BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP MEETING OF THE PARTNERSHIP BOARD
Monday 21st November 2016 at 3.00pm at Walsall Housing Group, 100 Hatherton Street, Walsall WS1 1AB
A G E N D A
1. Apologies.
2. Declarations of Interests, etc.
3. To Receive the Minutes of the Meeting held on 24th October 2016. (Attached)
4. Policy Update (Attached) (Sarah Middleton) 3.05pm
5. Annual Conversation (Attached) (Tim Johnson) 3.15pm
6. Policy Away Day – Draft Programme (Attached) (Sarah Middleton) 3.20pm
7. West Midlands Combined Authority Update – (Verbal) (Local Authority Leader) 3.30pm
8. Mental Health Commission – Action Plan (Attached) (Sarah Norman) 3.35pm
9. Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Pipeline (Attached) (Paul Mellon) 3.50pm
a) Local Growth Fund b) Local Programme Dashboards (Attached)
In Flight Current Financial Year Pipeline Future Years Transport c) Draft Minutes of the Funding Sub-Board 10 November 2016. (Attached) (Simon Eastwood) 4.05pm
10. Employment and Skills (People) Advisory Board Minutes of the meeting of the Employment and Skills (People) Advisory Board held on 12th October 2016 (Attached) (Information) 4.10pm
11. Competitiveness Theme Advisory Board Minutes of the meeting of the Competitiveness Theme Advisory Board held on 2nd November 2016 (Attached) (Information) 4.15pm
12. Assurance Framework - revisions (Attached) (Sarah Middleton) 4.20pm
13. PR and Communications update – (Attached) (Ninder Johal) 4.30pm
14. Extension to Provider Delivery on the Skills Funding Agency ESF Opt-In (Attached) (Zoey West) 4.35pm
15. Date of Next Meeting 12th December 2016 – Policy Away Day: noon – 5.00pm (TBA) 23rd January 2017 – 3.00pm – University of Wolverhampton, Rooms MU504/MU505, The Lord Swraj Paul Building, Molineux Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1SG
Estimated Time of Finish – 4.45pm
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Minutes of a Meeting of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership
24th October 2016 at 3.00p.m. at Dudley College, The Broadway, Dudley
Present: Simon Eastwood in the Chair; Paul Brown Ernst & Young; Andy Cox Cox & Plant; Simon Eastwood Carillion plc; Ninder Johal Nachural Communications; Cllr Roger Lawrence Wolverhampton CC; Cllr David Sparks Dudley MBC; Lowell Williams Dudley College; Tom Westley Westley Group.
In Attendance: Sarah Middleton Black Country Consortium Ltd; Paul Sheehan CX - Walsall CC Stuart Everton Strategic Transport Director; Rachel Goodwin Black Country Consortium Ltd; Wayne Langford Black Country Consortium Ltd; Paul Mellon Black Country Consortium Ltd; Kim Rowlands BIS.
Apologies: Chris Handy and Stewart Towe and Councillors Coughlan, Eling, Lowe and Moore.
128/16 Declarations of Interest
Lowell Williams declared a personal interest in the item at Minute 130/16 – Skills Funding Agency Bid, as Walsall College had submitted a bid on behalf of the BC Colleges. However, he advised that the colleges had been advised of the selected bid, Calderdale College, and the reasons that the BC Colleges had not been successful.
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129/16 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 19th September 2016 were circulated.
The Chairman provided an update on Minute 111/16 - European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) Update and advised that the letter agreed to be sent to the relevant Minister in regard to retaining the ability to bid for funding had been superceded by a Government announcement that the funds would be remain available to bid for. Wayne Langford advised that 42 potential projects had been identified and agreed to circulate them to the Board.
Concerns were expressed from Councillors Roger Lawrence and David Sparks that whilst in the EU, opportunities for funding should not be lost.
Lowell Williams, advised that Dudley College and other providers had been advised that Youth Employment Initiative European Union funding was available and that a meeting had originally been promised for June/July 2016. Councillor Roger Lawrence advised that Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council were the lead authority and Sarah Middleton agreed to investigate and identify the issues.
Agreed: - 1) that the minutes of the meeting held on 19th September 2016, be received and confirmed as a correct record; 2) that the update on the European Structural Investment Fund be noted; 3) that the Board be advised of the 42 potential projects for ESIF; and 4) that Dudley MBC be requested for an update on the Youth Employment Initiative European Union funding.
130/16 Policy Update
The Board received an update on the following policy items: -
1. Land Commission – Land Remuneration Fund – Submission
The meeting received details of the Land Commission submission by the Black Country (BC) LEP, prepared jointly with BC local authorities, Call for Evidence was submitted to the Combined Authority (CA) Investment Fund. It was noted that the BC programme was now in excess of £300 million of potential
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investments and the CA had made a commitment to use £200 million of its own funds for brownfield land treatment.
2. Autumn Statement
It was noted that the BC LEP, the CA, Midlands Engine and other LEPs in the area had submitted proposals to the Chancellor in advance of the Autumn Statement. BC LEP “asks” included positioning on IA; Smart Cities and low carbon footprint; bespoke transport and Local Growth Fund. Concerns were expressed that at the recent LEP Chairs meeting it was felt that the LEP/CA model was being superceded by the Midlands Engine adopting the Nottingham model. Lowell Williams and Ninder Johal commented that communication had been poor and they felt there was no joined up working. Sarah Middleton stated that it was in the interest of the West Midland LEPs to make it work but acknowledged there was more work to be undertaken to achieve the Midlands Engine being the gateway to further investment and supply chain development. Councillor Roger Lawrence referenced Midlands Connect, the Midlands Engine transport arm, and stated that it was not happening in a CA form, as they were working outside of the CA geography, such as the West Midlands Freight Depot location. He stated that the CA needed to have ownership of what the CA were doing in the area. 3. Olympic Village – Visit to Engie – Energy Solution
It was noted that the proposed visit would not proceed on the 21st November but that an alternative date would be sought for those Members who were interested to attend.
4. Business Rates Revaluation 2017 – Consultation on the Transitional Arrangements for the 2017 Business Rates Revaluation
The meeting was advised of the Business Rate Revaluation 2017 – Consultation and whether the LEP Board wanted a joint or response or whether individuals wished to respond on behalf of their respective businesses.
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The Consultation was noted and no BC LEP joint response was proposed.
5. Ministerial Local Growth Champions – Margot James, MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Small Businesses, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility
The meeting was advised that Margot James MP, in her role as the Ministerial Local Growth Champions would be invited to a future LEP Board meeting.
6. Self-sufficient Local Government: 100% Business Rates Retention – Response
The response of the BC LEP Board to the consultation on the terms agreed at the 19th September 2016 meeting was submitted for information.
7. Skills Funding Agency (SFA) – letter
Sarah Middleton advised the meeting that the letter asking for a hold on appointment of the contractor, as the BC LEP has serious reservations on how they could have scored highly against the set criteria and their capacity to deliver 6000 assists, had been submitted after the deadline by one day, and thus the contract was now in the ten day “cooling off” period. She stated that whilst the timing of the letter was unfortunate there was still an opportunity to look at the contract further and her team were seeking involvement prior to the Tripartite meeting, when contract detail would be shared with the BC LEP.
Paul Brown asked what action was now to be taken. Sarah Middleton referenced the ten day “cooling off” period and stated that two areas requiring clarification were the selected contractor’s readiness to deliver, as they had received full marks for their local infrastructure and the second was their relationship with local partners, as the LEP had not been aware of them before they were identified as the selected contractor. She stated that the former question was fundamental, as to whether they would deliver or were going to sub-contract.
