BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP MEETING OF THE PARTNERSHIP BOARD
Monday, 19th November 2018 at 3.00pm at NMC, 47 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, Birmingham B70 6PY A G E N D A
No Item Presenter Report Appendices PM 3.00 1 Apologies Chair None None 2 Declarations of Interests, etc. Chair None None 3.05 3 Minutes of the LEP Board held on 22nd October Chair Yes None 2018 3.10 4 Policy Update SM/DD Yes Yes i. LEP Review Update ii. Policy Away Day – 17th December 2018 iii. Place Making and Land Theme Advisory Board – Away Day – 13th December 2018 iv. Garden City – Black Country Submission v. Annual Conversation vi. Economic Intelligence Unit – Briefing and responses
3.15 5 West Midlands Combined Authority Update LA Leader/ SM Yes Yes 3.20 6 Black Country Local Implementation Plan SM Yes Yes
3.25 7 LEP Core and Strategic Funding SM Yes None
3.30 8 Local Programme Dashboards • In Flight Current Financial Year LC/IC TBC None • Future Years • Pipeline • Land and Property Investment Fund (Public) • Growing Priority Sectors • Growing Places • Enterprise Zones
3.40 9 Local Growth Fund (LGF) Chair of a) Mill Lane Grip FSG Yes None b) Growing Priority Sectors – Corrugated Box Supplies Ltd c) Growing Priority Sectors – Harco Engineering Ltd d) Growing Priority Sectors – P& R
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Engineering Ltd e) Growing Priority Sectors – PK Engineering f) Growing Priority Sectors – Sant Products Ltd g) Growing Priority Sectors – The Label Centre Ltd h) Wolverhampton i9 i) Black Country Train Stations 3.55 10 Land and Property Investment Fund a) Wolverhampton i9 4.00 11 Assurance Framework – Revisions Chair of Yes None FSG 4.05 12 Funding Applications Sub-Group – 7th October Chair of 2018 FSG To follow None
4.10 13 Draft Place Making and Land Theme Advisory TW Yes None Board – 11th September 2018 4.15 14 Draft Competitiveness Theme Advisory Board – PB Yes None 20th September 2018 4.20 15 Draft Active Black Country Partnership Board – IC Yes None 21st September 2018 4.25 16 Draft Employment & Skills (People) Theme JD Yes None Advisory Board – 24th October 2018.
4.30 17 PR and Communications Report Comms Member Yes Yes 4.35 18 Date of Next Meetings – Chair None None 17th December Away Day – GTG, Bearing Drive, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV11 3SZ 4.40 19 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) Exempt Information Paragraph 3 Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
4.40 20 Private Minutes of the LEP Board held on 22nd Chair Yes None October 2018
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4.45 21 Black Country Local Growth Deal Contingent LC Yes None Liabilities
4.50 22 Local Growth Fund – Woods Lane LC Yes Yes
4.55 23 Land and Property Investment Fund – LC/IC Yes None Dashboard (Private)
5.00 24 Policy Update - LEP Review Update SM Yes Yes
BCC Ltd Directors Business Chris Handy in the Chair 1 Minutes of Directors meeting held on 22nd CH Yes None October 2018 2 Audited Accounts TW Yes Yes
The meeting is scheduled to close at 5.00pm
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Minutes of a Meeting of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership
22nd October 2018 at 3.00pm Dudley College, The Broadway, Dudley DY1 4AS
Present: Chris Handy Accord Housing (in the Chair); Cllr. Adrian Andrew Walsall MBC; Paul Brown EY; Cllr. Keiran Casey Dudley MBC; Andrew Cox Cox & Plant; Jackie Dunne University of Wolverhampton; Prof Geoff Layer University of Wolverhampton; Simon Eastwood Carillion Developments; Lindsey Flynn Well Associates Ltd; Cllr. Bill Gavan Sandwell MBC; Ninder Johal Nachural Communications; Cllr. John Reynolds City of Wolverhampton; and Tom Westley Westley Group.
In Attendance: Sarah Norman Dudley MBC; Sarah Middleton Black Country Consortium Ltd; Katherine Birch Black Country Consortium Ltd; Lara Cragg Black Country Consortium Ltd; Ian Cribbes Black Country Consortium Ltd; Delma Dwight Black Country Consortium Ltd; Charlie Hopkirk Black Country Consortium Ltd; Peter Smith BEIS; and Hywel Ruddick Black Country Consortium Ltd.
Apologies: Councillors Bird, Eling, Lowe and Jatinder Sharma, Stewart Towe and Deborah Williams.
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158/18 Appointment of Interim Deputy Chairman
Sarah Middleton advised that there was a need to appoint an Interim Deputy Chairman to cover the associated duties of the post. She advised that the revised Assurance Framework, would require the appointment of Deputy Chairman role.
Two nominations had been received for Chris Handy to undertake the role and Members:
Agreed 1) that Chris Handy be appointed Interim Deputy Chair of the Black Country LEP Board; and 2) that the LEP Board undertake to appoint a permanent Deputy Chair role for the Board.
159/18 Declarations of Interest
Agreed that the following Declarations be noted: - 1) Lindsey Flynn – referenced European Structural Investment Fund (Minute 165/18) and declared her non-pecuniary interest in the item, in that her company had received funding from the Building Better Opportunities fund. It was noted that the report was for information on future funding and thus no decision was required thereon. 2) Tom Westley – referenced his on-going interests in the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills and Dudley College. It was noted that there were no decisions required thereon. 3) Chris Handy – Funding Applications Sub-Board minutes 1st October 2018 (Minute 171/18). With reference to the update on Woods Lane he advised that Accord Group may be undertaking work on the site in the future. He advised the Board in the interests of transparency.
160/18 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 17th September 2018 were circulated.
Agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 17th September 2018, be received and confirmed as a correct record.
161/18 Policy Update
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The meeting considered the following Policy Updates: - i. Garden City Submission ii. Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) – Statistics relating to: - • UK Business Counts Annual Release; • UK Business Register and Employment (BRES) Survey: 27th September Release; • 2016 Household Projections – Black Country • Employer Skills Survey 2017.
Delma Dwight provided an over of the statistics and highlighted: - • There had been an increase in new business starts. The Chair queried the figures of 33k and 37k and was advised that one represented a snap shot in time, whilst the latter figure provided the demography overall. • Andy Cox referenced the support structure from the Growth Hub and stated that it would be interesting to have data on business failures and the types of business that failed. Prof Geoff Layer note that if a business survived the first three years it could be considered sustainable, with another key milestone reached when a business had been established for ten years. • Sarah Middleton stated that statistics would be provided on business failures. • The Chair welcomed data on earnings with the new jobs, that is whether earnings were increasing or they were low paid jobs. • Tom Westley stated a breakdown of data on where the jobs were arising by sector would be useful. • Reference was made to Dudley and the lack of industrial space available, Sarah Norman advised that this was an issue in the BC Core Strategy Review, which identified the shortage of both employment and housing sites across the region. • The Employment & Skills survey identified 16,000 vacancies with 4,000 because of a skills shortage, primarily in construction and manufacturing. • It was noted that work was being undertaken through the Employment & Skills Theme Advisory Board to encourage and provide opportunities for employers to train their staff.
Agreed that the LEP Board: - 1) note the Policy update; and 2) receive an update from the EIU on the additional statistics requested and detailed above.
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162/18 Strategic Company Barometer
Delma Dwight provided an update on the Strategic Companies and highlighted that the Black Country’s Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) identified 12 strategic programmes aimed at enabling businesses in the priority sectors to grow and deliver the Black Country’s contribution to the implementation of the UK Industrial Strategy.
She highlighted, some key figures: - There were 37,490 active businesses in the Black Country in 2017 and the majority of the Black Country Business Base were SME’s employing less than 250 people (99.6%) and generating less than £250,000 (69%) in turnover. Across the 2,160 strategic companies, they contributed an estimated £41bn in turnover, £10.7bn in GVA and nearly 200,000 people to the Black Country economy. This was a decrease from the value of our 2017 strategic companies’ barometer, of which the companies generated £47bn turnover, £11.8bn GVA and 332,000 people. Comparing the 2017 and 2018 barometers, the number of Black Country Strategic Companies with a turnover of £100m or more has reduced from 40 to 35, but the number of strategic companies with 100 or more jobs had increased from 215 to 231. 66% of companies operate within transformational sectors, with the majority in Advanced Manufacturing (29%) whilst across the enabling sectors they were largely within the Retail sector (34%). The Black Country needed to grow £11.9bn GVA and 54,000 jobs in our transformational sectors by 2030 to reach the Black Country SEP 2030 target and an additional £4.9bn and 49,500 jobs across the enabling sectors. This amounted to a total of £16.8bn and 103,500 jobs across Black Country sectors. Reference was made to the 9 companies with the highest turnover and it was noted that whilst the WM Growth Company did have a list of BC companies to promote and assist economic activity, the majority would manage their own growth with a requirement for minimal public sector information.
With reference to the reduction on turnover, GVA and jobs from 2017 to 2018, it was noted that Carillion had been on the list of the top companies.
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Paul Brown referenced the previous suggestion of having a Board Members championing a company and suggested that this should be revisited.
Reference was made to the Growth Hub to include sales and marketing, return on investment and the issue of land availability being a big factor. The Chair advised that this would be an item for consideration at the Away Day.
In relation to the work of the Growth Hub, Ninder Johal observed that much of the work was reactive and that if smaller companies were bring forward growth then there was a need to identify where the enquiries were coming from, identify whom to target and consider the potential over the forthcoming years.
The Chair concurred that whilst there was a need to identify major companies there was need to review what other companies were doing and what they would be doing in the future. Prof Geoff Layer advised that the University would be able commit some resource.
Cllr. Adrian Andrew welcomed engagement with business owners but stated that there was a need to identify landowners and target them to release land for businesses and homes. Sarah Middleton stated that work could be done to granular categorisation of landowners across the Black Country.
Agreed That the LEP Board: -
1) Note the publication of the Black Country Strategic Barometers report 2018; 2) Agree to the production of relevant PR/marketing material to share the strategic companies with wider stakeholders; 3) That Growth Hub be and item on the Away Day agenda; and 4) That work be undertaken to identify and categorise landowners across the Black Country.
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163/18 WMCA Update – including WMCA Local Industrial Strategy (LIS)
Sarah Middleton presented the WMCA LIS and highlighted that the consultation document represented an opportunity to provide comments by 15th November 2018.
She highlighted that the LIS had been developed through a collaborative approach with the three WM LEPs and WMCA and the aim was to enable growth (50,000more jobs0; improve productivity and ensure inclusive growth.
She stated that the Black Country represented 70% of the Productivity and Output gap across the region thus investment was required in order to reduce this gap.
Whilst the Black Country LEP and partners have been heavily involved in the production of the WM LIS until now, there remained an opportunity to respond to the consultation document in order to more deeply engrain a Black Country voice on our area’s needs and opportunities and to maximise the overall contribution regionally and nationally. From an initial assessment of the WM LIS consultation document, it was that, despite there being some really useful components to the strategy and a vitally important narrative around productivity and inclusive growth, there were significant gaps. Initial thoughts to be considered were: • The focus on supply chain improvement was included (e.g. through Productivity Factory programme) but underplayed. This should be seen as a crucial part of the opportunities across key sectors such as aerospace and automotive, and should be a strategic thread throughout, reflecting supply chains as the backbone of our economy. • There appears too much focus on high-level automotive/high ticket items rather than the quality and robustness of the BC supply chain – and how we need to diversify for new technologies such as electric vehicles. This is crucial to the success of these industries locally for years to come. • Some of the region’s key manufacturing sub-sectors (e.g. metals/materials, rail, aerospace) are generally underplayed at the expense of an imbalanced view on automotive. All of these are important going forward, and the cross-sector & supply
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chain nature of the manufacturing economy needs to be capitalised on. • Many of the asks BC LEP put forward (from the sector action plans & the Black Country LIS) have either not been included or underplayed – e.g. extension of the Black Country Skills Factory, the CITEC innovation programme). • The “big ticket” items relate to Coventry and Birmingham (Commonwealth Games/Coventry City of Culture). The Black Country needs to proactively put across a number of smaller (but impactful) projects which, together, can be similar in scale to these. We envisage that these need to be based around supply chain development. • Innovation spending was highly concentrated in OEMs and that BC supply chains across sectors need greater support (e.g. through the Black Country Innovation Factory).
The meeting was advised that the consultation was open until Thursday 15th November. In the weeks ahead, a large number of organisations were running events and discussions about the ideas and actions in the document. Through the LEP Board and all LEP advisory groups, it was important for the Black Country to provide a strong overall response to the WMCA, possibly incorporating other local partners. The Chair acknowledged the comments and agreed that there was a need to influence and strengthen the document with a greater emphasis on the needs of the BC. Reference was made to Exports and the limited number of International Trade Advisors it was agreed that there was a need to strengthen business support for the BC and wider WM. It was commented there was a need for a “Business Link” style support to include mentoring and export support. Peter Smith advised that the LIS should build on strengths and opportunities, with an additional focus for the region.
With reference to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), it was noted that there was a need to be ready to respond to funding calls and the BC’s Pipeline of projects with an understanding of the shape of interventions required was critical.
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With reference to any potential impact of the LEP Review, Peter Smith advised that the potential impact would be on areas with geographical overlaps. It was noted that it was critical in business asks hat importance of the metals sector and other supply chain sectors remained.
Sarah Middleton advised that the BC LIS would overlap with the 10 priorities identified in the WMCA LIS.
Agreed that the LEP Board notes: - 1) Note the Black Country’s ongoing role in developing the WMCA Industrial Strategy and within the consultation period. 2) Support and add to our initial thoughts on the WM LIS consultation and what it means for the Black Country. Provide comment on what is missing. 3) Agree process for consultation to the WM LIS.
164/18 Black Country Local Industrial Strategy
Sarah Middleton presented the BC LIS and stated that it aimed to maximise the Black Country’s contribution to the national economy & was the BC part in the delivery of the West Midlands LIS, in particular focusing on the drive to raise productivity and increase inclusive growth.
Peter Smith advised that whilst the Government were requiring LIS’s from the CA’s it was expected that LEPs would provide delivery or implementation plans.
Sarah Middleton highlighted the 11 programmes that underpinned the Black Country LIS: 1. Black Country Productivity Factory, provided productivity support for BC supply chains; three themes of supply chain, exporting & funding; 2. Black Country Innovation Factory, to increase the innovative capacity of our SMEs; 3. Black Country Garden City, promoted the use of modern methods of construction to accelerate the delivery of our Garden City programme; 4. Black Country Skills Factory, extended the reach of our current provision of employer-led training;
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5. Better Energy, through a programme of activities based around our Energy Innovation Zone; 6. Skills Capital, provided the training facilities and equipment required by industry; 7. Careers & Schools, raising performance throughout, from early years to adult education. 8. Skills for the Unemployed, to improve the life chances of residents through employability and skills development of hard- to-reach groups; 9. HVM City, a comprehensive programme of activity to uplift the quality of existing employment areas and identify sites of industrial excellence; 10. Connected Black Country, providing the infrastructure to better connect the Black Country by road and rail; 11. Economic Capital, building on our cultural heritage to strengthen local town & city centres.
The Chair noted that the BC key priorities should be fed into the WMCA LIS.
Behind the work of the BC plan was the development of Smartsheet which provide an economic profile at a glance and an example was presented to the meeting.
Agreed that the LEP Board: - 1) Note the progress of the Black Country LIS production; 2) Provide comments on the first draft including identification of any gaps and comment on the existing pipeline; and 3) Agree to the continued development of this document in line with emerging government timescales, including supporting a consultation period. 4) that the Smartsheet link be circulated to Members.
165/18 European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) Update
Zoey West provided an update on the current Black Country ESIF programme, including current funding commitments across the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF) funding streams, together with the recent uprating
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(increases as a result of the lower value of the £) of Black Country ESF funding allocations.
The letter from Big Lottery to Stewart, advising – that the Big Lottery Fund Board (BLFB) had met and agreed to put further Lottery investment into Building Better Opportunities (BBO), the Fund’s ESF activity, under ESF investment priority 1.4, Active Inclusion was received and noted.
It was noted that the BLFB would be in contact to provide a list of the projects in the BC area that meet the criteria and would ask for the ESIF Committee’s initial comments on the proposal to extend BBO projects in the BC area to ensure that the projects continued to meet the local context. They would then then contact the Chair and the ESIF Committee to advise how much more ESF and Big Lottery Fund investment would be needed to extend the existing projects up to 2023.
The further investment is to be used to extend the existing BBO projects in your LEP area, provided they were performing satisfactorily against targets.
Agreed that the LEP Board: - 1) note the report; and 2) note the information in the letter received.
166/18 Local Programme Dashboards
The meeting received the following dashboards: - • In Flight Current Financial Year • Future Years • Pipeline • Land and Property Investment Fund (LPIF) (Public) • Growing Priority Sectors • Enterprise Zones
Agreed that the LEP Board receive and note the updates on the respective dashboards.
167/18 Local Growth Fund – Growing Priority Sectors - Rubber and Plastics Ltd
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The Rubber and Plastics Ltd application was submitted.
Agreed that the LEP Board approves the UK Rubber & Plastics Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme. Grant funding is to be awarded to the value of £50,000 with delivery to commence in the 2018/19 financial year.
168/18 Local Growth Fund – Valent Applications Ltd
The Valent Applications Ltd application was submitted.
Agreed that the LEP Board approves the Valent Applications Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme. Grant funding is to be awarded to the value of £83,264 with delivery to commence in the 2018/19 financial year.
169/18 Local Growth Fund – RP Technology
The RP Technology application was submitted.
Agreed that the LEP Board: - 1) that the LEP Board approves the Change Request for the RP Technologies Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme; and 2) that the Board note that additional Grant funding is to be awarded to the value of £1028.72.
170/18 Local Growth Fund – Assurance Framework
The LEP Board were advised that within section 1 of the framework, under BCLEP governance and decision-making, it was stated that authority for change control had been delegated to the PMO manager. “Deploy a Change Control process with clearly stated range of Project Tolerances, at 10% maximum of the total value of in year grant, applied to in-flight projects, approved by BCLEP Board. “
Given the level of responsibility and potential conflict of interest, it had been suggested that the authority should be given to the Chair of the Funding Sub Group.
Following consideration, it was
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Agreed that the LEP Board: - 1) Approves the proposed change to Delegated Authority to Deploy a Change Control as detailed above, to the Chair of the Funding Applications Sub-Board; and 2) That the change in delegation be captured in the Black Country LEP Assurance Framework.
171/18 Funding Sub-Group – 1st October 2018
The Minutes of the Funding Sub-Group held on 1st October 2018 were submitted.
Agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 1st October 2018 be confirmed and approved.
172/18 Employment & Skills (People) Theme Advisory Board – 11th July 2018
Jackie Dunne presented the minutes and advised that currently, arising from the LEP Away Day session in June 2018, there was a Task & Finish Group considering the Health & Care Sector. The aim was to report back to the December 2018 Away Day.
Agreed that the LEP Board note the contents of the minutes of the Employment & Skills (People) Theme Advisory Board held on 11th July 2018.
173/18 PR and Comms Report
Ninder Johal presented the report.
Agreed that the report and dashboard be noted.
174/18 Date of Next Meetings 17th September 2018
Agreed that the LEP Board note that the next meetings would be held on 19th November – NMC, West Bromwich at 3.00pm and 17th December 2018, at noon. 175/18 Exclusion of Press and Public
Agreed 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.
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Paragraph 3 Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
176/18 Private minutes of the LEP Board – 17th September 2018
The Private Minuets of the meeting held on 17th September 2018 were submitted. Agreed that the minutes of the private session of the meeting held on 17th September 2018, be received and confirmed as a correct record. 177/18 LPIF Dashboard (Private)
The LPIF private dashboard was submitted. Agreed that the LEP Board receive and note the LPIF dashboard. 178/18 Policy Update – LEP Review Update
The Board were advised of the current direction of travel and the timescales for the forthcoming consultation on the LIS. Agreed that the LEP Board: - 1) note the Geography response submitted on 28th September 2018; 2) note the emerging response to the LEP Review Stage 2 Implementation and the comments thereon of the Board; and 3) confirm acceptance of Walsall MBC as the single accountable body for all funds secured by the LEP.
(The meeting closed at 4.40pm)
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Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership – LEP Review Policy Update
19th November 2018
Set out below for Members’ information is a note of the recent policy documents received by the Secretariat: -
1. Industrial Strategy: LEP Review Update
The Board were advised of the submission on the geography question, required by the 28th September 2018, which was recommending no change as the BC LEP has no overlapping boundaries. With the WMCA geography this element of the LEP Review affects the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, with overlaps with Stoke & Staffordshire and Worcestershire LEPs. A verbal update on the discussions being held with GBSLEP and Government will be provided at the meeting.
The Board were also advised of the submission of the Implementation Plan (submitted on 31st October 2018), which in order to meet Government requirements had some key milestones linked to Board size; diversity; % of private sector membership; a single accountable body for government allocated funds to the LEP; revised collaboration agreement for the BC LEP, BC local authorities and the WMCA; and scrutiny arrangements. There were also further requirements to include LEPs to have a legal personality, ie a company, which BCC Ltd already fulfills as company limited by guarantee, and an independent secretariat, again fulfilled by BCC Ltd.
