education Download the file marked ‘16 to 19 https://www.gov.uk/governm data from 2013 to Funding allocation data 2013 to 2014 academic ent/publications/16-to-19- 2014 to 2015 to Agency year’. On the allocations tab use the filter in allocation-data-2013-to- 2016 column D to select the local authority areas 2014-academic-year in which you are interested. Filter column H to select the provider types in which you are interested. Count the values in column I to obtain the number of schools and academies with sixth-forms. Sum the values in column I to obtain the total learners at those schools and academies.

7 Item What it is about Data How to select data for this area review Link Publisher

Adult funding SFA funding for Skills Funding Download the file marked 'Allocation / www.gov.uk/government/pu adults Agency contract values data 2015 to 2016 (August blications/sfa-funding- 2015)'. Use the column headed 'LEP areas' allocations-to-training-

to select the LEP areas in which you are providers-2015-to-2016 interested.

Higher Proportion of Higher Select ‘archive data’ from the tabs near the www.hefce.ac.uk/analysis/y education young people per Education top of the page. Download ‘data by local p/POLAR/POLAR3,data/ progression area going to Funding education authority’. university Council for England Column C shows the number of young people attending university and column D shows the population of the area. Column E shows the percentage (when multiplied by 100) of the population participating in HE and column F shows the national quintile in which the LA falls – 5 is a high proportion of young people going to university, 1 is a low proportion of young people go to university.

Higher HEFCE income of Higher Click on the link which says 'download the www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/year/

Education providers Education Annex A tables'. Find and click on the 2016/201608/ Providers Funding institutions in which you are interested. Council for England

8 Item What it is about Data How to select data for this area review Link Publisher

High needs Numbers of places Education Download the file called 'High needs: place www.gov.uk/government/pu per LA for high Funding numbers for the 2015 to 2016 academic blications/high-needs-

needs learners Agency year'. On the tab marked 'high needs allocated-place-numbers places', use column F to choose the local authority areas in which you are interested.

Apprenticeships Numbers of Skills Funding The link will open the spreadsheet directly. https://www.gov.uk/governm apprenticeships at Agency In column E, Local Authority of Provider, ent/uploads/system/uploads/ each provider select the required local authorities to show attachment_data/file/502598 the providers in the region you are /feandskills-learners-by- interested in. In column C, Provider Type, provider-local-authority- select the provider types you are interested learner-characteristics- in. Columns T to W show participation for 1415.xls the Apprenticeship Funding Stream.

Total number of Skills Funding Download the file called ‘Apprenticeships https://www.gov.uk/governm apprenticeships by Agency geography, equality & diversity and sector ent/statistical-data-sets/fe- local authority subject area: starts 2002 to 2003 to 2015 to data-library-apprenticeships 2016’, then go to the Local Education Authority tab. Here you can view the local authorities that you are interested in.

Numbers of Skills Funding Download the file called ‘Apprenticeships by https://www.gov.uk/governm apprenticeships by Agency geography and sector subject area: starts ent/statistical-data-sets/fe- local authority and 2005 to 2006 to 2015 to 2016’ and go to the data-library-apprenticeships final tab – LEA. Find the local authorities

9 Item What it is about Data How to select data for this area review Link Publisher

subject sector you are interested in in Column B, then read across to see the numbers of apprenticeship starts for each subject sector area.

College College finances Skills Funding Download the files 'College accounts https://www.gov.uk/governm Accounts including income Agency academic year 2014 to 2015 data' and ent/publications/sfa- by stream 'College accounts academic year 2014 to financial-management- 2015 data field definitions'. Use column A in college-accounts the latter to identify the college[s] in which you are interested. Use the former to identify the variables in which you are interested.

To view this licence: visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 email [email protected] write to Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London, TW9 4DU

About this publication: enquiries www.education.gov.uk/contactus download www.gov.uk/government/publications

Reference: DFE-00002-2017

Agenda Item 10b

Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

23 January 2017

Black Country Skills Factory - ESF Funding

1. Background

1.1 The Black Country Skills Factory (Black Country Consortium Ltd) has successfully tendered and was awarded the ESF contract for “Improving the Labour Market Relevance of Education & Training Systems” in the Black Country. (This is one of a number of ESF contract awarded via the SFA.

The proposed ‘Accountability’ for this project will be via a “Skills Factory Board” that reports to the BCLEP Employment & Skills Board. (Proposed Terms of Reference Attached)

2. Recommendation

2.1 The BCLEP Board approves the Terms of Reference of the Skills Factory Board and reporting via the BCLEP Employment & Skills Board.

2.2 The BCLEP notes the establishment of a Skills Factory in all transformational sectors.

3. Report Detail

3.1 The essence of this contract is to continue the work of the original Black Country Skills Factory in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector and extend the same model to the other 4 BCLEP transformational sectors (Transport Technologies, Environmental Technologies, Building Technologies & Business Services). The Skills Factory model key points are: - i) Employer - Led ii) Employer Engagement & identification of skills and training needs iii) Mapping and gapping of existing training provision (mainly technical) iv) Developing new bite-sized course content for gaps & brokering training at best in class providers v) Promotion of apprenticeships vi) Engagement of schools to develop pipeline of young people wanting to enter the key sectors.

The successful tender was for £533,000 of ESF funding with a network of nominated sub-contract providers (5 x BC FE Colleges + University + 2 x Private providers) This contract is completely in line with the Black Country SEP.

The original Black Country Skills Factory project ran from Apr 2013 – Apr 2015 and was funded via the UKCES. The original Skills Factory had an employer led Board (similar to the proposed Board for the ESF project) that reported via the Emp & Skills Board.

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd

Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email: [email protected]

Source Documents: Attached

Black Country Skills Factory Terms of Reference

Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

Date 5-Jan-17

Title:- Careers and Enterprise Company a) Enterprise Adviser Programme b) Passport to Employment - Investment Fund Programme

4. Background

1.2 The Black Country Consortium has been managing the Careers & Enterprise (CEC) Enterprise Adviser on behalf of the LEP. Additionally the Black Country Consortium Ltd successfully led a consortium bid including the 4 Education Business Partnerships, Business in the Community & National Careers Service for the CEC Investment Fund to deliver a new programme “Passport to Employment”

5. Recommendation

2.1 The BCLEP Board notes the progress in establishing the Enterprise Adviser Network

2.2 The BCLEP Board notes the Passport to Employment programme

6. Report Detail

Enterprise Adviser Programme The CEC Enterprise Adviser programme was commenced in Jan 2016. The attached Dashboard shows the detailed progress to date :- 52 (62%) of Black Country Senior Schools have expressed interest in having an Adviser. 39 volunteer Senior level business advisers from all sectors 32 Enterprise Adviser matched.

3 Enterprise Coordinators in the Black Country (50% funded by the CEC).

Schools are becoming increasingly interested and aware of positive impact and reputation from other schools.

Recruitment of suitable Engaging Advisers is the bottleneck

Passport to Employment The consortium led by BCC Ltd. Were awarded £240,000 from CEC Investment Fund to deliver Passport to Employment to 2,000 Year 9 pupils and 75 teachers in academic year 2016/17. Passport to Employment Programme is a suite of events focused on the BCLEP’s 5 transformational sectors aimed at both pupils and relevant teaching staff highlighting the types of jobs available in the Sectors, but also the skills and pathways for getting a career in the sector. The events are :- a) A Skills (Enterprise Challenge) based on 1 of the 5 key Sectors b) A Getting a Job in the Sector Event

c) A Teacher Experience of the Sector event held at an employer from the key sector (including Labour Market Information for the Black Country) d) Teacher inset training of curriculum modules designed to link the careers into the main curriculum topics.

The programme has been delivered to 1 school Alderley in Wolverhampton in December with 15 more schools across the Black Country scheduled between Jan and Sep 2017.

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd

Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email: [email protected]

Source Documents: Attached/or listed

CEC DashBoard Passport to Employment Presentation.

Black Country Skills Factory

Interim Terms of Reference

Black Country Skills Factory Skills Factory Non-Executive Management Board (SFMB)

Terms of Reference 1. Remit

1.1 The aim of the Skills Factory project is to address the current shortfall in skills in the Black Country LEP Transformational Sectors (Advanced Manufacturing, Transport Technologies, Building Technologies, Environmental Technologies & Business Services) and increase the pipeline of suitably skilled staff to support the Black Country exploit the growth in the these sectors.

1.2 The role of the Black Country Skills Factory is to: i. Drive forward the necessary steps to secure successful delivery and impact through management, development and marketing of the Skills Factory, focussing on key priorities and enabling completion of outputs by March 2015. (as per the SFA / ESF contract)

ii. Enable the delivery of the Skills Factory aims and strategy. In particular to facilitate the employer led collaboration approach. Ensure that relevant and effective linkages and strategic partnerships are established between the Skills Factory and the employers in the sectors, education/training providers and other partners/stakeholders.

iii. Report to the Black Country and Employment and Skills Board & the Black Country Consortium Ltd’s directors and Guarantee Members as appropriate on the progress and performance of the Factory and make recommendations concerning the development of the wider Black Country skills strategy arising from the operation of the project.

2. Scope

2.1 The SFMB will cover the whole spectrum of Skills Factory matters to ensure the delivery of the agreed outcomes and thereby enhancing the supply of a skilled workforce to meet the existing and future requirements of businesses and labour force development.

3. Terms of Reference

3.1 The SFMB will:-

a. Endorse, support and oversee the Black Country Skills Factory team’s implementation plan, bringing together the needs of employers with the capabilities of training providers/education establishments and local authorities. Provide guidance to the Skills Factory team.

b. Ensure that monitoring and implementation arrangements are in place, including the identification of delivery arrangements, lead agencies, income and expenditure. c. Provide a skills and training information hub for the Black Country Transformational Sector companies to ensure skills opportunities are known and skills needs are registered. d. Facilitate new forms of collaboration in pooling resources and/or other investments in the development and delivery of the Skills Factory objectives. e. To provide a focus for skills development in the wider context of economic development. . Oversee the business engagement and promotional campaigns including the agreement and implementation of communications plans. . Ensure maximum alignment with the aspirations of the Black Country Strategy. . Maximise stakeholder and partner engagement and commitment including neighbouring LEPs.

4. Protocols

The Management Board will meet at least every quarter, or as and when necessary. Representatives must attend each meeting, or send a nominee.

5. Membership

Organisation Nominee

Black Country Employment and Skills Board (Chair - Senior Employer (CEO/MD) Advanced Mfg Co (Senior Operations Manager / CEO / MD) Transport Technologies Co (senior management) Building Technologies Co (senior management) Environmental Technologies Co (senior management) Business Services (senior management) SME (senior management) SME (senior management) University of Wolverhampton (Vice Chancellor / Pro-Vice Chancellor) Private Sector training provider (Head of Black Country Private training provider) Black Country College ( Principal or Head of Engineering) Black Country Consortium Ltd.

Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd.

Skills Factory Director

The SFMB will be established as a sub-committee of the Employment and Skills Board and meetings will be conducted according to its Terms of Reference

6. Code of Conduct

Members are required to declare any personal or financial interests in any of the business of the Skills Factory at the commencement of meetings.

Selflessness Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or their friends.

Integrity Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for awards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example

10/1/2017 CAREERS AND ENTERPRISE SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT DASHBOARD Black Country Strategic Economic Plan Black Country Strategic Economic Plan Objective s: Doing more to raise skill levels. Developing a People, Place & Business : 12 strategic programmes Strategic Area: People People, Place & Business : 12 strategic programmes more entrepreneurial culture

1. Black Country Performance History 2. School Engagement 3. Enterprise Advisers

Black Country 5+A*-C GCSE inc English & Maths School Engagement by Ofsted Rating Note: Engaged schools School Enterprise Adviser Matching School Engagement by GCSE refers to those which 51% (2009 – 2014) have signed up. Performance (5 A*-C)

30% 53.8% 52.5% 11% 50.5%

Schools not Signed up Matched engaged adviser Engaged Black Country National 71% of engaged schools have a good or outstanding Ofsted rating and 23% schools GCSE average average Out of 78 Black Country Schools, 51% have signed up, while require improvement or are inadequate. As shown above these percentage performance 30% have had a matched adviser. 11% have not engaged. figures are in close proportion to the percentages for all Black Country schools. Local Authority Schools in Initial Signed Matched Outstanding Good Requires Inadequate No Total the Black Contact up Advisor Improvement Ofsted Engaged schools have an average GCSE While GCSE performance in the Black Country Country Made rating performance of 52.5% compared with the Black slightly improved between 2014 and 2015, Dudley 20 17 6 3 All Black 14 41 16 4 3 78 Country average of 50.5% and national average of performance rates have consistently remained Country 53.8%. 15% of engaged schools have GCSE Sandwell 18 17 6 4 below the national average. Schools performance rates at 35% or lower, while 30% of Walsall 19 19 7 6 Engaged schools have an average of 50% of their pupils Engaged 7 21 8 1 3 40 schools performed at 54% or higher. Wolverhampton 21 21 21 11 Schools achieving 5 GCSE’s A*-C . Total 78 74 40 24

The proportion of NEETs has decreased from 32% of disengaged schools are rated as requiring The percentage of pupils eligible for free schools 29% of Enterprise Adviser specialisms are in engineering. 6.5% in 2012 to 3.7% in 2015. improvement or inadequate. While 68% have a good or meals (FSM) in engaged schools (41.5%) is 21% are in manufacturing and 17% in construction. outstanding Ofsted rating. significantly higher than the national average. .(26.4%). 1. Black Country Performance History 2. School Engagement 3. Enterprise Advisers

Enterprise Advisers by specialisms Proportion of NEETS in the Black Country Disengaged schools by Ofsted Rating School Engagement by free school meal (FSM) eligibility

Black Country 2015 – 3.7% Outstanding Good Requires improvement Inadequate Black Country 2012- 6.5% 41.5% 39.5% 26.4% While Enterprise Advisers specialise in a range of areas, there is still a need to further diversify beyond 21% construction, engineering and manufacturing.

5% Engaged Schools Black Country FSM National FSM BC Businesses by Sector 63% 11% FSM average Average Average

28% of engaged schools have over 50% of pupils eligible for free school meals

www.the-blackcountry.com

Careers & Enterprise Company – Investment Fund Black Country Consortium Ltd

August 2016 Careers & Enterprise Company – Investment Fund Passport to Employment The Black Country LEP has identified 5 transformational sectors :- (Advanced Manufacturing, Transport Technologies, Building Technologies, Environmental Technologies, Business Services) These sectors are all suffering skills shortages and hard to fill vacancies

What we will deliver :- A transformational sector “Passport to Employment” set of 3 activities :- i) A “Skills Challenge” event for the sector for Year 9 age group ii) A “Getting a Job in the sector” event for the Year 9 to follow on from the Skills Challenge day. (This would focus on types of jobs for youngsters, how to find them, what employers are looking for, etc) We would ideally like this to be run at a business - (but recognise this may not be logistically possible for large numbers). iii) An in-Company experience day in a company within the sector for teachers including the sector LMI in the region, and understanding of the different job roles / families.

These 3 events for pupils and teachers will be supported / run with employers from the relevant sector. These events will form a ‘set’ of events - i.e a school would undertake all 3 events from one sector. The Quality & ‘impact’ will be measured before and after the delivery of the events. An evaluation of the programme will be undertaken by independent research. Plus A framework and pilot of 5 curriculum assignments based around the 5 sectors with teacher inset training. Careers & Enterprise Company – Investment Fund Passport to Employment Scale and Timing 2,000 Black Country Year 9 pupils by Sept 2017 undertake 2 events (c15% of total Year 9 cohort) 5 sector experience days at Black Country Employers for 35 Teachers & Support Staff

How will this be delivered :- A collaboration of key existing stakeholders in the Black Country

Dudley Education Business Partnership (EBP) Sips Education Ltd (Sandwell EBP) Walsall EBP Wolverhampton EBP Business in the Community National Careers Service Black Country Consortium Ltd.

High quality program funded by £240,000 from Careers & Enterprise Co Investment Fund

Agenda Item 12a

DRAFT BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP PLACE MAKING AND LAND THEME ADVISORY BOARD

Minutes of a Meeting Held at 8.30am on 10th January 2017 at National Metalforming Centre, 47 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich

Present:

Chris Handy – Chair; Simon Atkinson – Wildlife Trust; Gary Fulford – Walsall Housing Group Prof. Mike Fullen – University of Wolverhampton Richard Preston – Canal & River Trust Matthew Rhodes - ENCRAFT Georgia Stokes – Birmingham and Black Country Local Nature Partnership

In Attendance:

Ric Bravery – City of Wolverhampton Council Sarah Middleton, Wayne Langford, Chris Styche and Hywel Ruddick – Black Country Consortium Ltd; and Richard White – City of Wolverhampton Council

Apologies: Neil Baxter, Simon Eastwood, James Hill, Barbara King, Simon Tranter and Tom Westley.

1/17 Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 14th September 2016 were circulated.

Reference was made to Minute 42/16 “Black Country bid for Greater Place Scheme from Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council” and the meeting was notified that the bid had not been successful. Board Members asked for further clarification to be reported to the next meeting on the reasons why the bid had been unsuccessful, elements of the bid which had been good and

elements of the bid which had been poor in order to inform “lessons learnt” for future funding bids.

Reference was made to Minute 38/16 “Black Country Environmental Development – b) Natural Capital Investment Strategy (NCIS)” and Georgia Stokes advised that the NCIS update would be reported to the next meeting of the Advisory Board.

Agreed: - 1) that the minutes of the meeting held on 14th September 2016, be received and confirmed as a correct record; 2) That the forthcoming reports to the next meeting, as detailed above, be noted.

2/17 Black Country Garden City

a) Garden City Principles/MADE

The Chair referenced the LEP Away Day held on 12 December 2016 and advised that a presentation had been received from David Tittle, MADE, and Charlie Baker, Red Architects, which had detailed the latest thinking and how the Garden City thinking had progressed.

It was noted that a proposed kitemark scheme of using a bronze, silver and gold award had not been supported as there could be a perception that a bronze scheme was not as good as a gold scheme. Thus, the Away Day had agreed to a standard kitemark for all schemes that met the Garden City accreditation, with a platinum award for those schemes that were over and above the standard accreditation. He advised that the Garden City would be one of three key issues to promote at MIPIM 2017 – with details of real sites and the opportunities available.

Sarah Middleton advised of the Government initiative around the Garden Villages and Towns and advised that the LEP had submitted a bid for £6 million for master planning but had not been successful. A letter had been prepared for Ministers expressing disappointment but there was funding through Growth Deals 1 and 2, with a bid being made

through the West Midlands Combined Authority for £200 million of land remediation funding.