Lowell Williams added that there should be questions on their record as a deliverer and issues of their local activity. Sarah
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Middleton stated that the SFA had advised that the process of contract selection included two independent evaluators and a moderation process but stated that the BC LEP still needed to understand how the process was agreed.
The Chair agreed that it was key to understand how they had evidenced their capacity to deliver the programme and how they had evidenced their links with the LEP.
8. Leading the way – A draft report to the LEP Network – September 2016 – Metro Dynamics
Metro Dynamics draft report to the LEP Network was submitted for information.
9. HS2 West Midlands Monthly Update
The monthly update letter was submitted which detailed the Curzon Investment Plan. The meeting was advised that BC LEP was involved in the supply chain development for local firms.
10. The Future of Local Enterprise Partnerships: The Small Business Perspective
The meeting noted that the Federation of Small Businesses had published a report on the Future of Local Enterprise Partnerships from their perspective and that a full update on its contents and recommendations would be submitted to the next meeting.
Agreed: - 1) that the Policy Update be noted; and 2) that in regard to the SFA, the BC LEP endeavour to meet with the SFA and selected contractor prior to the Tripartite meeting, in order to understand how the selected contractor had evidenced their capacity to deliver the programme and how they had evidenced their links with the LEP.
131/16 West Midlands Combined Authority Update
Councillor Roger Lawrence advised that there was an issue with capital expenditure projects for none transport projects as currently the CA had
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not been given budget authority for this element of devolution. He stated that further work was being done to progress this as the whilst the Department of Communities and Local Government were in favour of transferring spending authority to the CA, the Treasury were not.
In regard to Transport issues he advised that a meeting had held with HS2 and Network Resilience in regard to mitigation of the rail network, the motorway network to include Junction1-2 of the M5 and Junction 10 of the M6. He stated that whilst it was good to have investment there were a number of concerns around the impact of these large-scale projects on traffic movements in the area.
Sarah Middleton advised that at the November LEP Board there would be an update on the Growth Company for the CA. She stated that there were a number of fundamental issues for the BC elements of the business case that required clarification.
Agreed: - 1) that the update be noted; and 2) that a report be submitted to the next LEP Board on the CA Growth Company and implications for the BC.
132/16 Black Country Strategic Economic Plan – Pipeline
a) Local Growth Fund Report
The report was submitted and, it was
Agreed: - That the LEP Board: - 1) notes the latest committed spend position for 2016/17 year end; 2) note the latest Forecast for the year end in the 2016/17 LGF Programme, subject to the additional bids against 2016/17 and 2017/18 LGF funding.; 3) approve the following projects for LGF funding support in 2016/17: - a) that, the application by Wolverhampton University for £3,520,000, £1,760,000 in 2017/18 and £1,760,000 in 2018/19, to support the relocation of the School of Architecture and Built Environment (SOABE) from Molineux Campus to the Springfield Campus including the Heads of Terms submitted, be approved;
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b) that the University be made aware of the need to have securitisation arrangements in place to avoid delay in completing the Grant Agreement. c) That the application by Dudley MBC for £30,000.00 in 2016/17 for additional works as part of the Building and Sites Improvement Programme be approved. 4) approve LGF support for the following Site Investigations bids in 2016/17: - a) Black Country Living Museum Dudley - £27,000 in 2016/17 for site investigations, subject to the following conditions: - i) Only Phase 1 site investigation/desk top investigations and mining risk assessments to be funded up to a maximum grant sum of £27,000; and ii) The applicant to obtain formal quotes in advance of any funding agreement being entered into, with the actual quoted sums included in the agreement, any extra costs identified in relation to the identified studies to be at the applicants own risk. b) Reedswood (former) Golf Course, Walsall – Walsall MBC - £10,514 in 2017/18, subject to the following conditions: - i) Continued availability of funding in 2017/18, up to a maximum sum of £10,514; ii) The funding to be used to meet the cost of ground gas investigations and an asbestos survey (analysis) only, the work to be carried out in accordance with quotes received from Johnson & Bloomer at £9,835.13 and £679 respectively; iii) The above quotes reflecting a worse-case scenario in terms of potential cost and with actual costs incurred possibly falling below the level of grant funding offered, any such cost saving being not transferable. c) Former Caparo site - Caparo 1988 Pension Scheme for £24,000 in 2017/18, subject to the following conditions: - i) Continued availability of funding in 2017/18, up to a maximum of £24,000; ii) Confirmation of State Aid position as part of stage two due diligence process; and iii) Funding only being made for the following – ground gas investigations and targeted intrusive investigations and noise survey, air quality assessment and drainage strategy, transport assessment, ecological appraisal and archaeological desk based assessment and cultural heritage assessment, in accordance with quotes received
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from Wardell Armstrong and Ecus Environmental Consultants respectively. 5) Note that the Place Officer Group had agreed to adopt a collaborative Black Country wide approach in negotiations with Severn Trent when BC Councils are proposing the redevelopment of ex-Sewerage Works Sites. 6) Approve the acceleration of the existing Dudley Brownfield Land and Housing from projects to commence in 2017/18, totalling £100,000, so that projects could now commence in 2016/17; 7) Approve letters of support for the Black Country Living Museum and Brierley Hill Music Institute funding applications, as detailed in the report; 8) Note that the Transport Dashboards referenced in the report would be submitted to the November LEP Board; 9) Note the continued development of the Black Country wide pipeline for 2016/17 through to 2020/21
a) Local Growth Fund Programme Dashboards
Paul Mellon provided an update on the dashboards and highlighted: - Local Growth Fund latest forecast of spend was £49.84 million; Board had agreed to over programme, with target of £51 million to commit; At Quarter 2 £17.13 should be committed. However only £10.22 million was committed, which represented approximately a £7 million gap. The reasons for this was some projects were spending more slowly and the team were currently negotiating with them. He advised that he envisaged that best case scenario would be reduce the shortfall to a £6 million.
The Chairman queried the mitigation strategy in place and was advised that there were a number of options in place but that these needed to be discussed with the Accountable Body, to include supplementing LGF capital spend with capital spend from other funds or seeking to accelerate existing funding schemes that were spending, the latter being easier to achieve.
It was asked what impact would there be in bringing new schemes forward and it was noted that, because LGF was
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already overprogrammed, then there would be an impact on existing schemes.
The Chairman queried the timescale for Growth Deal 3 and Kim Rowlands advised it was necessary for the BC LEP to consider their priorities as the fund was already 3.5 times oversubscribed for the available funding. Thus, she explained no LEP would get the allocation they had requested and thus there was a need to review what projects could be scaled down.
Concerns were expressed at Project Sponsors not progressing their respective projects in a timely manner and a discussion ensued. It was concluded that a workshop be run for Project Sponsors in order to develop their ability to deliver. Whilst it was noted that this had been trialled before with limited success, it was agreed that the offer to run Project Management Training Sessions be made again.
Agreed: - 1) that the update be noted; and 2) that Project Sponsors be offered the opportunity to attend Project Management Training Sessions.
b) Draft Minutes of the Funding Applications Sub-Group 20 October 2016
Tom Westley presented the minutes.
Agreed that the minutes of the Funding Sub-Board held on 20th October 2016, to include all recommendations and associated conditions, be approved and confirmed as a correct record.
133/16 Growing Priority Sectors Regional Growth Fund a) Programme Update; and b) Application for Consideration
The report was submitted and it was noted that the Funding Applications Sub-Group had met on 20th October 2016 and made recommendations to the Board for approval of the Growing Priority Sectors Regional Growth Fund that met the requirements of the fund and represented the best value for money.