In light of the Implementation a report is going forward through the Joint Committee processes, that is Working Group and Advisory Board with the following recommendations: -
2.1 Approval of the proposed change to appoint Walsall Council as the single Accountable Body that is responsible for all Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership funding, directly allocated by Government.
2.2 That the Board size be increased from 15 to up to 20 Members with this change being incorporated into the revised Assurance Framework, with the provision included for the Board to appoint up to 5 additional co-opted members on an annual basis.
2.3 That the current Advisory Board Memberships – Chair of the Employment and Skills (People) Theme Advisory Board and Active Black Country Partnership Board be made full members of the Board effective with the increase in Board size, with this change being incorporated into the revised Assurance Framework
2.4 That the Accountable Body’s Legal Team co-ordinate the work for a new Collaboration Agreement between the four BCJC authorities, the BC LEP and the WMCA, for completion by the end of February 2019.
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2.5 That BC LEP work with the Monitoring Officers of Dudley MBC, Sandwell MBC, Walsall MBC and the City of Wolverhampton, to develop an Annual programme of reporting through to each local authority’s respective scrutiny panel, providing an update on schemes being undertaken in the respective areas, an overview of regional LEP activity and being responsive to any questions from the panel.
It will require amendments to the LEP Assurance framework, which are being reported at Agenda Item 11.
In addition, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has released the consultation - National Local Growth Assurance Framework: - The Framework for Mayoral Combined Authorities with a Single Pot funding arrangement and Local Enterprise Partnerships. The document is not currently for publication, the deadline for feedback is 15th November and a verbal update will be provided at Agenda Item 25.
2. Policy Away Day – 17th December 2018
Members will have this date in their diaries. The Away Day is being held at GTG West Midlands, Bearing Drive, Wolverhampton, WV11 3SZ.
The Draft Agenda is being prepared and will be circulated at the LEP Board on 19th November 2018.
For your information/comment the outline framework for the day is detailed below: -
What more do we need to do to secure maximum benefit from the Industrial Strategy? The Black Country Local Implementation Plan. 1. Black Country Productivity Factory 2. Black Country Skills Factory 3. Skills Capital 4. Careers & Schools 5. Skills for the Unemployed 6. High Value Manufacturing City 7. Connected Black Country 8. Black Country Garden City 9. Economic Capital 10. Better Energy
How can we respond to the challenges of: - • The pressures facing our town and city centres… in the face of the challenges facing the retail sector and the operation of the property market? (9. Economic Capital) • The demand for high quality business land and premises……and the opportunity presented by the new core strategy? (6. High Value Manufacturing City) Discussion 1 • The productivity and growth challenges facing Black Country businesses…. …through the growth hub and growth company? (1. Black Country Productivity Factory) Discussion 2
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• The need for a sustainable health and care sector…. ….in the face of market instability and limited resources? (Recommendations of Health and Care Sector Task & Finish Group) Discussion 3 • And how do secure and make best use of private and public sector investment to deliver this?
3. Place Making and Land Theme Advisory Board - Away Day – 13th December 2018
The next scheduled meeting of the Place Making and Land Theme Advisory Board – will be held on 13th December and will take the form of an Away Day, to have more in depth consideration of the Advisory Board’s agenda for the forthcoming year.
Items informing the Agenda include: - • “Euronet” – Major Projects • Black Country Core Strategy • BC Garden City/HVM City • Smart City • 5G Internet • Ind 4.0 • KPMG
4. Garden City – Black Country submission
BC LEP had been working with local authority partners to submit a proposal by the deadline - 9 November 2018. A sub-group to include local authority planners was established to consider three cluster sites to fulfill the Government’s requirement of 1500 houses.
However, following the report to the Board in October, whilst clusters had been identified, discussions with Government officials identified a mismatch between what government were asking for at this time and what we could provide. We understand further rounds will be available in the future and will continue to work on our Garden City proposition, in readiness.
5. Annual Conversation – 10th December 2018
The Annual Conversation with BEIS will take place on 10th December 2018 and be attended by Chris Handy, Interim Deputy Chair, Sarah Middleton, Chief Executive BCC Ltd, James Walsh, Assurance Framework -Section 151 officer, Mark Lavender, Head of Head of Programme Management Economy & Environment Directorate, Lara Cragg, Head of Programme Management Office, Peter Smith Senior Policy Advisor - BEIS and Tony Bray, Area Director - West Midlands & South West England - Cities & Local Growth Unit.
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6. Economic Intelligence Unit - Statistics
Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) – Workplace and Resident Based
The latest annual ASHE data was released on 25th October 2018, the data shows the gross annual pay at a workplace and resident level across areas1. Over the past year, the Black Country workplace annual gross pay increased by £626 (+2.5%) to £25,791. Workplace earnings currently stands at 86% of the England average. Workplace annual gross pay increased in all of the four areas within the Black Country with Wolverhampton increasing by 5.3% (+£1,324) and Dudley by 3.8% (+£969) which was higher than England average of +2.7%. Walsall increased by 2.3% and Sandwell by 2.1%.
The data is appended to the report. (App 1)
UK Active Lives Survey: October Release
The Active Lives survey data was released this month, showing data about the activity levels of residents within the Black Country. The data shows a positive story about the Black Country as there are 6,700 fewer people classed as inactive, and 12,600 more people classed as active. More people are participating in sport and physical activity regularly, however fewer people are volunteering in sport.
The data is appended to the report. (App 2)
UK Business Register and Employment (BRES) Survey: 27th September Release
Business Births, Deaths and Survival Rates
Members will recall at the last meeting that there were request for additional data in relation to the above two, primarily to provide updates as follows: -
• statistics would be provided on business failures. • data on earnings with the new jobs, that is whether earnings were increasing or they were low paid jobs. • a breakdown of data on where the jobs were arising by sector would be useful.
To this regard these have been update and are appended to the report. (App 3)
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd.
Contact Officer
Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents: Attached
1 Source, ONS: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. 2018
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Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) – Workplace and Resident Based
The latest annual ASHE data was released on 25th October 2018, the data shows the gross annual pay at a workplace and resident level across areas1.
Over the past year, the Black Country workplace annual gross pay increased by £626 (+2.5%) to £25,791. Workplace earnings currently stands at 86% of the England average. Workplace annual gross pay increased in all of the four areas within the Black Country with Wolverhampton increasing by 5.3% (+£1,324) and Dudley by 3.8% (+£969) which was higher than England average of +2.7%. Walsall increased by 2.3% and Sandwell by 2.1%.
Workplace Earnings 2014 to 2018 £35,000
£29,872 £28,496 £29,083 £30,000 £27,485 £27,841
£25,000 £25,791 £24,545 £25,000 £25,165 £23,277 £20,000
£15,000
£10,000 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Black Country England
The Black Country LEP workplace earnings increased at a slightly faster rate compared to Coventry and Warwickshire LEP (CWLEP) and Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP (GBSLEP). CWLEP and GBSLEP increased by 2.4% (+£705 and +£679 respectively). Overall the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA 3 LEP) workplace earnings increased by 2.4%. The West Midlands region increased by 3.3% (+£879) which is above the England average.
The annual gross pay at a resident level also shows a positive increase. The Black Country overall has increased by +2.6% (£643) to reach £25,527, this is currently 85% of the England average. However, at a resident level Walsall saw the largest increase from the previous year at 4.6% (+£,1,106), followed by Wolverhampton +3.8% (£917) and Sandwell 3.1% (+£741) which are all above the England average increase of 2.7%. Dudley increased by 0.1% (+£37).
1 Source, ONS: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. 2018
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Resident Earnings 2014 to 2018
£35,000
£29,869 £29,085 £30,000 £27,838 £28,500 £27,500
£25,000 £25,527 £24,174 £24,347 £24,884 £23,043 £20,000
£15,000
£10,000 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Black Country England
GBSLEP resident earnings increased at a slightly higher rate at 2.9% (£797) compared to the Black Country LEP increasing by 2.6% (£643) followed by CWLEP increasing by 1.1% (£322). Overall the WMCA (3 LEP) increased by 2.1% (+£587) over the past year. The West Midlands region experienced a 3% increase which is above the England average of 2.7%
2
Agenda Item 4 App2
UK Active Lives Survey: October Release The Active Lives survey data was released this month, showing data about the activity levels of residents within the Black Country. The data shows a positive story about the Black Country as there are 6,700 fewer people classed as inactive, and 12,600 more people classed as active. More people are participating in sport and physical activity regularly, however fewer people are volunteering in sport.
National Ranking (/326) Activity Levels: Dudley 29 • Less than 30 minutes a week Sandwell 13 Walsall 16 • Fairly Active: 30 – 149 minutes a week Wolverhampton 12 • Active: At least 150 minutes a week Rank 1 = most inactive Rank 326 = least inactive
Inactive Inactive 2018 Active Active 2018 2017 2017 Current Current Target Gap Current Current Target Gap Dudley 83,200 81,600 65,017 16,583 140,400 135,600 160,672 25,072 Sandwell 88,500 84,000 63,580 20,420 125,500 137,800 157,121 19,321 Walsall 66,900 72,800 55,689 17,111 125,700 121,000 137,621 16,621 Wolverhampton 75,300 68,800 51,832 16,968 106,900 116,700 128,089 11,389 Black Country 313,900 307,200 236,142 71,058 498,500 511,100 583,502 72,464
From the year previous, the number of people in the Black Country who are inactive decreased by 6,700. The largest decrease was seen in Wolverhampton where 6,500 fewer people are inactive. In Dudley 1,600 less people are inactive and in Sandwell the number is 4,500 less. The only area with an increase in inactivity was in Walsall, where 5,900 more people are inactive. For people who are classed as active in comparison to the year before, 12,600 more people in the Black Country are active. The largest increase was seen in Sandwell, where 12,300 more people are active, and there were large improvements in Wolverhampton where 9,800 more people are exercising for more than 150 minutes a week. Decreases in activity were seen in Dudley and Walsall, where 4,800 and 4,700 fewer people were classed as active.
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Agenda Item 4 App2
Sport and Physical Activity at Least 2 Times in the Past 28 Days:
% Count % Count Change May May May May
2017 2017 2018 2018
Dudley 70.4% 180,600 70.2% 180,900 -0.2%
Sandwell 66.2% 165,800 68.5% 172,700 2.3%
Walsall 72.2% 158,700 68.7% 151,700 -3.6%
Wolverhampton 65.1% 133,300 68.3% 140,600 3.2%
Black Country 68.6% 638,400 69.0% 645,900 0.4%
England 77.2% 33,531,400 77.5% 34,836,700 0.3%
Dudley and Walsall saw a decrease in the percentage of people taking part in sport and physical activity, however Sandwell and Wolverhampton saw large increases. The Black Country as a whole have a way to go to get to national average figures, equivalent of 79,620 extra people taking part in sport.
Volunteering to Support Sport or Physical Activity in the Last 12 Months:
Between May 2017 and May 2017% 2017 2018% 2018 2018, the number of people Count Count volunteering to support sport Dudley 19.1% 49,100 12.6% 32,500 decreased in all areas of the 6.9% 17,400 6.6% 16,700 Sandwell Black Country. The largest Walsall 11.8% 25,800 8.8% 19,400 decrease was seen in Dudley as Wolverhampton 12.1% 24,700 11.6% 23,900 there were 16,600 fewer Black Country 12.6% 117,400 9.9% 92,400 people volunteering. The area
with the smallest decrease was Sandwell, where there were 700 fewer volunteers.
2
UK Business Register and Employment (BRES) Survey: 27th September Release
The latest annual BRES data was released this week, displaying the number of employees across areas and within sectors.1
The data displays a really positive story. In the Black Country overall there were 18,000 more employees in 2017 compared to the previous year, an increase of 4%. This is over three times higher than the national average of 1.1% growth. The number of jobs in all four areas of the Black Country has increased between 2016 and 2017.
The largest growth was in Walsall (6.7%), followed by Dudley (5.3%). The percentage increase in Sandwell and Wolverhampton was lower (2.3% and 2.0% respectively), but still higher than the national average.
Jobs Change in the Black Country and England
Area 2016 Jobs 2017 Jobs % Change Dudley 113,000 119,000 +5.3% Sandwell 130,000 133,000 +2.3% Walsall 104,000 111,000 +6.7% Wolverhampton 98,000 100,000 +2.0% Black Country 445,000 463,000 +4.0% England 25,530,000 25,821,000 +1.1%
The number of jobs in the Black Country has increased faster than the other two WMCA LEP areas in the last year. In the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP there was an increase in employees by 14,000 (3%), and in Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP there was an increase by 32.7% (25,000 employees). It’s excellent to see jobs increasing across the West Midlands and at a rate higher than the national average.
Jobs Growth Across WMCA LEPs 1,000,000 900,000 800,000 700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0 BCLEP CWLEP GBSLEP 2016 445,000 444,000 919,000 2017 463,000 458,000 944,000
Across all English LEP areas, only Worcestershire and Hertfordshire have experienced a greater increase than the Black Country, confirming that in terms of jobs creation the area is one of the highest-performing areas in the country.
1 Source; ONS: UK Business Register & Employment Survey (2018)
1
Jobs by Broad Industry Group for the Black Country
The change in jobs by sector is set out in the following table. The largest increase was recorded in the real estate sector with an additional 5,000 jobs in 2017 compared to 2016, a 83.3% increase compared to 4.3% nationally, with the largest increase reported in Dudley (+ 2,500 jobs.)
Sectors 2016 2017 Change % change Manufacturing 61,000 63,000 2,000 3.3% Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply 5,000 5,000 0 0.0% Water supply; sewerage, waste management and 3,500 4,500 1,000 28.6% remediation activities Construction 18,000 21,000 3,000 16.7% Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor 86,000 86,000 0 0.0% vehicles and motorcycles Transportation and storage 28,000 25,000 -3,000 -10.7% Accommodation and food service activities 21,000 24,000 3,000 14.3% Information and communication 7,000 7,000 0 0.0% Financial and insurance activities 8,000 8,000 0 0.0% Real estate activities 6,000 11,000 5,000 83.3% Professional, scientific and technical activities 20,000 21,000 1,000 5.0% Administrative and support service activities 39,000 45,000 6,000 15.4% Public administration and defence; compulsory 13,000 14,000 1,000 7.7% social security Education 40,000 40,000 0 0.0% Human health and social work activities 66,000 67,000 1,000 1.5% Arts, entertainment and recreation 9,000 9,000 0 0.0% Other service activities 12,000 12,000 0 0.0% Black Country Total 445,000 463,000 18,000 4.0%
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Agenda Item 4 App3b
Business Births, Deaths and Survival Rates
• The ONS Business Demography provides information on business births and deaths. The following graph illustrates some of the key trends from 2010-2016. • Since 2011 there has been a greater number of business births than business deaths and the gap continues to improve with 5,895 births in 2016 compared to 4,235 deaths – a difference of 1,660 companies. • The birth rate per 10,000 population while increasing is still below the national average – 50 per 10,000 population compared to 63 per 10,000 for the UK average. The death rate is below the national average – 36 per 1000, population compared to 50 for the national average.
Black Country Births/Deaths 6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Births Deaths
Source: ONS Business Demography 2016
Survival Rates
• A total of 94.4% of Black Country businesses born in 2013 survived through the first year; higher than the national average of 93.5%1. A similar pattern was recorded after 2 years with 75.5% of businesses surviving compare to 75.1% nationally. However, after 3 years the survival rates for Black Country businesses that started in 2013 was slightly lower than the national average – 60.2% compared to 60.8% nationally.
1 ONS Business Demography 2016
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Agenda Item 4 App3b
Business Survival Rate 2013
60.3 3-YEAR SURVIVAL 60.8
75.5 2-YEAR SURVIVAL 75.1
94.4 1-YEAR SURVIVAL 93.5
0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0
Black Country England
Source: ONS Business Demography 2016
• Latest research from the Enterprise Research Centre (June 2018) shows that 1.8% of surviving 2014 starts up grew from <£500k to £1m+ turnover by 2017 compared to 1.9% nationally. • 6.8% of the £1-2m turnover businesses in 2014 grew to a minimum of £3m by 2017 compared to 7.5% nationally. • According to Roper and Xia (2014), they indicated based on their result that businesses which received public support for innovation were 2.7% more likely to survive for eight years than businesses without public support2.
2 Roper, S. and Xia, H. (2014) “Innovation, innovation strategy and survival”, ERC Research Paper, No. 17, February 2014.
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Agenda Item 5
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
WMCA - Update
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 The WMCA Board meeting was held on 9th November and the the Decision Notice is attached for information.
1.2 Reported to the last meeting was the WMCA consultation on the Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) and the response prepared will be circulated to Members post the deadline of 15th November 2018.
1.3 There is a brief update on the 5G project.
2. Recommendations
2.1. Board Members’ are asked to note the respective updates.
3. Report Detail
3.1 The WMCA Decision Notice is attached and of particular interest to Members will be the WMCA decision on Land and Property Investment Fund: Phoenix 10 Strategic Employment Site, Walsall (Decision 21).
3.2 The response to the WMCA LIS will be considered at the meeting.
3.3 Black Country 5G Initial Proposal
• An initial proposal from the Black Country was submitted to the WMCA 5G team. A strong case was put forward for the testbed to be situated in Wolverhampton by the University of Wolverhampton. The final proposal also included other locations of interest from across the Black Country, with a request that they also be considered for 5G masts.
• Next steps will include refining the submitted use cases, to identify those ones that have the potential to be called up regionally and nationally.
• Next steps will also include setting up meetings with Mobile Network Operators (MNO’s) to explore private sector funding for masts in the areas that don’t get one through the test bed.
4. Financial Implications
4.1. There are no financial implications in the report.
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Agenda Item 5
5. Legal Implications
5.1. There are no legal implications in the report.
6. Risk Management
6.1. There are no risks identified within the report.
7. Equality Implications
7.1. There are no Equality implications identified within the report.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Democratic Support Officer Tel: 01384 471142 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents: Attached
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West Midlands Combined Authority – Decisions taken by the WMCA Board on Friday 9 November 2018
Agenda Item Decision Item No
1. Apologies for Absence Apologies for absence were received from Jonathan Browning, Councillor Shaun Davies, Councillor Steve Eling, Councillor Tony Jefferson, Councillor Peter Nutting, Tim Pile, Councillor Izzi Seccombe and Stewart Towe.
2. Chair's Remarks (if any) The Mayor congratulated Councillor Roger Lawrence on recently being awarded LGiU Leader of the Year. The Mayor congratulated Councillor Pete Lowe on being appointed the new leader of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.
3. Minutes - 14 September 2018 The minutes were agreed as a correct record.
4. Forward Plan The forward plan of items of future business was noted.
5. Consultation for the Transfer of (1) The comments received from the Constituent Councils, the Police & Crime West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable, and the resulting revisions to the Commissioner Functions Scheme were noted.
(2) The proposed two-stage consultation process, including the revised timetable, and revised Governance Review and Scheme to be consulted upon was noted and agreed.
(3) It was agreed to receive a further report at 22 March 2019 WMCA Board detailing the outcome of the consultation. (Note proposed change of date to West Midlands Combined Authority – Decisions taken by the WMCA Board on Friday 9 November 2018
Agenda Topic Decision Item No
accommodate timetable).
6. Feedback from Overview & (1) The Mayoral Q&A event held with members of the Overview & Scrutiny Scrutiny Committee Mayor's Committee on 28 September 2018 was noted, along with: Question Time: Policy (a) The committee’s views on the need for a ‘prescribed/dedicated’ time slot within the Mayor’s diary for such events;
(b) Proposals to increase the number of events to three per year, in order to facilitate a wider range of questioning, and ensure greater transparency;
(c) The continued need for the WMCA Board to ensure that pre-decision scrutiny was embedded throughout the work of the WMCA.
(2) The recommendations of Overview & Scrutiny Committee arising from the Mayoral Q&A event were approved:
(a) A report on Brexit, and the implications for the region, to be presented to the WMCA Board as soon as possible, as it was considered that there was a need for a co-ordinated regional approach on the potential impacts and mitigations of Brexit.
(b) Any WMCA Air Quality Strategy should be drafted in co-ordination with all constituent authorities, and include reference to impact on non- constituent authorities; also the WMCA should develop a region-wide database for all local authorities to input into, and to access information.
2 West Midlands Combined Authority – Decisions taken by the WMCA Board on Friday 9 November 2018
Agenda Topic Decision Item No
(c) The WMCA should provide leadership on vehicle emission standards impacting on air pollution, and therefore any decision on the engine type to be used in the proposed Sprint vehicle should avoid the use of diesel; and WMCA should seek to be the market leader in environmental emissions.
(d) Overview & Scrutiny Committee should undertake pre-decision scrutiny on any proposals or recommendations arising out of the Ring & Ride review prior to its consideration by the WMCA Board.
(3) The following questions being asked of the Mayor were noted, which, in accordance with the WMCA’s constitution, he was required to provide a written response to the committee, within two months:
(a) To provide a detailed breakdown on how the Mayor had utilised the £2m central Government funding allocated to the WMCA to boost mayoral capacity and resources, and whether any of this funding had been, or was intended to be, allocated to support an effective scrutiny function.
(b) To provide greater clarification on the extent to which the Mayor was utilising the powers provided within the Bus Services Act 2017 in respect of bus franchising.