It was suggested that the concept should be promoted more strongly with Garden City principles applied to current sites through work with developers and builders. The Chair added that at a recent Charters Institute of Housing meeting, the initiative had been welcomed but he had been asked if it would be applied to the existing housing stock, to provide an uplift. He stated that that there were various concepts which could be united – Smart City, Healthy Towns Agenda, HVM City and Garden City.

Richard White, Environmental Health Officer, welcomed the Kitemark aspiration and advised that a health impact assessment on housing and healthy communities was being developed and agreed to share the 12 principles with the Advisory Board.

It was observed that there was a need to disseminate the Garden City principles to individual planning officers. On a question on the timeline, the Chair advised that the kitemark was to be launched at MIPIM and there was a need to highlight the initiative through the LEP’s communications plan over the next 12-18 months.

b) Natural England Innovation Fund update

The meeting received the briefing note and it was noted that the Natural England had been successful in securing £25,000 of Innovation Funding, with Defra approving full use of the funds for the Garden City Project on 2nd December 2016, split into two parts, Part A £15,000 had to be delivered by March 2017 and Part B, £10,000, being deferred to the 2017/18 financial year.

The tender deadline for Part A was 31 January 2017 and further reports will be submitted to the Advisory Board.

Georgia Stokes advised that the Local Nature Partnership had been involved in the process.

Agreed that the updates be noted. 3

3/17 Black Country Transport including Midlands Connect - Update

Sarah Middleton advised that the Director of Transport had developed a pipeline of projects to include all motorways junctions and that the Metro extension to Brierley Hill was expected to received £400 million of Government funding by March 2017. Additional plans also included re-opening four local railway stations – Darlaston, Willenhall, Portobello and Aldridge.

She advised that transport was reasonably embedded into the Midlands Engine Strategy and that was an need to understand the mechanisms under Midlands Connect to secure funding.

Agreed: - 1) that the update be noted; and 2) That the meeting note that the Transportation Pipeline dashboards would be submitted to the next meeting.

4/17 Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy and Implementation Plan

Ric Bravery presented the report to inform the Advisory Board of the development of the Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy and the Implementation Plan.

He advised that the development of the plans complemented the Smart City Strategy and formed part of the “Smart Mobility” theme through the use of data and information technology and through promoting air quality, reduced carbon emissions and a better quality urban environment.

Sarah Middleton referenced paragraph 5.2 of the Strategy regarding the reduced level of emissions and potential impact of the Strategy on reducing these levels further. She suggested that Ric Bravery work her Economic Intelligence Unit to produce this data.

The Chair stated that the view was the Advisory Board supported the Strategy and Implementation Plan in principle and asked that any further comments be directed to Ric Bravery prior to the next LEP Board meeting on 23rd January 2017. 4

Agreed: - That the Place Making and Land Advisory Board: - 1. Notes the Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy and proposal to develop an Implementation Plan; 2. Notes that they complement the Black Country Smart City Strategy and Strategic Economic Plan; and 2. Recommends to the LEP Board on 23 January 2017 that it endorses the Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy and development of an Implementation Plan

5/17 Black Country Core Strategy Review

 Black Country Employment Land Uplift Mapping

Sarah Middleton provided an update and advised that 25 sub- locations had been developed across 15/17 corridors across the Black Country. The document submitted to the meeting provided and Employment Uplift example of East of Bilston Town Centre and additional work had been done all of the 25 areas.

Sarah Middleton advised that there was a need to elevate the areas and focus on the investment needed to include road, rail, freight accessibility of the sites plus natural environment issues. She stated that this piece of work represented the missing piece of the BC Strategic Economic Plan and stated that it was envisaged that the work would be complete by March/April 2017.

Agreed that the update be noted.

6/17 Brownfield Centre of Excellence Update

Prof. Mike Fullen, provided the back ground for the Springfield Campus development, which had received £110 million funding to develop a construction focussed teaching facility.

He advised that a Board had been established that would meet 4 times per year and that the priority requirement was for a GIS database detailing what brownfield sites were available and what was required.

The meeting was informed of a forthcoming visit to Glasgow where BC representatives would view the 3D mapping solution being used by Glasgow to fully inform the issues with land and thus potential to use the system across the BC.

Reference was made to BECI – Built Environment and Climate Change Indicator, which could be used to retro-fit the existing housing stock.

Agreed that the Advisory Board note the update and receive an update at the next meeting.

7/17 Housing Development in the Future

Wayne Langford stated that there was an issue with upgrading the existing housing stock and advised that Paul Simco, a member of the LEP’s Competitiveness Theme Advisory Board could support this work stream.

 Energy Capital Launch Event

Matthew Rhodes referenced the Briefing Note on the Energy Capital Launch Event – scheduled for 15th February 2017 at the University of Birmingham and the Energy Capital Initial Workplan.

He stated that there were issues regarding the inflexibility of the energy market nationally and that it was acknowledged that regions needed to take the lead for local energy requirements. Within Wolverhampton an Energy Innovation Zone had been created and “asks” had been submitted to the WMCA.

The Chair welcomed the briefing, supported the approach and the launch event. On a question, on the Government’s view, the meeting was advised that BEIS and the Minister Margot James MP, were supportive of the proposals.

Sarah Middleton stated that it needed to be integrated within the Industrial Strategy and Wayne Langford added that there should be supply chain engagement through HVM City.

Sarah Middleton added that whilst Smart City Strategy had been to LEP there was more to do in relation to big data and the digital agenda. Ric Bravery acknowledged that Smart City needed to be 6

revisited and the Chair suggested a workshop session for interested parties with a view of developing a pipeline of projects to support the Smart City Strategy.

Agreed: -

1) that Advisory Board support the Energy Capital Launch Event; and 2) that a workshop for interested parties be held to develop project pipelines for Smart City.

8/17 Combined Authority and Strategic Economic Plan

Sarah Middleton advised that 6 candidates had, to date, declared for the WMCA Mayoral elections.

She advised of a number of potential organisational developments to include marketing of the WMCA area and the Land Commission.

With reference to the Land Commission chaired by Paul Marcuse, Sarah Middleton advised that the LEP were bidding for a £200 million Land Remediation Fund, with an initial £150 million earmarked and £40-£50 million over the forthcoming years. She advised that the outcome of the bid was anticipated in March 2017, for delivery commencing in 2017/18.

Sarah Middleton advised that BC Pipeline of relevant projects had been created and this would be circulated to Members.

Agreed: – 1) that the update be noted; and 2) That the Land Remediation Fund Pipeline be circulated to Advisory Board Members.

9/17 The Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Proposition Development

a) MIPIM

Wayne Langford advised that BC LEP would be attending as part of the “Greater Birmingham” delegation under the Midlands Engine Pavilion – “Midlands UK”. He stated that the budget was

£750,000 and that the BC had contributed £25,000, with “airtime” at the Pavilion on a pro rata basis.

It was noted that it would be how delegates used their presence rather than the “airtime” and suggested that an advance story be prepared prior to MIPIM.

b) DiT Rio Pitchbook

Wayne Langford advised that the DiT were taking the top twenty investable projects from the Midlands Engine geography to produce the Pitchbook. The BC had submitted five projects to include: - Springfield Campus, i51, Wolverhampton Canal side and Dudley Town Centre.

He advised that the decision on submission s would be 18th January 2017 and stated that if there were further development projects to be included then he should be advised.

c) Place Pipeline Development

It was noted that the Pipeline needed to be linked to the BC Core Strategy Review.

Agreed that the respective updates be noted.

10/17 Conclusion and Next Steps

Chris Handy advised that there was a lot of shared learning moving the agenda on by scale and pace. He noted the work undertaken in developing the pipelines and thanked Ric Bravery for his work on the Smart City propositions.

11/17 Future Agenda Items

It was noted that an update on the Black Country Enterprise Zone would be submitted to the next meeting.

The following additional items, referenced in the minutes were also noted for reporting to the next meeting: -

 Black Country bid for Greater Place Scheme from Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council 8

 Black Country Environmental Development – Natural Capital Investment Strategy (NCIS)  Smart City  HVM City

12/17 Date of Next Meeting

It was noted that the next meeting would be on Wednesday, 22 March 2017 at 8.30 am.

Following the delayed commencement of the meeting consideration was given to the timing and location of the March meeting and it was suggested that an alternative location be tried, with Wolverhampton being the preferred site.

Meeting ended at 10.30am.

Agenda Item 12b BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP 23rd January 2017 Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy and Implementation Plan

1. Introduction 1.1 This report seeks endorsement by the LEP Board of the development of a Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy and Implementation.

2. Recommendations 2.1 That the Board: 1. Endorses the Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy and development of an Implementation Plan 2. Notes that they complements the Black Country Smart City Strategy and Strategic Economic Plan

3. Report Detail

3.1 The Black Country Director of Transport has identified a need for an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy for the Black Country as part of a broader Black Country Transport Strategy. Such a Strategy and accompanying Implementation Plan would identify a programme of projects required to support the widespread introduction of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles in the Black Country. This would provide the basis for securing funding bids from a range of local, national and European sources to implement the programme.

3.2 There is a range of European, national and local policies and strategies which support the widespread introduction of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles to reduce transport-related emissions for two main reasons; to improve public health and tackle climate change. These are outlined in the strategy attached in Appendix 1 which was approved by the Black Country Transport Officers’ Group on 17 October 2016, the LEP’s Place Making and Land Advisory Board on 10 January 2017 and the Association of Black Country Authorities’ (ABCA) Chief Executives’ Group on 11 January 2017. It is further due to be considered by the ABCA Leaders’ Group on 25 January 2017. Within the West Midlands Combined Authority area some funding allocations, and consequently funding bids, are still made at the level of Local Enterprise Partnerships and it is therefore felt that there is a purpose to having a short strategy document to accompany an implementation plan for the Black Country.

3.3 The development of the Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy and Implementation Plan complements the Black Country Smart City Strategy and forms part of the ‘Smart Mobility’ theme through use of data and information technology and through promoting improved air quality, reduced carbon emissions and a better quality urban environment.

3.4 The wider West Midlands region is a centre for research and manufacturing in the automotive industry and promotion of ULEVs has significant potential to contribute to the

local economy. This in turn supports the ambitions of the Black Country Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) and West Midlands Combined Authority’s ‘Super SEP’ including the development of a sustainable low carbon economy and promoting growth in the supply chain and in both transport and environmental technologies.

3.5 The next stage, following approval of the Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy, is to develop an Implementation Plan for all four Black Country councils. It is proposed that this is carried by a working group containing transportation representatives from each council, led by Wolverhampton, with external help brought in as required.

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium

Ric Bravery Sustainability Officer City of Wolverhampton Tel:- 01902 552177 E-mail: [email protected]

Source documents: Appendix 1

Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy January 2017

Contents

1. Introduction 2. National Policy and Strategy Background 3. West Midlands Policy 4. Promotion of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles in the West Midlands 5. An Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy for the Black Country 6. Implementation Plan

V0.10 RB 10/1/17

1. Introduction

1.1 This strategy is designed to complement a range of existing strategies and policies in order to promote the uptake and use of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) throughout the Black Country. It seeks to provide an integrated approach to the reduction of road transport-related emissions in order firstly to improve air quality and secondly to address climate change issues. It will be progressed by an implementation plan to support delivery of key themes and serve as a platform to aid applications for related funding bids at a local, national and European level.

2. National Policy and Strategy Background

2.1 Promoting Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) is part of the broader sustainable approach to transport planning which seeks to; i) integrate land use and transport planning; ii) minimise the need for people to travel; and iii) reduce journey length by locating services and employment in locations either close to, or in combination with, residential development. Where passenger journeys are required, such an approach encourages the use of walking, cycling, public transport, taxis, car sharing and car clubs. Using this approach ULEVs are promoted for use in car clubs; bus services; taxis; and service, goods and freight vehicles as well as an alternative where private cars are still used. This holistic approach provides economic, public health, air quality, carbon reduction, social inclusion and other benefits.

2.2 This approach is supported by the core planning principles of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF March 2012). The NPPF specifically states that new developments should incorporate facilities for charging plug-in and other ultra low emission vehicles (paragraph 35). 2.3 The UK government supports a reduction in carbon emissions as reflected in the Climate Change Act, 2008 and Carbon Plan, 2011 together with a strategy for ultra low emission vehicles promoted by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) through a £500 million package of measures. This is reflected in the document ‘Driving the Future Today: A strategy for ultra low emission vehicles in the UK’, OLEV, September 2013. In the 2016 Autumn Statement the UK Government made electric vehicle charging infrastructure eligible for 100% relief against corporation tax.

2.4 In urban areas vehicles emissions are the predominant source of air pollutants. The Environment Act, 1995 introduced a requirement for local authorities in Britain to address poor and declining air quality, designed to reduce health risks and to achieve wider objectives of sustainable development in relation to air quality. From 1997 this has been achieved through the implementation of Air Quality Management Areas and the subsequent development of local Air Quality Action Plans in order to assist central government in meeting the

national objectives and EU Air Quality Limit Values. National standards and objectives for the eight main health-threatening air pollutants are contained in the UK National Air Quality Strategy 1997. The European Ambient Air Quality Directive, 2008 (2008/50/EC) sets legally binding limits for certain pollutants and was transposed into English law via the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010.

2.5 In December 2015 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published the Air Quality Action Plan for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) which set out its commitment to improve the UK’s air quality, reduce health impacts and fulfil its legal obligations as an EU Member State. The plan sets out an approach for meeting these goals including implementation of five mandatory Clean Air Zones (CAZs) and enabling legislation for CAZs to be adopted on a voluntary basis by other local authorities. Under this scheme by 2020 the most polluting diesel vehicles – primarily older buses, coaches, taxis and lorries - will be discouraged from entering the city centres of Birmingham, Leeds, Southampton, Nottingham and Derby. Newer vehicles that meet the latest emission standards, and private cars, will be unaffected. It is nonetheless realised that the extent of this may not be sufficient to redress poor air quality throughout all metropolitan areas.

2.6 As an innovative and complementary theme, the ‘Smart City’ concept has been designed across the West Midlands and is based around the use of digital technology and data to improve: economic performance; efficiency of the use of resources such as energy, water and materials; and quality of life. It also embraces a high quality built and natural environment, public services, health and wellbeing and transport. The ‘Smart Mobility’ theme of Smart Cities covers the promotion of sustainable transport including ULEVs. 3. West Midlands Policy

3.1 Promoting Low Emission Zones and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs), and improving both air quality and public health through increasing sustainable and active travel, are key policy objectives within the West Midlands Strategic Transport Plan “Movement for Growth”. This was approved by the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority (ITA) in December 2015. The Plan recognises that the acceleration of the uptake of ULEVs via co-ordinated planning and delivery of ULEV charging and other infrastructure is integral to accommodating additional future demands for road capacity.

3.2 The West Midlands Low Emissions Towns and Cities Programme (LETCP) was established as a Defra grant-funded initiative in 2011 and involves joint working arrangements between the seven West Midlands metropolitan councils. Latterly it acts in consultation with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)/ Transport for West Midlands (TfWM). Walsall Council chairs the LETCP which has produced Best Practice Guidance on Procurement, feasibility studies on low emission zones and, most recently in October 2016, a Low Emission

Vehicle Strategy for the West Midlands which is proposed to form part of the Strategic Transport Plan. It has also produced Best Practice Air Quality Planning Guidance and the Black Country councils have recently adopted a joint Black Country Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) based upon this Guidance.

3.3 The ITA agreed, in January 2016, to develop a West Midlands Transport Emissions Framework building on existing work and as part of the move to a Combined Authority, which replaced the ITA on 17 June 2016. The work of this Framework includes developing and adopting metropolitan wide policies towards the accelerated uptake of ULEVs, including fleet vehicles and taxis. The Transport Emissions Framework will provide a delivery framework for the LETCP Low Emission Vehicle Strategy.

3.4 Prior to this Birmingham City Council, in support of its wider low carbon ambitions, published “A City Blueprint for Low Carbon Fuel Refuelling Infrastructure” in February 2015. This mapped demand and identified key priorities and opportunities for low carbon fuel infrastructure in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.

3.5 In July 2016 WMCA / TfWM published a Low Emission Bus Delivery Plan with an ambitious programme to hasten the introduction of low emission buses across the metropolitan area.

3.6 The wider West Midlands region is a centre for research and manufacturing in the automotive industry and promotion of ULEVs has significant potential to contribute to the local economy. This in turn supports the ambitions of the Black Country Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) and emerging Combined Authority’s ‘Super SEP’. This is recognised in the Drive West Midlands initiative which seeks to support the development of the West Midlands automotive industry.

3.7 Within each Black Country council:

Dudley declared the whole borough an Air Quality Management Area in 2007 with respect to exceedances of the nitrogen dioxide national air quality annual mean objective. The main source of nitrogen dioxide in the areas of exceedance is emissions from internal combustion engines in road vehicles. The promotion of ULEVs forms part of the Dudley Air Quality Action Plan which is supported by the Dudley Parking Standards SPD and the recently adopted Black Country Air Quality SPD (see 3.4).

Sandwell declared a borough wide Air Quality Management Area in 2005 for exceedances of the annual mean nitrogen dioxide air quality objective. Road transport emissions are considered the primary source of pollution in Sandwell. The council has developed an Air Quality Action Plan which was published in 2009 in order to work towards improving air quality and discharging its obligations under Part IV of the Environmental Act 1995. The action plan sets 5

out a range of measures that are currently being undertaken or are proposed for future implementation to improve air quality within areas that exceed the annual mean nitrogen dioxide objective. The plan includes a total of 23 site specific actions to reduce nitrogen dioxide concentrations within the areas of exceedance and 30 borough wide actions to reduce nitrogen dioxide concentrations across the region.

Walsall declared five discrete Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in 2002 that were subsequently consolidated to a whole-borough AQMA in 2006 due to exceedances of the national mean nitrogen dioxide air quality objective. The cause of exceedances centred on vehicle emissions along main road corridors (including the Key Route Network) which remain problematic as demonstrated by a network of continuous monitoring together with detailed air quality modelling. Walsall supports the promotion of Low Emission Zones and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles in accord with the West Midlands Strategic Transport Plan, core planning policies covering the Black Country and the work of the West Midlands Low Emissions Towns and Cities Programme for which Walsall takes the lead role in the Low Emissions Vehicle Strategy. These elements are to be included within a revised Walsall Air Quality Action Plan.