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Agreed: - That the Board approve: - 1) Ash and Lacey Building System Ltd. a maximum grant of £55,000 to help implement a £550,000 project, subject to the following conditions: - a) Leverage of £495,000 of private sector funding; b) The creation of five new jobs by March 2022; c) Confirmation of match funding to successfully deliver the project; and d) Clarification of the i9mpact on local companies through due diligence. 2) Simco External Framing Solutions a maximum grant of £131,172 to help implement a £661,233 project, subject to the following conditions: - a) Leverage £530,061 of private sector funding; b) The creation of twenty new jobs by 2022; c) Confirmation of match funding to successfully deliver the project; and d) Clarification of the eligibility of expenditure under State Aid regulations through due diligence. 3) Midland Tool & Design Ltd a maximum grant of £100,000 to help implement a £340,000 project, subject to the following conditions: - a) Leverage £240,00 of private sector funding; b) The creation of ten new jobs by March 2018; c) Confirmation of match funding to successfully deliver the project; and d) Clarification of outstanding issues through due diligence.
134/16 Growing Places Programme – Black Country YMCA – John Dando Project
The report was submitted and it was noted that the Funding Applications Sub-Group had met on 20th October 2016 and made a recommendation to the Board and, it was
Agreed: - that the Board, confirm the decision of the Funding Applications Sub-Group, as detailed below: -
1) that the YMCA be requested to submit full details of the reasons for its application including details of its cashflow and the implications if the request is refused;
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2) that the discussions with DCLG concerning the future use of the fund be noted and that a further report on the future use of the Fund be submitted when a response has been received from the Department.
135/16 Minutes of the meeting of the Place Making & Land Advisory Board held on 14th September 2016
The Minutes of the meeting of the Place Making & Land Advisory Board held on 14th September 2016, were presented and the contents noted and endorsed.
a) Black Country Transport Update
Stuart Everton provide an update on the M5 J1-2 Major Maintenance Scheme; Midlands Connect; and Black Country Cycling and Walking Strategy.
i) Black Country Walking and Cycling Strategy
Stuart Everton advised that there were a lot of funding opportunities around sustainable transport and that the Strategy document detailed corridors where improvements could be made for cycling and walking, as well as road vehicles, such as the A449 and A4123.
It was queried whether the routes had been selected to obtain funding or because there was a demand for cycling. The meeting was advised that improvements would be seen for all modes of transport with proposals for improved towpaths for cycling and walking and linkages between key regeneration sites and garden city sites.
Cllr David Sparks expressed concern at the investment in cycle lanes as he stated that he could not see how major routes such as those “A” roads identified could be improved without impacting on other road users and stated that existing roads were not wide enough to accommodate cycle lanes. He commented that WM Travel and Centro had improved bus stops which had caused an adverse impact on routes.
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It was noted that along the route of the A4123 there were wide pavements which could accommodate shared use between pedestrians and cyclists.
Stuart Everton noted the concerns and stated that as the document was within the consultation period he would take back the comments. In regard to space, he advised that for many routes the proposal was to utilise existing grass verges for additional space and re-assured the Board that the available budget was solely for improving cycling and walking routes, thus did not impact on other local authority budgets. ii) M5 J1-2 Major Maintenance Scheme
Stuart Everton advised on options presented to Highways England for improvements to Junctions 1 and 2 of the M5. The options were detailed in the report with a 2 year and 5-year completion date respectively and advised that the commencement date had moved to April 2017. He added that the Secretary of State for Transport, Right Honourable Chris Gayling MP, had advised that if HS2 proceeded then there would be a need to consider airport expansion at Birmingham Airport.
On a question whether HS2 would lead to more money for local roads, he advised that the Network Resilience Group were already requesting Government for improvements to the local road network. Cllr Roger Lawrence added that under Devo-deal 1 there was an additional £12 million of connectivity.
Cllr Davis Sparks stated that transport improvement was crucial for the region from an economic point of view, as it would impact on congestion. iii) Midlands Connect
Stuart Everton advised that Midlands Connect would publish the Emerging Priorities report by the end of October setting out key schemes or areas for which it planned to produce Strategic Outline Business Cases from now until March 2017.
Agreed that the updates and comments be noted.
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b) Black Country Smart City Strategy
Sarah Middleton presented the report, which had previously been considered by the Place Making & Land Theme Advisory Board and advised that report sought approval of three recommendations detailed therein.
Following consideration, it was
Agreed: - 1) That the Board approves the Black Country Smart City Strategy with delegated authority to the Chair of the Green Growth Group to approve the final version of the Smart City Strategy; 2) That the Board approves the draft Project Pipeline, notes it is a ‘live’ document and agrees to receive regular reports on progress in its development and 3) That the Board approves the principle of establishing a Black Country Smart City Network.
136/16 Minutes of the Active Black Country Board
The Minutes of the meeting of the Competitiveness Theme Advisory Board held on 6th July 2016 were presented and the contents noted and endorsed.
137/16 PR and Communications Update
The Board received the regular update on PR activity since the last meeting and updates on work to improve response rates to e- communications from the LEP.
Ninder Johal highlighted three key elements: - There was a new website for the BC LEP; A new shared platform had been created – File Protect – where Members could access archived Agendas and reports. Digital /Social Media was used widely but there was a need to draw up an engagement strategy and capture non-digital communication, such as speaking engagements etc.
He further advised that work was continuing on the identity proposition “Make Your Mark”, with Stewart Towe and Andy Cox being the representatives of the Board on the established working group.
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Agreed that the report be noted.
138/16 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework - revised
The Board were advised of the following amendments made to the Assurance Framework at 5.14 Project, at the request of the Accountable Body, Walsall MBC: -
The exemptions to the full evaluation process; Low value machinery purchase bids of under £500,000 will only be required to submit an Initial Proposal, providing there are no structural property changes required to accommodate the new machinery. Whilst a Full Business Case will not be required, the applicant will be required to complete a number of additional schedules as requested by the Programme Office.
Accessing Growth schemes will only be required to submit an Initial Proposal. Whilst a Full Business Case will not be required, the applicant will be required to complete a number of additional schedules as requested by the Programme Office.
Incorporating issue of Walsall Accountable Body due diligence and grant agreement documentation earlier into the process;
Initial Proposals will be appended with a copy of the Walsall Accountable Body Stage 2 Due Diligence checklist. Applicants will be required to declare that they have understood what is required of them by the Accountable Body before the application can proceed. A copy of the generic Grant Agreement will also be issued, as early visibility of the documentation will enable a more rapid turnaround at pre-contracting.
Distinction between Stage 1 and Stage 2 due diligence; Stage 1 due diligence refers to technical DD performed by technical consultants pre LEP Board approval Stage 2 due diligence refers to financial and legal DD performed by Walsall Accountable Body post LEP Board approval.
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Agreed: - that the Board note and approve the revised Black Country LEP Assurance Framework.
139/16 Black Country LEP Funding Report
The Board received the report regarding LEP funding at 30th September 2016; the core budget for the financial year 2016/17; seeking approval for Walsall MBC’s revised technical assistance yearly allocation; and to approve the Marketing and Communications budget of £50,000 from the LEPs Strategic Funding.
Agreed: - That the Board: - 1) Approve the updated LEP funding and expenditure at 30th September 2016; 2) Note the core budget for the financial year 2016/17; 3) Approve the Walsall MBC revised technical assistance yearly allocation; and 4) Approve the Marketing and Communications budget of £50,000 from the Strategic Funding budget for LEP Marketing Communications.
140/16 Items of Business for Black Country Consortium Directors
The following items were considered by the Black Country Directors: - a) Audit Committee – Draft Minutes of the meeting held on 21st September 2016; and b) Black Country Consortium Ltd. Auditors Report and Accounts 2015/16
141/16 Date of Next Meeting
21st November 2016 at 3.00 pm at Walsall Housing Group.