(c) To provide further details on the support being provided by Transport for West Midlands to ensure vehicles operated on subsidised routes achieved high standards of environmental emissions.
(d) To provide further details on the number and percentage of housing delivery programme targets that would be designated as ‘affordable
3 West Midlands Combined Authority – Decisions taken by the WMCA Board on Friday 9 November 2018
Agenda Topic Decision Item No
homes’, and also social housing.
(e) To provide further information of the economic benefits that the Mayor envisaged for the region as a result of hosting the Commonwealth Games 2022, and how this would contribute to the region’s inclusive growth.
7. West Midlands 5G - Structure, (1) The participation by the WMCA in the WM5G Project was approved. Governance and Funding (2) The proposed governance structure for the WM5G Project was confirmed and approved, and permission was granted for the Joint Venture and Delivery Entity to be incorporated and the Overaching Grant Agreement entered into (including any associated ancillary documentation) in conjunction with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.
(3) An allocation of £4.75 million to the Delivery Entity, subject to the normal WMCA Assurance Framework, to be allocated to projects using the governance structures set out in this paper was confirmed and approved.
8. Financial Monitoring Report (1) The financial position as at the end of September 2018 was noted. 2018/19 (2) The Authority’s mid-year Treasury Management position against the approved strategy was noted.
9. Transforming Cities Fund (1) The allocation of Transforming Cities Fund to the schemes set out in section 7 of
4 West Midlands Combined Authority – Decisions taken by the WMCA Board on Friday 9 November 2018
Agenda Topic Decision Item No
the report, in line with the guidance set out by the Department for Transport, was approved.
(2) The approach for managing the Transforming Cities Fund allocations as set out in section 9 of the report was endorsed.
10. Strategic Vision for Bus The Strategic Vision for Bus was approved.
11. Housing & Land Delivery Board - 6 The minutes of the meeting were noted. September 2018
12. Public Service Reform Board - 6 The minutes of the meeting were noted. September 2018
14. Environment Board - 10 The minutes of the meeting were approved. September 2018
15. Strategic Economic Delivery Board The minutes of the meeting were noted. - 12 September 2018
16. Investment Board - 17 September The minutes of the meeting were noted. 2018
5 West Midlands Combined Authority – Decisions taken by the WMCA Board on Friday 9 November 2018
Agenda Topic Decision Item No
17. Audit, Risk & Assurance The minutes of the meeting were approved. Committee - 21 September 2018
18. Housing & Land Delivery Board - The minutes of the meeting were noted. 25 October 2018
19. Friday 11 January 2019 at That date of the next meeting was noted. 11.00am
20. Exclusion of the Public and Press The public and press were excluded from the remaining items of business.
21. Land and Property Investment (1) The decision by the Black Country Joint Committee that, subject to the Fund: Phoenix 10 Strategic satisfaction of certain conditions, funding from the Black Country Land and Employment Site, Walsall Property Investment Fund (LPIF) was made available to the City of Wolverhampton Council as Accountable Body for the fund to facilitate the delivery of the Phoenix 10 project was noted.
(2) It was approved that a derogation was provided in respect of the Phoenix 10 project with regard to the Commissioning Framework for the Black Country Land and Property Investment Fund (approved by WMCA Board in September 2017) in recognition of the fact that the outputs from the project would be delivered outside the agreed timeframe; subject to:
(a) a business case agreed by WMCA that followed the principles of the HM Treasury ‘Green Book’ analysis and which would also establish if those
6 West Midlands Combined Authority – Decisions taken by the WMCA Board on Friday 9 November 2018
Agenda Topic Decision Item No
further derogations were were necessary; and
(b) the additional conditions set out in section 5 of this report.
(3) It was approved that the consent to derogation was specific and exclusive to the Phoenix 10 project, and did not set a precedent for any future decisions.
(4) The WMCA’s Chief Executive, Section 151 Officer, Director of Housing & Regeneration and Head of Governance collectively, and in consultation with the Portfolio Lead for Finance & Investments, were provided with delegated authority to agree the detailed business case for Phoenix 10 and those further derogations that might be necessary as set out in Section 4.
(5) It was noted that as a result of the proposed investment in Phoenix 10, the overall package of outputs might differ from original expectations. The extent of any variation would be informed through consideration of the detailed business case for Phoenix 10.
22. Administration of the West (1) The recommendation from the Government Actuary Department for the Midlands Integrated Transport Administering Authority to develop a plan to address the employer-risk inherent Authority Pension Fund within the closed West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority Pension Fund (WMITA PF), part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) was noted.
(2) The principles approved by the West Midlands Pension Fund Pensions Committee and further due diligence being undertaken to consider consolidation of the West Midlands’ LGPS Pension arrangements was noted.
7 West Midlands Combined Authority – Decisions taken by the WMCA Board on Friday 9 November 2018
Agenda Topic Decision Item No
(3) It was noted that this report had been seen, consulted and commented upon by the Constituent Authorities via their Finance Directors.
(4) The merger of the WMITA PF with the West Midlands Pension Fund was approved in principle.
(5) The Director of Finance and the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead for Finance & Investments were given delegated authority to conclude all necessary work.
8 Agenda Item 6
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
Black Country Local Implementation Plan – Update
1. Background
1.1 As reported on previously, a Black Country-level strategy document is currently in development. This aims to complement and enhance the Black Country SEP and outline our area’s contribution to the West Midlands Local Industrial Strategy. It’s suggested that this document be in the shape of a ‘Black Country Local Implementation Plan (LIP)’ which responds to and delivers on the West Midlands LIS. Since the first draft some further analysis and key changes have been made to the document. This report outlines the key alterations made in since the October LEP Board.
2. Recommendations
This document recommends that the LEP Board:
1) Note the progress of the Black Country LIP production and recent updates. 2) Provide comments on the emerging draft including identification of any gaps and comment on the existing pipeline. 3) Agree to the continued development of this document in line with emerging government timescales, including supporting a consultation period.
3. Report Detail
Overview
3.1 The core components, approach and objective of the Black Country LIP remain unchanged since the first draft. It still aims to maximise the Black Country’s contribution to the national economy & is our part in the delivery of the West Midlands LIS, in particular focusing on the drive to raise productivity and increase inclusive growth.
3.2 As it currently stands, the Black Country LIP is underpinned by 10 key programmes of activity – building on the existing BC SEP’s “priority propositions” and some specific extensions of these (e.g. the Black Country Productivity Factory), building on the in-depth business intelligence that has been gathered from the sector action plans. The 10 key programmes that underpin our LIP are the key delivery agents of the 12 strategic SEP programmes.
3.3 In the latest re-draft, these programmes are still supplemented by a place-based narrative, detailed sector action plans and a cross-cutting focus around the importance of inclusive growth and consideration of the Black Country’s response to the grand challenges.
3.4 The LIP is supported by pipeline dashboards that allow us to measure impact of our programmes on sectors, spatial corridors and on the Black Country overall. Black Country Consortium have developed these dashboards using online tools so they can be used as ‘live’ online data presentations.
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Agenda Item 6
Key LIP Updates
3.5 The document’s narrative has been updated to reflect its nature as a local delivery document of the West Midlands LIS.
3.6 Furthermore, slight alterations have been made to the key programmes that underpin the document. There are now 10 strategic LIP programmes that link directly back to the Black Country SEP – these intend to be our key delivery agents in achieving Black Country ambitions.
3.7 The diagram below summarises the relationship between the Black Country SEP and the emerging Black Country LIP. It also reflects the cross-cutting priority of delivering inclusive growth through the priority programmes identified.
Summary Relationship between Black Country SEP and Black Country LIP
Black Country SEP Programme Black Country LIP Priority Proposition
B1. A Supply Chain Fit to Supply - Supply Chain Development including Innovation & Enterprise Black Country Productivity Factory B2. Exploiting Global Opportunities
BUSINESS B3. Access to Finance
P1. Skills for the Supply Chain Black Country Skills Factory INCLUSIVE GROWTH P2. Skills Capital Skills Capital P3. Schools – Raising Skills for the Careers & Schools Future PEOPLE P4. Skills for the Unemployed Skills for the Unemployed Pl1. Expanding the availability of High- High Value Manufacturing City Quality Employment Land, Premises and delivering a portfolio of strategic mixed-use development opportunities in growth corridors Pl2. Infrastructure to Support Growth Connected Black Country
PLACE Pl3. Expanding the Construction & Black Country Garden City Renewal of Housing Stock Pl4. Distinctive Urban Centres Economic Capital Pl5. Quality Environment and Low Better Energy Carbon
3.8 A key feature of the LIP is demonstrating our robust analysis that determines the impact of our LIP programmes the Black Country pipeline.
3.9 As previously reported, our pipeline analysis predicts key outputs (such as jobs, homes and business assists) across our ten priority programme areas, with additional analysis on the impact on particular sectors and geographic corridors.
2 Agenda Item 6
3.10 We previously shared the table below that displays the potential impact of Black Country LIP programmes in the context of our baseline position and the 2030 SEP targets for GVA, jobs and homes.
Black Country LIP Programmes –Impact
Black Country Economic Impact Jobs GVA £m Homes Current Baseline Position: 495,100 £18,568 477,748 2030 Target: 612,300 £37,623 518,448 Growth required: + 117,200 +£19,055 +40,700 (A) Impact Funded and Market- 11,484 25,889 £8,080 Led Proportion of (C) (B) Potential Impact from delivered by Indigenous Business Base 47,767 £9,635 private sector (C) Impact BC SEP Pipeline/ BCLIP 42,414 32,566 £8,782 Programmes Total Potential Impact 106,222 £26,497 53,898 % of Target 91% 139% 132%
3.11 This shows that our LIP programmes have the potential to deliver an additional 32,566 jobs and £8.8bn GVA to the Black Country economy. Combining this with existing funded and market-led growth and the potential contribution of our indigenous business base shows that the Black Country has the potential to 139% of its target for our 2030 GVA ambition and 91% of the jobs target.
3.12 In order to provide a more in-depth analysis and to make impact visible across different programmes, geographical areas and sectors, we’ve recently dug deeper into the above headline figures. This has led to a suite of further tables that breakdown the above impact figures by sector, LIP programme and spatial corridor. This analysis provides visibility of the impact that each programme, sector and spatial corridor will have on the overall Black Country pipeline. This relates to both investment and outputs such as GVA, jobs and GVA.
3.13 The attached appendices show these emerging tables – giving the pipeline and impact breakdown across sectors, geographic areas and LIP programmes. These are all visualised through a suite of live dashboards via the smartsheets platform.
3.14 The development of this section of the LIP has been a key alteration since the first draft was shared at the October LEP Board. It provides further granularity and demonstrates our understanding of the Black Country pipeline; where and through which programmes and sectors we anticipate impact to be delivered through.
3.15 Within this analysis we have also utilised our expectation of the impact of the Black Country’s indigenous business base. It’s essential we recognise the contribution of the current market in addition to the positive changes investment in our programmes can make.
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Agenda Item 6
4. Next Steps
4.1 The Black Country LIP is a distinct opportunity to advance and deliver the strategic programmes outlined in the SEP, helping the Black Country to achieve its long-term ambitions and contribute our important part of the West Midlands LIS. Our updated draft strategy is evidence-led and business-led, providing solutions to specific market failures outlined by a range of partners.
4.2 We will continue to develop all aspects of the LIP, including the document itself, the underlying pipeline data, and the strategic alignment behind it – linking in with the WM LIS and the national industrial strategy – taking note of comments from all stakeholders.
4.3 As part of this, it will be essential to develop a consultation process to ensure that Black Country businesses and communities can have their say on the final strategy. This will commence in the near future involving a wide range of stakeholders, including the use of all key LEP workstreams via the theme advisory groups and sub-groups.
4.4 We intend to publish the full Black Country LIP in 2019 with LEP Board backing, and aim to use this in our submission and conversations around the Government’s emerging UK Shared Prosperity Fund and working with the government’s new national Industrial Strategy Council and its chair, Andy Haldane, as well as working hard to reflect national sector deal actions with those in the Black Country LIP where relevant.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents:
1. Appendices: Black Country LIP: Pipeline Analysis Tables (WORK IN PROGRESS)
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Agenda Item 6
Appendices: Black Country LIP: Pipeline Analysis Tables (WORK IN PROGRESS)
LIP Programmes
The following table displays the draft breakdown of the impact of the BC SEP Pipeline/BCLIP propositions (C) from the LIP Propositions – summary impact table on the page 3. The following pages provide detail on sectors and spatial areas including strategic corridors and centres. This analysis is a draft work in progress.
Short Term Short Term Long Term Funding Long Term Funding Total Black Country LIP Programme Leverage Required Leverage Required Investment Jobs GVA Homes (2016/2021) (2021/2026+) (2021/2026+) (2016/2021) Black Country Productivity Factory £20m £23m £44m 734 £472m (B1, B2, B3) Black Country Skills Factory (P1) £2m £2m £209m Skills Capital (P2) £11m £9m £20m 119 £154m Careers & Schools (P3) £20m £34m £0.4m £55m 20 £58m 200 Skills for the Unemployed (P4) £3m £3m £6 HVM City (Pl1) £178m £549m £37m £62m £827m 24,668 £5,656m 184 Connected Black Country (Pl2) £4m £258m £49m £311m Black Country Garden City (Pl3) £94m £605m £40m £84m £823m 1,098 £749m 41,197 Economic Capital (Pl4) £55m £395m £450m 5,727 £1,315m 833 Better Energy (Pl5) £10m £10m 200 £169m
Total £396m £1,619m £337m £195m £2,546m 32,566 £8,782 42,414
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Agenda Item 6
Pipeline Summary by Sector
Sector Current Additional Jobs Unfunded Funded Total Total Indigenous Total Jobs Total Jobs & Jobs Target (2030) Pipeline & Jobs Jobs as Business & Indigenous Jobs Market % of Base Jobs Indigenous Business Led Jobs Target Business Base Jobs as Base Jobs % of Target Advanced 66,092 15,645 10,460 8,780 19,240 123% 4,116 23,356 149% Manufacturing Transport 38,655 9,150 2,686 2,778 5,464 60% 11,422 16,886 185% Technologies Business 124,350 29,436 8,047 9,263 17,310 59% 7,053 24,363 83% Services Building 58,701 13,896 6,793 745 7,358 54% 7,037 14,575 105% Technologies Environmental 1,288 305 200 0 200 66% -346 -146 -48% Technologies Retail 114,114 27,013 2,633 679 3,312 12% 3,333 6,645 25% Health 33,968 8,041 0 0 0% -2,563 -2,563 -32% Public Sector 24,241 5,738 1,639 3,256 5,165 90% 16,322 21,487 374% Sports 2,481 587 20 0 20 3% -525 -505 -86% Visitor 31,210 7,388 88 118 206 3% 1,918 2,124 29% Economy Total 495,100 117,200 32,566 25,889 58,455 50% 47,767 106,222 91%
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Agenda Item 6
Sector Current Additional Unfunded Funded Total Total Indigenous Total GVA Total GVA & GVA GVA Pipeline & GVA GVA as % Business & Indigenous (£m) Target GVA (£m) Market (£m) of Target Base GVA Indigenous Business (2030) Led GVA (£m) Business Base GVA as (£m) Base GVA % of Target (£m) Advanced £2,634 £2,703 £2,864 £3,158 £6,022 223% £2,683 £8,705 322% Manufacturing Transport £357 £366 £610 £632 £1,242 339% £411 £1,653 452% Technologies Business £1,913 £1,964 £1,869 £2,100 £3,969 202% £452 £4,422 225% Services Building £2,157 £2,214 £2,038 £313 £2,351 £106% £1,779 £4,130 187% Technologies Environmental £69 £71 £169 £0 £169 £238% -£0.1 £169 238% Technologies Retail £9,190 £9,342 £602 £158 £760 £8% £2,533 £3,294 35% Health £651 £688 £0 £0 £0 0% £1,171 £1,171 175% Public Sector £1,069 £1,097 £552 £1,543 £2,095 191% £433 £2,528 230% Sports £13 £13 £45 £0 £45 348% £16 £61 471% Visitor £514 £527 £33 £175 £208 39% £156 £364 69% Economy Total £18,568 £19,056 £8,781 £8,080 £16,861 88% £9,635 £26,496 139%
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Agenda Item 6
Pipeline Summary by Corridor & Centre
Total Jobs Funded Total Total Jobs & Additional Current Unfunded & Jobs Indigenous & Indigenous Jobs Total Corridor Jobs Pipeline Market as % Business Indigenous Business Target Jobs (2013) Jobs Led of Base Jobs Business Base Jobs (2030) Jobs Target Base Jobs as % of Target Pendeford and Fordhouses 4,900 1,600 3,264 5,534 8,798 550% 468 9,266 579% Stafford Road 5,000 1,500 1,186 122 1,308 87% 738 2,046 136% South of Wolverhampton City Centre 4,200 1,000 1,000 - 1,000 100% 624 1,624 162% Wolverhampton – Bilston 15,200 4,600 430 150 580 13% 6,151 6,731 146% Loxdale Moxley 2,500 500 680 330 1,010 202% 334 1,344 269% Darlaston, Willenhall, and Wednesfield 23,200 5,900 2,719 841 3,560 60% 3,780 7,340 124% Bloxwich – Birchills – Bescot 15,700 3,800 1,809 19 1,828 48% 592 2,420 64% Hill Top 21,200 4,100 1,405 450 1,855 45% 425 2,280 56% Dudley Port/ Tividale/ Brades Village 16,100 3,900 760 29 789 20% 2,367 3,156 81% Dudley Town Centre – Brierley Hill – Stourbridge 36,900 8,800 580 1,172 1,752 20% 1,918 3,670 42% Coseley, Tipton and Princes End 4,300 800 1,056 25 1,081 135% -30 1,051 131% Oldbury / West Bromwich / Smethwick 53,500 13,500 8,226 618 8,844 66% -3,186 5,658 42% Jewellery Line – Rowley Regis to Stourbridge Junction 19,600 4,900 - 79 79 2% 899 978 20% Coombswood – Halesowen 7,200 1,500 5 21 26 2% 957 983 66% Pensnett – Kingswinford 9,800 2,200 317 33 350 16% 1,129 1,479 67% Brownhills 4,300 700 - - - 0% 475 475 68% Outside & Serving 167,000 38,000 2,980 4,332 7,312 19% 17,247 24,559 65% Corridor Total 410,600 97,300 26,417 13,755 40,172 41% 34,888 75,060 77%
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Agenda Item 6
Funded Total Jobs Total Jobs & Total Unfunded & Indigenous & Indigenous Current Additional Jobs Total Jobs as Centre Pipeline Market Business Indigenous Business Base Jobs Target (2030) Jobs % of Jobs Led Base Jobs Business Jobs as % of Target Jobs Base Jobs Target Wolverhampton Strategic Centre 41,900 9,900 2,611 4,765 7,376 75% 11,113 18,489 187% Walsall Strategic Centre 18,400 5,000 2,682 1,537 4,219 84% 1,560 5,779 116% Brierley Hill Strategic Centre 16,700 2,800 - 5,829 5,829 208% -520 5,309 190% West Bromwich Strategic Centre 7,500 2,200 856 3 859 39% 726 1,585 72% Centre Total 84,500 19,900 6,149 12,134 18,283 92% 12,879 31,162 157%