Wolverhampton declared the city an Air Quality Management area for nitrogen dioxide and fine particulates in 2005. Parts of the city centre are currently exceeding the air quality objective for nitrogen dioxide. Promotion of ULEVs links to the aims of the Corporate Plan, the Council’s Sustainability Strategy and Implementation Plan and the recently launched Vision 2030 for the city, which includes commitments to deliver a network of electric vehicle charging points and ULEV public service vehicles. It is also an element of the City Centre Parking Strategy, currently under development. 4. Promotion of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles in the West Midlands

4.1 The West Midlands has undertaken a range of specific initiatives in addition to those which are listed above. These have been led by individual councils as well as the Integrated Transport Authority (ITA)/ Centro and the new West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)/ Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).

These initiatives include:

 Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrator (CABLED) which, in 2009, introduced 210 electric vehicles and 113 publically available charging points to Coventry and Birmingham. As part of the initiative Centro and Coventry City Council also trialled the UK’s first pure electric buses working with a local operator.

 Plugged in Midlands, supporting 775 electric vehicles and 83 vans sold between 2010 and 2014 and a network of 1,000 card holders, funded by OLEV.

 The most progressed multi-mode payments systems outside London, with the Swift Card being developed to provide a full ‘eMobility account’.

 In February 2015 the West Midlands ITA and metropolitan councils, in partnership with Warwickshire, submitted a proposal to OLEV for funding under the Go Ultra Low (GUL) City Scheme but unfortunately the proposal was not shortlisted to prepare a final submission. This did, however, demonstrate the capacity and appetite for joint working between the ITA and councils.

 In December 2016, Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton councils submitted funding bids under the OLEV Taxi Scheme.

 In January 2016, Centro and National Express West Midlands were awarded £0.5 million under the DfT’s Clean Bus Technology Fund to install equipment to reduce bus emissions, to be matched by additional funding from National Express. This followed from previous funding awards to improve vehicle emissions.

 Birmingham and Wolverhampton City Councils have carried our Fleet Reviews, in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, and are exploring ways to increase the number of ULEVs in their fleet.

 Wolverhampton has applied unsuccessfully in 2015 for funding from OLEV for its fleet under the ULEV Readiness Project.

 In July 2016 grants were announced under the low emission bus scheme of circa £3 million to National Express West Midlands for electric hybrid buses and of circa £3.8 million jointly to Birmingham City Council and Transport for London to trial hydrogen fuel cell technology.

4.2 Within each Black Country council:

Dudley Council, through a successful OLEV bid, have introduced Electric Vehicle Rapid Charging Units in three of the main town centres in the borough; Dudley, Brierley Hill and Halesowen. The charging units are installed on council owned public car parks and are available for use by the general public at all times. Furthermore, as part of the council’s Car Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) there is a planning requirement for new development to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential, commercial and industrial developments. There are in excess of 40 publicly available charging points at commercial properties in Dudley. Dudley Council was awarded £158,000 through the Clean Vehicle Technology Fund (CVTF) to retrofit emission reduction technology to ten coaches operated by

Prospect Coaches of Lye. The coaches operate short journeys throughout the day in Dudley Borough, often through areas of poor air quality.

Sandwell Council has not directly installed any charging infrastructure either on-street or within local authority car parks. There are however two Asda supermarkets, Great Bridge and Oldbury, where electric chargers have been installed. Local authority staff have been encouraged to try-out electric cars and vans on a number of occasions and, although there is no specific policy to increase the use of such vehicles, it is possible for council departments to purchase electric vehicles for use as pool vehicles.

Walsall Council has not directly installed any charging infrastructure although Walsall Housing Group, Midcounties Co-Operative, Asda Supermarkets, IKEA, University of Wolverhampton Walsall Campus, and Fairlawns Hotel have all done so across the borough.

Wolverhampton council has not directly installed any charging infrastructure although Wolverhampton Homes, the University of Wolverhampton, the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Hospital Trust, Asda Supermarkets, Carillion and several car dealers have all done so in the city. With encouragement from the council, charging infrastructure has also been installed by a number of businesses at i54, just north of the city boundary. 5. An Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Strategy for the Black Country

5.1 The Black Country intends to work with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and other councils to make the West Midlands the leading UK region both in the promotion and adoption of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) and in their development and manufacture, as well as to improve air quality across the region. The West Midlands Strategic Transport Plan, Low Emissions Towns and Cities Programme, the emerging Transport Emissions Framework, local Air Quality Action Plans and Air Quality Supplementary Planning Documents for the Black Country councils provide a robust policy and strategic framework for the promotion and development of ULEVs. This Strategy seeks where practicable to draw together existing work streams and provide a supporting implementation plan for the Black Country.

5.2 It uses as a benchmark the 2011 Local Authority CO2 data and the Black Country’s target for CO2 emissions as set out in its Performance Management Framework which is monitored annually through the Black Country Annual Economic Review. The Black Country’s target is to reduce emissions of CO2 per capita by 44% between 2005 and 2033. By 2014 emissions had reduced by 32.44%, from the 2005 base of 6.75 tonnes per capita to 4.56 tonnes; the Black Country therefore needs to reduce emissions by a further 0.78 tonnes per capita to meet its target of a 44% reduction to 3.78 tonnes per capita by 2033.

5.3 The Black Country is seeking to build on this strategic approach and to develop a Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Implementation Plan which will form part of a wider Black Country Transport Strategy. This Implementation Plan will help deliver a step change in the number of ULEVs in the sub-region by meeting existing demand and through stimulating further demand by providing vehicle owners and operators with the confidence to invest in ULEVs. The Implementation Plan will form the basis of councils’ own capital and revenue programmes and inform funding bids to the Local Growth Fund, Combined Authority, Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF), Horizon 2020 and other appropriate funds. It will also support the wider promotion of ULEVs to the public and businesses as well as to other public sector organisations.

5.4 The following measures are identified in the emerging West Midlands Transport Emissions Framework:

1. Developing and adopting agreed metropolitan wide policies and targets on the accelerated uptake and adoption of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles and associated infrastructure, including hydrogen and gas refuelling opportunities, in co-ordination with the West Midlands Transport Emissions Framework, Low Emission Towns and Cities Partnership, individual boroughs’ Air Quality Action Plans and other relevant initiatives.

2. Developing and adopting agreed metropolitan wide policies and actions for Low Emission Zones or Clean Air Zones - in specific and suitable locations;

3. Accelerated timescales to clean up West Midlands buses, through the ITA Bus Alliance and the West Midlands Low Emissions Bus Delivery Plan;

4. Making traffic management and regulation smarter through a West Midlands Key Route Network (KRN);

5. Developing and adopting metropolitan policies and targets for the cleaning of public and commercial fleets;

6. Developing and adopting specific policies to encourage the wider roll out of Car Clubs and active travel measures;

7. Further development of the Metropolitan Strategic Cycle Network - linked to the ITA Cycle Charter;

8. Developing targeted policies toward zero emissions taxi and private hire fleets;

9. Exploring the development of Low Emission Neighbourhoods and Green Travel Districts (GTD); and

10. Developing an agreed funding, development and delivery framework.

5.5 Drawing on the Transport Emissions Framework, the ULEV Strategy’s Implementation Plan will focus on those priority areas which relate directly to ULEVs and are of relevance to the Black Country authorities. These are identified below in two sections; those requiring joint working across the West Midlands and those where action can be taken at Black Country level.

5.6 The Black Country councils will work co-operatively with the West Midlands Combined Authority, other councils, Highways England, OLEV and other partners to:

1. Plan and implement a regional network of electric vehicle charging points which allow a rapid charge, to support longer journeys within and across the West Midlands.

2. Ensure all new electric vehicle charging infrastructure and management systems in the West Midlands metropolitan area are built in line with common standards to provide an integrated network and allow inter- operability with other charging networks.

3. Develop and adopt specific policies to encourage the wider roll out of Car Clubs (including electric vehicle car clubs).

4. Seek to link the charging infrastructure network and car clubs to the availability of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) through systems such as the West Midlands ‘Swift’ card.

5. Further research the existing and potential demand for refuelling infrastructure for gas (including methane, bio-methane, Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas), hydrogen and other alternative fuel vehicles and support its provision, where feasible, at strategic locations.

5.7 Within the Black Country, the councils will work individually and in partnership with each other to:

6. Provide a network of publicly available electric vehicle charging infrastructure at health, leisure and retail facilities, public car parks, on- street and at other high profile public places.

7. Adopt a package of incentives to encourage ULEV take up by the public, such as free or discounted parking and/or charging for ULEVs and priority parking.

8. Implement the Black Country Supplementary Planning Document on Air Quality which requires the provision of charging infrastructure in new developments.

9. Adopt a package of measures to support the introduction of low emission buses, in particular in main urban centres, through Statutory Quality Bus Partnerships or other measures, including Clean Air Zones.

10. Adopt a package of measures to promote ULEV taxis, both Hackney and Private Hire, including infrastructure, grants and other take-up incentives.

11. Promote Fleet Reviews within councils covering both operational and grey fleets, with a view to taking a lead in adopting ULEVs in public fleets, providing a lead to other organisations and helping to increase the market for ULEV vehicles and associated infrastructure.

12. Provide vehicle demonstrations and advice to other private and public sector organisations, including businesses, to encourage the introduction of ULEVs.

13. Publicise fleet initiatives (including any undertaken by councils and partners), the support infrastructure available and the benefits of ULEVs in order to increase public acceptance and understanding of ULEVs as part of the ‘normalisation’ process.

14. Include provision for ULEVs within other related policies, strategies and projects across the Black Country councils such as parking strategies, the Black Country Core Strategy and corporate plans.

Agenda Item 13

Minutes of a Meeting of the Active Black Country Board

30th November 2016 at 9.30 a.m. National Metalforming Centre, 47 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich

Present: Deborah Williams Chair; David Bassett Independent Board Member Carol Brown Independent Board Member; Richard Callicott Independent Board Member Cllr Rachel Harris ABCA Leaders Nominee; Arwyn Jones Independent Board Member Pauline Tomlinson Independent Board Member Gina Wallis Independent Board Members Amanda Tomlinson Associate Board Member

In Attendance: Simon Hall, Ian Carey, and Hywel Ruddick - Black Country Consortium Ltd.

Apologies: Kay Biscomb, Rachel Corns, Shimla Haider, Ros Jervis, Simon Kirkland and Van Willerton

37/16 Chair’s Welcome and Introductions

The Chair welcomed all to the meeting.

38/16 Declarations of Interest

None declared.

39/16 Minutes of Last meeting and Matters Arisings

The Minutes of the meeting held on 27th September 2016 were submitted.

It was noted that Pauline Tomlinson had been listed as in attendance and as an apology. It was confirmed that Pauline Tomlinson was not present.

Finance Sub-Committee – David Bassett referenced Minute 27/16 b - and advised that the line in the first paragraph which read “He stated that the Audit Committee had decided

1 Agenda Item 13

not to pursue reclaiming VAT as advice from HMRC was that it was not an organisation that could.” Should read: - “He stated that whilst Audit Committee had been advised that the advice from HMRC was that the Black Country Consortium Ltd. was not an organisation that could reclaim VAT, the Committee had asked officers to check with the LEP Network, what other LEPs were able to do.”

Reference was made to Minute 30/16 – Strategy Development and Stakeholder Analysis - and Simon Hall provided a brief update on work undertaken. He advised that Martin Reeves, WM Combined Authority Interim Chief Executive, was supportive of accelerating the strategy through WMCA and that the WMCA Cabinet Lead for the Health and Wellbeing Agenda – Councillor Peter Lowe was keen to link in the physical activity with the Mental Health Commission action plan. He agreed to circulate to Members the Mental Health Wellbeing Charter.

With reference to the Mental Health Wellbeing Charter, Cllr. Rachel Harris advised that Duncan Selby of Mental Health England was positive about the work undertaken thus far.

Agreed: - 1) that the minutes of the meeting held on 27th September, subject to the inclusion of the amendments detailed above, were received and confirmed as a correct record; and 2) that the update on the Mental Health Commission and identified action to circulate the Mental Health Wellbeing Charter be noted.

40/16 Sub-Committee & Working Group Reports and Actions

a) Governance Appraisal

The Chair advised that following agreement with Sport England, the Invitation to Quote was sent out on 22 November 2016 to Sport England’s preferred list of contractors. The aim was to appraise the Black Country Consortium’s governance and operating model to determine good practice and identify areas of improvement needed to comply with the new code. A draft Active Black Country Governance Assurance Framework would be developed by 30 March 2017.

Tenders are to be assessed by 6 January and interviews of consultants undertaken in January 2017. She stated that additional Board Member’s availability to assess and interview was sought and that Board Members were being asked to approve using the January meeting as consultation and the March meeting to consider the draft Governance Assurance Framework. It was noted that Arwyn Jones and Richard Callicott were available to assist with the assessment and interview process.

Gina Wallis advised that she had attended a training day on baseline self- assessment governance which provided a good tool for the Board. There were 3 tiers of CSP and ABC was a Tier 3 organisation. There was mention of a Skills Audit where the Board Members could self-assess each other. Sport England were keen that CSP’s had a brokering role for organisations competing for

2 Agenda Item 13 funding and needed to consider the impact of 5 outcomes to include economic and health. She advised that funding would be over four years – either a full budget or partial budget dependent on performance.

In regard to the aim to change residents’ behaviours to the active agenda over twenty years, Gina Wallis stated that there should be a short-term plan, as well as a long-term plan, as many other CSPs’ plans were no longer than five years.

Gina Wallis noted that in a number of areas ABC were “ahead of the game” and that in relation to performance management they had expressed the view that there should be a senior independent conduit between the Board/Chair and staff, undertaken on a voluntary capacity. She also advised that there was a need to push on diversity

The Chair noted the senior independent director role and stated that it could replace the role of vice-chair. In regard to issues of diversity she acknowledged that the Board did not reflect the community in regard to disability issues and those people that were economically challenged and advised that a student at Wolverhampton University might be able to assist with insights into these matters. It was noted that members of the Board had wider experiences through family, friends and colleagues and thus could appreciate diversity issues.

It was commented that any code needed to reflect local circumstances and thus there was a need to consider the elements that would work for ABC and adopt those.

Simon Hall advised that the Governance matters were also for local clubs bidding for funding and it was noted that the ABC Team had produced a ten- point document for clubs to adopt the principles for their governance. He also advised that workshops were held for clubs around governance and business planning.

Councillor Rachel Harris stated that as a local councillor she represented her constituents, to include the economically challenged and had clear, demonstrable links to support organisations. She commented that codes of governance could deter some people from participating that the suggested senior independent director role should be done with a “light touch”; and that the focus should be having a governance document that was fit for purpose for ABC.

Pauline Tomlinson queried the “self-assessment” and criteria to assess against and in respect of diversity, whilst there was an accountability role, as a black woman she did not speak for or hold the views of all black women.

Carole Brown commented that as representatives each member had their own view of the world. She commented that the “acid test” should be on the impact the Board had made with hard data relating to involvement of community groups. She highlighted that there were groups who had not heard of their local CSP and that work should be done to highlight the opportunities for organisations to access the CSP and associated funding.

3 Agenda Item 13

The Chair commented that the new code provided a route to shape the Board for the future to ensure it was relevant and effective. It was noted that the Code required a CSP Board to comprise of no more than 12 Members but that with Independent Members and advisory roles, it was felt that the current Board was the right size.

b) Finance Sub-Committee & Company Audit Committee

Dave Bassett advised that the meeting was scheduled to be held after the Board and officers undertook to circulate the minutes to Members after the meeting. c) Impact Sub-Committee

Richard Callicott referenced the minutes of the meeting held on 22nd September 2016 and highlighted key points in regard to School Games and Primary School Premium; new Terms of Reference that had been adopted; Black Country In Motion; Satellite Clubs; Sportivate; and Coaching.

A discussion ensued regarding the Primary School Premium. It was noted that the PSP conference had been the best attended in the Country but concerns were expressed that there needed to be a tighter monitoring role for CSP’s as a large percentage of schools did not comply with the funding criteria.

It was suggested that in the first instance the Chair could ask SE, through Mike Diaper, to raise with the Department for Education and, as a second approach, raise concerns direct to Edward Timpson, Minister in the Department for Education.

Agreed: - 1) that the two updates be noted; 2) that the action to be undertaken with the Finance Sub-Committee minutes be noted; 3) that representations be made through Sport England and to the relevant Minister, as detailed, in regard to providing CSP’s or OFSTED greater control the Primary School Premium.

41/16 Half Year Financial Report

Simon Hall highlighted the BCC Ltd Half Year Financial Report and summarised the financial report headlines:

 The Company’s Pension Deficit was reducing.

 The deferred income for sport at 30 September 2016 was at £74,302.

 Active Black Country contributes to around a third of the company income.

4 Agenda Item 13

 Active Black Country expenditure was below forecast due to the introduction of both a new contract and safeguarding procedures.

 In January there would be a report of future modelling of the Consortium.

He advised that ABC were moving towards being on forecast for spend by 31 March 2017 and that Sport England had highlighted that they are expecting minimal carry forwards into 2017/18.

The Chair welcomed the breakdown of direct expenditure and salaries. It was commented that the pension contribution appeared to be high and it was noted that there was a review being undertaken.

With reference to Lottery Funding, it was noted that 90% of funding was lottery revenue, thus the need for income diversification. Simon Hall advised that the committed funding would be fully spent by 31 March 2017 and that he had received notification that indicative funding would be paid through to 30 September 2017.

The Chair commented that currently Risk and Risk Management was under the Finance Sub-Committee and commented that the Board need to have ownership of this in future.

The Chair referenced the Code of Governance and asked how Accounts were held in a “hosted” situation. The meeting was advised that the principles adopted were for the accounts to be reported to the Board, the Finance Sub-Committee and the Company’s Audit Committee.

Agreed: - That the Board: - 1) notes that the Company’s Pension Deficit was reducing; 2) notes the deferred income for sport at 30 September 2016 was at £74,302; 3) notes Active Black Country contributes to approximately one third of the company income; 4) notes Active Black Country expenditure was below forecast due to the introduction of both a new contract and safeguarding procedures; 5) notes that Active Black Country are on forecast for spend by 31 March 2017 and that Sport England were expecting minimal carry forwards into 2017/18; and 6) receive future direct reports on Risk and Risk Management rather than via the Finance Sub-Committee.

42/16 Draft Strategy Framework & Governance and Dashboard

The Chair requested that, where appropriate infographics be used to present the information. She noted that Walsall MBC were currently outside of the process and it was noted that the Consortium’s Chief Executive was exerting influence at an officer level for Walsall MBC to develop their strategy.

Simon Hall referenced the report and highlighted that 3.5 detailed the summary of the main points.

5 Agenda Item 13

The following principal comments were made: -  Board role was as advocates for the strategy and the Consortium’s role was to make the strategy happen;  Challenge was to engage with groups that did not know Active Black Country existed – need to develop links with press and raise profile.  Marketing Strategy should follow KISS principles – Keep It Short and Simple – and there was a need to link with the Local Authorities Health and Wellbeing agendas.