12th December 2016 between 12 noon and 5.00pm for Policy Planning.
(The meeting closed at 4.20 p.m.)
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Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership – Policy Update
Set out below for Members’ information is and a note of some recent policy documents received by the Secretariat: -
1. LGF letter to Creative Industry Council
Letter sent 4th November, from LEPs to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Nicola Mendelsohn CBE – Vice _president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Facebook. Letter sought support from those detailed, to increase the available pot of £1.8bn to support LEP proposals to further support the creative industries. (App 1)
2. Industrial Strategy
At the time of the meeting it is understood that publication of the Green Paper is imminent. Work is underway on our Place Based Sector Strengths and an Advanced Manufacturing Sector Dashboard is appended for the Board (App 2). This will form part of the BC LEP Away Day.
Attached at (App 3) is an Industrial Strategy Briefing Note on the Industrial Strategy, which details questions and ideas LEP Chief Executives have raised with officials. These are around four themes – Science and Innovation – Technology; Sectors & Clusters; Skills; and Infrastructure.
3. Autumn Statement
The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement will be made on 23rd November 2016.
4. DIT Honours
Attached (App 4) is an email from the Department for International Trade (DIT), which includes a letter from Sir Martin Donnelly, Permanent Secretary, requesting nominations for Honours awards. They are looking for help to identify and nominate deserving individuals for services in trade and investment performed overseas, or for services performed in the UK with a substantial international component. Although addressed to the LEP Network, the LEPs will have the connections you would like to support in this way.
LEP Network have asked if there are candidates BC LEP would like to put forward for an Honour, please send the FCO or Cabinet Office the completed forms by Friday 25 November 2016.
5. Ministerial Local Growth Champions – Margot James, MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility - visit
Margot James MP will be meeting with Black Country LEP and SME representatives on 24th November 2016, primarily to discuss the emerging Industrial Strategy.
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6. Future Funding Principles – a LEP view.
Overview. Post 10th October, LEP Chair and CEO workshop, “Future Funding” is one of four Task & Finish groups (with Industrial Strategy, Trade and Housing) that LEPs are looking to be proactive and offer how we can work with government to shape the future of ESIF programmes when the UK leaves the EU. An initial conversation has been had with Simon Ridley, DG at DCLG (before the workshop on 10th October) followed by a telekit with 5 LEPs and CLoG on 4th November. This summary outlines the key areas that LEPs believe are important principles to try and achieve with future funding. It is noted that for some LEP areas with a Mayoral Combined Authority they will have principles to feed in linked to their governance model related to future funding. For the purpose of this paper, Future Funding covers the ESIF programmes (ERDF, ESF, EAFRD) as well as Local Growth Funding in a post Brexit and post LGF3 2020 to 2025 time period.
Principles. LEPs would like to see the following in a Future Funding policy development … Balance to be struck between economic need (typically covered by ESIF programmes) and growth opportunity (recognised in LGF Deals) which will help to achieve the prime minister's ambition of having "an economy that works for everyone". Medium to long time period (covering a period of time that gives the longer term certainty, LEPs like the 7 year EU programmes offered). As a minimum, the Future Funding should operate on at least a 5 year period from 2020 to 2025. Single investment programme (covering a mix of capital and revenue, with the freedoms to move funds between capital and revenue to take advantage of unforeseen opportunity and need). Mix of 5 year core investment settlements, that are “topped up” annually through several rounds of funding (for areas to be rewarded, bid for more as growth opportunities arise, dealing with unexpected issues particularly the unknown from Brexit). Locally run schemes (delivering more effective local integration of public investment which leads to additional benefits when programmes are locally aligned; and is more cost effective to administer). Leverage of private sector investment to increase value of money and also delivers more, which is appropriate to the area in which the investment takes place. (Recognising that areas of economic need, or projects which tackle economic need, are unlikely to be able to offer the same ratio of public to private sector investment as growth projects.) Culture of investment not grant (encouraging different ways of raising capital by unlocking other investment schemes – off balance sheet investment bonds, etc.). Cross LEP collaboration (both with neighbours in shared sub-national geographies and linking with other areas across the country with places of similar strengths on particular themes). Include those things that are important to economic growth but which were excluded from EU funding programmes: young people, schools, careers advice, sectors such as tourism/visitor economy, and projects which improve connectivity.
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Linking strongly to the Industrial Strategy (there is likely to be reference to future of ESIF in Industrial Strategy Green Paper).
Cross Cutting Themes. There are four cross cutting themes: People and skills (reflecting the ESF social value piece). Some City Deals cover the areas of apprenticeships, work experience, careers advice, older workforce development. LEPs want the flexibility to cover local issues. Places. People live in places, so the linkage to housing, business premises, infrastructure etc. is important. Enterprises. Rather than term things business support, describe it as enterprise to include innovation and technology (reflecting some of the Horizon 2020 programmes). Connectivity (related to transport - road, rail and port).
Cross Whitehall. We welcome DCLG involvement, but this needs to be cross- Whitehall and include DWP, DEFRA, HMT.
One single fund. The future funds should be seen through the lens of what is important locally, what does business need to grow and be successful. Not divided into funds for urban, rural, land based, fishery businesses – just because a business is “land based” they are still a business.
LEP Capacity. It is recognised that current LEP capacity will need to be proportionate to support the future funding model. This can be viewed like Technical Assistance; approached as a Management Fee model; or funded from the devolved funding using local flexibilities.
Timing. The timing of when to implement this is complex, and needs further discussion: Current ESIF runs to 2023 (2020 plus 3 years for N+3). LGF runs to 2020. If Brexit is achieved in 2019 there could be a gap if this is in place from 2020.
Next steps. Shared with LEPs for discussion on Tue 29th Nov at LEP CEO meeting; Meet with Simon Ridley and colleagues w/c 5th December.
7. Local Enterprise Partnerships supporting Trade.
Overview. Post 10th October, LEP Chair and CEO workshop and dinner with Rt Hon Liam Fox MP, “Trade” is one of four Task & Finish groups (with Industrial Strategy, Future Funding (ESIF) and Housing) that LEPs are looking to be proactive and offer how we can work with government. LEPs have written to Liam Fox MP requesting a follow-up meeting. This summary outlines where LEPs believe we have a role to play. For the purposes of this summery LEPs view “Trade” as covering both assisting business to help them export, and also supporting inward investment activity.
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Collective ambition. LEPs are committed to … helping businesses who are currently exporting, to continue doing so and take advantage of new opportunities; enabling businesses who have the potential to trade, but not done so yet, to do so; securing more inward investment wins for the UK.
LEP position. LEPs would like to help shape government policy on Trade. The previous national model of promotion and engagement has not been as effective. If going forward the model is to continue with a single gateway into the UK, this should have a very strong place element that sits behind it, and builds from areas of strength.
How can LEPs help? LEPs can help DIT in the following ways … Private sector input. We can feed in the business view on future areas for trade opportunities. We can help DIT engage the wider business community into shaping the activity. Trade missions. We can help DIT secure the right representation on businesses who join trade missions with Ministers. Opportunity intelligence. We know our local areas, and strengths that can be offered. Brexit intelligence. LEPs know what is happening in their area and can be government’s “eyes and ears” on any impact from Brexit. Relationship. A lot of deals take place on the back of business relationships that LEPs and our Growth Hubs can help maintain and build on. There is also a strong link between export and inward investment. Often inward investment opportunities come when overseas companies have bought the products and services of local companies over a number of years. They get to know the area and decide to locate, creating an inward investment opportunity. Local Stakeholders. There is a local structure of support in place, that LEPs help bring together. For example some LEPs use local Chambers or other intermediaries to deliver export support to smes. Other suggested offers. As part of Devolution Deals, LEPs have some suggested offers to help.