Total Jobs & Additional Total Total Jobs & Current Unfunded Funded & Indigenous Indigenous Jobs Total Jobs as Indigenous Super Corridor Jobs Pipeline Market Business Business Base Target Jobs % of Business (2013) Jobs Led Jobs Base Jobs Jobs as % of (2030) Target Base Jobs Target Wolverhampton City Centre & North Gateway 56,000 14,000 8,061 10,421 18,482 132% 12,944 31,426 224% Wolverhampton City East Gateway to Walsall Town 75,000 19,800 8320 2,877 11,197 57% 12,418 23,615 119% Wednesbury to Brierley Hill 95,200 20,400 3,801 7,505 11,306 55% 4,159 15,465 76% West Bromwich Triangle 87,800 22,100 9,087 721 9,808 44% -605 9,203 42% Outside & Serving 181,100 40,900 3,297 4,365 7,662 19% 18,851 26,513 65% Black Country Total 495,100 117,200 32,566 25,889 58,455 50% 47,767 106,222 91%
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Agenda Item 6
Total GVA Total GVA Funded Total (£m) & Current Additional Indigenous (£m) & Unfunded & Total GVA Indigenous GVA GVA (£m) Business Indigenou Corridor Pipeline Market GVA (£m) as Business 2013 Target Base GVA s Business GVA (£m) Led GVA (£m) % of Base GVA (£m) (2030) (£m) Base GVA (£m) Target (£m) as % (£m) of Target Pendeford and Fordhouses £352 £424 £740 £1,255 £1,995 470% £83 £2,078 489% Stafford Road £187 £227 £274 £37 £312 137% £728 £1,039 458% South of Wolverhampton City Centre £147 £184 £231 £1 £233 126% £102 £334 182% Wolverhampton – Bilston £671 £858 £112 £44 £156 18% £770 £926 108% Loxdale Moxley £98 £112 £156 £78 £233 209% £163 £396 354% Darlaston, Willenhall, and Wednesfield £845 £1,006 £650 £191 £841 84% £1,899 £2,740 272% Bloxwich – Birchills – Bescot £533 £549 £428 £4 £432 79% £203 £635 116% Hill Top £825 £896 £351 £113 £464 52% £569 £1,033 115% Dudley Port/ Tividale/ Brades Village £811 £809 £220 £13 £233 29% £1,549 £1,782 220% Dudley Town Centre – Brierley Hill – Stourbridge £1,221 £1,373 £170 £1,177 £1,348 98% £614 £1,962 143% Coseley, Tipton and Princes End £169 £164 £257 £17 £274 167% £506 £780 476% Oldbury / West Bromwich / Smethwick £2,441 £2,453 £1,942 £159 £2,101 86% -£489 £1,612 66% Jewellery Line – Rowley Regis to Stourbridge Junction £717 £832 £42 £39 £81 10% £187 £269 32% Coombswood – Halesowen £328 £347 £7 £109 £116 33% £280 £396 114% Pensnett – Kingswinford £348 £440 £86 £8 £93 21% -£61 £32 7% Brownhills £164 £163 £3 £3 £6 4% £205 £211 130% Outside & Serving £5,774 £5,300 £1,438 £1,047 £2,485 47% £1,132 £3,616 68% Corridor Total £15,631 £16,135 £7,108 £4,295 £11,403 71% £8,440 £19,842 123%
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Agenda Item 6 Total GVA Total Total GVA Funded (£m) & Additional GVA Indigenous (£m) & Unfunded & Indigenous Current GVA (£m) Total (£m) Business Indigenous Centre Pipeline Market Business GVA (£m) Target GVA (£m) as % Base GVA Business GVA (£m) Led GVA Base GVA (2030) of (£m) Base GVA (£m) (£m) as % of Target (£m) Target Wolverhampton Strategic Centre £1,487 £1,382 £680 £1,601 £2,282 165% £497 £2,778 201% Walsall Strategic Centre £622 £658 £628 £515 £1,143 174% £507 £1,650 251% Brierley Hill Strategic Centre £530 £533 £33 £1,383 £1,416 266% £46 £1,462 274% West Bromwich Strategic Centre £296 £348 £333 £286 £619 178% £145 £764 220% Centre Total £2,936 £2,920 £1,674 £3,786 £5,460 187% £1,195 £6,655 228%
Total GVA Total Total GVA Funded (£m) & Additional GVA Indigenous (£m) & Unfunded & Indigenous Current GVA (£m) Total (£m) Business Indigenous Super Corridor Pipeline Market Business GVA (£m) Target GVA (£m) as % Base GVA Business GVA (£m) Led GVA Base GVA (2030) of (£m) Base GVA (£m) (£m) as % Target (£m) of Target Wolverhampton City Centre & North Gateway £2,173 £2,217 £1,926 £2,895 £4,821 217% £1,409 £6,230 281% Wolverhampton City East Gateway to Walsall Town £2,770 £3,181 £1,973 £832 £2,805 88% £3,541 £6,347 199% Wednesbury to Brierley Hill £3,556 £3,775 £1,032 £2,703 £3,735 99% £3,284 £7,019 186% West Bromwich Triangle £3,783 £3,979 £2,324 £593 £2,917 73% £124 £3,041 76% Outside & Serving £6,286 £5,903 £1,527 £1,057 £2,584 44% £1,276 £3,860 65% Black Country Total £18,568 £19,055 £8,782 £8,080 £16,862 91% £9,635 £26,496 139%
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Agenda Item 6 Homes Unfunded Funded & Total Homes Current Total Corridor Target Pipeline Market Led as % of Homes Homes (2030) Homes Homes Target Pendeford and Fordhouses 1,915 0 17 - 17 0% Stafford Road 2,993 873 438 828 1,266 145% South of Wolverhampton City Centre 1,778 563 401 89 490 88% Wolverhampton – Bilston 9,434 2,096 1,200 847 2,047 107% Loxdale Moxley 2,241 0 112 252 364 0% Darlaston, Willenhall, and Wednesfield 9,270 1,698 1,925 - 1,925 113% Bloxwich – Birchills – Bescot 11,040 1,015 1,432 6 1,438 142% Hill Top 9,148 4,242 2,677 948 3,625 86% Dudley Port/ Tividale/ Brades Village 11,119 5,320 4,054 540 4,594 86% Dudley Town Centre – Brierley Hill – Stourbridge 11,825 2,590 2,233 1,301 3,534 140% Coseley, Tipton and Princes End 6,282 1,446 1,511 277 1,788 124% Oldbury / West Bromwich / Smethwick 16,170 2,591 3,198 721 3,919 151% Jewellery Line – Rowley Regis to Stourbridge Junction 20,010 4,113 2,723 1,208 3,931 93% Coombswood – Halesowen 1,983 295 458 9 467 158% Pensnett – Kingswinford 3,816 670 1,160 17 1,177 176% Brownhills 4,812 455 280 252 532 117% Outside & Serving 344,781 8,694 10,454 2,453 12,907 147% Corridor Total 468,617 36,661 34,273 9,748 44,021 120%
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Agenda Item 6
Total Homes Unfunded Funded & Current Total Homes as Centre Target Pipeline Market Led Homes Homes % of (2030) Homes Homes Target Wolverhampton Strategic Centre 1,888 1,100 3,125 1,017 4,142 377% Walsall Strategic Centre 1,680 0 1,206 366 1,572 Brierley Hill Strategic Centre 2,616 2,939 2,755 18 2,773 94% West Bromwich Strategic Centre 2,947 0 1,055 335 1,390 Centre Total 9,131 4,039 8,141 1,736 9,877 245%
Funded & Unfunded Total Homes Current Homes Market Total Super Corridor Pipeline as % of Homes Target (2030) Led Homes Homes Target Homes Wolverhampton City Centre & North Gateway 8,574 2,536 3,981 1,934 5,915 233% Wolverhampton City East Gateway to Walsall Town 33,665 4,809 5875 1,471 7,346 153% Wednesbury to Brierley Hill 40,990 16,537 13,230 3,084 16,314 99% West Bromwich Triangle 41,110 6,999 7,434 2,273 9,707 139% Outside & Serving 353,409 9,819 11,894 2,722 14,616 149% Black Country Total 477,748 40,700 42,414 11,484 53,898 132%
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Agenda Item 6 Total Funded & HQE Land Unfunded HQE Current Market Total HQE Corridor Target Pipeline HQE Land as HQE Land Led HQE Land (2030) Land % of Land Target
Pendeford and Fordhouses 33 38 31 31 82% Stafford Road 34 37 2 2 6%
South of Wolverhampton City Centre 0 0
Wolverhampton – Bilston 62 20 33 34 67 333%
Loxdale Moxley 14 70 19 19 28% Darlaston, Willenhall, and Wednesfield 82 191 77 32 109 57% Bloxwich – Birchills – Bescot 26 8 32 32 395% Hill Top 121 108 3 1 4 4%
Dudley Port/ Tividale/ Brades Village 0 0 Dudley Town Centre – Brierley Hill – Stourbridge 0 113 18 19 36 32%
Coseley, Tipton and Princes End 0 0 6 6 Oldbury / West Bromwich / Smethwick 76 147 23 30 53 36%
Jewellery Line – Rowley Regis to Stourbridge Junction 0 0 30 18 48
Coombswood – Halesowen 74 1 0%
Pensnett – Kingswinford 84 5 0% Brownhills 14 20 2 2 10% Outside & Serving 76 117 72 48 120 102% Corridor Total 696 875 345 184 528 60%
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Agenda Item 6
Current HQE Land Unfunded Funded & Total HQE Centre HQE Target Pipeline Market Led Land Land (2030) HQE Land HQE Land Wolverhampton Strategic Centre 0 28 24 52 Walsall Strategic Centre 0 9 3 11 Brierley Hill Strategic Centre 74 0 2 1 3
West Bromwich Strategic Centre 0 15 15 Centre Total 74 0 54 27 81
Funded & Unfunded Total HQE Current HQE Land Market Total HQE Super Corridor Pipeline Land as % of HQE Land Target (2030) Led HQE Land HQE Land Target Land Wolverhampton City Centre & North Gateway 67 75 59 26 85 114% Wolverhampton City East Gateway to Walsall Town 184 289 184 54 237 82% Wednesbury to Brierley Hill 195 221 29 20 49 22% West Bromwich Triangle 150 148 89 27 116 78% Outside & Serving 174 142 74 48 122 86% Black Country Total 770 875 435 175 609 70%
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Agenda Item 7 Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
LEP Core and Strategic Funding Report
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 To present to the board the LEP funding and expenditure as at 30th September 2018. The relevant section of the BCC Ltd management accounts are appended to this report.
1.2 The LEP board is asked to approve the expenditure allocated against the Core and Strategic funding budget in line with accountable body internal audit procedures.
1.3 To agree the Strategic fund budget for 18/19 in line with the accountable body procedures
1.4 To report on the finances of the LEP projects that are operated though BCC Ltd
2. Recommendations
That the LEP Board: -
2.1. Approve the LEP funding and expenditure position as at 30th September 2018.
2.2. Approve the Programme Office and SEP Proposition Funding expenditure at 30th September 2018.
2.3. To agree the Strategic fund budget for 18/19 financial year and to authorise the use of the balance brought forward if necessary
2.4. To note the financial position of those LEP projects operated through BCC Ltd
3. Report Detail
LEP Core Funding
3.1. Core funding awarded to the Black Country LEP is as follows:
Core Funding (to build capacity) Award Claimed Funds Available
2012/13 125,000 125,000 0 2013/14 250,000 250,000 0 2014/15 253,000 236,978 16,022 2015/16 250,000 119,912 130,088 2016/17 250,000 252,204 -2,204 2017/18 250,000 235,778 14,222 2018/19 250,000 0 250,000 2019/20 (indicative) 250,000 0 250,000 Total 1,878,000 1,219,872 658,128
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3.2 The table below details the 2018/19 budget for LEP core funding (as approved by the LEP Board and incorporated into the 2018/19 Business Plan) and the associated actual expenditure.
Annual Period Variance Balance 2018/19 Core Budget agreed by LEP Board Actual £ Budget £ Budget £ £ remaining £
Capacity 186,500 93,250 97,945 -4,695 88,555 Travel 20,000 10,000 4,332 5,668 15,668 Buildings/Room Hire 12,000 6,000 2,139 3,861 9,861 Refreshments 10,000 5,000 822 4,178 9,178 Premises and Office Cost recharge 0 0 12,000 -12,000 -12,000 IT & Stat 5,500 2,750 3,270 -520 2,230 LEP Network subscriptions 6,000 6,000 6,000 0 0 Corporate Board Development 10,000 5,000 5,529 -529 4,471 2017/18 Budget Total 250,000 128,000 132,038 -4,038 117,962 Contingency (Balance b/f from 2017/18) 158,128 0 0 0 158,128 Total 408,128 128,000 132,038 -4,038 276,090
LEP Strategic Funding 2017/18
3.3 Strategic funding awarded to the Black Country LEP is as follows:
Wolverhampton Funds Strategic Funding Award BCC Claimed CC Claimed Available
2013/14 250,000 250,000 0 0 2014/15 250,000 115,441 23,574 110,985 2015/16 250,000 125,506 32,500 91,994 2016/17 250,000 257,252 0 -7,252 2017/18 250,000 329,555 0 -79,555 2018/19 250,000 0 0 250,000 2019/20 (indicative) 250,000 0 0 250,000 Total 1,750,000 1,077,754 56,074 616,172
3.4 The table below details the 2018/19 budget for LEP Strategic funding and the associated actual expenditure.
2018/19 Strategic Budget agreed by LEP Period Balance Budget £ Actual £ Variance Board Budget £ remaining £ Marketing Communications & PR 50,000 25,000 12,555 12,445 37,445 Walsall MBC Technical Assistant Post 40,808 0 0 0 40,808 MIPIM 2018 25,000 0 0 0 25,000 Proposition Fund (unallocated funds) * 134,192 75,000 70,357 4,643 63,835 2017/18 Budget Total 250,000 100,000 82,912 17,088 167,088 Unallocated funds b/fwd. 17/18 97,727 30,000 30,000 0 67,727 Total 347,727 130,000 112,912 17,088 234,815
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3.5 The following expenditure has been made from the Proposition Fund 2018/19 (unallocated funds)
Details Actual Budget BCLEP contribution to WMCA for 18-19 25,000 25,000 BCLEP contribution to Energy Strategy Project 20,000 20,000 Professional Fees re SEP refresh/LIS 6,061 0 Professional Fees re Brownfield Centre of Excellence 5,700 0 Legal advice on Growth Hub GDPR 1,740 0 Energy Capital Steering Group Support April to Sept 18 11,856 30,000 70,357 75,000
3.6 The Unallocated funds brought forward from previous years have been utilized to meet the contribution of £30,000 towards the BCLEP contribution to Ch4 regional bid (via Marketing Birmingham).
3.7 LEP board members are asked to approve the following indicative expenditure for the year of 2018/19:
Proposed Expenditure from Unallocated Funds BCLEP contribution to Innovation Alliance Project 0 25,000 BCLEP contribution 'Ladders for the BC' 0 10,000 Local Nature Partnership contribution 18/19 0 8,400 Midlands Engine Subscription 0 20,000 LEP Assurance Framework audit costs 0 6,000 Annual Economic Review brochure 2017-18 0 5,000 West Midlands Strategic Employment Land Sites Study 2018 (2019/20 £15,000) 0 10,000 Unallocated Funds 0 42,519 0 126,919
LEP Projects Finance report
3.5 The attached extract from the BCC Ltd financial reports at 30th September 2018 show the financial position of the following projects which are being operated through the company: • AIM Funding (IBC employees x 2) • Proposition Fund • Programme Office • Growth Hub • Energy Strategy • Innovation Alliance
3.6 This is for LEP board information only – a report on individual projects and their associated finances will be provided via project reports
4. Financial Implications
4.1. The report is for information and does not contain any financial implications.
5. Legal Implications
5.1. The report is for information and does not contain any legal implications
6. Risk Management
6.1. The report is for information. 3
7. Equality Implications
7.1. There are no Equality implications.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Gloria Bates Company Accountant Tel: 01384 471108 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents: None
4
Black Country Consortium Limited BCC LEP Core and Strategic Income & Expenditure Account For Period to 30th September 2018
September September September 2018 2018 2018 Details Actual Budget Variance Income
LEP Core and Strategic Grants -244,950 -372,500 127,550
-244,950 -372,500 127,550 Direct Expenditure
LEP Funding Direct Expenditure 123,343 262,657 -139,313
Overhead Staff Salary Costs 1 97,762 91,093 6,669
Staff Other Costs 4,855 10,000 -5,145
Premises Costs 8,000 6,000 2,000
Stationery, IT and Miscellaneous 10,949 2,750 8,199 Professional, Bank, Depreciation 40 0 40 244,950 372,500 -127,550
(Surplus)/Deficit 0 0 0
Note 1 Staff salary costs: This relates to the full cost of two members of staff – a Communications & Marketing Officer and a Economic Development Graduate. In addition to this, the LEP is supporting 40% of the Digital Lead post in relation to the BDUK Broadband programme & the development of the 5g proposition and also 50% of the costs of Angela Moore and Corin Gregory who are Careers & Enterprise Advisors (required match).
Summary of LEP Deferred Income/Expenditure £ Sundry balance b/fwd 263 December 2017 Claim outstanding (Received in current year) 93,869 March 2018 Claim outstanding (received Aug 18) 197,939 Deferred at 31.03.17 292,071 Received in Year (Claims to 31.03.18) -291,807 Expenditure April 2018 to September 2018 244,950 Deferred at 30.09.18 245,213
Continued on page 8
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Black Country Consortium Limited BCC LEP Core and Strategic Income & Expenditure Account For Period to 30th September 2018
Balance Annual Period 2018/19 Core Budget agreed by LEP Board Actual £ Variance £ remaining Budget £ Budget £ £ Capacity 186,500 93,250 97,945 -4,695 88,555 Travel 20,000 10,000 4,332 5,668 15,668 Buildings/Room Hire 12,000 6,000 2,139 3,861 9,861 Refreshments 10,000 5,000 822 4,178 9,178 Premises and Office Cost recharge 0 0 12,000 -12,000 -12,000 IT & Stat 5,500 2,750 3,270 -520 2,230 LEP Network subscriptions 6,000 6,000 6,000 0 0 Corporate Board Development 10,000 5,000 5,529 -529 4,471 2017/18 Budget Total 250,000 128,000 132,038 -4,038 117,962 Contingency (Balance b/f from 2016/17) 158,128 0 0 0 158,128 Total 408,128 128,000 132,038 -4,038 276,090
Balance Period 2018/19 Strategic Budget agreed by LEP Board Budget £ Actual £ Variance remaining Budget £ £ Marketing Communications & PR 50,000 25,000 12,555 12,445 37,445 Walsall MBC Technical Assistant Post 40,808 0 0 0 40,808 MIPIM 2018 25,000 0 0 0 25,000 Proposition Fund (unallocated funds)* 134,192 75,000 70,357 4,643 63,835 2017/18 Budget Total 250,000 100,000 82,912 17,088 167,088 Unallocated funds b/fwd 97,727 30,000 30,000 0 67,727 Total 347,727 130,000 112,912 17,088 234,815
Proposition Fund (Unallocated Funds) Actual Budget BCLEP contribution to WMCA for 18-19 25,000 25,000 BCLEP contribution to Energy Strategy Project 20,000 20,000 Professional fees re SEP refresh/LIS 6,061 0 Professional fees re Brownfield Centre of Excellence 5,700 0 Legal advice on Growth Hub GDPR 1,740 0 Energy Capital Steering Group Support April-Sept 18 11,856 30,000 70,357 75,000 Unallocated funds brought forward Expenditure BCLEP contribution to Ch4 regional bid (Marketing B'Ham) PI9137 30,000 30,000
Proposed Expenditure from Unallocated Funds BCLEP contribution to Innovation Alliance Project 0 25,000 BCLEP contribution 'Ladders for the BC' 0 10,000 Local Nature Partnership contribution 18/19 0 8,400 Midlands Engine Subscription 0 20,000 LEP Assurance Framework audit costs 0 6,000 Annual Economic Review brochure 2017-18 0 5,000 West Midlands Strategic Employment Land Sites Study 2018 (2019/20 £15,000) 0 10,000 Unallocated Funds 0 42,519 0 126,919
Total Expenditure 100,357 231,919
Funds Available Proposition Fund (unallocated funds) * 134,192 Unallocated funds b/fwd 97,727 231,919
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Black Country Consortium Limited BCC LEP Projects Income & Expenditure Account For Period to 30th September 2018
September September September 2018 2018 2018 Details Actual Budget Variance Income AIM Funding (GH) 1 -48,207 -45,000 -3,207 Proposition Funds 2 -6,865 0 -6,865 Programme Office 3 -155,919 -186,000 30,081 Growth Hub (£34k Uni invoice Oct) 4 -72,083 -164,000 91,917 Energy Strategy 5 -35,428 0 -35,428 Innovation Alliance 6 -103,964 -174,688 70,724
-422,466 -569,688 147,222 Direct Expenditure
AIM Funding (GH) 14,037 0 14,037
Proposition Fund Direct Expenditure 6,865 0 6,865
Programme Office Direct Expenditure 3,793 82,447 -78,654
Growth Hub 0 96,988 -96,988
Energy Strategy 35,428 0 35,428
Innovation Alliance 90,614 148,688 -58,074
150,737 328,122 -177,386 Overhead
Staff Salary Costs 268,710 224,184 44,526
Staff Other Costs 1,636 4,550 -2,914
Premises Costs 0 8,937 -8,937
Stationery, IT and Miscellaneous 1,383 2,945 -1,562 Professional, Bank, Depreciation 0 950 -950 271,729 241,565 30,164
Total Expenditure 422,466 569,687 -147,222
(Surplus)/Deficit 0 0 0
Continued on page 10
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Black Country Consortium Limited BCC LEP Projects Income & Expenditure Account For Period to 30th September 2018
Proposition Programme Growth Energy Innovation AIM (GH) Fund Office Hub Strategy Alliance Total Note 1 2 3 4 5 6 Miscellaneous Grant Purchases 1,846 0 3,600 0 35,428 2,732 43,607 Consultancy/Professional Fees 0 6,865 0 0 0 85,275 92,140 Events, Exhibitions & Conferences 400 0 94 0 0 2,400 2,894 Design & Print (Grants) 0 0 99 0 0 207 306 PR 11,790 0 0 0 0 0 11,790 14,037 6,865 3,793 0 35,428 90,614 150,737
Staff Salary Costs 89,133 0 151,517 15,224 0 12,835 268,710 Staff Other Costs 1,064 0 572 0 0 0 1,636 Premises Costs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sationery, IT & Miscellaneous 268 0 36 564 0 515 1,383 Professional, Bank & Depreciation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 118,539 13,730 159,712 15,788 70,856 194,577 573,203
1 AIM Funding (GH) Two BCC Ltd Growth Hub employees are funded directly by the AIM project (accountable body Wolverhampton)
2 Proposition Fund In 2015 the four local authorities contributed £25,000 each as a proposition fund. Since then this has been used for the cost of the Brownfield Land Study (£16,776) and more recently for the Garden Suburbs project costs (£53,488) leaving a current balance of £29,736.