The Chair referenced the 2033 vision and highlighted the need to invest in marketing.  To get everyone in the Black Country active and enjoying activity as part of their daily lives regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, health, disability, ability, location or economic status.  Sport and Physical Activity contributing to an economic prosperous Black Country and West Midlands Combined Authority area.

Comments regarding marketing included: -  Potential joint focus across the West Midlands to include a joint bid;  Present a suite of approaches to achieve behaviour change and an increase in activity;  Development of the website;  Link into large clubs ie West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.  Document to be shared with Black Country Local Authority Cabinet Members;  Focus on less but do better ie what action would have biggest impact.

Agreed: -

That the Board approve: - 1) BCC to develop an operational plan for 2017/18 which will set out its work priorities and the investment currently available.

2) Use the next Board meeting to sign off Strategy, consider the process, advocacy, communication and timelines needed to deliver the Strategy.

3) Draft a timeline for consultation and change management with the ambition that the Board launches its Strategy before the end of the financial year, with initial briefings for People, Place and Business Theme Sub-Committees by May 2017.

4) BCC organise a Strategy planning session with Local Authorities to agree the strategic fit, given the positivity about a Walsall Strategy in the new year. This would consider function, alignment and explore principles of better working. It is suggested that should be with Cabinet Members and Officers.

6 Agenda Item 13

43/16 Cycling and Walking Strategy Delivery Plan

The meeting was advised that following the success of success of a joint Black Country Transport and BeActive funded application to the Dept for Transport for £3.5m for the Managing Short Trips capital programme, Black Country Transport Director, Active Black Country Director and West Midlands Integrated Transport have led the development of a Walking and Cycling Strategy. Over 40 organisations had been consulted to include Local Authorities, National Governing Bodies of Sport, such as English Athletics and British Cycling and other interest groups.

The Chair stated that the report was seeking approval and endorsement for the full strategy, which would be circulated, and asked that any comments be submitted to Simon Hall within two weeks of the meeting. She advised that her view was that there should be an Active Black Country cover sheet to the Strategy document.

Agreed: - that the Cycling and Walking Strategy Delivery document be circulated for Members to make comments back to the Active Black Country Director within two weeks.

44/16 Sport England Performance and Future Funding

The Chair advised the meeting that Active Black Country was one of six CSPs requested to meet with Sport England’s Executive Director to discuss actions to address under-performance and that the meeting with Mark Diaper, Sport England, would be held. Sport England has indicated that this places us at risk in gaining future funding.

The following the areas of concern and actions to move the RAG rating forward to green were noted: -

Income Diversification – ABC were not on track to meet 40% non-Sport England by 31 March 2017, which was currently at 5%. The action identified was that there were £340k of contracts/commissions currently in the pipeline or secured. The strategy’s investment plan would also identify new funding opportunities.

Leadership – there was an absence of strategy and staff capacity. The action identified was that the Board’s Strategy approval & agreement on recruiting vacant post to meet strategic priorities will lead to Green rating.

Equality – the Company had been advised that it needed to refresh the Equality Policy. The refresh was scheduled for January 2017.

Sportivate and Satellite Clubs – ABC were under-target on KPI’s for these two initiatives. Following the new contract management, including safeguarding had been introduced, action plans were in place to meet these targets.

Concern was expressed that income diversification would reach the required target by March 2017 and it was suggested that an “amber” RAG rating would be more

7 Agenda Item 13

appropriate. Simon Hall stated that the aim was for 40% non-Sport England funding and thus the ambition was to be a “green” rating by March 2017.

With reference to the Equality issue, the Chair acknowledged the Policy would be in place but that there was a need for practice and implementation to be considered at the next Board meeting, scheduled for 25th January 2017.

On a question, which other CSP’s were meeting with Sports England, the meeting was advised that locally they included Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.

Agreed: - 1) That the Board notes the areas of performance and seeks progress reports on actions undertaken to ensure targets are met; 2) That the Board notes the timetable for future Sport England bidding.

45/16 Company Business Plan

It was noted that the Company Business Plan was refreshed each year and was used to broker investment from Local Authorities (the Company’s Guarantee Members) and other stakeholders such as Sport England. The Active Black Country function was fully integrated into the Plan’s resources, structures and measures. It also highlights that around a third of the company’s income is from Sport, especially Sport England.

Following feedback from Local Authorities, LMT will be finalising the plan prior to Christmas break, leading to team operational plans and individual work tasks. As part of this work, the Board were advised that the Strategic framework and Sport England and other resources would be fully integrated within the Plan.

Agreed: - that the Board notes the Business Plan and Active Black Country’s integration and the timescales for completion.

46/16 Marketing & Sports Awards Review

The report informed the meeting of the success of the event and suggested the following actions to move forward the Marketing and Sports Awards: -

1. That BCC Ltd. believe that the Sport Awards should be positioned to evidence the annual impact of our Strategy, a celebration of achievement and to recognise the outstanding work done by individuals and communities to get people taking part in sport and physical activity; 2. That the Award categories should reflect the People, Place and Business priorities, with categories open for nominations all year round; 3. That the sports awards would then be positioned as our biggest event of the year and marketed to attract more sponsorship, not only to cover costs, but increase prominence and exposure; and

8 Agenda Item 13

4. That the Awards should be used for major announcements and news on the work we have achieved throughout the year and this could be in people’s minds in the work they do throughout the year.

Agreed: -That the Board notes the summary and approves the moving forward actions detailed above.

47/16 Any other business

Club Development Simon Hall detailed the next quarter’s priorities, detailing key events and club development. Ian Carey to share document with Members.

West Park – Santa Suit Run It was noted that there was a Santa Suit Run on Sunday 4th December and all were welcome to participate.

Safeguarding and Football The issue of Safeguarding was raised in relation to sub-contracted clubs given the recent press reports of child abuse in football clubs.

The meeting was advised that Safeguarding Training was a requirement for all clubs that received funding was delivered to NSPCC standards. It was queried whether Board Members required training and Simon Hall advised that he would circulate advise on the Safeguarding training given and the current number of disclosures held.

Erasmus The meeting was advised of training available for good practise funding leadership and an opportunity to bid for vocational training.

48/16 Dates of 2017 meetings

The following dates were advised: - Date of 2017 Meetings (Wednesdays) 1600 hours start– 25th January; 29th March; 24th May; 19th July; 27th September; and 29th November NB 25th January and 24th May 2017 – longer sessions – commencing at 1400 hours.

Several Members commented that the revised timing and scheduled dates would cause difficulty in attendance and the Chair asked officers to revisit the dates for meetings in 2017.

Agreed: - that the officers revisit dates and timings of meetings in 2017.

(The meeting closed at 12.50 p.m.)

9 Agenda Item 14 Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

23rd January 2017

Black Country LEP Assurance Framework – Table of Changes

1. Background 1.1 As part of the Annual Conversation, held with BC LEP on 1st December 2016, the DCLG has required all LEP’s to review and amend their Assurance Framework, in accordance with the Table of Changes appended to the report.

1.2 The Section 151 Officer, is required to write to the DCLG before 28th February 2017 to confirm that the revised Assurance Framework meets the Government Standards and confirm that the Framework will be published.

2. Recommendations 2.1 That the Board note and approve the revised Black Country LEP Assurance Framework Table of Changes Actions.

3. Report Detail

3.1 The appendix sets out the required changes which are to be incorporated into the Assurance Framework.

3.2 Members will note the actions detailed to date and those to be undertaken by the end of January.

3.3 The revised Assurance Framework will be submitted to Members for comment/approval prior to confirmation to the DCLG.

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive, Black Country Consortium Ltd

Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email:[email protected]

SOURCE MATERIAL Table of Changes - attached Black Country LEP Assurance Framework - http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us/our- board/assurance-framework

Table of Substantive Changes to the LEP National Assurance Framework – ACTION UPDATES

ACTION OWNERS JW James Walsh RG Rachel Goodwin DD Delma Dwight SM Sarah Middleton HR Hywel Ruddick SE Stuart Everton PM Paul Mellon VB Verity Baker JJ Jaswinder Jandu

2014 Document 2016 Document Changes Notes Actions Reference Introduction: Grant Offer Grant Offer Letter paragraph fully This references that compliance with the No Action Letter revised. Assurance Framework will from February Introduction: Monitoring Reference to both documents has M20o17ni tboeri an gc oandndit Eiovaln uoatf fiundon cinogv eredin in No Action – confirmed with BEIS and Evaluation been removed. Stheec tGriono wth5. Deal grant offer Framework and Imletter.plement ation Summary Report is out Implementation of use. Summary Report

Introduction: publishing Requirement changed to must from Actions incorporated below local should be published on LEP assurance framework Websites. Introduction: Paragraph added setting out This includes clarification of when this “One of the terms of these letters from 2017 onwards will be requirements for revising local needs to be done by and the process for that Local Enterprise Partnerships must submit a letter from assurance frameworks. confirming completion. their relevant Section 151 Officer (or Section 73 Officer for Combined Authorities) to DCLG’s Accounting Officer by 28 February each year certifying that the Local Enterprise Partnership’s local assurance framework has been agreed, is being implemented and meets the revised standards set out in the Local Enterprise Partnership Assurance Framework.” A001: JW to submit letter to DCLG by 28th February 2017 Table of Substantive Changes to the LEP National Assurance Framework – ACTION UPDATES

Introduction: Paragraph added to cover “Single The original document pre-dated No Action - clarified that the ‘single pot’ section does not apply Pot” areas. devolution and “single pot” areas which, to BCLEP as not in a single pot area. Confirmed with BEIS while being covered by the Single Pot Assurance Framework will also be required to adhere to sections 1, 2 and 3 of this document as these are not part of the Single Pot Assurance Framework.

Section 1 Governance and Document changed at 1.1 to say To improve transparency Local Enterprise Decision Making what the Framework must rather Partnership local assurance frameworks A002: HR to complete / confirm ToR for ALL LEP sub-groups than should cover. must be clear and unambiguous about who has authority for decision making. A003: HR to confirm membership requirements for all LEP sub-groups in relevant appendices.

Section 1 Governance and Additional requirement at 1.1 This requirement was set out in SoS A004: SM / HR to confirm LEP Board member to represent Decision Making: (bullet 1) to have an identified Communities Letter to and engage with SME business community. board member to represent and LEPs in April 2016 following the 2015 engage with the SME business Autumn Statement and as such was not community. included in the earlier Framework.

Section 1 Governance and Additional requirement at 1.1 This is to ensure Assurance Framework A005: VB to draft the Delegated Authority (inc. Change Decision Making: sub- (bullet 3) to include details of rules covers the full range of LEP governance Control process) awarded to Chair of Working Group to groups governing arrangements for responsibilities to improve transparency. make funding decisions on behalf of the BCJC. To be added overseeing Growth Hubs, as an appendix. Enterprise Zones and City Deals where appropriate. A006: The role of the LEP Board and BCJC in overseeing the Growth Hub and BC Enterprise Zones needs confirming (ALL)

Table of Substantive Changes to the LEP National Assurance Framework – ACTION UPDATES

Section 1 Governance and Former Section 2 ‘Local Authority This is to make clear the arrangements A007: Former Section 2 ‘Local Authority Partnership Working’ Decision Making: Partnership Working’ now covered which enable collective engagement with now to be included within section 1.4. Cross LEP Working to under 1.1 (bullet 4) the relationship all local authority leaders move under 1.5 (RG) between the Local Enterprise in decision-making on growth priorities Partnership board and the supporting local authority partnership arrangements

Section 1 Governance and Additional information added at 1.1 This is to make clear Government’s A008: RG to include reference to “openly advertising the Decision Making: (bullet 5) re the expectations concerning transparent and funding”, i.e. through the website. arrangements expected of LEPs robust arrangements in connection with for supporting implementation funding awarded by LEPs. and delivery

Section 1 Governance and New requirement at 1.1 (bullet 6) This is to encourage LEPs to be more A009: HR to add diversity statement under section ‘1.3.3 Decision Making: for LEPs to demonstrate a aware of diversity issues at board level. Membership’ commitment to diversity in its membership of the LEP Board and sub-groups Section 1 Governance and New requirement at 1.1 (bullet 7) This is to improve the transparency of LEP No Action. Decision Making: added for LEP Assurance arrangements governing conduct of Framework to set out rules for the board members and staff. conduct for board members. Table of Substantive Changes to the LEP National Assurance Framework – ACTION UPDATES

Section 2 Local Authority Old section 2 removed as already See above Partnership Working covered in Section 1.

Section 3.2 Transparent Requirements changed (now 2.3) This is to clarify government A010: RG / HR / JJ to improve visibility of key Decision Making from “expect to” to must cover the expectations regarding documentation on the LEP website such as the transparency points set out in the engagement with local SEP, the Growth Deal Dashboards and Growth national framework. This includes stakeholders and the wider Deal project case studies. having a website where the public public to improve transparency can check progress with projects regarding the direction and A011: HR to ensure an updated version of the and key docs are easily accessible. impact of funding. Register of Interests be circulated to FSG and LEP It also includes more specific Board members accordingly to agree ahead of requirements regarding being published on the website engagement with the public and private sector stakeholders and A012: HR to review Section 3.2 Registration and the general public. Declaration of Interests and 3.3 Gifts and Hospitality to ensure robust / secure processes in place.

A013: DD to examine how ‘social value’ can be built into monitoring and evaluation of projects.

Section 4 Accountable Removed the original section 4.1 This duplicated information elsewhere in A014: HR to confirm Democratic accountability for the Decision Making, item 4.1 and part of 4.2 the document and in the Grant decisions made by the Local Enterprise Partnership is & 4.2 Determination Letter. provided through local authority leader membership

Table of Substantive Changes to the LEP National Assurance Framework – ACTION UPDATES

Section 4 Accountable Requirement changed (now 3.4) This is to clarify government expectations Decision Making 4.4 from “need to be” to must set out regarding systems and practices to A015: VB to confirm Section 4.1 Status and Role of the agreed systems and practices support accountable authority role and Accountable Body is accurate and that “agreed systems which support both the legal and LEP role in decision making and to and practices which support both the legal and financial financial responsibilities of the improve transparency. responsibilities of the accountable authority and the accountable authority and the leadership role and democratic accountabilities of the leadership role and democratic Local Enterprise Partnership” are in place accountabilities of the Local Enterprise Partnership. And from “expect to” to must set out the circumstances under which the accountable authority would not comply with a Local Enterprise Partnership decision and the process for resolving such conflicts.

Section 4 Accountable Requirement added at 3.5 to This is an opportunity for LEPs to A016: SM to confirm whether the LEP have independent Decision Making 4.4 include in the AF details of demonstrate where they are subject to scrutiny arrangements in place, e.g. by establishing an independent scrutiny scrutiny arrangements in addition to overview and scrutiny committee to provide check and arrangements of the Local those operated by central Government. balance in the operation of the partnership Enterprise Partnership where these exist. Table of Substantive Changes to the LEP National Assurance Framework – ACTION UPDATES

Section 4 Accountable Requirement Changed (now 3.6) This is to improve transparency and in the A017: VB to confirm 3.6 (bullet 2) is covered by the AF Decision Making 4.5 from “we expect” to must cover process make clearer the roles and the full list as set out and elements responsibilities of the Accountable A018: RG and SM to revisit 3.6 (bullet 3) ‘publishing of of the list have been clarified. Authority and LEP in decision making. annual accounts’ to cover not only Growth Deal but other funding sources received from Government. To include both Capital and Revenue.

A019: VB to confirm 3.6 (bullet 4) ‘the responsibilities of the accountable body’

A020: Project lifecycle to include details of the Grant Agreement (VB)

Section 5 Ensuring Value for Changed requirement (now 4.4) This is to clarify government expectations A021: Action re ‘Impartial advice’ TBC Money 5.4 from “should” to must set out with regard to transparent decision processes that ensure all funding making. decisions are based on impartial advice. Section 5 Ensuring Value for Changed requirement (now 4.5) This is to clarify government expectations A022: SM to confirm who is named individual re: Money 5.5 from “should” to must sets out with regard to transparent decision the arrangements for the active making. “Local Enterprise Partnerships must also ensure that the management of risk relating to local assurance framework sets out the arrangements for all matters for which the Local the active management of risk relating to all matters for Enterprise Partnership is which the Local Enterprise Partnership is responsible, responsible including but not limited to propriety and value for money issues. This must include having a named individual of appropriate seniority who is responsible for the identification and management of risk.”

Table of Substantive Changes to the LEP National Assurance Framework – ACTION UPDATES

Section 5 Ensuring Value Changed requirement (now 4.6) This is to clarify government expectations No Action. Covered in Project Lifecycle. for Money 5.6 from “should” to must have a clear with regard to transparent decision and transparent basis, (published making. on the LEP website) against which projects and programmes are initially identified, commissioned, appraised and prioritised and changed requirement that the AF must cover the list of requirements. Section 5 Ensuring Value Now 4.7 - 4.9 - Clarification of the This is to clarify government expectations A023: RG / PM to start implementing BCR calculations in for Money 5.7 requirement for the AF to set out with regard to transparent decision the FBC evaluation and appraisal process. the methodology used to assess making. A024: RG to update Project Lifecycle accordingly. value for money and the degree of detail to which business cases are A025: PM/ DD to identify criteria to determine when EIA developed in support of particular required. RG to update Project Lifecycle accordingly. projects or programmes. A026: RG to update Project Lifecycle accordingly

Section 5 Ensuring Value Clarification (now 4.10) that LEPs This is to clarify government expectations A027: Action re ‘commercial, financial and management for Money 5.9 must ensure that the commercial, with regard to transparent decision arrangements’ TBC financial and management making. arrangements are appropriate for effective delivery. Table of Substantive Changes to the LEP National Assurance Framework – ACTION UPDATES

Section 5 Ensuring Value Clarification (now 4.11) that the AF This is to clarify government expectations A028: SM to confirm who is named individual re: for Money 5.10 must state (rather than ensure) with regard to transparent decision that the LEP will identify a named making. “The local assurance framework must state that the Local individual with overall Enterprise Partnership will identify a named individual responsibility for ensuring value for with overall responsibility for ensuring value for money money for all projects and for all projects and programmes and a named individual programmes and a named (not necessarily the same person) responsible for scrutiny individual (not necessarily the same of and recommendations relating to each business case. person) responsible for scrutiny of These responsible individuals should ideally be and recommendations relating to independent of the promoting organisation or where this each business case. is impractical, should sit outside the management unit Section 5 Ensuring Value New section 4.12 inserted This is in line with the AF for Single Pot A029: DD to confirm whether section 5.15.3 is sufficient responsible for developing and promoting the business for Money addressing Monitoring and Areas and to cover requirements for to meet requirements re Monitoring & Evaluation case.” Evaluation requirements. Monitoring and Evaluation. It also encourages greater transparency of the LEP’s arrangements for monitoring and evaluation of projects.