Questions for DIT? To join a discussion with LEP CEOs on 29th November … Can DIT share the latest updates in the department and future direction of travel? Where does the department see future trade opportunities post Brexit, and where is the department looking to focus energies - China? Brazil? India? etc. These are big countries, so will there be a sub-national focus that matches opportunities to LEP strengths? How will DIT work with LEPs to bring in the sophistication of “place” intelligence, especially in the light of an Industrial Strategy? (Early indications are there is a changing model at DIT, moving toward a structure with four regions; Northern Powerhouse, Midlands Engine, London and “other”.)
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8. LEPs and Housing
Overview. At 10th October, LEP Chair and CEO workshop and dinner with Ministers (including Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP), “Housing” was mentioned as a top three priority for the Secretary of State. Housing is one of four Task & Finish groups (with Industrial Strategy, Future Funding (ESIF) and Trade) that LEPs are looking to be proactive and offer how we can work with government. Although “Housing” sits within DCLG, it is an important area linked to other departments, such as BEIS and Industrial Strategy, DfT and infrastructure, as well as DfE and DWP in terms of skills and employment. This summary outlines where LEPs believe we have a role to play.
Outline principles. The areas that LEPs may agree and be aligned on are … LEPs recognise the important and statutory role of Local Authorities in the Housing agenda. LEPs will be actively supporting a narrative that looks at implementation, with the planning and highways authorities as well as business and the commercial sector. It is essential that LEPs have something to say in this space from a strategic view point, including about price and supply, and to ensure the debate hears the views of business and what employers are saying. Housing doesn’t stand on its own - there are close linkages to infrastructure and utilities, and the capacity of an area to respond to demand. LEPs act as a vehicle to help central government understand local opportunities and issues, as well as a conduit for information from the centre to a local audience. For some LEPs, “Housing” is viewed as important a factor for their economic growth as “Skills”. (For example, South East LEP focussed on being declared Housing Business Ready by The Housing & Finance Institute (HFi).)It is not just Housing, but also the availability of “Business Space” that is important. Local Authorities may be anxious about LEPs having a louder voice in this space. Some LEPs are approaching their involvement from an evidence led basis - what land is available, what is the demand, what are the blockers to develop out the sites, what does the supply chain need, what does the workforce / future talent base need etc. Some LEPs have commissioned a housing evidence base from an economic view (not a Strategic Housing Market Assessment) that takes into account the constraints from green belt, national park, prevention areas etc., and helps the LEP understand the blockages. It is also important to recognise that there is a wide range of players in this agenda, Local Authority, land owners, developers, housing associations, the business community etc. LEPs have a role to play in bringing these parties together to identify the challenge and what is getting in the way. (Some LEPs have set up specific working groups that bring local stakeholders together – planners, property developers, HCA, Environment Agency, Network Rail, Highways England etc.)
LEP position. Suggested areas for LEPs to have a role include: Supportive Partner. Local Authorities have the statutory angle covered. How can LEPs be a better partner to them, when LAs would like to bring forward
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plans? LEPs should be active in the development of local plans, be a supportive voice when new schemes are brought forward, helping local politicians who want to be brave in this space to stick their heads above the parapet. Housing has priority. When bringing forward LGF or other project ideas, to prioritise “housing” as being one of the factors when deciding if a proposal will be supported.
Skills. Support the sector via other routes, such as skills for the trades (there are vacancies, it has a good career path and well paid etc.). Strategic role. The LEP should have a presence and be ready to intervene in the development, not in the sense of buying land, but for those sites that are difficult to deliver and where the market is not working or able to resolve itself without intervention. Closer working with the HCA to unlock housing funds and their land etc. Communication. As well as being a “channel” of local information to the centre, LEPs can help ensure a partnership approach to unblocking housing schemes, working with the many actors in this space. There will be areas where the LEP geography doesn’t match a strategic planning area, particularly in non-Devolution areas. The LEP can help as an honest broker. LEPs can also identify challenges across a wider area and work with neighbouring LEPs to bring a view to a larger sub-national geography.
Next Steps. 29th November 2016. At the LEP CEO meeting it would be helpful to know which other LEPs are proactively engaged, or looking to become more proactive, in this agenda. Mapping expertise. It would be useful to know if LEPs have Board Members appointed to this area / housing lead, the private sector expertise and connections that LEPs have in the area of housing. Mid December 2016. LEP Network facilitate a wider conversation with the above areas who have common cause and ambition, bringing these messages to government on a cross LEP basis, inputting to policy thinking that may emerge out of the Autumn Statement and leading to the March 2017 Budget. Closer working with HCA. LEPs should be seeking a closer conversation with the HCA, particularly as they appoint a new CEO.
9. Annual Conference – LEP Network
The LEP Network Annual Conference is 27th March 2017 – hence change to 20 March LEP Board date.
The draft Agenda is attached at App. 5.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive, Black Country Consortium Ltd [email protected]
Contact – Hywel Ruddick Democratic Support [email protected]
Source documents: - Attached
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4th November 2016
The Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Department for Culture, Media and Sport 100 Parliament Street, London, SW1A 2BQ
The Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy 1 Victoria Street London, SW1H 0ET
Nicola Mendelsohn CBE, Vice-President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Facebook 338 Euston Road London, NW1 3BG
Dear Karen, Greg and Nicola
Local Enterprise Partnerships and the Creative Industries
As joint Chairs of the government’s Creative Industry Council, we are writing to you ahead of the forthcoming Local Growth Fund (LGF) announcements.
As you know, the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are government’s private sector led enterprise partnerships across England, with the aim of driving local economic growth to unlock enterprise value. Collectively LEPs have levered over £5bn of private sector investment, supported over 70,000 businesses and created over 115,000 new jobs. LEPs are already delivering a gearing of at least 7:1 of private sector investment on public funds, with some LEPs reporting the investment has led to a 10:1 uplift in GVA.
The Creative Industries are a key sector in LEPs’ Strategic Economic Plans. One recent example is the £1.5m funding from Buckinghamshire Thames Valley LEP to build a new Digital Content Production Training Studio at the National Film and Television School.
LEPs will have included a variety of activities in our recent LGF proposals that will help the creative industries generate further economic growth. Some examples include: Creative and Digital Quarter in Leamington Spa, central Warwickshire; Vulcan Works managed workspace at the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone; The Silverstone Heritage Experience centre; Warner Brothers Studios creative industries hub in Hertfordshire; Milton Keynes Gallery expansion as part of a wider town regeneration; Confetti Creative Quarter digital skills campus in Nottingham; E-Sports Academy at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire; Hall for Cornwall securing the long term sustainable future for the UK’s largest rural theatre.
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These are serious propositions. They have the potential to unleash economic growth across England, and have been subject to scrutiny and prioritisation by private sector board members in each LEP.
We would welcome your support to impress upon the Chancellor the value that these LEP proposals will bring to the creative industries and the economy as a whole, and to request that the available pot of £1.8bn is increased to ensure this support is available to continue growth in the creative industries.
There are more stresses on the economy now than when the LGF was launched, making public investment even more catalytic at this time. As we leave the EU it is more important than ever that the country’s economy is supported to remain strong and globally competitive. Our LGF proposals will help maintain economic confidence. We can lever in billions more of private sector investment, help more creative industry businesses, support world-wide trade, and create many more jobs – enabling local economies to grow further and create wealth across all communities.
We would welcome the opportunity to talk through some examples that we believe will make a significant impact on the economy, and bring about benefits which can be shared across communities and places. We will be in touch to arrange for a few of us to talk you through LEPs’ ambitious plans.