3 Programme Office Income for the Programme Office is derived from Walsall mbc (Growth Deal) and City of Wolverhampton (Land and Property Investment Fund) with costs relating to staff and subcontractor costs
4 Growth Hub In 2018/19 BCC is claiming Income (up to £328,000) directly from Walsall MBC against defrayed expenditure. A budget has been put in place and BCC will be reporting against this. The budget prepared by Walsall mbc to Sept 18 totaled £116k against which a claim of £106k has been made. The shortfall is mainly down to Wolverhampton University not claiming all posts it originally budgeted for. The new budget should address this.
5 Energy Capital Income for the Energy project is derived from partner organisations. Costs relate to Matthew Rhodes (Camirus Limited) acting as Interim Director of Energy Capital
6 Innovation Alliance The funding for this project is from a number of contributors including LEP's, University Hospital Birmingham and residual funds from Birmingham Science City. Capacity costs are set off against this income including the post of Director and admin support costs (sub-contractors).
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9
Agenda Item 9a Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Growth Deal
Project Additional Funding Request – Mill Lane GRIP & Aldridge Line Aqueduct GRIP 3 Study (SEPPL13)
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 To request that the LEP Board approve the Additional Funding Request for Mill Lane GRIP & Aldridge Line Aqueduct GRIP 3 Study project within the Growth Deal Programme.
2. Recommendation
2.1. That the LEP Board:
2.2. Approves the Additional Funding Request of £37,500 for the Mill Lane GRIP & Aldridge Line Aqueduct GRIP 3 Study project from within the Growth Deal Programme. Grant funding of £37,500 with delivery to commence in 2018/19 financial year.
3. Report Detail
3.1. A summary of the proposed Additional Funding Request is provided below:
Mill Lane GRIP & Aldridge Aqueduct GRIP 3 Study - £37,500 in 2018/19
Funding Source 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Total
Current Forecast £120,000 £ 70,000 £190,000 Additional Funding £37,500 £37,500 New Revised Forecast £120,000 £107,500 £227,500 Variance £0 £37,500 £0 £0 £37,500
3.2. The above Transport Scheme was approved at the November 2016 Black Country Joint Committee. Following on from the project approval, a further £70,000 was awarded in 2017 to drive the development works forward. Work has recently been completed exploring options for running a service and a location for a platform and associated facilities. These works have concluded that a train station and service is feasible. The project currently has a £70,000 Growth Deal contribution in this current financial year, but in order to develop the
1
scheme through the necessary options appraisal GRIP stages 2-3 the expected cost is estimated to be circa £200,000.
3.3. The options appraisal work will also need to explore how the local highway network can accommodate the station in terms of capacity and road safety. Based on this the request is to move Transport Development Funding from the Dudley train stations project and combine them with the existing Mill Lane Bridge GRIP 3 Study & Aldridge Line Aqueduct GRIP 3 Study £70,000 allocation, increasing the 2018/198 Transport funding allocation to £107,500. This will aid in moving the project through GRIP stages 2-3 and cover preliminary highway design/investigative work. Any shortfall from the cost of the study will be met by Combined Authority and Walsall Council funds.
3.4. In order to deliver a train station at Aldridge, the project has to move through the relevant Network Rail Grip stages. The total allocation of £227,500 will assist to move the Aldridge station scheme through GRIP stage 2-3, which is the options appraisal stage, and will help to refine a preferred option for scheme. In addition, the funding will be put towards the highway design and works and traffic data collection, required to accommodate the new station.
3.5. There is a very strong political and local desire within this locality to develop and deliver a train station in Aldridge. Additional milestones will need to be added to this allocation to cover traffic count commissioning and preliminary highway investigation works, if the funding is approved and the Grant Agreement is amended.
3.6. A new train station in Aldridge will provide the following benefits: • Better connectivity for local residents and visitors • Remove reliance on private vehicles by offering a sustainable travel alternative • Encourage economic growth and housing growth with improved connectivity • Improve air quality by removing the reliance on private vehicles reducing exhaust emissions
4. Financial Implications
4.1. All the costs associated with this proposal form part of the LGF Programme and will be covered by allocations from government associated with this programme. This includes use of any interest accrued by the Accountable Body to cover costs associated with the delivery
2
of Accountable Body functions, as approved by its (Walsall Council) Cabinet on the 29th October 2014.
5. Legal Implications
5.1. The appropriate Grant Agreements are in place and will be utilised by the Accountable Body (Walsall Council), and include all conditions passed onto the LEP by Government, together will all terms, conditions, performance measures and sanctions as required by the approvals/conditions received from Government or approved by the LEP Board or the Joint Committee.
6. Risk Management
6.1. Risk will be managed through the on-going monitoring of individual projects and their ability to deliver the required spending profiles and outcomes for the programme as required or agreed with Government and set into place by the LEP Board and the Joint Committee.
7. Equality Implications
7.1. None at the time of drafting
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Lara Cragg Tel: +44 (0)1384 471166 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents:
I. New Stations Development Funding Change Request II. November 2018 FSG paper
3
Agenda Item 9b Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Growth Deal
Project Approval Recommendation: Growing Priority Sectors – Corrugated Box Supplies Ltd, West Bromwich (SEPB1)
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 To request that the LEP Board approves the Corrugated Box Supplies Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme.
2. Recommendations
2.1. That the LEP Board:
2.2. Approves the Corrugated Box Supplies Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme. Grant funding is to be awarded to the value of £100,000 with delivery to commence in the 2018/19 financial year.
3. Report Detail
3.1. The summary of the proposed project is provided below:
Growing Priority Sectors – Corrugated Box Supplies Ltd - £100,000 in 18/19
Funding Source 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 Total
Growth Deal / GPS £100,000 £100,000
Match Funding / Leverage £400,000 £400,000
3.2. A request for £100,000 for a £500,000 project to invest in the purchase of a new Eterna Cardboard Box Die Cutting Machine. A profile of the application with the appraiser’s comments, scores and recommendations can be found in the November 2018 Funding Sub Group Paper.
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3.3. The new equipment will allow the business to produce, from 2019, new packaging which will be supplied to businesses who trade within the e-commerce market. The e-commerce market consists of those businesses who trade only on the internet and send their products direct to the consumer. The packaging products that Corrugated Box Supplies Limited produce for the e-commerce market are different to the current products that are produced.
3.4. The new equipment will have the added objective of acting as a marketing tool, not only will it ensure the product being packaged is protected, but it will allow the business to advertise within the box and improve how the packaging can be opened through tear and strip opening.
3.5. The business already has an existing customer base that will purchase the new product range. If there is no investment for the new machine, the purchasing businesses have informed Corrugated Box Supplies Limited that they may need to find another supplier who will be able to provide them with the transit packaging and e-commerce packaging, so there is a considerable threat of losing key customers to competitors who can offer the new products.
3.6. Thirteen new jobs will be created with an average salary of £28,385pa and two apprenticeships.
3.7. This project is recommended to the LEP Board for funding, based on the following conditions: • Maximum grant of £100,000 to help implement a £500,000 project • Leverage £400,000 of Private Sector Funding • Create thirteen new jobs plus two apprenticeships by March 2022 • Confirmation of match funding to successfully deliver this project
4. Financial Implications
4.1. The costs associated with this proposal form part of the LGF programme and will be covered by allocations from government associated with this programme. This includes the use of any interest accrued by the Accountable Body to cover costs associated with the delivery of Accountable Body functions, as approved by its (Walsall Council) Cabinet on the 29th October 2014.
2
5. Legal Implications
5.1. The appropriate Grant Agreements are in place and will be utilised by the Accountable Body (Walsall Council), and include all conditions passed onto the LEP by Government, together will all terms, conditions, performance measures and sanctions as required by the approvals/conditions received from Government or approved by the LEP Board or the Joint Committee.
5.2. See section 3.7 for recommended conditions.
6. Risk Management
6.1. The will be managed through the on-going monitoring of individual projects and their ability to deliver the required spending profiles and outcomes for the programme as required or agreed with Government and set into place by the LEP Board and the Joint Committee.
7. Equality Implications
7.1. None at time of drafting.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Lara Cragg Tel: +44 (0)1384 471166 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents:
i. Growing Priority Sectors Funding Sub Group Paper, November 2018
3
Agenda Item 9c
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Growth Deal
Project Approval Recommendation: Growing Priority Sectors – Harco Engineering Ltd, Brierley Hill (SEPB1)
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 To request that the LEP Board approves the Harco Engineering Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme.
2. Recommendations
2.1. That the LEP Board:
2.2. Approves the Harco Engineering Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme. Grant funding is to be awarded to the value of £68,400 with delivery to commence in the 2018/19 financial year.
3. Report Detail
3.1. The summary of the proposed project is provided below:
Growing Priority Sectors – Harco Engineering Ltd £68,400 in 18/19
Funding Source 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 Total
Growth Deal / GPS £68,400 £68,400
Match Funding / Leverage £159,600 £159,600
3.2. A request for £68,400 for a £228,000 project to purchase the assets and property of a previous company, Fellows Precision Grinding Ltd, of which has seized trading. A profile of the application with the appraiser’s comments, scores and recommendations can be found in the November 2018 Funding Sub Group Paper.
1
3.3. Harco Engineering Ltd is a family run business, it was established in 1986 and has now moved to its current larger premises at Canal Street, Brierley Hill in June 2005. The company specializes in the machining of ferrous and non-ferrous components.
3.4. By completing the purchase and taking on new employees to work there, it will enhance the company’s capabilities, as it will enable them to offer another high value skilled service to customers. Offering this service will bring in additional work to the existing workload and upskill some existing members of staff, to assist with the new workload. Following the closure of Fellows Precision Grinding Ltd, who were a skilled supplier to the business, it has meant looking outside the area to find the specialist work required. This adds to the company’s overheads and costs, making them less competitive. By allowing the business to expand means keeping these skills and services within the Black Country.
3.5. The installation of a bespoke MRP package will suit Harco`s production needs, will improve job timekeeping, production, and stock management. It will also enable the planning, loading and running of the machines more efficiently.
3.6. It is estimated that the investment can generate an additional £200/250k of business a year once fully settled with the new machines, systems and additional employees, with cost saving of £3 to £4k a year by doing the grinding in-house rather than paying others to do it.
3.7. Seven new jobs will be created with an average salary of £26,500pa and one apprenticeship.
3.8. This project is recommended to the LEP Board for funding, based on the following conditions: • Maximum grant of £68,400 to help implement a £228,000 project at an intervention rate of 30%. • Leverage £159,600 of Private Sector Funding • Create seven new jobs plus one apprenticeship by March 2022 at £7,569 per job and an average salary of £26.5k per annum.
4. Financial Implications
4.1. The costs associated with this proposal form part of the LGF programme and will be covered by allocations from government associated with this programme. This includes the use of
2
any interest accrued by the Accountable Body to cover costs associated with the delivery of Accountable Body functions, as approved by its (Walsall Council) Cabinet on the 29th October 2014.
5. Legal Implications
5.1. The appropriate Grant Agreements are in place and will be utilised by the Accountable Body (Walsall Council), and include all conditions passed onto the LEP by Government, together will all terms, conditions, performance measures and sanctions as required by the approvals/conditions received from Government or approved by the LEP Board or the Joint Committee.
5.2. See section 3.8 for recommended conditions.
6. Risk Management
6.1. The will be managed through the on-going monitoring of individual projects and their ability to deliver the required spending profiles and outcomes for the programme as required or agreed with Government and set into place by the LEP Board and the Joint Committee.
7. Equality Implications
7.1. None at time of drafting.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Lara Cragg Tel: +44 (0)1384 471166 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents:
i. Growing Priority Sectors Funding Sub Group Paper, November 2018
3
Agenda Item 9d
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Growth Deal
Project Approval Recommendation: Growing Priority Sectors – P & R Engineering Ltd, Wolverhampton (SEPB1)
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 To request that the LEP Board approves the P & R Engineering Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme.
2. Recommendations
2.1. That the LEP Board:
2.2. Approves the P & R Engineering Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme. Grant funding is to be awarded to the value of £200,000 with delivery to commence in the 2018/19 financial year.
3. Report Detail
3.1. The summary of the proposed project is provided below:
Growing Priority Sectors – P & R Engineering Ltd - £200,000 in 18/19
Funding Source 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 Total
Growth Deal / GPS £200,000 £200,000
Match Funding / Leverage £1,315,500 £1,315,500
3.2. A request for £200,000 for a £1,515,500 project to invest in the purchase of a new factory base Alpha One. A profile of the application with the appraiser’s comments, scores and recommendations can be found in the November 2018 Funding Sub Group Paper.
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3.3. Established in 1985, as a family run business, specializing in fabrication of bridge parapets and highway barriers. The company operates from 3 small production units with a combined floorspace of 6,147 sq. ft. located in Wolverhampton. With major investment of £2m in new technologies and process improvements over the last 3 years, the company has diversified and seen significant growth from 0% to 95% in laser cutting service with turnover in-excess of £2m forecasted for 2017/18.
3.4. The strategy is to optimise the operation to reduce the operating costs owing to intense competition in the market. The current 6,147 sq. ft. facility is spread over 3 units which house’s production area, material storage and number of offices, however some part of the operation requires extensive material handling unit from unit, resulting in poor work flow, reduced productivity and visibility throughout the plant.
3.5. The company is looking to relocate to a larger facility (26,000 sq. ft. unit) locally in the Ettingshall region, to significantly improves our process flow and visibility in line with current opportunities and vision for growth in bridge parapets and highway barriers construction. The target growth is an additional £1m from these products, these units are large and bulky and command lot of open space on shop floor during fabrication and assembly.
3.6. The new 26,000 sq. ft. facility will allow the business to participate and offer technical expertise from design to complete vertical manufacturing, a 1 stop shop to reduce manufacturing and transport costs and enable us to reduce our carbon foot print, and most importantly help gain considerable market share of the sector in which we have over 18 years’ experience before the business is diversified into laser cutting.
3.7. Seventeen new jobs will be created with an average salary of £23,400pa and five apprenticeships.
3.8. This project is recommended to the LEP Board for funding, based on the following conditions: • Maximum grant of £200,000 to help implement a £1,515,500 project • Leverage £1,315,500 of Private Sector Funding • Create seventeen new jobs plus five apprenticeships by March 2022 • Confirmation of match funding to successfully deliver this project
2
4. Financial Implications
4.1. The costs associated with this proposal form part of the LGF programme and will be covered by allocations from government associated with this programme. This includes the use of any interest accrued by the Accountable Body to cover costs associated with the delivery of Accountable Body functions, as approved by its (Walsall Council) Cabinet on the 29th October 2014.
5. Legal Implications
5.1. The appropriate Grant Agreements are in place and will be utilised by the Accountable Body (Walsall Council), and include all conditions passed onto the LEP by Government, together will all terms, conditions, performance measures and sanctions as required by the approvals/conditions received from Government or approved by the LEP Board or the Joint Committee.
5.2. See section 3.8 for recommended conditions.
6. Risk Management
6.1. The will be managed through the on-going monitoring of individual projects and their ability to deliver the required spending profiles and outcomes for the programme as required or agreed with Government and set into place by the LEP Board and the Joint Committee.
7. Equality Implications
7.1. None at time of drafting.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Lara Cragg Tel: +44 (0)1384 471166 Email: [email protected]
3
Source Documents:
i. Growing Priority Sectors Funding Sub Group Paper, November 2018
4
Agenda Item 9e
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Growth Deal
Project Approval Recommendation: Growing Priority Sectors – PK Engineering, West Bromwich (SEPB1)
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 To request that the LEP Board approves the PK Engineering project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme.
2. Recommendations
2.1. That the LEP Board:
2.2. Approves the PK Engineering project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme. Grant funding is to be awarded to the value of £124,500 with delivery to commence in the 2018/19 financial year.
3. Report Detail
3.1. The summary of the proposed project is provided below:
Growing Priority Sectors – PK Engineering - £124,500 in 18/19
Funding Source 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 Total
Growth Deal / GPS £124,500 £124,500
Match Funding / Leverage £290,500 £290,500
3.2. A request for £124,500 for a £415,000 project to purchase of a new Vertical Milling Machine CNC. A profile of the application with the appraiser’s comments, scores and recommendations can be found in the November 2018 Funding Sub Group Paper.
1
3.3. From the outset in the early 80’s, PK Engineering has taken pride in attention to details and consistent quality, not only in their manufactured fitting but in their commitment to customer service. As a company, they have always looked into new ways of technology and new markets. To allow them to compete in new markets, the need for purchasing various pieces of kit is vital. The plan over the next 3 years is to invest in new machines, software and to employ and grow workforce and upskill them.
3.4. The machines will allow much more diverse machining and allow the organisation to go after more companies both in the UK & overseas. Also purchase of these machines will allow the business to expand the product range and start producing parts for the car industry which it is currently unable to do – this is a sector the business would like to get into. These machines will be used to machine castings and forges, in various hard and soft metals. Once the business has the machine they would need a quality inspector as at the moment some of the reports that they have to do is being done by an outside company. They will also need a machine setter both lathe and miller. The software on the machines will allow them to quote quicker and win more work due to that.
3.5. The machines are at the cutting edge of technology and the running cost i.e. power used is really low, which will reduce energy consumption. The business wants PK to stand out from other machining companies, and by getting these two machines this will achieve the goal.
3.6. Six new jobs will be created with an average salary of £28,800pa and five apprenticeships.
3.7. This project is recommended to the LEP Board for funding, based on the following conditions: • Maximum grant of £124,500 to help implement a £415,000 project • Leverage £290,500 of Private Sector Funding • Create six new jobs plus five apprenticeships by March 2022 • Confirmation of match funding to successfully deliver this project
4. Financial Implications
4.1. The costs associated with this proposal form part of the LGF programme and will be covered by allocations from government associated with this programme. This includes the use of any interest accrued by the Accountable Body to cover costs associated with the delivery
2
of Accountable Body functions, as approved by its (Walsall Council) Cabinet on the 29th October 2014.
5. Legal Implications
5.1. The appropriate Grant Agreements are in place and will be utilised by the Accountable Body (Walsall Council), and include all conditions passed onto the LEP by Government, together will all terms, conditions, performance measures and sanctions as required by the approvals/conditions received from Government or approved by the LEP Board or the Joint Committee.
5.2. See section 3.7 for recommended conditions.
6. Risk Management
6.1. The will be managed through the on-going monitoring of individual projects and their ability to deliver the required spending profiles and outcomes for the programme as required or agreed with Government and set into place by the LEP Board and the Joint Committee.
7. Equality Implications
7.1. None at time of drafting.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Lara Cragg Tel: +44 (0)1384 471166 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents:
i. Growing Priority Sectors Funding Sub Group Paper, November 2018
3
Agenda Item 9f
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Growth Deal
Project Approval Recommendation: Growing Priority Sectors – Sant Products Ltd, Tipton (SEPB1)
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 To request that the LEP Board approves the Sant Products Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme.
2. Recommendations
2.1. That the LEP Board:
2.2. Approves the Sant Products Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme. Grant funding is to be awarded to the value of £83,850 with delivery to commence in the 2018/19 financial year.
3. Report Detail
3.1. The summary of the proposed project is provided below:
Growing Priority Sectors – Sant Products Ltd £83,850 in 18/19
Funding Source 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 Total
Growth Deal / GPS £83,850 £83,850
Match Funding / Leverage £196,650 £196,650
3.2. A request for £83,850 for a £279,500 project to invest in the following plant and equipment: • Hymsen Flat Bed • Laser with XT Tube Laser • Dener Press Brake 3m
1
• Abex 10 bar Air Compressor A profile of the application with the appraiser’s comments, scores and recommendations can be found in the November 2018 Funding Sub Group Paper.
3.3. Sant Products Ltd began trading in 1999. The Directors and 50/50 shareholders are Santokh Suman and Surasti Suman. The company has 25 years of industry expertise, providing customers with quality finished products specializing in electroplating chrome, nickel and gold.
3.4. With extensive facilities Sant can plate on many different materials including brass, aluminium, steel, stainless steel, zinc die casting and most recently, plastic. Stripping and re-polishing facilities are also available providing full refurbishment options. Sant is currently serving the following industries: • Kitchen and Bathroom • Drinks Dispense • Electrical Products • Giftware • Sanitary Ware
3.5. Experience is vital in this industry as the finish of a product is very important. With a fully automated plant, full effluent treatment, the best service and quality of product is assured from this environmentally friendly company. Plating on plastic is the most recent addition to the company and not widely available, this shows the commitment to service for the customer base, offering all possible solutions for all component finishing, whatever the material.
3.6. The investment into the plant and machinery will enable the company to provide precision laser cutting to the components produced. The above laser specifically has tube laser capability, something that the company does not have at present. This is much needed as current subcontractors are not able to provide this feature.
3.7. Nine new jobs will be created with an average salary of £24,500pa and two apprenticeships.
3.8. This project is recommended to the LEP Board for funding, based on the following conditions: • Maximum grant of £82,850 to help implement a £279,500 project
2
• Leverage £196,650 of Private Sector Funding • Create nine new jobs plus two apprenticeships by March 2022 • Confirmation of match funding to successfully deliver this project
4. Financial Implications
4.1. The costs associated with this proposal form part of the LGF programme and will be covered by allocations from government associated with this programme. This includes the use of any interest accrued by the Accountable Body to cover costs associated with the delivery of Accountable Body functions, as approved by its (Walsall Council) Cabinet on the 29th October 2014.