Annex A Replaced with Appendix A. Updates Departmental and NDPB advice A030: Action TBC relating to projects in their policy areas and takes account of changes in SFA and with Local Annex B Replaced with Appendix B. PrTraovinspodes rtth Beo ldatesties. specific guidance in relation A031: SE to review and provide any amends to current to transport schemes and brings this section ‘Appendix 20 – Transport Projects’ accordingly into line with the AF for Single Pot Areas.

Agenda Item 15

BLACK COUNTRY EXECUTIVE JOINT COMMITTEE – 23 November 2016

DECISIONS – Decisions set out below cannot be implemented until 5 clear working days after publication of this notice which is 1 December 2016

2. 16/0052 Notes of Previous Meeting held on 7 It was resolved that the BCJC: September 2016 Agrees the notes of the meeting held on 7 September 2016as a true record.

3. Matters Arising from the notes of the None. previous meeting.

4. Declarations of Interest None.

5. Local Government (Access to There were no items to be considered in Information) Act, 1985 (as amended): private session To agree that the public be excluded from the private session during consideration of the agenda items indicated for the reasons shown on the agenda.

6. 16/0053 Black Country Local Growth Deal – It was resolved that the BCJC: Woods Lane – Approval to Amend the existing Grant Agreement – 2.1 approves for the Accountable Body Change Request for the Growth Deal (Walsall Council) to proceed to amending the existing Grant Agreement with Sandwell MBC to deliver the Local Growth Fund (LGF) funded elements of the Woods Lane project. The changes for which approval is requested are to transfer a proportion of grant funding allocated in 2016/17 of £1,456,978 into subsequent years, to be spent by March 2021, and to extend the milestone for delivery of 14 Business Assist Outputs from March 2017 to March 2021.

2.2 approves subject to the following conditions:

1) That the proposed change request be approved, subject to:-

a. receipt of the formal statement of reassurance as now set out (provided by SMBC and approved by the LEP Board); b. commitment to complete the spend

BCJC 23/11/16 - DECISIONS Page 1 of 7

of the remainder £5,140,000 (LGF Grant awarded) by 2020/21; c. Sandwell MBC agreeing to underwrite any shortfall in business assists (number of enterprises receiving grant support) costs resulting from alternate use of the £900,000 of funding);

2) That the Council be recommended to employ additional consultancy expertise.

7. 16/0054 Black Country Local Growth Deal – It was resolved that the BCJC: Bull Street, West Bromwich (Site Investigation) – Grant Agreement 2.1 approves the Accountable Body for Approval the Growth Deal (Walsall Council) to proceed to a Grant Agreement with Sandwell MBC for £59,000 to deliver the Local Growth Fund (LGF) funded elements of the Bull Street West Bromwich (Site Investigation) – with delivery to commence in the 2016/17 financial year. 2.2 approves that this development funding is to be underwritten by Sandwell MBC.

2.3 approves subject to the following conditions: a) funding subject to a maximum sum of £59,000 with Sandwell MBC liable for any overspend; b) quotes being obtained prior to any funding agreement being entered into with specific costs included within the agreement accordingly c) only the following reports will be funded from the 2016/17 LGF allocation:-

i) Bat survey initial assessment ii) Site topographic and drainage surveys iii) Party wall survey and 3d site modelling iv) Asbestos survey

BCJC 23/11/16 - DECISIONS Page 2 of 7

8. 16/0055 Black Country Local Growth Deal – It was resolved that the BCJC: Dudley Bus Station Redevelopment – Grant Agreement Approval 2.1 approves for the Accountable Body for the Growth Deal (Walsall Council) to proceed to Grant Agreement with Dudley Council to transfer £200,000 of LGF/LTB funding (originally allocated to the Aldridge Station scheme) to support delivery of the Dudley Bus Station Redevelopment transport scheme development funding – with delivery to commence in the 2016/17 financial year.

2.2 approves that this development funding is to be underwritten by Centro (Transport for the West Midlands - TfWM).

9. 16/0056 Black Country Local Growth Deal – It was resolved that the BCJC: Black Country Living Museum 2.1 approves for the Accountable Body Forging Ahead Programme (Site for the Growth Deal (Walsall Council) Investigation/Desk Top Survey) – to proceed to a Grant Agreement with Grant Agreement Approval the Black Country Living Museum for £27,000 to deliver the Local Growth Fund (LGF) funded elements of the Black Country Living Museum ‘Forging Ahead’ Site Investigation/Desk Top Survey – with delivery to commence in the 2016/17 financial year. 2.2 approves for Walsall MBC as Accountable Body to enter into a funding agreement with the applicant, subject to the following: 1) Only Phase 1 Site Investigation/desk top investigations and Mining Risk Assessments to be funded, 2) Up to a maximum grant sum of £27,000 3) The applicant to obtain formal quotes in advance of any funding agreement being entered into, with the actual quoted sums included in the agreement. Any extra costs identified in relation to the identified studies to be at the applicant’s own risk.

BCJC 23/11/16 - DECISIONS Page 3 of 7

10. 16/0057 Black Country Local Growth Deal – Mill It was resolved that the BCJC: Lane Bridge GRIP 3 Study and Aldridge Line Aqueduct GRIP 3 2.1 approves the Accountable Body for Study – Internal Agreement Approval the Growth Deal (Walsall Council) to proceed to an appropriate form of internal Agreement to allow £120,000 of LGF/LTB funding (originally allocated to the Aldridge Station scheme) to be claimed (in line with standard procedures), to support the delivery of the Mill Lane Bridge GRIP 3 Study and Aldridge Line Aqueduct GRIP 3 Study – with delivery to commence in the 2016/17 financial year.

2.2 approves this development funding be underwritten by Walsall Council.

11. 16/0058 Black Country Local Growth Deal – It was resolved that the BCJC: Walsall College, Additional Engineering Equipment – Grant 2.1 approves for the Accountable Body Agreement Approval for the Growth Deal (Walsall Council) to proceed to a Grant Agreement with Walsall College for £149,000 to deliver the Local Growth Fund (LGF) funded elements of the Additional Engineering Equipment project – with delivery to commence in the 2016-17 financial year.

12. 16/0059 Black Country Local Growth Deal – It was resolved that the BCJC: Goscote Lane Corridor Housing Scheme – Approval to Amend the 2.1 approves the Accountable Body for existing Grant Agreement – Change the Growth Deal (Walsall Council) to Request proceed to amending the existing Grant Agreement with whg to deliver the Local Growth Fund (LGF) funded elements of the Goscote Lane Corridor project. The change for which approval is requested is the transfer of a proportion of the grant funding from future years’ allocations of £2,382,000 into 2016/17. 2.2 approves that the LGF award be approved subject to re-profiling the remaining years of LGF support within the overall £8.8m budget. This re- profiling is contained within Attachment 1 (Change Request).

BCJC 23/11/16 - DECISIONS Page 4 of 7

13. 16/0060 Black Country Local Growth Deal – It was resolved that the BCJC: Wolverhampton University, School of Architecture and Built 2.1 That the Joint Committee approves Environment, Springfield Site – for the Accountable Body for the Grant Agreement Approval Growth Deal (Walsall Council) to proceed to a Grant Agreement with the University of Wolverhampton for £3,520,000 (to be split, £1,760,000m in 2017/18 and £1,760,000 in 2018/19) to deliver the Local Growth Fund (LGF) funded elements of the University of Wolverhampton, School of Architecture and Built Environment, project – with delivery to commence in the 2017/18 financial year.

2.2 That the Joint Committee approves that project approval be conditional upon the form of underwriting by the University being confirmed prior to the anticipated start date of the Project.

14. 16/0061 Black Country Local Growth Deal – It was resolved that the BCJC: A4123 Development Works – Transport Scheme – Grant 2.1 approves for the Accountable Body Agreement Approval for the Growth Deal (Walsall Council) to enter into a Grant Agreement with City of Wolverhampton Council to transfer £150,000 of LGF/LTB funding (originally allocated to the Aldridge Station scheme) to deliver the A4123 Development Works, transport scheme – with delivery to commence in the 2016/17 financial year.

2.2 approves that this development funding is underwritten by the City of Wolverhampton Council.

15. 16/0062 Black Country Local Growth Deal - It was resolved that the BCJC: Managing Short Trips – Additional Funding – Approval to Amend the 2.1 approves for the Accountable Body existing Grant Agreement for the Growth Deal (Walsall Council) to proceed with amending the existing Grant Agreement with Transport for West Midlands – TfWM (Previously known as

BCJC 23/11/16 - DECISIONS Page 5 of 7

Centro) for an additional £1,433,700 to deliver additional Managing Short Trips schemes – with delivery to commence in the 2016/17 financial year.

16. 16/0063 Delegated Authority – Black Country It was resolved that the BCJC: Local Growth Deal – Airfield Drive Project – Grant Agreement Approval 2.1 notes that the Executive Director for for Noting Economy and Environment within Walsall Council in his role of Chair of the City Deal and Growth Deal Working Group has used his Delegated Authority to approve for the Accountable Body (Walsall Council) to proceed to Grant Agreement to the value of £370,993 with Kay Properties Limited to deliver the Local Growth Fund (LGF) elements of the Airfield Drive project - with delivery to commence in the 2016/17 financial year. Approval of this project was achieved at the 19th September 2016 LEP Board meeting.

2.2 The need to use delegated authority was identified as the project was time critical and waiting for approval by the Black Country Joint Committee in November would have impacted on deliverability and was not suitable for approval using existing Special Urgency or General Exemption mechanisms.

17. 16/0064 Delegated Authority – Black Country It was resolved that the BCJC: Local Growth Deal – Growing Priority Sectors Individual Project Decision, 2.1 notes that the Executive Director for Alucast Limited – Grant Agreement Economy and Environment within Approval for Noting Walsall Council in his role of Chair of the City Deal and Growth Deal Working Group has used his Delegated Authority to approve Sandwell Council to award a Grant Agreement to Alucast Limited to the value of £259,600 as part of the Growing Priority Sectors programme funding of £6.5m. Approval of this project was achieved at the LEP Board meeting held on 13th June 2016.

2.2 The need to use delegated authority was identified as the project was BCJC 23/11/16 - DECISIONS Page 6 of 7

time critical and waiting for approval by the Black Country Joint Committee in September would have impacted on deliverability and was not suitable for approval using existing Special Urgency or General Exemption mechanisms.

18. 16/0065 Delegated Authority – Black Country 2.1 notes that the Executive Director for Local Growth Deal - Accessing Economy and Environment within Growth Programme – Change Walsall Council in his role of Chair Request for individual projects - of the City Deal and Growth Deal Approval to Amend the exiting Grant Working Group has used his Agreement for Noting Delegated Authority to approve for the Accountable Body (Walsall Council) to proceed to amending the existing Agreement with Wolverhampton City Council reducing individual project values within the Accessing Growth programme (to the value of £165,975) to remain within the overall programme allocation of £6,811,829 in the 2016/17 financial year. Approval of this approach was achieved at LEP Board meeting in September 2016.

2.1 The need to use delegated authority was identified as the project was time critical and waiting for approval by the next Black Country Joint Committee in November would have impacted on deliverability and was not suitable for approval using existing Special Urgency or General Exemption mechanisms.

Date of future meetings  Wednesday 25 January 2017, 12.00pm at Dudley MBC  Wednesday 8 March 2017, 12.00pm at Sandwell MBC  Wednesday 19 April 2017, 12.00pm at Wolverhampton CC  Wednesday 28 June 2017, 12.00pm at Walsall MBC  Wednesday 13 September 2017, 12.00pm at Dudley MBC  Wednesday 22 November 2017, 12.00pm at Sandwell MBC

BCJC 23/11/16 - DECISIONS Page 7 of 7

Agenda Item 16

BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

23rd January 2017

Black Country LEP Communications report for November & December 2016.

1. Introduction

The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of LEP communications activity and its impact in November & December 2016.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That the Board notes this report.

3. 1 Communications report

Focus of activity through November & December 2016 - Broadband 30,00 premises milestone and Cox & Plant - Christmas 2016 social media campaign #celebrateBlackCountry (attached) - First school event as part of the Careers & Enterprise Company: Passport to Employment programme - Attendance at Regional Strategic MarComms Group meetings - Monthly e-newsletter to external stakeholders - Supporting communications activity for MP Mike Wood as well as project partners including: Cabinet Office, the University of Wolverhampton, West Midlands Police, Smart City Network, HS2 Ltd, Dudley Council, Aston Business School, Midlands Engine, Dudley Canal Trust, Wolverhampton Council, City Deal: Working Together project, Careers Enterprise Company: mentoring programme, BC Growth Hub, Business Solutions Centre and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Governments Small Business Saturday campaign as well as project partners including: the University of Wolverhampton, West Midlands Fire Service, Centro, City Deal: Working Together project and the West Midlands Combined Authority

Stories featured in E News: Broadband Roll out Success HS2 Railway systems procurement BC LEP Christmas Social Media Campaign Innovation Vouchers Workshop Aston programme for Small Business Awards Success for Working Together Elite Centre Website Launch

BC LEP E newsletter – December 2016 Analysis: - Emails sent – 6815 - Emails delivered – 6432 - Views & forwards – 2159 - Unique opens – 1040; 16.17 % - Unique user click through – 2.1% 1 - Soft bounces –5.28%

Open rate (the number of emails sent out opened by the recipients divided by the total number of emails sent as a percentage) averages vary dependent on sector, with average rates ranging from 17% - 19.5%.

An email is only counted as "opened" if the recipient also receives the images embedded in that message. A large percentage of email users have image-blocking enabled on their email handling systems. This means that even if they open the email, they won’t be included in the open rate, meaning it can be a false representation of actual viewing numbers.

Next E News out end of February 2017

BC LEP Cloud based ‘Private’ file sharing system

The site is now set up and is being used for the BC LEP Board.

Roll out is underway for the thematic and sub group meeting papers.

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) The LEP are still working with the WMCA communications team to devise a business engagement plan for the West Midlands Strategic Economic Plan. This involves communicating with businesses from all sectors across a variety of communications channels. BC LEP will include the WMCA SEP Engagement work on the Thematic sub groups agenda.

WMCA Identity Proposition: A series of meetings has taken place with colleagues across the Black Country with Marketing Birmingham and Heavenly. We are awaiting reports back.

3.2 Media coverage

The advertising equivalent value of the coverage achieved:

November 2016 coverage: AVE GRAND TOTAL £71,245.70

December 2106 coverage: AVE GRAND TOTAL £88,984.63

Summary of stories under separate cover

BC LEP has risen to take 5th ranking in the LEP Twitter followers table.

E Media Statistics Website The website visitor numbers has increased significantly reaching 2,456

Tweets LEP followers continues to build from 5.648 in September to 5,780 in December. Top Tweet (December) Partnership will boost vital regeneration in Walsall and create 2000 jobs earning 2,454 impressions

2 231 Tweets over November & December

LinkedIn Followers have now reached 400

4. Financial Implications None identified

Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd

Contact Officer Angie Took LEP Communications 01384 471133 [email protected]

Source Documents: The media coverage is referenced for its source and is in the public domain.

3 PR coverage – December 2016

Broadcast/websites

9 December 2016 – National Rail Awards PR story was featured as a news item on Chamber website http://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/bccc-news/item/3782-westmidlands-region-shortlisted-for-prestigious-national-rail-awards

14 December 2016 – Passport to Employment, first school event PR story was featured as a news item on Chamber website http://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/bccc- news/item/3790-first-school-event-as-part-of-the-black-country-lep-passport-to-employment- programme

______

Complete list of December coverage – 96 articles (total value: £88,984.63)

30/11/2016 Work set to begin on Black Country speculative warehouse scheme BusinessDesk (Web), 30/11/2016, Unattributed estate comprising 21,000 sq ft of high quality warehouse and industrial space. The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) has been supporting LCP with the latest development.

Work set to begin on Black Country speculative warehouse scheme BusinessDesk (Web), 30/11/2016, Unattributed ft of commercial property. Three years ago, LCP invested £1.5m in Progress Point, a speculative development on the estate comprising 21,000 sq ft of high quality warehouse and industrial space. The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) has been supporting LCP with the latest development. The contractor for the development is Telford-based McPhillips and LCP will be marketing the scheme. [sourcelink]

New backing for merger of colleges Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 01/12/2016, p.6, Unattributed to impact on jobs, courses and campuses at both sites. As reported by the Express & Star in July, the merger has been on the cards for some time. A Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership report made reference to 'merger opportunities' although both colleges initially played down the idea by stating they were both 'exploring the possibility of forming a

Reduce debt and sort out site - college told Wolverhampton Chronicle (Main), 01/12/2016, p.2, Unattributed to improve its financial position' in recent years. College bosses say both issues are in the process of being dealt with. Negotiations are taking place with Wolverhampton Council and the Black Country LEP that could see the college move to a new city centre learning quarter in three years. Surplus And a bid has been submitted for Government transition funding

Museum to recreate 1940s-60s town as new headline attraction Leisure Opportunities (Web), 02/12/2016, Unattributed grant for the project. If the bid is successful, officials can get started on the first stage of the project – which is financially supported, in principle, by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership – and carry out "significant historic research" and a detailed planning proposal in order to complete a second-round bid to HLF in December 2018.

Museum to recreate 1940s-60s town as new headline attraction Leisure Management (Web), 02/12/2016, Unattributed £9.8m grant for the project. If the bid is successful, officials can get started on the first stage of the project – which is financially supported, in principle, by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership – and carry out "significant historic research" and a detailed planning proposal in order to complete a second-round bid to HLF in December 2018. Andrew

Museum to recreate 1940s-60s town as new headline attraction World Leisure News & Jobs (Web), 02/12/2016, Unattributed £9.8m grant for the project. If the bid is successful, officials can get started on the first stage of the project – which is financially supported, in principle, by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership – and carry out "significant historic research" and a detailed planning proposal in order to complete a second-round bid to HLF in December 2018. Andrew

Museum to recreate 1940s-60s town as new headline attraction World Leisure News & Jobs (Web), 02/12/2016, Unattributed grant for the project. If the bid is successful, officials can get started on the first stage of the project – which is financially supported, in principle, by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership – and carry out "significant historic research" and a detailed planning proposal in order to complete a second-round bid to HLF in December 2018.