Yours sincerely
Signed by Local Enterprise Partnership Chairs
Stewart Towe CBE Chair, Black Country LEP
Andrew Smith Chair, Buckinghamshire Thames Valley LEP
Christine Gaskell MBE Chair, Cheshire & Warrington LEP
Tim Wates Chair, Coast to Capital LEP
Mark Duddridge Chair, Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly LEP
Jonathan Browning Chair, Coventry & Warwickshire LEP
George Beveridge Chair, Cumbria LEP
Peter Richardson Chair, Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire LEP
Gordon Page CBE DL Chair, Dorset LEP
Geoff French CBE Chair, Enterprise M3 LEP
Diane Savory OBE Chair, GFirst LEP
Steve Hollis Chair, Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP
Mark Reeve Chair, Greater Cambridge & Greater Peterborough LEP
Ursula Lidbetter MBE Chair, Greater Lincolnshire LEP
Mike Blackburn OBE Chair, Greater Manchester LEP
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Steve Hindley Chair, Heart of the South West LEP
Mark Bretton Chair, Hertfordshire LEP
Lord Christopher Haskins Chair, Humber LEP
Edwin Booth Chair, Lancashire LEP
Roger Marsh OBE Chair, Leeds City Region Partnership
Nick Pulley Chair, Leicester & Leicestershire LEP
Asif Hamid Chair, Liverpool LEP
Mark Pendlington Chair, New Anglia LEP
Andrew Hodgson Chair, North East LEP
Jeremy Long Chair, Oxfordshire
Dave Smith, Interim Executive Director Chair, Sheffield City Region LEP on behalf of Sir Nigel Knowles
Gary Jeffries Chair, Solent LEP
Christian Brodie Vice Chair, South East LEP
Dr Ann Limb CBE DL Chair, South East Midlands LEP
David Frost CBE DL Chair, Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP
John Mortimer Chair, Swindon & Wiltshire LEP
Paul Booth OBE Chair, Tees Valley Unlimited
Peter Read Chair, Thames Valley Berkshire LEP
Graham Wynn OBE Chair, The Marches LEP
Stephen Robertson Chair, West of England LEP
Mark Stansfeld Chair, Worcestershire LEP
Barry Dodd CBE Chair, York, North Yorkshire & East Riding LEP
Page | 3 BLACK COUNTRY SECTOR DASHBOARD - Advanced Manufacturing
Current GVA: £3.0bn Growth Ambition: £5.5bn Growth Rates 2010 - 2013 Most important sector: Metals and fabricated GVA 15.7 % of total BC GVA +£2.5bn GVA BC : 20.9% (£500m) UK : 2.6% metal goods (45.2%)
15 Top 3 Sectors: Proportion of GVA Sub-sectors : BC & UK 2013 BC Total UK Total 1 2 3 AM Sub Sector % of Total % of Sector GVA 10 3 2 1 BC UK BC Metals and fabricated metal goods 45.2% 9.7% 7.1% 5 Furniture, other manufacturing & repair 16.9% 14.3% 2.7% and installation of machinery 0 Food, beverages and tobacco products 8.6% 14.1% 1.4% Rubber, plastic other non-metallic goods 7.6% 14.1% 1.2% -5 Wood products, paper products printing 5.0% 7.7% 0.8% Coke, chemicals, pharmaceuticals 4.3% 8.7% 0.7%
Percentage Percentage Change (%) Textiles, leather and clothing 4.2% 3.9% 0.7% -10 Architectural and engineering activities 4.1% 8.7% 0.6% Computers and electronic goods 3.7% 12.7% 0.6% -15 Agriculture 0.4% 6.0% 0.1% 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013
Current Jobs: 67,000 Growth Ambition: 69,000 Growth Rates 2010 - 2013 Most important sector: Metals and fabricated JOBS 13.5 % of total jobs + 2,000 jobs BC : +2.2% (+1,500 Jobs) UK : - 1.5% metal goods (42.4%) Top 3 Sectors: Proportion of Jobs Sub-sectors : BC & UK 2013 AM Sub Sector % of Total 1 2 3 % of Sector Jobs BC UK BC 2 1 3 Metals and fabricated metal goods 42.4% 7.3% 5.7% Furniture, other manufacturing & repair 15.9% 18.0% 2.2% and installation of machinery Food, beverages and tobacco products 9.1% 13.5% 1.2% Rubber, plastic other non-metallic goods 7.9% 12.4% 1.1% Architectural and engineering activities 7.1% 8.2% 1.0% Current Jobs: 67,000 Wood products, paper products printing 5.4% 5.1% 0.7% Textiles, leather and clothing 4.8% 4.4% 0.7% 13.5 % of total jobs Coke, chemicals, pharmaceuticals 3.3% 8.0% 0.5% Computers and electronic goods 3.2% 10.4% 0.4% Agriculture 0.7% 12.8% 0.1%
Current Businesses: 3,985 Growth Rates 2011 - 2016 Most important sector: Metals and BUSINESSES 12.6 % of total businesses +4.7% fabricated metal goods ( 33.6%) Visitor Economy, BC 2016 Businesses by Sub sector Number of Change Change % 6.5% West Midlands % of total Health, 6.3% Public Sector, 2.9% Black Country Businesses Growth AM 2011 - 2011 – Architectural and engineering activities LEP Areas businesses 4100 2011 - 2016 Businesses 2016 2016
Environmental Furniture, other manufacturing & repair and installation of machinery Retail, 20.9% Technologies, 0.7% Computers and electronic goods Black Country 3990 12.6 25 4.7 Building 4000 Metals and fabricated metal goods Coventry and Technologies, 5805 16.1 1295 4.2 Rubber, plastic other non-metallic goods Warwickshire 12.6% 3900 Sports, 0.8% Coke, chemicals, pharmaceuticals Greater Wood products, paper products printing Birmingham and 7865 11.9 1085 19.7 Advanced 3800 Solihull Manufacturing Textiles, leather and clothing Number Number ofBusinesses Stoke on Trent Food, beverages and tobacco products 6690 17.8 670 11.7 Business Services, and Staffordshire , 12.6% 3700 Agriculture 27.8% 2011 2013 2015 The Marches 8460 27.9 890 11.3 Transport 0 500 1,000 Worcestershire1,500 4170 17.2 285 8.6 Technologies, 9.0% 16/11/2016 15:31 BLACK COUNTRY SECTOR DASHBOARD - Advanced Manufacturing
£1.6bn £59,591 GVA Advanced Manufacturing: Top 50 Businesses by GVA Average GVA per employee GVA Growth Location of Top Performing Businesses GVA generated by the top 50 businesses has increased by 5.3% over 1yr period 6 of the top 10 performing companies are located within either existing or No Company name Industry Classification Foreign Turnover Latest No of GVA - GVA Components GVA per Employment GVA/ GVA 38 of the top 50 businesses have increased GVA over a 1yr period Benchmark Owned th GBP Employees Latest Profit (Loss) Employment Costs Total Amortization Depreciation employee - costs + Costs Change potentially high quality employment land (5 in existing & 1 in potential). Last avail. yr Last avail. yr before Tax th GBP and Impairment th GBP latest depreciation 1yr % 14 businesses have increased GVA by 20% and over The top 2 are both in existing high quality locations. th GBP Last avail. yr th GBP Last avail. yr Last avail. yr Last avail. yr 22 businesses have increased GVA by 10% and over