5. Legal Implications
5.1. The appropriate Grant Agreements are in place and will be utilised by the Accountable Body (Walsall Council), and include all conditions passed onto the LEP by Government, together will all terms, conditions, performance measures and sanctions as required by the approvals/conditions received from Government or approved by the LEP Board or the Joint Committee.
5.2. See section 3.8 for recommended conditions.
6. Risk Management
6.1. The will be managed through the on-going monitoring of individual projects and their ability to deliver the required spending profiles and outcomes for the programme as required or agreed with Government and set into place by the LEP Board and the Joint Committee.
7. Equality Implications
7.1. None at time of drafting.
Sarah Middleton
3
Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Lara Cragg Tel: +44 (0)1384 471166 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents:
i. Growing Priority Sectors Funding Sub Group Paper, November 2018
4
Agenda Item 9g
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Growth Deal
Project Approval Recommendation: Growing Priority Sectors – The Label Centre Ltd, Dudley (SEPB1)
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 To request that the LEP Board approves The Label Centre Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme.
2. Recommendations
2.1. That the LEP Board:
2.2. Approves The Label Centre Ltd project, part of Growing Priority Sectors, from within the Growth Deal programme. Grant funding is to be awarded to the value of £50,000 with delivery to commence in the 2018/19 financial year.
3. Report Detail
3.1. The summary of the proposed project is provided below:
Growing Priority Sectors – The Label Centre Ltd - £50,000 in 18/19
Funding Source 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 Total
Growth Deal / GPS £50,000 £50,000
Match Funding / Leverage £360,000 £360,000
3.2. A request for £50,000 for a £410,000 project to purchase of a new Focus d-Flex Servo 250 Inkjet/Flexo/Auto Register Press machine. A profile of the application with the appraiser’s comments, scores and recommendations can be found in the November 2018 Funding Sub Group Paper.
1
3.3. This project involves the purchase of a brand-new piece of machinery which is a high-speed press combining traditional flexographic printing with new UV digital inkjet print heads, also with in line finishing stations allowing the business to make fully finished labels on one machine. The machine is manufactured in the UK by a company called Focus Label Machinery Ltd. The digital print head section of the machine is British technology designed and manufactured by a company called Industrial Inkjet Limited based in Cambridge, UK. The machine will be installed at the factory in Dudley. The company has spent 2 years researching this new technology and have finally decided that this machine is suited to our needs and we would like to place an order as soon as possible.
3.4. The company has chosen to use UV inkjet as this is the most durable type of digital print process available and is capable of printing onto a wide range of substrates. It is well suited to the high value industrial type labels the company specialize in such as barcode labels, scratch resistant equipment ID labels, high spec chemical resistant labels, extreme temperature labels, security labels, sequential number and variable text labels.
3.5. By purchasing this equipment, it will enable the company to improve on print quality and durability, increase speed to due let set-up time and reduce waste. This higher productivity will shorten lead times and add more capacity in order to grow turnover and increase profits. It will allow the company to continue to remain competitive within the market securing orders and also the jobs of our current workforce and recruit new positions, all which contribute to the longevity of the company.
3.6. Three new jobs will be created with an average salary of £26,600pa and four apprenticeships.
3.7. This project is recommended to the LEP Board for funding, based on the following conditions: • Maximum grant of £50,000 to help implement a £410,000 project • Leverage £360,000 of Private Sector Funding • Create three new jobs plus four apprenticeships by March 2022 • Confirmation of match funding to successfully deliver this project
2
4. Financial Implications
4.1. The costs associated with this proposal form part of the LGF programme and will be covered by allocations from government associated with this programme. This includes the use of any interest accrued by the Accountable Body to cover costs associated with the delivery of Accountable Body functions, as approved by its (Walsall Council) Cabinet on the 29th October 2014.
5. Legal Implications
5.1. The appropriate Grant Agreements are in place and will be utilised by the Accountable Body (Walsall Council), and include all conditions passed onto the LEP by Government, together will all terms, conditions, performance measures and sanctions as required by the approvals/conditions received from Government or approved by the LEP Board or the Joint Committee.
5.2. See section 3.7 for recommended conditions.
6. Risk Management
6.1. The will be managed through the on-going monitoring of individual projects and their ability to deliver the required spending profiles and outcomes for the programme as required or agreed with Government and set into place by the LEP Board and the Joint Committee.
7. Equality Implications
7.1. None at time of drafting.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Lara Cragg Tel: +44 (0)1384 471166
3
Email: [email protected]
Source Documents:
i. Growing Priority Sectors Funding Sub Group Paper, November 2018
4
Agenda Item 9h
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Growth Deal
Project Approval Recommendation: i9 (Block 9) Wolverhampton (SEPPL94)
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 To request that the LEP Board approve the funding request for the i9 (Block 9) Wolverhampton project.
2. Recommendations
2.1. That the LEP Board:
2.2. Approves the Accountable Body for the Growth Deal (Walsall Council) to proceed to a Grant Agreement with Ion Property Development Limited (IPDL), to the value of £3,722,477 to deliver the Local Growth Fund (LGF), funded elements of the i9 (Block 9) Wolverhampton project - with delivery to commence in the 2018/19 financial year.
3. Report Detail
3.1. A summary of the proposed project is provided below:
I9 (Block 9) Wolverhampton - £3,722,477 in 2018/19
16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 Total LGF - LEP Grant £3,722,477 £3,722,477 Private Sector £12,622,445 £12,622,445 Investment
3.2. In August 2018, the LEP approved the bid for the Wolverhampton i9 scheme, under the Land and Property Investment Fund (LPIF) programme. This went on to be approved by the Black Country Joint Committee (BCJC) in September. Since approval of the project, it has been discussed and agreed to remove this project from the LPIF programme with the aim to fund this from the Growth Deal programme instead. The Local Growth Deal has seen a number of schemes face uncertain circumstances, leading them unable to spend their
1
2018/19 allocation, leaving the programme with a challenge for the 18/19 financial year spend target. I9 is a project that is available to start on site shortly, delivering high quality commercial outputs, enabling them to complete spend within the time period required.
Technical advisors have confirmed that i9 was appraised with both Growth Deal and LPIF in mind, making it a good fit and removing the need for re-appraisal.
3.3. The i9 site is located to the eastern side of Wolverhampton City Centre, within the Wolverhampton Interchange regeneration boundary. The i9 project will directly support the delivery of local, regional and national economic strategies. Specifically, the delivery of i9 will create new high-quality employment land to meet the needs of new and expanding businesses. The Interchange project is a place-based regeneration scheme, connecting people in a quick, efficient and reliable manner to employment opportunities. The multi- modal nature of the Interchange creates a sustainable transport and business hub for the city.
3.4. The i9 project forms part of a wider project for Wolverhampton Interchange. The i9 development aims to build on success of adjoining i10 building which was completed in December 2015 and seeks to deliver a commercial development in a strategic employment area. The development presents one of the few new build Grade ‘A’ developments in the city centre pipeline, providing new office and retail space.
3.5. The applicant’s Full Business Case (FBC) relates to a gap funding request in the sum of £3,825,190 in order to render the scheme viable for delivery on a speculative basis, i.e. with no identified end occupiers, although the building is to be delivered on behalf of the City of Wolverhampton Council, who intend to hold the property as a long-term revenue generating investment. The identified viability gap arises as a result of market failure, despite improving market conditions, whereby the costs of delivering the scheme currently exceed the value of the completed scheme.
3.6. Through the due diligence appraisal process, a slightly reduced funding viability gap of £3,722,477 has been agreed with the Applicant, this being the minimum level of grant required in order that this scheme might be progressed on the proposed basis.
3.7. The i9 project also has a strong strategic fit with the Black Country Strategic Economic Plan 2017 and has been highlighted within the Black Country LEP Priority Pipeline dated February 2018.
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3.8. It is recommended that the LEP Board approve the proposal for Walsall Council as Accountable Body to the LEP Board in respect of the Growth Deal Fund (LGF), to enter into a funding agreement with IPDL subject to the following conditions:
Initial conditions precedent is proposed to the following effect;
• Prior to entering into the Funding Agreements, the applicant to provide documentary evidence relating to transfer and funding agreement for the site/building confirming that the proposed transfer and clawback arrangements are fully compatible with the Ground Lease and Investment Agreement, and in accord with draft Heads of Terms previously provided.
Additional conditionality proposed to include; • Approval of the BCLEP Board and Black Country Joint Committee. • Clawback provision to be included if City of Wolverhampton are to dispose of i9 within 5 years of practical completion, with 50% of any uplift from the market value, as reported by Knight Frank (£12,100,000) paid to BCLEP. • In the event that the Escrow Account should retain monies relating to unexpended void and infrastructure costs at a date 3 year from Practical Completion, then 75% of such sum remaining will be paid to the BCLEP • The total clawback received shall not exceed the amount of grant drawn down.
The above, together with conditionality, are set out within the draft Heads of Terms.
4. Financial Implications
4.1. All the costs associated with this proposal form part of the LGF Programme and will be covered by allocations from the government associated with this programme. This includes use of any interest accrued by the Accountable Body to cover costs associated with the delivery of Accountable Body functions, as approved by its (Walsall Council) Cabinet on 29th October 2014.
5. Legal Implications
5.1. The appropriate Grant Agreements are in place and will be utilised by the Accountable Body (Walsall Council), and include all conditions passed onto the LEP by Government, together will all terms, conditions, performance measures and sanctions as required by the
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approvals/conditions received from Government or approved by the LEP Board or the Joint Committee.
5.2. See paragraph 3.8 for recommended conditions to be included in the contract.
6. Risk Management
6.1. Risk will be managed through the on-going monitoring of individual projects and their ability to deliver the required spending profiles and outcomes for the programme as required or agreed with Government and set into place by the LEP Board and the Joint Committee.
7. Equality Implications
7.1. None at the time of drafting.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Lara Cragg Tel: +44 (0)1384 471166 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents
I. November 2018 Growth Deal Funding Sub Group Paper II. Wolverhampton i9 Due Diligence Assessment III. I9 (Block 9) Wolverhampton Full Business Case
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Agenda Item 9i
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Growth Deal
Project Withdrawal – Black Country Train Stations Development Funding (SEPPL13)
1. Purpose of Report 1.1 To request that the LEP Board note the withdrawal of the Black Country Train Stations, Dudley MBC element, within the Growth Deal Programme.
2. Recommendation 2.1. That the LEP Board:
2.2. Notes the withdrawal for the Black Country Train Stations Development Funding (Dudley MBC) project from within the Growth Deal Programme.
3. Report Detail 3.1. A summary of the proposed project withdrawal is provided below:
Funding Source 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Total
Current Forecast £37,500 £37,500 New Revised Forecast £0 £0 Variance £0 -£37,500 £0 £0 -£37,500
3.2. It has been proposed to return the funding of £37,500 allocated to the development of the two Dudley Stations, back into the Transport funding pool, and reallocated to another development scheme, this being the Mill Lane Bridge GRIP & Aldridge Line Aqueduct GRIP 3 Study. The additional funding request for Mill Lane Bridge GRIP & Aldridge Line Aqueduct GRIP 3 Study is detailed in the following section of this report.
3.3. The West Midlands rail franchise was replaced in December 2017. The Department for Transport (DfT), with input from local authorities and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), led a procurement exercise to contract with a Train Operating Company (TOC) to provide these local and regional services. On 10th August, 2017 DfT announced that the franchise
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has been awarded to West Midlands Trains Ltd (WMT), a joint venture between Abellio, East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui & Co Ltd.
3.4. At a briefing session on 14th August 2017, WMT revealed that over-and-above the base requirements specified by DfT, WMT is intending to introduce a wider package of service improvement from December 2018 onwards. This includes restructuring the timetable across Birmingham New Street to create new through journey opportunities. This will also create a number of new long-distance through services to London from a number of stations in the West Midlands. This is likely to include an hourly service between Walsall and London.
3.5. As part of the new franchise 3 new services are currently being proposed as follows: • Walsall to Wolverhampton with new stations as Darlaston and Willenhall • Canal Street (Brierley Hill), Brierley Hill, Stourbridge Junction to Birmingham City Centre • Birmingham to Moseley, Kings Heath and Hazewell
3.6. In order to deliver the new train stations within the Black Country, further resource is required to develop the schemes to an acceptable standard, and ensure the stations can be adopted by the DfT within the new franchise and delivered by 2019. £75,000 was allocated from the Transport fund within the Growth Deal and approved at the April 2018 BCJC. 50% of this funding was to be allocated to Dudley and the remaining 50% awarded to Walsall, to further develop the plans for these new proposed stations.
3.7. The Dudley trains stations, Canal Street and Brierley Hill, are no longer being taken into GRIP 3 – 4 options appraisal/single option development due to the viability of the scheme. GRIP is an acronym for Governance for Rail Investment Projects and is essentially a gateway review for each stage of the project. As major infrastructure works are required to facilitate the scheme, the costs do not weigh up against the estimated demand for the service. Currently alternative infrastructure options are being explored to improve public transport in the local area such as the Metro extension.
4. Financial Implications
4.1. All the costs associated with this proposal form part of the LGF Programme and will be covered by allocations from government associated with this programme. This includes use of any interest accrued by the Accountable Body to cover costs associated with the delivery
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of Accountable Body functions, as approved by its (Walsall Council) Cabinet on the 29th October 2014.
5. Legal Implications
5.1. The appropriate Grant Agreements are in place and will be utilised by the Accountable Body (Walsall Council), and include all conditions passed onto the LEP by Government, together will all terms, conditions, performance measures and sanctions as required by the approvals/conditions received from Government or approved by the LEP Board or the Joint Committee.
6. Risk Management
6.1. Risk will be managed through the on-going monitoring of individual projects and their ability to deliver the required spending profiles and outcomes for the programme as required or agreed with Government and set into place by the LEP Board and the Joint Committee.
7. Equality Implications
7.1. None at the time of drafting
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Lara Cragg Tel: +44 (0)1384 471166 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents:
I. New Development Funding Change Request II. November 2018 FSG paper
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Agenda Item 10
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Land and Property Investment Fund
Project Removal Recommendation: i9 (Block 9) Wolverhampton (SEPPL94)
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 To request that the LEP Board approves the removal of the i9 (Block 9) Wolverhampton project, from within the Land and Property Investment Fund Programme (LPIF).
2. Recommendations
2.1. That the LEP Board:
2.2. Approves the removal of the i9 (Block 9) Wolverhampton project, from within Land and Property Investment Fund programme.
2.3. Note the removal of this scheme will create capacity of £3,722,477 within the Land and Property Investment Fund Programme.
3. Report Detail
3.1. The i9 (Block 9) Wolverhampton project was approved by the LEP board in August 2018 (Minutes Ref 130/18) and approved by the Black Country Joint Committee in September 2018 (Minutes Ref: 18/0050).
3.2. The project was awarded £3,722,477 in Grant Funding from the LPIF Programme, to Ion Property Development Limited (IPDL), which was to enable the development aims to build on the success of the adjoining i10 building which was completed in December 2015, to deliver a commercial development in a strategic employment area. The development
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presents one of the few new build Grade ‘A’ developments in the city centre pipeline, providing new office and retail space.
3.3. The i9 site is located to the eastern side of Wolverhampton City Centre, within the Wolverhampton Interchange regeneration boundary. The i9 project will directly support the delivery of local, regional and national economic strategies. Specifically, the delivery of i9 will create new high-quality employment land to meet the needs of new and expanding businesses). The Interchange project is a place-based regeneration scheme, connecting people in a quick, efficient and reliable manner to employment opportunities. The multi- modal nature of the Interchange creates a sustainable transport and business hub for the city.
3.4. The project is due to deliver the following outputs
Jobs Created 327 Land Remediated 0.154 Ha Commercial Floorspace 4,436 Sqm
3.5. Since Grant Award Approval Ion Property Development Limited (IPDL) and the Accountable Body are yet to enter into Grant Agreement. To date, no financial claims have been made by Ion Property Development Limited (IPDL) to the Accountable body.
3.6. The Local Growth Deal has seen a number of schemes face uncertain circumstances, leading them to be unable to spend their 18/19 forecast, leaving the programme with a challenge for the 18/19 financial year spend target. i9 is a project that is available to start on site shortly, delivering high quality commercial outputs, enabling them to complete spend within the time period required. This proposed change in funding has been discussed with members of City of Wolverhampton Council, who have no objections, the CWC as the Accountable Body for LPIF, Walsall MBC as the Accountable Body for Growth deal with all parties in agreement for the change.
3.7. It is recommended to remove the i9 (Block 9) Wolverhampton project from the Land and Property Investment Fund Programme and include this within the Growth Deal Programme. A separate paper requesting the funding approval from the Growth Deal programme will be presented for approval at the November 2018 LEP Board.
4. Financial Implications
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4.1. Note the removal of this scheme will create capacity of £3,722,477 within the Land and Property Investment Fund. No financial claims have been made from Ion Property Development Limited (IPDL) to accountable body against this project.
5. Legal Implications
5.1. The appropriate Grant Agreement will be put in place with the bidder, by the Accountable Body (Walsall Council), and include all conditions passed on by the LEP Board, Joint Committee, and agreed with the Accountable Body.
6. Risk Management
6.1. Risk will be managed through the on-going monitoring of individual projects and their ability to deliver the required spending profiles and outcomes for the programme as required or agreed with Government and set into place by the LEP Board and the Joint Committee.
7. Equality Implications
7.1. None at the time of drafting.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Lara Cragg Tel: +44 (0)1384 471159 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents: The following supporting documents can be supplied for consideration: i. November 2018 Funding Sub Group paper ii. Thomas Lister Technical Assessment
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ITEM 11
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Board
19th November 2018
BLACK COUNTRY LEP ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK – ACCOUNTABLE BODY REVIEW
Approval of the Revised Black Country LEP Assurance Framework
Key Decision: Yes Forward Plan: Yes
1. PURPOSE OF REPORT
1.1. To request BC LEP Board to endorse the revised Black Country LEP Assurance Framework, following the programme of continuous improvement to further enhance the governance, accountability and transparency of the BC LEP above and beyond applicable published Government standards and also so that the BC LEP can manage delegated funding from central Government more effectively in order to deliver enhanced value for money.
1.2. The BC LEP Assurance Framework also incorporates the changes required to ensure the Black Country and deliver the LEP Review Implementation Plan, submitted to Government on 31st October 2018.
2. RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 That the BC LEP Board approve the revised Black Country LEP Assurance Framework, following the programme of continuous improvement to further enhance the BC LEP governance and transparency above and beyond published government standards.
2.2 That the Board size be increased from 15 to up to 20 Members with this change being incorporated into the revised Assurance Framework, with the provision included for the Board to appoint up to 5 additional co-opted members on an annual basis.
2.3 That the current Advisory Board Memberships – Chair of the Employment and Skills (People) Theme Advisory Board and Active Black Country Partnership Board be made full members of the Board effective with the increase in Board size, with this change being incorporated into the revised Assurance Framework
2.4 Note and approve the revised Appendices detailed below and available via the link Link to Assurance Framework appendices
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ITEM 11
Appendix 1-37 version control January 2019 Version control
Appendix 16 February 2018 New declaration format
Appendix 18 February 2018 Procedure update
Appendix 19 February 2018 Policy update
Appendix 24 a & b January 2019
Appendix 6 January 2019 Final Version
Appendix 32 January 2019 To be removed and replaced with the Branding Guidelines
Appendix 13 January 2019 Variation added
Appendix 9 January 2019 Revised version
Appendix 33 January 2019 Revised version
Appendix 23 January 2019 Revised version
2.5 Note all Appendices are updated with version control.
2.6 Note that legal opinion is being sought on the interpretation of the LEP Board quorum.
3. REPORT DETAIL
3.1 Local Assurance Frameworks must be published on each Local Enterprise Partnership’s website and reviewed annually.
3.2 The BC LEP should sign-off the revised Local Assurance Framework. The Section 151 Officer of the Accountable Body (Walsall Council) must also sign off the revised Local Assurance Framework and write to MHCLG’s Accounting Officer by 28th February each year (beginning 2017) certifying that the Local Assurance Framework has been agreed, is being implemented and that it meets the revised standards set out in the LEP National Assurance Framework (2016).
3.2 The meeting between BCC Ltd and Walsall Council officers regarding the Assurance Framework revisions, detailed in the Appendices pack, was held on 9th October 2018 and changes have been incorporated, which are being reported to this meeting.
3.3 In addition to the meeting referenced in 3.2, the Government’s published LEP Review requires changes to the Board’s composition to increase diversity on the Board and allows for a Board of up to 20 Members with caveats that the Board must be two thirds private sector representation (BC LEP complies); 1/3 female Board Members by the end of 2019-2020
Page 2 of 4
ITEM 11
financial year; and equal representation of men and women on the Board by the ned of 2022- 2023 financial year. 3.4 The principle areas of review were: the key abbreviations and terminology, inclusion of references to Land and Property Investment Fund, LEP Board membership and quorum, PMO structural changes, removal of no-longer existing Theme Advisory Groups and BC LEP Board Sub-Groups and Other Project Steering Groups and Informal or Time-Limited Working Groups (groups members names were removed as well), added references to UK’s exit from the EU, incorporated mitigation process on individual projects’ non-compliance with BC LEP Assurance Framework, clarified IP and FBC requirements for Transport projects.