Museum to recreate 1940s-60s town as new headline attraction Leisure Week (Web), 02/12/2016, Unattributed grant for the project. If the bid is successful, officials can get started on the first stage of the project – which is financially supported, in principle, by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership – and carry out "significant historic research" and a detailed planning proposal in order to complete a second-round bid to HLF in December 2018.

Museum to recreate 1940s-60s town as new headline attraction Attractions Management (Web), 02/12/2016, Unattributed £9.8m grant for the project. If the bid is successful, officials can get started on the first stage of the project – which is financially supported, in principle, by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership – and carry out "significant historic research" and a detailed planning proposal in order to complete a second-round bid to HLF in December 2018. Andrew

Sporting heroes listed for community awards Wolverhampton Chronicle (Main), 01/12/2016, p.58, Unattributed Nominated in the Community Club Award was Stourbridge-based Mums on the Run, a group which aims to get mothers active while raising money for charity. They were honoured at the Black Country Sport & Physical Activity Awards, which were presented by Olympic gymnast Kristian Thomas. Also recognised is Run for Joel, a fundraising event held in the memory of Tunisia

Sporting heroes listed for community awards Walsall Chronicle (Main), 01/12/2016, p.39, Unattributed Nominated in the Community Club Award was Stourbridge-based Mums on the Run, a group which aims to get mothers active while raising money for charity. They were honoured at the Black Country Sport & Physical Activity Awards, which were presented by Olympic gymnast Kristian Thomas. Also recognised is Run for Joel, a fundraising event held in the memory of Tunisia

Sporting heroes listed for community awards Stourbridge Chronicle (Main), 01/12/2016, p.39, Unattributed Nominated in the Community Club Award was Stourbridge-based Mums on the Run, a group which aims to get mothers active while raising money for charity. They were honoured at the Black Country Sport & Physical Activity Awards, which were presented by Olympic gymnast Kristian Thomas. Also recognised is Run for Joel, a fundraising event held in the memory of Tunisia

Sporting heroes listed for community awards Dudley Chronicle (Main), 01/12/2016, p.43, Unattributed Nominated in the Community Club Award was Stourbridge-based Mums on the Run, a group which aims to get mothers active while raising money for charity. They were honoured at the Black Country Sport & Physical Activity Awards, which were presented by Olympic gymnast Kristian Thomas. Also recognised is Run for Joel, a fundraising event held in the memory of Tunisia Work to begin on multi-million pound industrial site development Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 03/12/2016, p.11, Unattributed warehouse units covering 130,000 sq ft are being built at property company LCP's flagship estate at Kingswinford, in a project dubbed Prime Point. The development is being backed by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, the joint body of business leaders and council chiefs with the job of encouraging new business and jobs in the area. No price tag for

Sporting heroes listed for community awards Sandwell Chronicle (Main), 01/12/2016, p.43, Unattributed Nominated in the Community Club Award was Stourbridge-based Mums on the Run, a group which aims to get mothers active while raising money for charity. They were honoured at the Black Country Sport & Physical Activity Awards, which were presented by Olympic gymnast Kristian Thomas. Also recognised is Run for Joel, a fundraising event held in the memory of Tunisia

Sporting heroes listed for community awards Cannock & Lichfield Chronicle (Main), 01/12/2016, p.67, Matt Maher Nominated in the Community Club Award was Stourbridge-based Mums on the Run, a group which aims to get mothers active while raising money for charity. They were honoured at the Black Country Sport & Physical Activity Awards, which were presented by Olympic gymnast Kristian Thomas. Also recognised is Run for Joel, a fundraising event held in the memory of Tunisia

Deadline looming for Signature Awards BusinessDesk (Web), 05/12/2016, Unattributed be attending. Entries for the awards are already coming in and event founder Ninder Johal - a past president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and board member of the Black Country LEP – said he was impressed by the quality of the nominations to date. “Despite the uncertainty in the business community on the future of its relationship with the

05/12/2016 Deadline looming for Signature Awards BusinessDesk (Web), 05/12/2016, Unattributed Entries for the awards are already coming in and event founder Ninder Johal - a past president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and board member of the Black Country LEP – said he was impressed by the quality of the nominations to date.

CARCRAFT SITE SALE TO BRING 200 JOBS Express and Star (Walsall) (Main), 06/12/2016, p.1, Unattributed Trade Centre Wales. The name has not yet been revealed and an opening date is also yet to be confirmed. Business expert Ninder Johal, who is a member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, hailed the deal. He said: "This is the latest bit of good news for the region and is particularly welcome at this time of year.

CARCRAFT SITE SALE TO BRING 200 JOBS Express and Star (Sandwell) (Main), 06/12/2016, p.1, Unattributed Trade Centre Wales. The name has not yet been revealed and an opening date is also yet to be confirmed. Business expert Ninder Johal, who is a member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, hailed the deal. He said: "This is the latest bit of good news for the region and is particularly welcome at this time of year.

200 jobs on way as Carcraft site bought Express and Star (Dudley) (Main), 06/12/2016, p.5, Unattributed than Trade Centre Wales, to be revealed. An opening date for the new centre is also yet to be confirmed. Business expert Ninder Johal, who is a member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, hailed the deal. He said: "This is the latest bit of good news for the region and is particularly welcome at this time of year.

200 jobs on way as Carcraft site bought Express and Star (City Final) (Main), 06/12/2016, p.5, Richard Guttridge than Trade Centre Wales, to be revealed. An opening date for the new centre is also yet to be confirmed. Business expert Ninder Johal, who is a member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, hailed the deal. He said: "This is the latest bit of good news for the region and is particularly welcome at this time of year.

Carcraft site sale to bring 200 jobs creating new Black Country showroom West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 06/12/2016, Unattributed Wales. The name has not yet been revealed and an opening date is also yet to be confirmed. Business expert Ninder Johal, who is a member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, hailed the deal. He said: "This is the latest bit of good news for the region and is particularly welcome at this time of

Sporting heroes listed for community awards Halesowen Chronicle (Main), 01/12/2016, p.39, Unattributed Nominated in the Community Club Award was Stourbridge-based Mums on the Run, a group which aims to get mothers active while raising money for charity. They were honoured at the Black Country Sport & Physical Activity Awards, which were presented by Olympic gymnast Kristian Thomas. Also recognised is Run for Joel, a fundraising event held in the memory of Tunisia

Smart City network on the way University Of Wolverhampton (Web), 06/12/2016, Unattributed Smart City network on the way : The University of Wolverhampton has joined forces with The Black Country LEP and other key stakeholders to establish the Black Country Smart City Network.

Smart City network on the way Public (Web), 06/12/2016, Unattributed Smart City network on the way : The University of Wolverhampton has joined forces with The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and many other key stakeholders to establish the Black Country Smart City Network. The Network will be supported by the Black Country Local Enterprise

Smart City network on the way University Of Wolverhampton (Web), 06/12/2016, Unattributed Smart City network on the way : The Network will be supported by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and the University of Wolverhampton who will undertake the organisation of meetings and provide a venue. Definition of Smart City The Black Country

Plans approved to redevelop Wolverhampton station Today's Railways UK (Main), 01/01/2017, p.19, Unattributed extension from St George's to the station also forms part of the development, with the first trams expected to serve the station in 2019. Ninder Johal, a board member of Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "Wolverhampton railway station had fallen behind other similar stations around the country. Obviously now with the incoming HS2 the timing for this is superb."

Museum bids for £9.8m Lotto aid Dudley News (Main), 07/12/2016, p.4, Unattributed a bowling green. Heritage Lottery Fund applications are assessed in two rounds, and if successful, this first stage of the project - which is financially supported in principle by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership - will allow the museum to carry out significant historic research and detailed planning proposals in order to complete a second round bid in December

Cushman & Wakefield win Walsall Council contract Property Week (Web) , 07/12/2016, Unattributed Darlaston element of the Black Country Enterprise Zone The

Cushman & Wakefield win Walsall Council contract Property Week (Web) , 07/12/2016, Unattributed Walsall Council has appointed Cushman & Wakefield to a number of regeneration sites along the M6 motorway. Darlaston element of the Black Country Enterprise Zone The council is spearheading the regeneration of sites in the Darlaston element of the Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ). Cushman & Wakefield’s

08/12/2016 Partnership set to breathe new life in Black Country Enterprise Zone BusinessDesk (Web), 08/12/2016, Unattributed planning regulations and superfast broadband. Now the council, working in collaboration with the Black Country LEP, is looking at pushing ahead with work that could bring hundreds of new jobs to the borough.

Partnership will boost vital regeneration in Walsall and create 2,000 jobs Commercial News Media (Web), 08/12/2016, Unattributed is spearheading the regeneration of sites in the Darlaston element of the Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ). Development of these sites is a key priority for the council and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and it is hoped they will bring 2,000 new jobs to the borough in the coming years. Councillor Lee Jeavons, Deputy Leader of the

Partnership set to breathe new life in Black Country Enterprise Zone BusinessDesk (Web), 08/12/2016, Unattributed the plant, which scores of component businesses maximising supply chain opportunities by relocating, attracted by low rates, relaxed planning regulations and superfast broadband. Now the council, working in collaboration with the Black Country LEP, is looking at pushing ahead with work that could bring hundreds of new jobs to the borough. It has enlisted specialists from real estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield’s

West Midlands Region shortlisted for prestigious National Rail Awards The Birmingham Press (Web), 09/12/2016, Unattributed supply chain portals (OnTrack WM). These are ground-breaking initiatives embedded with a real-life BIM framework, to train, support and develop the technology and business-winning skills of its indigenous supply chain". Stewart Towe, Chair of Black Country LEP said: "OnTrack WM is a truly innovative way to align our world- class manufacturing base to £multi-million rail sector supply opportunities. With real major

Cushman & Wakefield to market job-creating Black Country sites Insider Media Limited (Web), 08/12/2016, Unattributed is spearheading the regeneration of sites in the Darlaston element of the Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ). Development of these sites is a key priority for the council and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and it is hoped they will bring 2,000 new jobs to the borough in the coming years. Cushman & Wakefield's development consulting team

Project to rejuvenate M6 development sites Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (Web), 09/12/2016, Unattributed spearheading the regeneration of sites in the Darlaston element of the Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ). Development of these sites is a key priority for the council and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and it is hoped they will bring 2,000 new jobs to the borough in the coming years. Councillor Lee Jeavons, Deputy Leader of the

Development of Walsall business sites announced. The Birmingham Press (Web), 09/12/2016, Unattributed is spearheading the regeneration of sites in the Darlaston element of the Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ). Development of these sites is a key priority for the council and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and it is hoped they will bring 2,000 new jobs to the borough in the coming years. Councillor Lee Jeavons, Deputy Leader of the

Work to create 2,000 jobs is a step closer Express and Star (Walsall) (Main), 09/12/2016, p.17, Unattributed development in the Black Country, and this is constricting the further growth of the local economy. We are hopeful our work will help resolve that." Enterprise Zone chairman for the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Tom Westley added: "Economic growth and job creation are our main priorities, and these sites are an important part of BCEZ."

Regeneration a step closer Express and Star (Sandwell) (Main), 09/12/2016, p.17, Nathan Briant development in the Black Country, and this is constricting the further growth of the local economy. "We are hopeful our work will help resolve that." Enterprise Zone chairman for the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Tom Westley said: "Economic growth and job creation are our main priorities. "These sites in Darlaston are an important part of the Black Country Enterprise

Takeover to see 200 jobs at Carcraft site Walsall Chronicle (Main), 08/12/2016, p.9, Unattributed than Trade Centre Wales, to be revealed. An opening date for the new centre is also yet to be confirmed. Business expert Ninder Johal, who is a member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, hailed the deal. He said: "This is the latest bit of good news for the region and is particularly welcome at this time of year.

New backing for merger of colleges Walsall Chronicle (Main), 08/12/2016, p.3, Unattributed The move is likely to impact on jobs, courses and campuses at both sites. As reported earlier this year, the merger has been on the cards for some time. A Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership report made reference to 'merger opportunities' although both colleges initially played down the idea by stating they were both 'exploring the possibility of forming a

Vital regeneration in Walsall will create 2,000 jobs Property Magazine International (Web), 09/12/2016, Unattributed Junction 10 cluster, which form part of the wider BCEZ that also includes sites at i54 and Wolverhampton North, are to be marketed to companies operating in a number of Black Country LEP priority sectors, including: advanced manufacturing, transport, construction, environmental and building services. The Darlaston sites occupy some 40 hectares of land, the largest of which is Phoenix

CUSHMAN CREATING & WAKEFIELD TO MARKET JOBBLACK COUNTRY SITES Midlands Insider Daily (Main), 08/12/2016, p.9, Unattributed is spearheading the regeneration of sites in the Darlaston element of the Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ). Development of these sites is a key priority for the council and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and it is hoped they will bring 2,000 new jobs to the borough in the coming years. Cushman & Wakefield's development consulting team is

Regeneration brings 2k jobs COUNCIL Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 09/12/2016, p.17, Unattributed to 2,000 jobs to the area. Councillors hope businesses will move to sites around junction 10 of the M6 as part of efforts to regenerate the Darlaston part of the Black Country Enterprise Zone. Deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration, Councillor Lee Jeavons, said: "Jobs are of the utmost importance in the borough, which has been hit hard over

Regeneration a step closer Express and Star (City Final) (Main), 09/12/2016, p.17, Unattributed jobs to the area. It is hoped businesses will move to sites around the M6's Junction 10 in Walsall as part of efforts to regenerate the Darlaston part of the Black Country Enterprise Zone. The Darlaston sites are made up of 40 hectares of land.

09/12/2016 West Midlands region on track with National Rail Awards shortlisting BusinessDesk (Web), 09/12/2016, Unattributed investment opportunities, drives supply chain development and integration and supports major contract delivery though the development of virtual models. Stewart Towe, chair of Black Country LEP, said: “OnTrack WM is a truly innovative way to align our world-class manufacturing base to £multi-million rail sector supply opportunities. With real major

West Midlands region on track with National Rail Awards shortlisting BusinessDesk (Web), 09/12/2016, Unattributed and engineering opportunities. Like OnTrack WM HVM City articulates inward investment opportunities, drives supply chain development and integration and supports major contract delivery though the development of virtual models. Stewart Towe, chair of Black Country LEP, said: “OnTrack WM is a truly innovative way to align our world-class manufacturing base to £multi-million rail sector supply opportunities. With real major

09/12/2016 West Midlands on track with National Rail Awards shortlisting BusinessDesk (Web), 09/12/2016, Unattributed investment opportunities, drives supply chain development and integration and supports major contract delivery though the development of virtual models. Stewart Towe, chair of Black Country LEP, said: “OnTrack WM is a truly innovative way to align our world-class manufacturing base to £multi-million rail sector supply opportunities. With real major

West Midlands on track with National Rail Awards shortlisting BusinessDesk (Web), 09/12/2016, Unattributed and engineering opportunities. Like OnTrack WM HVM City articulates inward investment opportunities, drives supply chain development and integration and supports major contract delivery though the development of virtual models. Stewart Towe, chair of Black Country LEP, said: “OnTrack WM is a truly innovative way to align our world-class manufacturing base to £multi-million rail sector supply opportunities. With real major

Work starts on Prime Point plan Dudley Chronicle (Main), 08/12/2016, p.14, Unattributed warehouse units covering 130,000 sq ft are being built at property company LCP's flagship estate at Kingswinford, in a project dubbed Prime Point. The development is being backed by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, the joint body of business leaders and council chiefs with the job of encouraging new business and jobs in the area. No price tag for

Partnership will boost vital regeneration in Walsall and create 2,000 jobs Built Environment Hub (Web), 09/12/2016, Unattributed is spearheading the regeneration of sites in the Darlaston element of the Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ). Development of these sites is a key priority for the council and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and it is hoped they will bring 2,000 new jobs to the borough in the coming years. Councillor Lee Jeavons, Deputy Leader of the

Work starts on Prime Point plan Stourbridge Chronicle (Main), 08/12/2016, p.12, Unattributed warehouse units covering 130,000 sq ft are being built at property company LCP's flagship estate at Kingswinford, in a project dubbed Prime Point. The development is being backed by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, the joint body of business leaders and council chiefs with the job of encouraging new business and jobs in the area. No price tag for

Takeover to see 200 jobs at Carcraft Sandwell Chronicle (Main), 08/12/2016, p.16, Unattributed than Trade Centre Wales, to be revealed. An opening date for the new centre is also yet to be confirmed. Business expert Ninder Johal, who is a member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, hailed the deal. He said: "This is the latest bit of good news for the region and is particularly welcome at this time of year.