Foreign Ownership & Listing 1 Boparan Holdings Limited Food Producers UK 3,140,200 22,974 584,700 -13,600 512800 30,400 55,100 25,451 567,900 103.0% 7.6% 10 companies in the top 50 are foreign owned 2 Warburtons Limited Food Producers UK 551,467Current 4,588 GVA:250,071 £3.0bn38,715 183233 0 28,123 54,505 211,356 118.3% -15.3% 3 Castings Public Limited Company Industrial Engineering UK 132,448 1,135 69,395 19,676 42866 0 6,853 61,141 49,719 139.6% 6.1% The largest foreign owned company in the top 50 15.7 % of total BC GVA is ranked 5th - Assa Abloy Limited 4 B.E. Wedge Holdings Limited Industrial Metals & Mining UK 129,598 1,054 64,785 18,817 41438 763 3,767 61,466 45,205 143.3% 33.5% The largest number of global owners are in the 5 Assa Abloy Limited General Industrials Foreign 160,478 1,065 59,901 8,838 37902 11,633 1,528 56,245 39,430 151.9% 30.6% 6 Lowe And Fletcher Limited General Industrials UK 68,277 948 33,973 4,282 26039 2,281 1,371 35,836 27,410 123.9% 8.1% USA (6 businesses) 7 ZF Lemforder UK Limited Automobiles & Parts Foreign 241,424 348 29,798 6,412 16075 0 7,311 85,626 23,386 127.4% 6.7% Average GVA per employee for these businesses is 8 Voestalpine Metsec PLC Industrial Engineering Foreign 85,663 341 29,629 13,518 13600 0 2,511 86,889 16,111 183.9% 8.6% 9 Elta Group Limited Industrial Engineering UK 83,678 633 26,482 3,409 20983 676 1,414 41,836 22,397 118.2% 9.1% £92,281 10 Hadley Industries PLC Industrial Metals & Mining UK 104,376 495 25,607 6,161 15881 0 3,565 51,731 19,446 131.7% 2.7% GVA for these businesses has increased by 25% Foreign Owned Strategic Businesses: 11 Flint INK (U.K.) Limited Chemicals Foreign 76,105 251 21,708 7,908 12816 0 984 86,486 13,800 157.3% 21.4% over a 1yr period City HQs 12 Sharps Bedrooms Limited Household Goods & Home UK 75,553 717 20,766 2,834 16224 296 1,412 28,962 17,636 117.7% -5.8% 2 businesses are listed on the London Stock Construction Memphis 13 ERA Home Security Limited General Industrials UK 74,403 393 20,726 7,239 12316 217 954 52,738 13,270 156.2% -7.0% Exchange - Castings PLC and Chamberlin PLC Pawtucket 14 Mueller Europe Limited Industrial Metals & Mining Foreign 166,475 290 19,612 1,937 16443 0 1,232 67,628 17,675 111.0% 64.9% USA Omaha GVA Impact (£m) North Canton 15 William Gibbons & Sons,Limited General Industrials UK 40,609 520 18,875 4,177 12546 0 2,152 36,298 14,698 128.4% -7.5% Moon Township 16 NCH (UK) Limited Chemicals UK 45,929 358 16,757 3,347 12652 0 758 46,807 13,410 125.0% 3.1% High Sweden Stockholm 17 Tentec Limited General Industrials UK 11,416 61 15,216 11,737 2776 509 194 249,443 2,970 512.3% 298.8% Luxembourg Luxembourg 18 Salisbury Poultry (Midlands) Limited Food Producers UK 118,544 418 15,064 4,214 10831 4 15 36,038 10,846 138.9% 87.6% £100m+ 2 (51%) Spain Madrid 19 Teknor Apex UK Limited General Industrials Foreign 12,660 57 14,819 11,160 3507 0 152 259,982 3,659 405.0% 1033.8% Germany Lemforde Austria Linz 20 Chamberlin PLC Industrial Metals & Mining UK 34,988 360 14,561 -236 13562 0 1,235 40,447 14,797 98.4% -8.8% Medium £50,000 - 99,999m 21 Securistyle Limited General Industrials UK 13,850 13,850 0 0 0 0 104.6% 90% of the top 50 businesses (45 22 Sunrise Medical Limited Healthcare Equipment & UK 33,858 157 12,591 5,380 6611 326 274 80,197 6,885 182.9% 40.8% 3 (12%) Services businesses) generate under £50m GVA 23 Thomas Dudley Limited General Industrials UK 25,321 277 12,081 2,540 8069 0 1,472 43,614 9,541 126.6% 7.7% 24 Steel & Alloy Processing Limited Industrial Metals & Mining Foreign 152,651 179 11,755 3,999 6854 0 902 65,670 7,756 151.6% 11.0% Low 2 businesses generate over £100m, £0-£49,999m accounting for 51% of total GVA 25 Mitek Industries Limited General Industrials Foreign 22,814 124 11,237 3,705 7130 32 370 90,621 7,500 149.8% 16.6% 45 (37%) 26 DM Midlands Limited Household Goods & Home UK 68,382 225 11,131 3,415 7119 386 211 49,471 7,330 151.9% 19.0% generated by the top 50 businesses Construction 27 William King Limited Industrial Metals & Mining UK 98,012 199 10,528 2,818 6647 34 1,029 52,905 7,676 137.2% 12.1% Sub Sector High Medium Low Total Total % of total Av. GVA Av. GVA/ GVA (Industry Classifcation No. of GVA No. of GVA No. of GVA Businesses GVA GVA per Costs Change % 28 Acenta Steel Limited Industrial Metals & Mining UK 62,449 333 10,359 106 9427 0 826 31,108 10,253 101.0% -9.4% Current Jobs: 67,000 Growth Ambition: 69,000Benchmark) businesses businesses businesses employee 1yr 29 JBS Industries Limited General Industrials UK 29,916 391 10,158 717 8937 206 298 25,980 9,235 110.0% 8.4% Automobiles & Parts 0 0 0 0 1 29,798 1 29,798 1.8% 85,626 127.4% 6.7% 30 Boss Design Limited JOBSHousehold Goods & Home UK 13.531,077 % of total202 9,716 jobs 2,594 6541 10 571 48,099 + 2,0007,112 136.6% jobs3.5% Construction Chemicals 0 0 0 0 6 71475 6 71,475 4.4% 62,500 131.4% -21.8% 31 Handicare Accessibility Limited Household Goods & Home UK 53,841 319 9567 -1,788 9658 601 1,096 29,991 10,754 89.0% 59.0% Construction Electronic & Electrical 0 0 0 0 2 16,059 2 16,059 1.0% 51,758 123.7% 18.7% Equipment 32 Robinson Brothers Limited Chemicals UK 25,274 233 8,929 902 7096 0 931 38,322 8,027 111.2% -11.6% Supply Chain Position 33 M.J. Sections Limited Industrial Metals & Mining UK 15,511 150 8,824 2,822 5531 0 471 58,827 6,002 147.0% 5.5% Food Producers 2 834,771 0 0 3 30,656 5 865,427 53.3% 37,563 121.1% 0.7%
34 Rical Limited General Industrials UK 22,699 305 8,706 806 7419 0 481 28,544 7,900 110.2% 1.5% General Industrials 0 0 1 59,901 16 204360 17 264,261 16.3% 72,652 171.3% 25.8% 35 K.T.C. (Edibles) Limited Food Producers UK 214,539 287 8,606 1,160 5992 0 1,454 29,986 7,446 115.6% 19.1% To include analysis of strategic businesses Healthcare Equipment 0 0 0 0 1 12,591 1 12,591 0.8% 80,197 182.9% 40.8% 36 Timken UK Limited General Industrials Foreign 27,531 180 8,526 1,468 6634 12 412 47,367 7,046 121.0% -26.4% 37 Exol Lubricants Limited Chemicals UK 55,827 80 8,479 3,124 4876 0 479 105,988 5,355 158.3% 11.4% & Services 38 KEY Technologies Limited Electronic & Electrical UK 19,115 224 8,264 8 7104 840 312 36,893 7,416 111.4% 15.9% Household Goods & 0 0 0 0 5 58429 5 58,429 3.6% 38,079 125.1% 10.4% Equipment Home Construction 39 Solvay Solutions UK Limited Chemicals UK -14,259 110,685 8,125 110,685 18039 312 5,303 21,104 23,342 34.8% -74.7% 40 Westley Group Limited General Industrials UK 21,911 285 8,119 812 6729 21 557 28,488 7,286 111.4% -12.6% Industrial Engineering 0 0 1 69,395 2 56111 3 125,506 7.7% 63,288 147.2% 7.3% 41 Sankey Laminations Limited Electronic & Electrical UK 21,844 117 7,795 2,062 5142 0 591 66,624 5,733 136.0% 21.8% Equipment Industrial Metals & 0 0 1 64,785 9 116322 10 181,107 11.1% 54,510 132.6% 16.1% 42 Meridian Metal Trading Limited Industrial Metals & Mining UK 106,971 154 7,682 2,289 4901 0 492 49,883 5,393 142.4% 7.1% Mining
43 Hewmor Products Ltd. General Industrials UK 17,762 80 7,484 713 6771 0 0 93,550 6,771 110.5% 30.7% Total 2 834,771 3 194,081 45 595,801 50 1,624,653 44 Chemviron Carbon Limited Chemicals Foreign 39,386 98 7,477 3,593 3214 181 489 76,296 3,703 201.9% 0.4% 45 Darcast Crankshafts Limited Industrial Metals & Mining UK 27,059 113 7394 2,800 4236 47 311 65,434 4,547 162.6% -4.0% Sub Sector Analysis