3.5 The following Appendices of the Assurance Framework have been amended: -
i. Appendix 9 – Programme Office Terms of Reference – to reflect structural changes in the PMO.
ii. Appendix 24a&b – Growth Deal Monitoring and Assurance Framework – Framework has been split into two documents: 24a - Growth Deal Monitoring and Assurance Framework – Programme; and 24b - Growth Deal Monitoring and Assurance Framework – Projects.
3.6 The revised Assurance Framework and revised Appendices are appended to this report with further advice being sought on the element of the quorum.
3.7 In addition to the Accountable Body requested amendments, through Government, there will be further revisions required to the Assurance Framework during 2019.
4. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
4.1 There are no financial implications.
5. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
5.1 The amendments to the BC LEP Assurance Framework have been reviewed by WMBC Legal Services to ensure that it is robust, consistent with the requirements of the National Assurance Framework, which was published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (now Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) in November 2016, and otherwise legally sound and compliant.
6. RISK MANAGEMENT
6.1 Risk will be managed through open dialogue and quarterly review meetings between the Black Country Consortium and Walsall Council Accountable Body focused on the programme of continuous improvement.
6.2 Risk of non-compliance with Government recommendations will be will be monitored by Area Leads from the Cities and Local Growth Unit. Programme(s) related risks will be managed through the on-going monitoring of individual projects and their ability to deliver the required
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ITEM 11
spending profiles and outcomes for the programme as required or agreed with Government and set into place by the LEP Board and the Joint Committee.
7. EQUALITY IMPLICATIONS
7.1. The Strengthened Local Enterprise Partnerships’ publication requires the gender balance of the Board to be 1/3 women by the end of 2019/20 financial year and a 50/50 ratio of male and female members by the end of the 2022/23 financial year.
7.2. This report enables the implementation of these requirements with the given timescales.
Background papers
Copies can be provided on request
• LEP National Assurance Framework (2016) • BC LEP Assurance Framework version 10 (revised 2017) • Local Enterprise Partnership governance and transparency: Best practice guidance (January 2018) • ‘Strengthened Local Enterprise Partnerships’ (July 2018) • Annex C: Implementation Plan Response – (October 2018) – currently exempt information – Paragraph 3, Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972
Attachments
I. BC LEP Assurance Framework version 11 (revised 2018) (Appendices Pack) II. Appendix 1-37 - Link to Appendices
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium The Deckhouse, Waterfront West DY5 1LW Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01384 471102
Simon Neilson Mark Lavender Executive Director, Economy and Environment Joint Committee Programme Manager Walsall Council Walsall Council Civic Centre, Darwall Street, Walsall Civic Centre, Darwall Street, Walsall. WS1 1TP WS1 1TP Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01922 652004 Telephone: 01922 654772
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Agenda Item 13
BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP PLACE MAKING AND LAND THEME ADVISORY BOARD
DRAFT Minutes of a Meeting Held at 8.30am on 11th September 2018 at Seminar Room, Business Solutions Centre, Wolverhampton Science Park, University of Wolverhampton, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton
Present:
Tom Westley – Chair; Gary Fulford – WHG
In Attendance:
Simon Dale - Mace Rosemary Coyne – SHAP Co-ordinator Andy Argyle – KPMG James Dair - GVA Stephen Hollowood – GVA Sarah Middleton, Scott Grindey, Chris Styche and Hywel Ruddick – Black Country Consortium Ltd; Stuart Everton – City of Wolverhampton Andrew Stott – University of Wolverhampton
Apologies: Neil Baxter, Ian Culley, Simon Eastwood, Chris Handy, Prof. Mike Fullen and Simon Tranter.
In the absence of Chris Handy, Tom Westley took the Chair.
23/18 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 5th June 2018 were circulated.
Agreed that the minutes of the Place Making and Land Theme Advisory Board held on 5th June 2018 were confirmed and approved.
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24/18 New Housing Delivery Model for the Black Country
Andy Argyle, KPMG, James Dair and Stephen Hollowood, were in attendance and provided a presentation on work on Regeneration and Housing Priorities – Towards a New Model of Delivery.
They highlighted the strategic context
• Government requirement to deliver 5 year supply of housing. • The Black Country transformational change set out in Black Country SEP (£5.5bn of investment, GVA uplift of £19bn; aim now to deliver up to 63,000 new homes by 2026 –pressure on Green Belt as new land needed). Significant economic opportunity (£17bn of GVA; business employment 440,000). • Acceleration of first 500 homes critical • Areas with serious deprivation and low population increase. By 2033 the Black Country will have grown its population and reversed net outward migration trends observed prior to 2003. • Pressing need for quality homes at affordable price, plus better quality executive homes than currently being delivered and quality PRS offer. • Review of Black Country Strategy –sufficient housing sites identified but deliverability on these sites a major issue. Speed of delivery critical. • Urgent need for high quality strategic employment sites to address inter alia JLR supply chain. • Importance of Black Country sites and infrastructure pipeline –remediation of contaminated sites central to delivery. • Progress on, and role of, land development programme with focus on comprehensive, community and place based regeneration.
They highlighted the proposed delivery model and stated that the investment model worked well with City Deal and CA funding, which was already available.
On a question of scale, it was noted that the bigger the scale would be more attractive to the private sector; thus the Wolverhampton/Walsall corridor was the proposed trial model. There was a need to understand land ownership and where
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necessary use assertive Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to release land.
On a question relating to Homes England, it was noted that their land was included in the pooling of land.
Reference was made to energy viability with sites for the portfolio offer and it was noted that it fitted in with the model, although further technical work was required with all evidence needing to be pulled together. The Chair noted that energy was being dealt with at the WMCA level and corridors for development could be combined with the model.
Sarah Middleton welcomed the model and stated that further action was required on the classification of land owners and as such a pilot approach could be adopted to a number of sites, brining in energy pooling etc. The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) would do more with partners over site classification.
Agreed 1) that the presentation be noted; and 2) that Homes England be passed the contact details for the presenters. 3) That the EIU work with KPMG and GVA on site classification.
25/18 Garden City – update
The meeting was advised of the Garden City Prospectus proposal and that a bid would be developed for submission in November. It was noted that the Government did not fully understand the BC offer, as they wanted big sites, whilst the BC had a cluster of smaller sites. Currently granular analysis of the sites was being undertaken to create the clusters.
Rosemary Coyne referenced garage sites and stated that these could be an exciting offer for Government as they were already urban sites, and replicated across other cities.
Comments outside of the meeting were welcomed on the proposals and it was noted that they would be finessed and re- presented to the Advisory Board.
Agreed that the update be noted. 3
26/18 Sustainable Housing Action Partnership (SHAP)
Rosemary Coyne provide an update on the work undertaken by SHAP across the WMCA geography. She highlighted that 40% of new builds did not meet current building regulations and where sustainable fittings were undertaken, they were sometimes poorly installed.
She highlighted that of 215,000 to be built across the WMCA geography there was an opportunity to fit sustainable solutions now and do it right. She referenced “smarter connected homes” and advised that highly performing, energy smart homes made housing fit for purpose. She highlighted that with other initiatives to include the Local Industrial Strategy and the Construction Deal, there was an opportunity to do a lot more with the money available. She advised that a summary report was being produced by SHAP and asked that it be circulated to Members of the Advisory Board.
On a question how standards could be imposed, Rosemary Coyne advised that it could be incorporated into the BC Core Strategy. She also referenced the CA Healthy Homes Standard and revised Design Code.
The Chair queried what was the potential benefit for a developer to adopt these principles and was advised that there was potential to speed up the local planning process if a developer worked to an agreed criteria.
Agreed that the update be noted.
27/18 Air Quality
The meeting received a presentation for Stuart Everton on the requirement for 7 metropolitan councils with the WMCA region to produce an air quality action plan. Nationally he advised that there was a need for a scheme to reduce diesel vehicles, such as a scrappage scheme
He advised that at the BC level there was a need to tackle areas that exceeded EU limits by increasing sustainable transport, re- phasing traffic lights and making some changes to junctions. A bid
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had been submitted and these could all measures would be in place by 2020.
He referenced Birmingham and advised that given the pollution levels they were considering a congestion charge for all vehicles that were not Euro 6 or electric engines. The issue for the BC will be changes in travel, with potential for more commuters from Smethwick Galton Bridge. He stated that the consultation had received 11,000 responses and that the Birmingham City Council’s proposal would be with Defra in the next 6 months.
Agreed that the update be noted and officers be invited to attend the next meeting of the Advisory Board.
28/18 Black Country Core Strategy
In the absence of Ian Culley, it was noted that the Advisory Board would receive an update at their next meeting.
Agreed that the update be noted.
29/18 Smart City Group
a) Minutes of Black Country LEP Green Growth Group 26 July 2018 b) Smart City Group Terms of Reference
The minutes and Terms of Reference were received.
Agreed: - 1) that the update be noted; and 2) that the Smart City Group secretariat be provided by the Black Country Consortium Ltd.
30/18 Construction Skills West Midlands – Apprenticeship Mapping
The Apprenticeship Mapping, which mapped the skills demand pipeline against the provision gap was shared. It was noted that there was a plan to ensure training provision, which did not include HS2. Whilst there were 13 identified skills 7 had been picked as most needing training provision.
It was noted that the work would feed in through the LIS with the
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sector action plans being developed.
Agreed that the update be noted.
31/18 Conclusion and Next Steps
Tom Westley advised that there were opportunities to finesses the outcomes relating to housing; to support the infrastructure programme in relation to the LIS; and to champion all things transportation.
32/18 Future Agenda Items
The following items were to be included: - Core Strategy update Black Country Geo-Park Update.
33/18 Date of Next Meeting
It was noted that the next meeting would be an extended Away Day session on 13th November 2018.
Meeting ended at 10.10 am.
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Agenda Item 14
BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP COMPETITIVENESS THEME ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes of the Meeting held at 9:00am on 20th September 2018 NMC, 47 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich B70 6PY
Present: Paul Brown – LEP Board (Chair); Charles Addison – MADE in the Midlands; Andy Cox – LEP Board; Marc Fleetham – University of Wolverhampton; Corin Crane – Black Country Chamber of Commerce; Dr Mick Carling – Dept. International Trade; Julie Heywood – WHG; Adam Titchen – EEF; Paul Nicol – PNA Ltd; Councillor Ian Kettle – Dudley MBC; John Wood – Liberty.
In Attendance: Sarah Middleton – Black Country Consortium; Colin Parker – Black Country Consortium; Ravi Kumar - Black Country Consortium; Dan Carins – Black Country Consortium; Hywel Ruddick – Black Country Consortium; Chris Styche – Black Country Consortium; Jas Sohal – Black Country Growth Hub; Jacob Bonehill – WMCA; Rachel Egan – WMCA; Isobel Woods – City of Wolverhampton.
Apologies
Councillor John Reynolds, Karen Woolley, Charlotte Horobin and John Poole.
30/18 Welcome, Introductions and Apologies
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting and members introduced themselves.
31/18 Declarations of Interests
32/18 Minutes of the Meeting held on 24th May 2018
The minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 24th May 2018 were circulated.
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Agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 24th May 2018 be received and confirmed as a correct record.
33/18 Regional Updates
WMCA:
i. Productivity and Skills Commission;
Rachel Egan provided an update on the work of the WMCA in relation to the Productivity and Skills Commission. She highlighted in relation to the WMCA: - the Adult Education Budget of £100m would transfer in 2019; WMCA were the first region to secure a Skills Deal, worth £69m; Apprenticeships - £40m unspent was to be used to support STEM Apprenticeships in SME’s across the region; highlighted the Joint Taskforce with the DfE in the region; referenced the commitment to drive down Youth Unemployment; and to deliver inclusive growth.
Reference was made to the Apprenticeship Levy regarding areas where the £40m had not been spent and the issue that the overall scheme was not working for businesses.
Rachel Egan advised that the WMCA were collating evidence from employers with a view to influence policy and highlighted that the framework was being developed, identifying what works; highlighting gaps and looking at funding programmes. Work was also being undertaken with commissioners.
The SME brokerage was queried and Rachel Egan advised that it would be independent of the WMCA and give independent advice, but acknowledged that there was a need to grow the provision. Marc Feltham advised that the University was working with the programme.
Julie Heywood referenced the bureaucracy of funding and highlighted that 45% of time was spent confirming eligibility on the programme. She advised that there was a need to simplify from a client point of view. Rachel Egan advised that she would take these points on board.
Corin Crane referenced the introduction of “T” levels and highlighted that there was need to work with employers not just colleges and Rachel Egan confirmed that there was work being undertaken to get colleges and businesses interacting.
The Chair welcomed the update, noted the update and commented that there some actions to take away. He asked that the WMCA provide a regular update to the Advisory Board around the Productivity and Skills agenda.
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ii. Local Industrial Strategy Consultation
The meeting was advised that the WMCA LIS was being circulated for consultation. Currently there 12 headlines but it was thought this would be shorter when the document was circulated. It was highlighted that it was critical the strategy was business led and that the sector strengths, to include the supply were referenced.
Whilst the focus was on Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, automotive and aerospace, there was a need for the LIS to have a uniqueness for the West Midlands, as future public sector funding would be aligned to it. It was noted that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) would also be subject to a Government consultation, with the opportunity for the Advisory Board to respond.
Isobel Woods suggested there was a need to reduce the bureacracy around any new funding.
Jacob Bonehill queried how the LIS would fit with the existing Strategic Economic Plan (SEP)? He was advised that the SEP was the overarching document, and that the sector action plans in the LIS provided a newer space, outlining what business required to grow.
iii. 5G – Urban Connected Communities;
The meeting was advised of the successful 5G bid by the WMCA. It was noted that the submission map provided low coverage within the BC and that this was being challenged. Surveys and partnership work were being undertaken with Universities, businesses and the LAs across the BC, asking what use they would make of 5G technology. It was noted that Wolverhampton were well placed with 5G but the at the CA’s bid was attempting to accelerate the market.
Ravi Kumar advised that there was a focus on life sciences and the QE hospital but that construction and automotive needs were also being considered. He advised that there was a need to plot out the economic case for the model and that big events were planned in Sandwell at The Hawthorns and local shopping centres etc.
Marc Fleetham highlighted that 5G would be utilised by driverless vehicles, the VLR (Very Light Rail) project, new manufacturing and supply chain jobs for the future.
On a question on business engagement, it was noted that a survey had been produced and that work was being undertaken with the EEF. There was a need to articulate the need in the BC and put more pressure on the CA, as currently there appeared to be a public sector focus.
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The Chair welcomed the update and requested that this be a regular item on the Agenda.
iv. LEP Review.
Agreed: - 1) That the updates be noted; 2) That the Advisory Board received regular updates on the WMCA Productivity and Skills actions; and 3) That 5G progress be a regular item on the Agenda.
34/18 Land Banking and Housing – Wolverhampton to Walsall Corridor
Chris Styche provided an overview of the work undertaken in relation to Land Banking along the Walsall to Darlaston Enterprise Zone corridor and outlined the ambitions for that corridor over the forthcoming 4-5 years.
It was observed that there were sites with mixed ownership and Sarah Middleton advised that the challenge was a granular analysis of who owned what.
Jacob Bonehill advised that there would need to be CPO (Compulsory Purchase Orders) along the corridor and advised that the WMCA had powers to address certain issues. He highlighted the re-opening of passenger services at Willenhall would provide an opportunity and work was being undertaken with the local authority to look to unlock funding from Government.
Paul Nicol referenced the Garden City housing ambition and asked where these sites were. He was advised that the sites identified were across the Black Country and that this example was one of the “Super corridors” but that all of BC was important to the Garden City.
Jacob Bonehill advised that it was hoped to release £100m on the Brierley Hill to Wednesbury metro development, as there was a good economic impact assessment. Following further discussion, he advised that there was a need to provide an investment prospectus for the corridors and Sarah Middleton advised that the BC Growth Hub were working with the EEF to develop. The Chair noted the Pipeline of housing land and advised that work needed to be undertaken with WHG and Accord Group.
Agreed that the update be noted.
35/18 Employment and Skills
• Careers and Enterprise Company – The Careers Hub
Colin Parker provided an update on The Careers Hub. He highlighted that The Hub would promote a market place for schools and providers, with schools being able to access a “tapas” menu of offers. He advised that there had been a near 100% sign up from local schools. 4
The Chair referenced that some of the pupils would have gone into the employment market when some on the initiatives were working through and asked for an impact measure. Colin Parker noted the comment and stated that plotting would need to be a on a long-term basis, with a review of key measures being undertaken on after 5 years of operation.
Agreed that the update be noted.
36/18 Business Support
Growth Hub
• Dashboard
Jaspal Sohal provided an overview of the dashboard data, highlighting, the need to evaluate the business model; identify partners involved with HS2 contracts; GDPR had had an impact, reducing the number of contacts and data on start-ups; better job reposting was required regarding development sites and associated funds, that is land remediation etc.
The Chair welcomed the information presented and commented it was getting to where it needed to be.
• Notes of Strategic Growth Hub Board.
The Notes of the meetings of the Strategic Growth Hub
37/18 Partner Update
• MADE in the Midlands
Charles Addison advised that it was the 10th Anniversary of Made in the Midlands and highlighted statistics in relation to the company.
He referenced the Mental Health Campaign being promoted in work places, with mental health first aiders being promoted in the work; work on the Productivity gap; promoting diversity – age, gender and race, in the workplace.
The Chair stated that Made in the Midlands should be linked into the WMCA with their “Thrive to Work” campaign.
• Chamber of Commerce
This item was taken in earlier in the meeting.
Corin referenced work undertaken by the Chamber, primarily the recent BC Festival which had been a big success. He highlighted that the aim was to have a long-term national event held in the BC and that last year had been 5
the foundation, with Year two being the Chamber entering into a three contract for the event and with the aim for it to become finically sustainable.
The Chair queried what the event brought for businesses in the BC and Corin Crane advised that it promoted BC for businesses; provided an international; promoted a sectorial focus. He also highlighted that there were 5 ways BC businesses could be included – provide a venue; sponsorship; host an event; attend events; and help to promote the BC Business Festival.
The update was welcomed and John Wood advised that it was Wolverhampton Business Week, the following week.
38/18 Export
i. Brexit Update;
An update was provided on Brexit and it was noted that the WMCA had a Brexit Intelligence Commission. The outcome of which would be reported through to a future meeting.
ii. Department of International Trade – 2018 Programme and Impact.
Dr Mick Carling provided an update on the work of DIT.
He referenced work DIT had done on Brexit highlighting that the Chequers Agreement set out a vision for the end of the transition period with free trade and movement of goods and a framework for mobility. In the event of a “No deal” he highlighted that 25 technical notes had been developed to help businesses. However, the key would be the withdrawal agreement.
In regard to DIT he advised that John Mann had been appointed to head up Exports and Mark Slaughter for Inward Investment. He highlighted the report detailing performance to date, the increase in export wins and stated that for exports rather than numbers DIT looked at the value. In regard to the ITA (Independent Trade Advisers) he advised that the contracts were currently being re-procured. He referenced the trade visits undertaken and those scheduled.
Andy Cox expressed concern at the accuracy of the figures, the low number of ITAs for the region and commented that he did not believe the current DIT model was working for businesses.
Agreed that the report and associated comments be noted.
39/18 Future Agenda Items
The following items were noted: -
• Membership Suggestions • Culture Sub-Board Terms of Reference 6
• Enterprise Zone Implementation Group update and minutes; • Federation of Small Businesses.
40/18 AOB
None advised.
41/18 Date of Next meeting
Agreed that the next meeting be held on 29th November 2018 at 9.00am, to be located at NMC, 47 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6PY.
Meeting ended at 11.05pm.
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Agenda Item 15
Active Black Country Partnership Board Meeting st Friday 21 September 2018 (Dudley College - The Broadway, Dudley)
Present: Deborah Williams (DW)(Chair), James Grinsted (JG), Tim Aldred (TA), Paul Griffiths (PG), Rachel Conlisk (RCt), Ash Rai (AR), Jenny Bimson (JB), Richard Calicott (RCt), Richard Medcalf (RM), Lina Martino (LM), Delma Dwight (DD), Sarah Middleton (SM), Ian Carey (IC), Arwyn Jones (AJ) and Amanda Tomlinson (AT)
Apologies: Chris Jones and Kim Babb
MINUTE SUBJECT NOTES & ACTION DATES WHO NO. WELCOME & APOLOGIES Welcome from Chair. The Chair welcomed all to the meeting and introductions were made with new members in attendance. Apologies noted. It was noted that Chris Jones had submitted his apologies.
RATIFICATION OF INCOMING BOARD MEMBERS
23/18 IC advised that with the new members the Board was nearly at full strength, with one final appointment required form the secondary education sector. He advised that expressions of interest had been received and a Nominations Board would soon be established to finalise that appointment from three applications received. Agreed – that the incoming Board Members be ratified as members of the ABC Partnership Board - Ash Rai (AR), Jenny Bimson (JB), and Richard Medcalf (RM)
Agenda Item 15
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND DECLARATION OF INTEREST
24/18 No declarations made. IC advised that new Members needed to compete the Declarations of Interest form - if hard copies were required they could be obtained form HR or from Rebecca Hill, who commenced in post on Monday 24th September 2018.
Arwyn Jones advised that over and above his Declaration, the Beacon Centre for the Blind was one of the companies involved with the Apprenticeship Programme.