Merger of colleges given backing Cannock & Lichfield Chronicle (Main), 08/12/2016, p.5, Unattributed with a combined £59m turnover. The move is likely to have implications on staff and courses at both sites. South Staffordshire has campuses in Cannock, Penkridge, Lichfield and Tamworth. A Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership report made reference to 'merger opportunities' although both colleges initially played down the idea. Now the Department for Education has published its final 'area review'

Pupils take the robotic challenge Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 12/12/2016, p.18, Unattributed pupils at a secondary school have taken part in a robotic challenge. Year nine youngsters at Aldersley High School were the first to take the challenge as part of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership's Passport to Employment programme last week. The programme is being funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company to connect year nine pupils with employers from

Mayoral candidate in pledge to solve traffic congestion at bottleneck Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 12/12/2016, p.12, Peter Madeley Island. Traffic flow problems have dogged the island for years. Sandwell Council drew up plans to revamp the island this year. The authority's idea was dealt a blow when the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership left it off its list of funding projects. Now, former John Lewis boss Mr Street says he will make the project his priority if he

Pledge to secure funding for island Express and Star (Dudley) (Main), 12/12/2016, p.12, Unattributed Island. Traffic flow problems have dogged the island for years. Sandwell Council drew up plans to revamp the island this year. The authority's idea was dealt a blow when the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership left it off its list of funding projects. Now, former John Lewis boss Mr Street says he will make the project his priority if he

West Midlands Region shortlisted for prestigious National Rail Awards Business Birmingham (Web), 12/12/2016, Unattributed chain portals (OnTrack WM). These are ground-breaking initiatives embedded with a real-life BIM framework, to train, support and develop the technology and business-winning skills of its indigenous supply chain". Stewart Towe, Chair of Black Country LEP said: "OnTrack WM is a truly innovative way to align our world-class manufacturing base to £multi-million rail sector supply opportunities. With real

OnTrack WM recognised by rail chiefs Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed chain portals (OnTrack WM). These are ground-breaking initiatives embedded with a real-life BIM framework, to train, support and develop the technology and business-winning skills of its indigenous supply chain". Stewart Towe, Chair of Black Country LEP said: "OnTrack WM is a truly innovative way to align our world-class manufacturing base to £multi-million rail sector supply opportunities. With real major

Walsall Advertiser published Thousands of jobs to be created as 'new life' to be breathed into... Walsall Advertiser (Web), 12/12/2016, Unattributed form part of the wider Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ) that also includes sites at i54 and Wolverhampton North, are to be marketed to companies operating in a number of Black Country LEP priority sectors. These include advanced manufacturing, transport, construction, environmental and building services. Cushman & Wakefield, which has already been working with Walsall Council and the

Hopes high after fresh bid [...] Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 13/12/2016, p.7, Unattributed for the design and construction of lightweight rail vehicles and will also include research and development laboratories. Dudley Council has lodged a bid for a total of £837,000 with the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Development boss Councillor Khurshid Ahmed said: "Growing the economy and creating jobs is a top priority for the council and the very light rail

13/12/2016 Urban Village set to get family-friendly pub BusinessDesk (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed The advanced works programme was undertaken by the council, with additional funding from the Homes and Communities Agency and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. It saw a major programme of site clearance,

Urban Village set to get family-friendly pub BusinessDesk (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed REPRESENTATIVES from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce have held talks with the Government over its plans for formalising the UK’s exit from the EU. A delegation from the chamber met with David Jones

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford trading estate Evesham Journal (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed ft, means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford's Pensnett Trading Estate Worcester News (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford trading estate Malvern Gazette (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford trading estate Droitwich Spa Advertiser (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed ft, means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford's Pensnett Trading Estate Redditch Advertiser (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford trading estate Stourbridge News (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed ft, means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford trading estate Ledbury Reporter (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed ft, means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford trading estate Bromsgrove Advertiser (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed ft, means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford's Pensnett Trading Estate Hereford Times (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford trading estate Halesowen News (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed ft, means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford trading estate Cotswold Journal (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed ft, means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford's Pensnett Trading Estate Tewkesbury Admag (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford's Pensnett Trading Estate Ludlow Advertiser (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford trading estate Dudley News (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed ft, means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Major development to bring more business into Kingswinford's Pensnett Trading Estate Kidderminster Shuttle (Web), 13/12/2016, Unattributed means that potential tenants can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft, said Andrew Preston, LCP's industrial portfolio manager. Mr Preston, who's company has been supported by The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) with the latest development, added: "Void levels on the estate are low and we are receiving enquiries every week from companies looking for units

Firm hired to speed up M6 development Walsall Advertiser (Main), 15/12/2016, p.2, Dan Newbould form part of the wider Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ) that also includes sites at i54 and Wolverhampton North, are to be marketed to companies operating in a number of Black Country LEP priority sectors. These include advanced manufacturing, transport, construction, environmental and building services. Cushman & Wakefield, which has already been working with Walsall Council and the new contract

Wolverhampton secures funding for disadvantaged young people Edquarter (Web), 17/12/2016, Unattributed choice for them by exposing the range of higher education options available and the careers they make possible." Aspire to HE will also be working with the Marches and Black Country Local Enterprise Partnerships which will be sitting on the strategic governance board. Funding will be provided for two years in the first instance, from January 2017 to December

Wolverhampton secures funding for disadvantaged young people UniversityBusiness.co.uk (Web), 17/12/2016, Unattributed right choice for them by exposing the range of higher education options available and the careers they make possible." Aspire to HE will also be working with the Marches and Black Country Local Enterprise Partnerships which will be sitting on the strategic governance board. Funding will be provided for two years in the first instance, from January 2017 to December

LUCKY 7 Business Insider (East Midlands) (Main), 01/01/2017, p.27, Unattributed that we can do is put up a development hoarding that will have no benefit on the community next door. RICHARD SMITH managing director, Opus Land SARAH MIDDLETON chief executive. Black Country Consortium RUPERTYOUNG development director, Nurton Developments JANE KEMP DLA Piper FIONA THOMSON real estate partner, DLA Piper

500 JOBS ON WAY AT £24M ESTATE Express and Star (Walsall) (Main), 20/12/2016, p.1, Carl Jackson build five industrial units at Middlemore Lane in Aldridge has been approved. It would see a 244,373sq ft (22,703 sq m) plot of brownfield land brought back into use. The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership has approved around £4m towards the project. Bosses said the scheme offers 'good value for money' and would create 'good quality industrial accommodation'. The speculative

500 jobs on way at huge new £24 million Walsall estate West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 20/12/2016, Unattributed industrial units at Middlemore Lane in Aldridge has been approved. It would see a 244,373sq ft (22,703 sq m) plot of brownfield land brought back into use. The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership has approved around £4m towards the project. Bosses said the scheme offers ‘good value for money' and would create ‘good quality industrial accommodation'.

Investment Market Report: Wolverhampton & The Black Country Property Investor News (Main), 01/12/2016, p.42, Mark Hempshell aim of increasing the number of local jobs from 429,000 to 545,000 by 2033 and to strengthen the business base by creating an additional 1,500 new businesses each year. The Black Country Enterprise Zone or BCEZ comprises a number of sites situated in Wolverhampton and Darlaston, between Walsall and Wolverhampton, and the i54 site at junction 2 of the M54.

Major regeneration scheme step closer Walsall Chronicle (Main), 15/12/2016, p.2, Unattributed jobs to the area. It is hoped businesses will move to sites around the M6's Junction 10 in Walsall as part of efforts to regenerate the Darlaston part of the Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ). The authority's deputy leader and portfolio for regeneration Councillor Lee Jeavons said: "Jobs are of the utmost importance in the borough, which has been hit

Enterprise zone hope for 2,000 jobs Walsall Chronicle (Main), 15/12/2016, p.4, Unattributed jobs to the area. It is hoped businesses will move to sites around the M6's Junction 10 in Walsall as part of efforts to regenerate the Darlaston part of the Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ). The authority's deputy leader and portfolio for regeneration Councillor Lee Jeavons said: "Jobs are of the utmost importance in the borough, which has been hit

Hopes high for light rail funding Stourbridge Chronicle (Main), 22/12/2016, p.2, Unattributed would be created for the design and construction of lightweight rail vehicles plus research and development facilities. Dudley Council has lodged a bid for a total of £837,000 with the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. Development boss Councillor Khurshid Ahmed said: "Creating jobs is a top priority for the council and the very light rail scheme will deliver on this.

Hopes high for light rail funding Dudley Chronicle (Main), 22/12/2016, p.2, Unattributed would be created for the design and construction of lightweight rail vehicles plus research and development facilities. Dudley Council has lodged a bid for a total of £837,000 with the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. Development boss Councillor Khurshid Ahmed said: "Creating jobs is a top priority for the council and the very light rail scheme will deliver on this.

6am start for sales in Boxing Day rush Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 23/12/2016, p.10, Lucy Thompson open from 10am until 4pm - the same as Cannock shopping centre. The Guildhall shopping centre in Stafford will be open from 10.30am until 4.30pm. Ninder Johal, member of the Black Country local enterprise partnership, said: "I think it will be a bumper Boxing Day but it'll be interesting to see the difference between online and in store. "The retail

New website promotes manufacturing growth Public (Web), 23/12/2016, Unattributed £100 million jointly-funded development regenerating a brownfield site into a national centre of excellence for construction and the built environment. Regional partners include the University of Wolverhampton, Dudley College, Black Country LEP, Thomas Dudley, Cast Metals Federation, Confederation of British Metalforming and the Institute of Cast Metal Engineers. The new website provides an overview of the partnership as

Boxing Day sales: West Midlands bargain hunters prepare for 6am start West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 25/12/2016, Unattributed 10am until 4pm – the same as Cannock shopping centre. The Guildhall shopping centre in Stafford will be open from 10.30am until 4.30pm. Ninder Johal, member of the Black Country local enterprise partnership, said: "I think it will be a bumper Boxing Day but it'll be interesting to see the difference between online and in store. "The

Boxing Day sales: Bargain hunters queue up from 4am for annual shopping spree - PICTURES West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 26/12/2016, Unattributed 10am until 4pm – the same as Cannock shopping centre. The Guildhall shopping centre in Stafford will be open from 10.30am until 4.30pm. Ninder Johal, member of the Black Country local enterprise partnership, said: "I think it will be a bumper Boxing Day but it'll be interesting to see the difference between online and in store." Furniture

Hopes high for light rail funding Halesowen Chronicle (Main), 22/12/2016, p.3, Unattributed would be created for the design and construction of lightweight rail vehicles plus research and development facilities. Dudley Council has lodged a bid for a total of £837,000 with the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership.Development boss Councillor Khurshid Ahmed said: "Creating jobs is a top priority for the council and the very light rail scheme will deliver on this." Made in the Black Country, Sold Around the World Black Country LEP Communications Report – December 2016 Overview  Monthly e-newsletter to external stakeholders  Christmas 2016 social media campaign #celebrateBlackCountry  First school event as part of the Careers & Enterprise Company: Passport to Employment programme  Supporting communications activity for the Governments Small Business Saturday campaign as well as project partners including: the University of Wolverhampton, West Midlands Fire Service, Centro, City Deal: Working Together project and the West Midlands Combined Authority.  Attendance at Regional Strategic Marcomms Group meetings Website analytics Total visits 1,826 Users 1,369 Page views 9,398

Top pages:

Social media analytics

LEP followers increased from 5,877 followers on 30 November 2016 to 5,941 on 3 1 December 2016 .

Followers: November December 2016 2017 Tweets 157 74 Tweet 83k 55.6k impressions Profile visits 1,822 1,413 Mentions 54 46 New followers 114 64

Top Tweet earned 2,454 impressions Partnership will boost vital regeneration in #Walsall and create 2,000 jobs bit.ly/2gQufqs #EnterpriseZone pic.twitter.com/sBGghhGkre 400 followers

Media coverage & AVE The advertising equivalent value of the coverage achieved: December 2016 £88,984.63 (November 2016 £71,245.70)

Investment Market Report: Wolverhampton & The Black Country - £10,373.22 Property Investor News (Main), 01/12/2016, p.42, Mark Hempshell aim of increasing the number of local jobs from 429,000 to 545,000 by 2033 and to strengthen the business base by creating an additional 1,500 new businesses each year. The Black Country Enterprise Zone or BCEZ comprises a number of sites situated in Wolverhampton and Darlaston, between Walsall and Wolverhampton, and the i54 site at junction 2 of the M54.

LUCKY 7 - £5,292.36 Business Insider (East Midlands) (Main), 01/01/2017, p.27, Unattributed that we can do is put up a development hoarding that will have no benefit on the community next door. RICHARD SMITH managing director, Opus Land SARAH MIDDLETON chief executive. Black Country Consortium RUPERTYOUNG development director, Nurton Developments JANE KEMP DLA Piper FIONA THOMSON real estate partner, DLA Piper

Made in the Black Country, Sold Around the World Black Country LEP Communications Report – December 2016 Overview  Monthly e-newsletter to external stakeholders  Christmas 2016 social media campaign #celebrateBlackCountry  First school event as part of the Careers & Enterprise Company: Passport to Employment programme  Supporting communications activity for the Governments Small Business Saturday campaign as well as project partners including: the University of Wolverhampton, West Midlands Fire Service, Centro, City Deal: Working Together project and the West Midlands Combined Authority.  Attendance at Regional Strategic Marcomms Group meetings Website analytics Total visits 1,826 Users 1,369 Page views 9,398

Top pages:

Social media analytics

LEP followers increased from 5,877 followers on 30 November 2016 to 5,941 on 3 1 December 2016 .

Followers: November December 2016 2017 Tweets 157 74 Tweet 83k 55.6k impressions Profile visits 1,822 1,413 Mentions 54 46 New followers 114 64

Top Tweet earned 2,454 impressions Partnership will boost vital regeneration in #Walsall and create 2,000 jobs bit.ly/2gQufqs #EnterpriseZone pic.twitter.com/sBGghhGkre 400 followers

Media coverage & AVE The advertising equivalent value of the coverage achieved: December 2016 £88,984.63 (November 2016 £71,245.70)

PR coverage – November 2016

Complete list of November coverage – 64 articles (total value: £71,245.70)

Go-ahead given for next phase of Springfield Campus The Phoenix Newspaper (Web), 31/10/2016, Unattributed will be retained and the area landscaped. Old and new buildings will be linked by a glazed link. The ECMS Hub, which has been supported by £7.6m from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership's Growth Deal, will function as an employer-led training facility for the region, designed to improve productivity and growth in the high value manufacturing (HVM) sector.

Foundry training centre helps fire Black Country regeneration B Daily (Web), 31/10/2016, Unattributed by Kayleigh Sydenham on 31 Oct 2016 A flagship manufacturing skills centre will be created in the heart of the Black Country following an £8m funding package from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. The funding will help launch a new Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills hub based in Wolverhampton along with training spokes in Tipton, Dudley and

Claims rail plans will boost city Shropshire Star (Shrewsbury) (Main), 01/11/2016, p.10, Unattributed The Interchange Partnership is behind the £120 million revamp. The project has now been given the go-ahead by the City of Wolverhampton Council bosses. Railway plans Ninder Johal, of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "It will help build on the regeneration of both Wolverhampton and the Black Country. "This means more visitors will come through a much-improved station

Claims rail plans will boost city Shropshire Star (Main), 01/11/2016, p.10, Unattributed The Interchange Partnership is behind the £120 million revamp. The project has now been given the go-ahead by the City of Wolverhampton Council bosses. Railway plans Ninder Johal, of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "It will help build on the regeneration of both Wolverhampton and the Black Country. "This means more visitors will come through a much-improved station

Multi-million pound plans for new railway station get the green light Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 01/11/2016, p.6, David Cosgrove will be revamped as part of the ongoing £120 million Interchange project, which has now been given the go- ahead by Wolverhampton council bosses. Ninder Johal, a board member at the Black Country LEP, said: "Wolverhampton railways station had fallen behind other similar stations around the country. "Obviously now with the incoming HS2 the timing for this is superb. "It will

Wolverhampton to get new station as part of £120m redevelopment Rail Technology Magazine (Web), 01/11/2016, Unattributed As part of the developments, a Midland Metro tram extension to Wolverhampton city centre has also been approved by the transport secretary. Ninder Johal, a board member of Black Country LEP, told local newspaper Express and Star: "Wolverhampton railway station had fallen behind other similar stations around the country. Obviously now with the incoming HS2 the timing for

Multi-million pound plans for Wolverhampton railway station get the green light West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 01/11/2016, Unattributed be revamped as part of the ongoing £120 million Interchange project, which has now been given the go-ahead by Wolverhampton council bosses. Ninder Johal, a board member at the Black Country LEP, said: "Wolverhampton railway station had fallen behind other similar stations around the country. "Obviously now with the incoming HS2 the timing for this is superb.

Top marks for new science centre as building hits the heights University Of Wolverhampton (Web), 01/11/2016, Unattributed offices, labs and workshops, as well as a café and space for parking. The project has been funded through a £4.8 million grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remaining £5.3 million coming from the University of Wolverhampton. Designed by the Fairhurst Design Group and built by Clegg Construction, the new

Top marks for new science centre as building hits the heights Public (Web), 01/11/2016, Unattributed offices, labs and workshops, as well as a café and space for parking. The project has been funded through a £4.8 million grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remaining £5.3 million coming from the University of Wolverhampton. Designed by the Fairhurst Design Group and built by Clegg Construction, the new

Topping out ceremony for £10m science hub Insider Media Limited (Web), 02/11/2016, Unattributed to work with businesses to help them grow and develop new products and processes as well as offering our students the chance for placements and graduate jobs." Ninder Johal, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) board member, added: "The LEP continues to support activities that focus on building on the strengths of the region with the aim of improving skills

TOPPING OUT CEREMONY FOR £10M SCIENCE HUB Midlands Insider Daily (Main), 02/11/2016, p.7, Unattributed want to work with businesses to help them grow and develop new products and processes as well as offering our students the chance for placements and graduate jobs." Ninder Johal, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) board member, added: "The LEP continues to support activities that focus on building on the strengths of the region with the aim of improving

Topping out for £10m science centre Express and Star (Sandwell) (Main), 04/11/2016, p.17, Nick Humphreys quality offices, labs and workshops, as well as a café and space for parking. The project has been funded through a £4.8 million grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remaining £5.3 million coming from the University of Wolverhampton. Designed by the Fairhurst Design Group and built by Clegg Construction, the new centre

Topping out time for £10m science centre Express and Star (City Final) (Main), 04/11/2016, p.17, Nick Humphreys quality offices, labs and workshops, as well as a café and space for parking. The project has been funded through a £4.8 million grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remaining £5.3 million coming from the University of Wolverhampton. Designed by the Fairhurst Design Group and built by Clegg Construction, the new centre

New £11.7m training centre given backing Dudley Chronicle (Main), 03/11/2016, p.15, Unattributed due to open in 2017 and it is hoped it will become the new institute of technology in the Black Country. The scheme received £7.6m of crucial funding from The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through its Growth Deal. Board member Ninder Johal said: "We really need to ensure manufacturing continues to flourish."

RAIL PLAN NOW FIRMLY ON TRACK Wolverhampton Chronicle (Main), 03/11/2016, p.1, David Cosgrove will be revamped as part of the ongoing £120 million Interchange project, which has now been given the go- ahead by Wolverhampton Council bosses. Ninder Johal, a board member at the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "Wolverhampton railways station had fallen behind similar stations around the country. "Obviously now with the incoming HS2 the timing for this is superb. It

Green light for Tipton specialist training site Sandwell Chronicle (Main), 03/11/2016, p.11, Unattributed to open in 2017 and it is hoped it will become the new institute of technology in the Black Country. The scheme received £7.6 million of crucial funding from The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through its Growth Deal. growing skills gap and hard to fill vacancies, an ageing workforce, absence of current training solutions and a shortage of

55,000 sq ft speculative industrial unit proposed for Airfield Drive, Aldridge Commercial News Media (Web), 09/11/2016, Unattributed unit on the site, which will be marketed as Airfield 55. LEP funding towards the development has been approved, representing the first Midlands scheme to receive Gap funding from the Black Country LEP. A planning application for the development will be submitted shortly and work on site is due to commence in Spring 2017, allowing occupation by early 2018.

Property deal sparks Black Country speculative scheme Insider Media Limited (Web), 09/11/2016, Unattributed funding partner Kay Properties (Midlands). If planning permission for the industrial unit is approved, it will be marketed at Airfield 55. The scheme has been awarded funding from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. Bob Tattrie, managing partner for Trebor Developments, said: "We are delighted to be working with Kay Properties again on another exciting development in order

09/11/2016 Trebor set to develop speculative unit in Walsall BusinessDesk (Web), 09/11/2016, Unattributed The scheme is being marketed as Airfield 55 and it has received an early boost from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, which has agreed to supply gap funding for the development – a first for the West Midlands.