MINUTES – 17th May 2018
Agenda Item 15 25/18 Matters Arising Actions: - Declarations of Interest Form N/A
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) It was noted that Members had agreed to undergo a DBS check for IC/ undertaking their role during the meeting of 12th July 2018. This process Anne was ongoing. Smith
14/18 Board Development (Sub-Groups) Noted that IC to circulate the Terms of Reference of the proposed sub- IC groups.
21/18a Professional Development The Board considered the Common Purpose Leadership Programme which IC IC advised was at a cost of £2000 for the ABC Director to attend, as part of his continued professional development.
Agreed: - 1) that the minutes of the meeting held on 12th July 2018 and be confirmed and approved as a correct record; and 2) that the Board confirm the payment of £2000 for the ABC Director to attend the Common Purpose Leadership Programme. Gloria Bates
Agenda Item 15
40/18 State of the Sub Region and Active Black Country Outcomes Framework (Attachment and Presentation) Agreed: • Black Country Insight Pack (Appendix 1). 1. That the ABC Board noted progress made thus far against Towards An Active Black Country Framework thematic and spatial prioritisation;
2. Initial comments be provided on the presentation, proposed approach and range of indicators for inclusion in PMF and Logic Chain;
3. An updated dashboard to be received at the November Board meeting which incorporated local indicators alongside Sport England Performance Management Improvement Framework.
CJ/IC
Agenda Item 15 41/18 Active Black Country Business Plan 2018-2021
Agreed:
1. The draft business plan be received by board members by 28th September and feedback be provided via individual follow up with ABC Director throughout October and November 2018.
2. A draft completed business plan be presented to the next Board meeting on the 28th November 2018.
3. the outstanding elements of the ABC 4 Year business planning be incorporated into the Autumn Away Day. 42/18 Towards an Active Black Country Strategic Alignment (Attachment and Presentation) Agreed: • Physical Activity Leaders/Royal 1. ABC Board noted and adopted the progress made thus far Foundation against the Towards An Active Black Country Framework; Apprenticeships (Appendix 1) 2. ABC Board members noted and adopted the progress made with the Wolverhampton Physical Activity Leader and Coach Core programme.
Agenda Item 15
43/18 Commonwealth Games 2022 Agreed: Report (Attached) 1. The LEP board approved the revised Terms of Reference • Legacy Plan (Appendix 1) for the Black Country CG steering group;
2. A Black Country stakeholder consultation exercise to be held November 2018 was endorsed;
3. Initial feedback be provided on the headline themes for the Black Country CG Legacy Framework;
4. Local Authority identified representatives to represent the 4 Authorities on the steering group;
5. The board acknowledged the development of an outline business case for additional capacity to develop and coordinate the Black Country CG Legacy Framework.
Agenda Item 15 44/18 18/19 Reporting (Attached)
Agreed that the ABC Board noted and adopted the Safeguarding • Financial Report (Appendix 1) progress. • Safeguarding (Appendix 2)
45/18 ABC Chair, BCC CEO and ABC Director Update Agreed:
• Board Development (Attached) 1. Board members noted and updated the progress made on • Succession Plan the succession plan, appraisals and emerging portfolio roles. • WMCA, Local Industrial Strategy A final report was to be received at the November ABC and Sport England Meeting; Board; • Performance Management Improvement Framework and 2. Board members approved the accountabilities matrix; Quest Assessment. 3. ABC Board members to be identified in order to convene for a final Nominations Committee for the 2 outstanding candidates.
Agenda Item 15 46/18 Forward Planner
• Items for inclusion
49/18 Next Meeting and 2019 Board Dates Agreed that IC and HR work with the Chair to develop a programme for 2019.
The meeting closed at 17.40 hours
Agenda Item 16
BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP (LEP) EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS (PEOPLE THEME ADVISORY) BOARD
Minutes of a Meeting Held at 8.30am on 24th October 2018 at Business Solutions Centre, Wolverhampton Science Park, University of Wolverhampton, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton WV10 9R Present:
Jackie Dunne – University of Wolverhampton; Jeanette Turner – GTG; Martin Dudley – Thomas Dudley Ltd; Chris Ward – Sandwell MBC; John Adams – Walsall College; Guy Shears – Central RSA Academies Trust David Williams – Halesowen College
In Attendance:
Sarah Middleton - Black Country Consortium Ltd; Dan Carins - Black Country Consortium Ltd; Ian Carey - Black Country Consortium Ltd; Tim Aldred - Black Country Consortium Ltd; Scott Grindey - Black Country Consortium Ltd; Angela Moore – Black Country Consortium Ltd; Colin Parker - Black Country Consortium Ltd; Zoey West – Walsall MBC; Hywel Ruddick - Black Country Consortium Ltd.
Apologies: Councillors Simon Hackett and Lynne Moran and Charlotte Horobin, Peter Smith, Carolyn Stokes and Chris Luty.
38/18 Welcome and Introductions
The Chair welcomed members to the meeting.
39/18 Declarations of Interest
No declarations of interest were made.
40/18 Minutes of the Meeting held on 11th July 2018
The minutes of the meeting held on 11th July 2018 were circulated and accepted as a correct record.
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41/18 Programmes on a Page - Skills
Scott Grindey provided an update on the Programmes on a Page
P1: Skills for the Supply Chain - Apprenticeships
A breakdown of the figures was provided. Martin Dudley queried what sources were used for the figures and was advised that it was Datacube via the FSA. He asked that the full list be shared as Thomas Dudley Ltd were providing a number of apprenticeships that did not appear to have been captured.
The Chair asked that the data be checked and matched with providers. It was agreed to follow up the data checks with Martin Dudley, Chris Luty at BTCG, the BC colleges and the University of Wolverhampton in relation to higher or degree apprenticeships.
David Williams advised that the BC colleges each had specialisms and agreed to follow this up.
Colin Parker provided a “health check” on the statistics, as the numbers pertained to apprenticeship starts and highlighted that there could be a time lag in receiving the information.
P1: Skills for the Supply Chain – Labour Demand
It was noted that the number of job postings across the Black Country had increased by 8.1% and a breakdown was provided on each LA area.
Higher Education student mobility was at 44% who left the BC and did not return.
David Williams queried how many students had inwardly migrated to the BC to study and stayed, as this would provide a counter balance. The Chair advised that in relation to the University of Wolverhampton 78% of their student intake was from a 25-mile radius. She advised across the sector 50/60% was considered high. It was noted that comparators with Aston and Birmingham universities would be good to see.
P3: Schools – Raising Skills for the Future
It was noted the data on results was not as good as would wish.
Guy Shears advised that Progress 8 and statistical information nationally had been manipulated and highlighted that performance across Birmingham schools was mixed across the Board.
Sarah Middleton advised that there was a need to understand the impact of external programmes, such as the reduction in Sure Start centres. There was
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a need to work up some propositions and investment for early interventions and incorporate into the WMCA LIS. The Chair commented that to ignore early interventions meant that work had to be taken to solve systemic issues, such as retraining adults who had missed out at the start.
Chris Ward referenced the new exam system and P8, he suggested that data be provided for the next meeting.
P4: Skills for the Unemployed
Scott Grindey stated that the data had been brought down to town level and highlighted the Employment Support Pilot in Bloxwich.
The Chair welcomed the revised format and additional data provided and asked that the additional information request by Members be incorporated in to the next iteration.
Agreed 1) That the Programmes on a Page be received and noted; and 2) That the additional outlined above be incorporated into the report for the next meeting.
42/18 Employment Skills Survey
Scott Grindey presented the Skills Survey 2017, which was produced biennially and was the fourth in a series since 2011.
He highlighted that the statistics in the report.
Sarah Middleton advised that there was a need to understand how to improve and suggested that through the Skills Factory and National Metalforming Centre there should be a focus on business sector training.
It was suggested that there was a need to understand what classed as training. There was also a need alongside data, to consider who and who was not offering training, potential barriers to training. It was also noted that with an increasing “employees’ market” that training could be a disincentive for employers as their staff better trained staff may move on.
Agreed that the additional information outlined above be submitted to the next meeting.
43/18 Apprenticeships
a) Black Country Local Authorities – Apprenticeships;
Chris Ward referenced the BCLAs’ apprenticeship offer and highlighted that both Sandwell MBC and Walsall MBC were 2.3% above the offer.
3
It was asked that Chris Ward and Scott Grindey share their data to fully understand the areas where LAs required apprenticeships. b) Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) Pilot;
Angela Moore referenced the CEC pilot operating across BC secondary schools with a number of interventions for 100 pupils across 10 schools and involving 30 teachers. The take had been poor across teaching staff and thus it had been opened up to Birmingham schools. She referenced the “Meet the Real Apprentice” event held at Tipton which reached 150 pupils and was open to all schools, not only those involved with the Hub.
It was queried what would could be done to better engage teaching staff. David Williams advised that whilst colleges offered support to the CEC, there was an issue regarding time release for teachers.
Guy Shears advised that work needed to be undertaken with Headteachers and senior teachers. He suggested re-engagement with schools so that they understood the implications regarding Year 11 pupils. However, he also acknowledged that there were budgetary pressures for schools to have 6-form funding.
The Chair suggested that the LEP hold a strategic event for Headteachers and undertake an analysis of why they were and were not engaged, to fill any potential gaps in provision. She asked that the work be undertaken with Guy Shears to highlight what a refreshed apprenticeship approach could look like.
Chris Ward stated that he could get the CEC linked to the relevant networks across Sandwell MBC. c) Ladders for the Black Country
Colin Parker advised of a new initiative “Ladders in the Black Country” which was a targeted campaign to get disadvantaged young people for the BME community into apprenticeships.
He advised that the aim was to re-energize the ladders campaign with the BC Consortium offering an “in kind” contribution and the BC LEP being asked to contribute £10,000 to the campaign.
On a question regarding timescales, Colin advised that the campaign was to be launched in parliament in the week, the Wolverhampton Express & Star were publicizing and a report would be submitted to the November LEP Board.
The Chair asked that the LEP Board report be circulated to the Advisory Board.
Agreed 4
1) That further work on BC local authorities as outlined in section a, be undertaken; 2) That a strategic event be organised for Headteachers on the terms outlined in section b; 3) That the LEP Board report on the funding for the Ladders for the Black Country Programme be circulated to Members.
44/18 Royal Foundation and Physical Leaders
Ian Carey and Tim Aldred were in attendance and gave an overview of the successful bid to the Royal Foundation to improve physical activity in Wolverhampton. They highlighted the need to engage with employer networks.
Chris Ward queried if they had engaged with public health and Ian Carey advised that engagement with physical activity leaders was very good and within Wolverhampton public health were also very good.
Zoey West stated that she could provide connections to employer groups direct to the team.
Guy Shears stated that with reference to physical activity that this should form part of the CECE engagement with the senior leadership teams in schools. Awareness of the programmes could be raised through Head teacher forums.
David Williams advised that for post-16 work should be done with the leads of local colleges.
Agreed 1) That the Advisory Board note the report; and 2) That Advisory Board Members be invited to nominate employer networks to sign up to the Royal Foundation Programme.
45/18 Combined Authority and Skills – Update (including West Midlands Local Industrial Strategy)
Sarah Middleton referenced the report and consultation document.
She advised that the BC LEP were preparing a response and encouraged those present to feed their comments into the LEP or take the document away and make their responses through their respective organisations.
She highlighted that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – the successor f the EU and Growth Deal funds would use the LIS as mechanism to distribute resources.
Agreed that Members submit response via the LEP or through their respective organisations.
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46/18 Black Country Local Industrial Strategy
The meeting was advised that the BC LIS would be known as the BC Local Implementation Plan and was work in progress.
The Chair noted that the key response from Members should be to the WM LIS by 15th November 2018 and that further iterations of the BC LIP would be submitted to future meetings of the Advisory Board.
Agreed that the emerging BC LIP be noted.
47/18 Health and Care Sector – Task and Finish Group
Dan Carins provided an overview of the work undertaken by the Task& Finish Group and highlighted that the Group’s focus on the Health & Care Sector included employment, education and skills and other related areas to support the Black Country Strategic Economic Plan’s objective of ensuring the Black Country had a Health & Care Sector that met the gaps in provision and ensured the right levels of skills and qualifications to meet the needs of businesses and customers within the Black Country.
He highlighted the emerging interventions for the action plan to include: - i. Expand the work of the Skills Factory to include the Health & Care Sector; ii. Care and Quality Commission (CQC) to engage with Care homes, through Skills for Care and offer training and development to care managers. iii. The development of a demonstrator facility for care managers, the supply chain etc to showcase innovation. iv. Combine and collate an investment proposition for care sector opportunities across the BC. v. Explore innovative procurement techniques.
Martin Dudley advised that the Institute for Technology within Dudley College had something similar to the demonstrator referenced. The Chair advised that the IOT space was for the skills domain, whilst the proposed facility would provide business support and SME development. She further advised that this piece of work would be presented to the Away Day.
Agreed that the five propositions be developed and circulated to the Advisory Board members.
48/18 ESIF funding update
Zoey West provided an update on the current Black Country ESIF programme, including current funding commitments across the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF) funding streams, together with the recent uprating (increases as a result of the lower value of the £) of Black Country ESF funding allocations.
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The letter from Big Lottery to Stewart, advising – that the Big Lottery Fund Board (BLFB) had met and agreed to put further Lottery investment into Building Better Opportunities (BBO), the Fund’s ESF activity, under ESF investment priority 1.4, Active Inclusion was received and noted.
It was noted that the BLFB would be in contact to provide a list of the projects in the BC area that meet the criteria and would ask for the ESIF Committee’s initial comments on the proposal to extend BBO projects in the BC area to ensure that the projects continued to meet the local context. They would then then contact the Chair and the ESIF Committee to advise how much more ESF and Big Lottery Fund investment would be needed to extend the existing projects up to 2023.
The further investment is to be used to extend the existing BBO projects in your LEP area, provided they were performing satisfactorily against targets.
Agreed that the LEP Board: - 1) note the report; and 2) note the information in the letter received.
49/18 PR and Communications Report
The report was submitted for information.
Agreed that the report be noted.
50/18 Careers- update information
The Chair advised that the following updates were for information and the contents were noted.
a) Careers Advice and Guidance – Careers and Enterprise Company; b) Output Update c) Careers Hub Network Update
51/18 ESF Projects – update information
a) Calderdale College – Skills Funding;
Noted that these would be circulated separately.
b) Skills Training UK
Noted that these would be circulated separately.
c) Skills Factory
Noted.
d) Skills Factory non-executive Board minutes – 12th July 2018
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The Minutes of the Skills Factory Non-Executive Board held on 12th July 2018 were received and noted.
52/18 Actions and Finals Remarks
The Chair thanked all for their contributions and advised that the actions would be circulated to Members.
53/18 Date of Next Meeting
It was noted that the next meeting would be held on 24th January 2019
54/18 Future Agenda Items
The following items were noted: - • Careers Evidence (Thematic) • Hospitality – hotels and Leisure provision and the skills gap
Meeting ended at 10.10am
8
Black Country Communications & Marketing Dashboard November 2018 Incorporating: Black Country LEP, Active Black Country, Black Country Skills Factory and Black Country Growth Hub
Partners Engaged LEP Communications & Activity Active Black Country Communications & Activity Skills Factory Communications & Activity • Dudley MBC, Sandwell MBC, Walsall • Monthly LEP e-newsletter to external stakeholders • Monthly e-newsletter to external stakeholders • Development work to Schools Section of Skills Factory MBC, Wolverhampton CC, WMCA, • LEP website updates and development work • Management of the Black Country Sport & Physical website HS2, Midland Metro Alliance, • WM LIS Consultation launch and promotion to businesses. Activity Awards and subsequent promotion of winners • CEC Enterprise Adviser Network annual celebration University of Wolverhampton, TfWM • CEC Enterprise Adviser Network annual celebration event • Organisation of interviews with Black Country radio event & Dept for DCMS, Sport England, UK • Energy Capital event management and promotion • Development of interactive good practice tool for ABC • Attendance at ECMS and Science Centre launch Coaching, CPSU, Mind • Garden City marketing tools update website events • Ongoing development of training hub for clubs and • Attendance at ECMS and Science Centre launch events • Monthly course bulletin sent out coaches • Black Country 5G survey promotion • Courses advertised on Made in the Midlands and • DCMS Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme promotion • Attendance at West Midlands CSP Marketing meeting AVE (as at end Oct 2018) Twitter. • Skills Factory article in LEP Network e-newsletter • Promotion of Sport & Recreation Alliance awards Target • CEC EAN event article in Midlands Engine e-newsletter • Promotion of Every Mind Matter Mental Health campaign • Commonwealth Games brand consultation and venues • Support for Birmingham 2022 including venue announcement promotion announcement • BCTA ERDF workshops promotion • Announcement of Active Lives Survey results and Black • Midlands Infrastructure Apprenticeship Pilot (HS2 consultation) Country figures • • Promotion of Government’s Green Week Promotion of Moving Medicine Tool Launch • Announcement of finalists for UK Coaching Awards • Wolverhampton’s Westside Link proposal consultation • Promotion of primary school swimming initiative • Promotion of Midland Metro Alliance award achievements • Promotion and support for new This Girl Can campaign • BC EIU Intelligence Briefings & Strategic Companies Barometer #FitGotReal Reports promotion • Support for WMCA physical activity announcements Top 3 Press Articles (based on AVE for October) • Promotion and support for the following partners and their • Promotion of Parents in Sport Week • Give your views on this massive #55m city centre scheme in announcements: the four LA’s, WMCA, HS2, Midland Metro • Promotion of National Safeguarding Adults Week Wolverhampton Alliance, University of Wolverhampton, TfWM & Dept for DCMS. • County claims awards on night to celebrate regional entrepreneurs • Promotion of Coaching Courses across the region • IMAGES OF CITY CENTRE TRANSFORMATION PROJECT REVEALED Growth Hub Communications & Activity Newsletter Statistics • Monthly newsletter sent to mailing list Note: culling of mailing lists due to GDPR in May 2018 • Attendance at SME Live Expo in Birmingham Target LEP Active Black Country Skills Factory Growth Hub • Gained new subscribers and interest (SME Live) RAG • Developed plans for December BCGH event Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct • Plans put in place for Small Business Saturday Emails Sent n/a 656 659 672 337 0 182 475 478 457 226 231 240 • Promotion of various surveys (BEIS, LCW) Emails Delivered n/a 652 657 665 335 0 178 441 470 456 223 229 238 • Promotion of Green GB Week 2018 Opened n/a 245 220 285 119 0 72 333 88 102 88 240 297 25% 42.90% 40.4% 22.4% Planned Events Open Rate 37.6% 33.5% 35.6% 0 24% 20% 39.5% 44.5% 57% • Energy Capital Conference (27th Nov) Clicked n/a 40 50 89 26 0 16 19 17 28 9 42 47 th • West Midlands Community Sports Awards (6 Dec) Bounced n/a 4 2 7 2 0 4 34 10 1 3 2 2 • Primary PE & Sport Premium Conference (7th March) n/a • Celebrating Success – BCGH (11th December) Unsubscribed 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 New Subscribers n/a 8 15 9 4 7 6 8 5 2 0 3 27 Black Country Communications & Marketing Dashboard November 2018 Incorporating: Black Country LEP, Active Black Country, Black Country Skills Factory and Black Country Growth Hub
Website Analytics LinkedIn Analytics
LEP Active Black Country Skills Factory Consortium Growth Hub LEP Growth Hub Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Total Visits 2439 2662 3011 938 964 1,101 852 228 237 1224 1291 1355 1269 998 1,481 Posts 20 5 15 105 93 104 Users 1930 2055 2353 825 866 949 696 214 200 915 974 1085 961 878 917 Post n/a n/a n/a 24,092 24,791 18,385 2,7 Impressions Page Views 6901 7105 8209 2,229 2,495 2,940 752 799 3974 4191 4104 5106 5063 6,665 18 Clicks n/a n/a n/a 353 359 253 Shares & n/a n/a n/a 101 327 355 Twitter Followers Comments Facebook Analytics 9000 New 4 8 4 75 59 77 Active Black Country Growth Hub Followers 8000 LEP Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct 7000 Posts 73 17 22 104 99 110 6000 YouTube Analytics Post Active Black 9,048 941 1,825 3,834 2,501 3,644 5000 Country Impressions 4000 LEP Active Black Country 1,275 2,635 Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Reach 4,586 681 2,377 1,855 3000 Skills Factory Engagement 71 71 Views 25 24 25 96 114 124 200 36 80 44 2000 New Page Average % 10 3 5 5 8 5 1000 Growth Hub 42.8% 61.2% 70% 39% 26.2% 29.3% Likes Viewed 0 August September October LEP Twitter Followers (as at end Oct 2018) Twitter Analytics LEP Active Black Country Skills Factory Growth Hub Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Aug Sept Oct Tweets 124 173 166 169 66 73 44 29 58 121 109 126 Tweet 121,000 132,000 141,000 107,000 45,600 42,400 8,716 8,384 10,700 41,900 45,000 42,700 Impressions Profile Visits 1,254 1,395 1,792 1,139 620 1,037 142 95 269 1,163 1,473 1,901 Mentions 91 76 140 51 77 125 4 6 11 38 51 50 New Followers 38 51 96 12 28 36 12 5 12 40 58 55