Trebor set to develop speculative unit in Walsall BusinessDesk (Web), 09/11/2016, Unattributed ft speculative, industrial unit on the site, which is situated in Airfield Drive, Aldridge. The scheme is being marketed as Airfield 55 and it has received an early boost from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, which has agreed to supply gap funding for the development – a first for the West Midlands. Trebor said a planning application for the development would

PROPERTY DEAL SPARKS BLACK COUNTRY SPECULATIVE SCHEME Midlands Insider Daily (Main), 09/11/2016, p.19, Unattributed and funding partner Kay Properties (Midlands). If planning permission for the industrial unit is approved, it will be marketed at Airfield 55. The scheme has been awarded funding from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. Bob Tattrie, managing partner for Trebor Developments, said: "We are delighted to be working with Kay Properties again on another exciting development in order to

Funding is on target to increase Degree Level Apprenticeships University Of Wolverhampton (Web), 10/11/2016, Unattributed have secured additional funding to accelerate the growth of degree apprenticeships. "We have successfully delivered a small pilot for a Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Management in support of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership's strategic aims. We have also invested in a new Apprenticeship Hub designed to provide a focal point for the University and our employer and college

Blueprint for expansion of Black Country museum site Stourbridge Chronicle (Main), 10/11/2016, p.5, Unattributed a new visitor centre and extension of the tram line, has been backed by business bosses. The expansion project, creating 90 jobs, has been given the thumbs up by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which has pledged to support its £10 million funding push. Details of the ambitious development, which could include moving the site's entrance from Tipton

Blueprint for expansion of Black Country museum site Dudley Chronicle (Main), 10/11/2016, p.5, Unattributed a new visitor centre and extension of the tram line, has been backed by business bosses. The expansion project, creating 90 jobs, has been given the thumbs up by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which has pledged to support its £10 million funding push. Details of the ambitious development, which could include moving the site's entrance from Tipton

Top marks for new science centre as building hits the heights The Phoenix Newspaper (Web), 13/11/2016, Unattributed Top marks for new science centre as building hits the heights:The project has been funded through a £4.8 million grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remaining £5.3 million coming from the University of Wolverhampton. Designed by the Fairhurst Design Group and built by Clegg Construction, the new

M5 USERS FACING MONTHS OF MISERY Express and Star (Sandwell) (Main), 14/11/2016, p.1, Richard Guttridge will see the existing waterproofing system, last renewed 30 years ago, replaced. If the work is not done, experts fear the viaduct will continue to deteriorate. A report by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership had suggested the work could last for five years but Highways England has distanced itself from that timescale estimate. It is the latest headache facing

M5 roadworks misery with TWO YEARS of work set to start Birmingham Post (Web), 14/11/2016, Unattributed two years. A waterproofing system will be replaced on the 1.8-mile Oldbury Viaduct which runs over the motorway - something last done in 1987. Read More Black Country LEP said a number of unplanned repairs had taken place in recent years and, if left untreated, there would be "continued significant deterioration" of the reinforced concrete bridge

M5 roadworks: Motorists facing months of misery with repairs planned to crumbling viaduct West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 14/11/2016, Unattributed the existing waterproofing system, last renewed 30 years ago, replaced. If the work is not done, experts fear the viaduct will continue to deteriorate. A report by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership had suggested the work could last for five years but Highways England has distanced itself from that timescale estimate. It is the latest headache

Drivers face two years of misery over work on M5 Birmingham Mail (Central City Final) (Main), 15/11/2016, p.13, Tamlyn Jones contraflow system. Slip roads could also be closed during the works, although Highways England says it hopes that will not be the case for the entirety of the scheme. The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership says that a number of unplanned repairs have taken place in recent years. If left untreated, there would be "continued significant deterioration" of the reinforced

M5 roadworks misery with TWO YEARS of work set to start Birmingham Post (Web), 14/11/2016, Unattributed expected to last around two years. A waterproofing system will be replaced on the 1.8-mile Oldbury Viaduct which runs over the motorway - something last done in 1987. Read More Black Country LEP said a number of unplanned repairs had taken place in recent years and, if left untreated, there would be "continued significant deterioration" of the reinforced concrete bridge

Planning for Airfield 55 Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 15/11/2016, p.21, Unattributed planning approval, building work on Airfield 55 is expected to begin in the spring with completion ready for occupation in early 2018. The project has been awarded funding from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. Marketing agents will be BNP Paribas and Burley Browne.

City law society reveals its winners Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 15/11/2016, p.21, John Corser The winners were chosen by an independent panel of leading business figures including Rav Hothi, the West Midlands regional manager of the Law Society; Ninder Johal, board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership; Gail Arnold, from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce; Professor Peter Walton of the University of Wolverhampton and the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Barry Findlay.

City law society reveals its winners West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 15/11/2016, Unattributed The winners were chosen by an independent panel of leading business figures including Rav Hothi, the West Midlands regional manager of the Law Society; Ninder Johal, board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership; Gail Arnold, from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce; Professor Peter Walton of the University of Wolverhampton and the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Barry Findlay. Major M-way repairs could mean two years of misery Birmingham Post (Main), 17/11/2016, p.9, Unattributed and is expected to last around two years. A waterproofing system will be replaced on the 1.8-mile viaduct which carries the motorway, 29 years after it was last repaired. The Black Country Local Enterprise partnership said a number of unplanned repairs had taken place in recent years and, if left untreated, there would be "continued significant deterioration" of the reinforced

Wolverhampton Law Society celebrates third annual awards MidlandsBusinessNews.co.uk (Web), 16/11/2016, Unattributed the winners chosen by an independent panel of leading business figures comprised of Rav Hothi, the West Midlands Regional Manager of the Law Society; Ninder Johal, Board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership; Gail Arnold, from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce; Professor Peter Walton of the University of Wolverhampton; and the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Barry Findlay.

Topping-out ceremony Machinery Market (Main), 17/11/2016, p.21, Unattributed university. We want to work with businesses to help them grow and develop new products and processes, as well as offering our students the chance for placements and graduate jobs." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "We continue to support activities that build on the strengths of the region, with the aim of improving skills development; the new

Science centre hits the heights UniversityBusiness.co.uk (Web), 19/11/2016, Unattributed offices, labs and workshops, as well as a café and space for parking. The project has been funded through a £4.8 million grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remaining £5.3 million coming from the University of Wolverhampton. Designed by the Fairhurst Design Group and built by Clegg Construction, the new

Science centre hits the heights Education Technology (Web), 19/11/2016, Unattributed offices, labs and workshops, as well as a café and space for parking. The project has been funded through a £4.8 million grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remaining £5.3 million coming from the University of Wolverhampton. Designed by the Fairhurst Design Group and built by Clegg Construction, the new

Science centre hits the heights Edquarter (Web), 19/11/2016, Unattributed offices, labs and workshops, as well as a café and space for parking. The project has been funded through a £4.8 million grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remaining £5.3 million coming from the University of Wolverhampton. Designed by the Fairhurst Design Group and built by Clegg Construction, the new

Science centre hits the heights UniversityBusiness.co.uk (Web), 19/11/2016, Unattributed Science centre hits the heights:Pictured left to right: Lynsey Whitfield, Project Manager at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Ninder Johal, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board Member, Simon Blackburn, Managing Director of Clegg Construction, Professor Ian Oakes Topping Out ceremony held at the University of Wolverhampton An official ‘Topping Out'

Pride as sports stars honoured with awards Wolverhampton Chronicle (Main), 17/11/2016, p.74, Jack Averty SPORTING heroes from across the Black Country have been honoured at a special awards ceremony. Scores of sports stars and clubs packed into the Showcase Cinema in Dudley for the annual Black Country and Physical Activity Awards. In total there were eight awards handed out, including the Sports Personality of the Year - hotly contested by an Olympian and two

Pride as sports stars honoured with awards Walsall Chronicle (Main), 17/11/2016, p.43, Unattributed SPORTING heroes from across the Black Country have been honoured at a special awards ceremony. Scores of sports stars and clubs packed into the Showcase Cinema in Dudley for the annual Black Country and Physical Activity Awards. In total there were eight awards handed out, including the Sports Personality of the Year - hotly contested by an Olympian and two

Pride as sports stars honoured with awards Stourbridge Chronicle (Main), 17/11/2016, p.39, Jack Averty SPORTING heroes from across the Black Country have been honoured at a special awards ceremony. Scores of sports stars and clubs packed into the Showcase Cinema in Dudley for the annual Black Country and Physical Activity Awards. In total there were eight awards handed out, including the Sports Personality of the Year - hotly contested by an Olympian and two

M5 works to cause misery for motorists Sandwell Chronicle (Main), 17/11/2016, p.11, Unattributed will see the existing waterproofing system, last renewed 30 years ago, replaced. If the work is not done, experts fear the viaduct will continue to deteriorate. A report by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership had suggested on the Oldbury viaduct, 2 of the motorway, was five years, but Highways will take 'significantly less' By Richard Guttridge the work could

Pride as sports stars honoured with awards Sandwell Chronicle (Main), 17/11/2016, p.51, Unattributed SPORTING heroes from across the Black Country have been honoured at a special awards ceremony. Scores of sports stars and clubs packed into the Showcase Cinema in Dudley for the annual Black Country and Physical Activity Awards. In total there were eight awards handed out, including the Sports Personality of the Year - hotly contested by an Olympian and two

Pride as sports stars honoured with awards Halesowen Chronicle (Main), 17/11/2016, p.39, Jack Averty SPORTING heroes from across the Black Country have been honoured at a special awards ceremony. Scores of sports stars and clubs packed into the Showcase Cinema in Dudley for the annual Black Country and Physical Activity Awards. In total there were eight awards handed out, including the Sports Personality of the Year - hotly contested by an Olympian and two

Wolverhampton Law Society celebrates third annual awards? The Bip (Web), 21/11/2016, Unattributed the winners chosen by an independent panel of leading business figures comprised of Rav Hothi, the West Midlands Regional Manager of the Law Society; Ninder Johal, Board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership; Gail Arnold, from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce; Professor Peter Walton of the University of Wolverhampton; and the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Barry Findlay.

Leading Sikh figure recognised for work Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 22/11/2016, p.21, Unattributed Group for UK Sikhs and Sikh Federation UK's special contribution and recognition award. He was recognised for his role with the chamber, his work as a board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and contribution to the music industry through his businesses Nachural Communications and HRA Loudspeakers. Mr Johal, who is also a member of Bhangra group Achanak,

Speeding up access to European clients Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 22/11/2016, p.27, Unattributed MORE than 30,000 businesses and households are now able to access high-speed fibre broadband thanks to the ambitious Black Country Broadband Project,. Lead partners Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and BT say the latest areas to benefit include parts of Aldridge, Bearwood, Brownhills, Fallings Park, Finchfield, Great Barr, Halesowen, Kingswinford, Lye, Pelsall, Penn,

Political winds of change could power Midlands Engine BusinessDesk (Web), 22/11/2016, Unattributed on the political radar.” The first test of that will come when Mr Osborne’s replacement at the Treasury, Philip Hammond, delivers his first Autumn Statement. Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: “It’s so galling each time there’s an Autumn Statement, or a Budget statement, they’ll mention the Northern Powerhouse, they will never mention Art exhibition at the Portal Towpath Talk (Web), 22/11/2016, Unattributed in a variety of different styles and media. Major funding partners for the project to create the Portal include the European Regional Development Fund £997,000, Heritage Lottery Fund £989,000, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership £755,000 and Biffa Award £500,000. Other charitable donors include The Garfield Weston Foundation, J P Getty Jr Charitable Trust, Headley Trust, The Wolfson Foundation, Dudley

Speeding up access for European clients West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 22/11/2016, Unattributed up access for European clients:From left, Ravi Kumar from Black Country LEP, Michael Hudson and MD Andy Cox of Cox & Plant, and Ian Binks from BT Lead partners Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and BT say the latest areas to benefit include parts of Aldridge, Bearwood, Brownhills, Fallings Park, Finchfield, Great Barr, Halesowen, Kingswinford, Lye, Pelsall, Penn,

Topping-out ceremony Machinery Market (Web), 23/11/2016, Unattributed "We want to work with businesses to help them grow and develop new products and processes, as well as offering our students the chance for placements and graduate jobs." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "We continue to support activities that build on the strengths of the region, with the aim of improving skills development; the new

Devolved powers and 'eye-watering' debt Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 24/11/2016, p.27, Peter Madeley potential of a second devolution deal could 'not be underestimated'. "If we can negotiate further powers, it will be another step towards the West Midlands taking decisions for itself." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said the statement was 'a glowing endorsement' of the Government's commitment to the West Midlands. "We have another devolution deal on the way

College told to tackle debt Express and Star (Walsall) (Main), 24/11/2016, p.7, Peter Madeley to improve its financial position' in recent years. College bosses say both issues are in the process of being dealt with. Negotiations are taking place with Wolverhampton Council and the Black Country LEP that could see the college move to a new city centre learning quarter in three years. And a bid has been submitted for government transition funding to

College told to tackle debt Express and Star (Sandwell) (Main), 24/11/2016, p.7, Peter Madeley to improve its financial position' in recent years. College bosses say both issues are in the process of being dealt with. Negotiations are taking place with Wolverhampton Council and the Black Country LEP that could see the college move to a new city centre learning quarter in three years. And a bid has been submitted for government transition funding to

College told to tackle debt Express and Star (Dudley) (Main), 24/11/2016, p.7, Peter Madeley to improve its financial position' in recent years. College bosses say both issues are in the process of being dealt with. Negotiations are taking place with Wolverhampton Council and the Black Country LEP that could see the college move to a new city centre learning quarter in three years. And a bid has been submitted for government transition funding to

COLLEGE TOLD TO TACKLE £20M DEBT Express and Star (City Final) (Main), 24/11/2016, p.1, Peter Madeley to improve its financial position' in recent years. College bosses say both issues are in the process of being dealt with. Negotiations are taking place with Wolverhampton Council and the Black Country LEP that could see the college move to a new city centre learning quarter in three years. Transition And a bid has been submitted for government transition funding

City of Wolverhampton College told to tackle debt and improve buildings West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 24/11/2016, Unattributed improve its financial position' in recent years. College bosses say both issues are in the process of being dealt with. Negotiations are taking place with Wolverhampton Council and the Black Country LEP that could see the college move to a new city centre learning quarter in three years. And a bid has been submitted for Government transition funding

Birmingham Post Rich List 2015 Birmingham Post (Web), 24/11/2016, Unattributed concentrating on the area covered by our three Local Enterprise Partnerships: the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP which also covers a large part of Staffordshire and parts of Worcestershire, the Black Country LEP and the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP. The 50 multi-millionaires on our 2015 list all either live, work or make a significant economic or cultural contribution to

Devolved powers and 'eye-watering' debt Express & Star (Kidderminster) (Main), 24/11/2016, p.32, Peter Madeley the potential of a second devolution deal could 'not be underestimated'. If we can negotiate further powers, it will be another step towards the West Midlands taking decisions for itself." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said the statement was 'a glowing endorsement' of the Government's commitment to the West Midlands. "We have another devolution deal on the way

Devolved powers and 'eye-watering' debt Stafford Express & Star (Main), 24/11/2016, p.34, Peter Madeley the potential of a second devolution deal could 'not be underestimated'. If we can negotiate further powers, it will be another step towards the West Midlands taking decisions for itself." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said the statement was 'a glowing endorsement' of the Government's commitment to the West Midlands. "We have another devolution deal on the way

Work to begin before Christmas on Pensnett Estate extension Commercial News Media (Web), 29/11/2016, Unattributed property. Three years ago, LCP invested £1.5 million in Progress Point, a speculative development on the estate comprising 21,000 sq ft of high quality warehouse and industrial space. The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) has been supporting LCP with the latest development. The contractor for the development is Telford-based McPhillips and LCP will be marketing the development. Unattributed [sourcelink]http://www.commercialnewsmedia.com/archives/55357 [/sourcelink]

Work starts on Black Country spec scheme Press On SHD (Web), 29/11/2016, Unattributed The Pensnett Estate is one of the largest secure business estates in Europe, and home to 160 businesses in over 2.4 million sq ft of commercial property. The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership has been supporting the latest development. About SHD Logistics SHDLogistics.com and SHD Logistics magazine lead the industry as part of a suite of

Made in the Black Country, Sold Around the World Black Country LEP Communications Report – November 2016 Overview  Broadband 30,000 premises milestone PR  Christmas 2016 social media campaign  Supporting communications activity for MP Mike Wood as well as project partners including: Cabinet Office, the University of Wolverhampton, West Midlands Police, Smart City Network, HS2 Ltd, Dudley Council, Aston Business School, Midlands Engine, Dudley Canal Trust, Wolverhampton Council, City Deal: Working Together project, Careers Enterprise Company: mentoring programme, BC Growth Hub, Business Solutions Centre and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.  Attendance at Regional Strategic Marcomms Group meetings Website analytics Total visits 2,456 Users 1,655 Page views 16,268

Top pages:

Social media analytics

LEP followers increased from 5,763 followers on 31 October 2016 to 5,877 on 30 November 2016 .

Followers: October November 2016 2016 Tweets 84 157 Tweet 46.2k 83k impressions Profile visits 1,633 1,822 Mentions 74 54 New followers 115 114

Top Tweet earned 3,203 impressions The #WestMidlands is home to international construction companies such as @Carillionplc @Tarmac_BP @ShaylorGroup & others #investbc #aeuk16 391 pic.twitter.com/JKvAW3eRMP followers

Media coverage & AVE The advertising equivalent value of the coverage achieved: November 2016 £71,245.70 (October 2016 £145,911.00)

City of Wolverhampton College told to tackle debt and improve buildings - £5,192.00 West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 24/11/2016, Unattributed improve its financial position' in recent years. College bosses say both issues are in the process of being dealt with. Negotiations are taking place with Wolverhampton Council and the Black Country LEP that could see the college move to a new city centre learning quarter in three years. And a bid has been submitted for Government transition funding

Speeding up access for European clients - £5,192.00 West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 22/11/2016, Unattributed up access for European clients:From left, Ravi Kumar from Black Country LEP, Michael Hudson and MD Andy Cox of Cox & Plant, and Ian Binks from BT Lead partners Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and BT say the latest areas to benefit include parts of Aldridge, Bearwood, Brownhills, Fallings Park, Finchfield, Great Barr, Halesowen, Kingswinford, Lye, Pelsall, Penn,