46 Ashley Manor Upholstery Limited Household Goods & Home UK 25,065 214 7249 1,676 5410 0 163 33,874 5,573 130.1% 18.8% 70% of GVA generated by the top 50 businesses is concentrated in 2 sub sectors: Food Producers (53.3%) and Construction General Industrials (16.3%) 47 Arc Specialist Engineering Limited General Industrials UK 31,553 223 7098 1,960 4824 -30 344 31,830 5,168 137.3% -38.7% The two high GVA businesses are Food Producers. However, this sub sector has the lowest average GVA per head. 48 The Deritend Group Limited General Industrials UK 11,263 141 7051 2,634 4184 106 127 50,007 4,311 163.6% 455.2% General Industrials has the highest number of businesses in the top 50 (17 businesses). The majority of businesses 49 Panesar Foods Limited Food Producers UK 28,664 167 6986 1,606 4755 0 625 41,832 5,380 129.9% 33.1% 50 Corrugated Box Supplies Limited General Industrials UK 24,076 202 6441 1,081 4622 125 613 31,886 5,235 123.0% 9.2% in this sub sector generate under £50m GVA. Automobiles & Parts has the highest average GVA per employee (£85,626) All sub sectors have seen GVA growth over a one-year period, with the exception of the Chemicals sub sector. 2 sub GVA is calculated by adding together operating profit, employee costs, depreciation and amortisation/impairment charges. There are 2 measures of companies’ efficiency of wealth creation: labour productivity defined as GVA per employee and the ratio of GVA to the costs of employment and depreciation used to create it. sectors experienced growth above 20%. Healthcare Equipment & Services saw the highest growth rate (40.8%). The data was produced by conducting a search of FAME for active companies with registered offices in the area and selecting the largest companies by turnover based on the most recent filed accounts. Businesses have been classified using the 41 sectors in the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) structure for sector and industry analysis, supported by the IBC database which is maintained by FTSE International Limited. 2 sectors have GVA/Costs ratio above the average for the top 50 (144.6%). The highest ratio is for Healthcare 26/10/2016 Equipment & Services (182.9%). TO: LEP CHIEF EXECUTIVES / SENIOR EXECUTIVES FROM: WARREN RALLS & PATRICK WHITE (Metro Dynamics) DATE: 11th NOVEMBER 2016
INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY - BRIEFING NOTE 1. Since the Chair and Chief Executives meeting on 10th October a task and finish group of Chief Executives has been engaging informally with Government on the development of industrial strategy. I know that other colleagues have also been in contact with officials, who are working in a very open and inclusive way. This note pulls together our understanding of current thinking and suggests how we might focus our meeting on 29 November. It does not cover the Local Growth Fund (LGF) allocation conversations, which clearly form an important part of the context.
Recent Developments 2. We have welcomed the emphasis from the BEIS Secretary of State on the importance of place to the Industrial Strategy. This reflects the LEP position as agreed and supported by LEP Chairs and has been consistent throughout the Secretary of State’s statement to the House on Nissan, as well as his speech to the IOD, and other comments over the last couple of months.
3. We also understand that a publication of a discussion paper around Autumn Statement will be very much the start not the end of the process, which is consistent with what Ministers said on 10th October. The Secretary of State has been clear that Government wants to take its time and get it right, working towards a more developed, and long-term, industrial policy. We have emphasised the importance of Government taking the opportunity to genuinely co-design with places and business and the leading contribution that LEPs are ready to make to that work. We should also expect Government to want to work with a range of organisations (especially Business Representative Organisations), so LEPs are unlikely to have an exclusive role.
Problem Definition / Narrative 4. There also appears to be emerging consensus in Government to define the challenge facing the UK in this context as mainly one of growth and productivity, addressing the uneven nature of recent growth and delivering in the Prime Minister’s words “an economy that works for everyone”. But with the solution being to build from positions of strength and to focus on business growth opportunities. It will be important for Government that the narrative and approach it leads with is welcomed and recognised by business and others. But it also provides LEPs and local business leaders with a real opportunity to play back what these opportunities are in their places, and to show how SEPs and the priorities they contain provide the local building blocks for a successful approach to growth.
Themes 5. Taking growth and productivity as its starting point, there are likely to be a number of distinct themes. We believe these are likely to include: Infrastructure; Science, Innovation and R&D; Skills; Sectors / Clusters. These were the thematic areas set out by Greg Clark in his speech at the IoD when he said that it is time for our country to have an upgrade: a. An upgrade in our infrastructure so that we have smart and modern connections – physical and electronic. b. An upgrade in our education and training system so that we can benefit from the skilled workforce that we need in the future. c. An upgrade in the development and regeneration of those of our towns and cities that have fallen behind the rest of the country. d. An upgrade in our standards of corporate governance and in the relationship that government has with businesses of all shapes and sizes.
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6. Set out at Annex A are the main points we have made to officials on each of these areas, and some supplementary issues that arose out of the 10th October workshop and dinner with Ministers.
7. We anticipate that what any publication says about sectors and clusters will be an immediate opportunity for LEPs. If, as seems likely, the document is consistent with the Secretary of State’s statement to Parliament on Nissan, then it is likely to emphasise Government’s wish to develop a strategic approach based on locally important sectors and how these contribute to the local and national economy through supply chains and clusters. Using SEPs and LEPs existing knowledge to work with each other and Government to build this approach is important. We suggest this is discussed further at the LEP CEOs meeting on 29th November, but also that each LEP, in responding locally to any publication, is clear about what this place based approach to sectors means locally in headline terms.
8. We have emphasised that it will also be important that any early publication sets out a bit more detail of how a place based approach will work in practice. Some of the specifics need to be established to avoid it being lost as the process develops. LEPs have previously agreed that this should include: a. a commitment to the importance of private sector leadership having a central role and locally influencing funding decisions and setting strategy; b. a reiteration of the importance of the local strategy, and that it should address the wider determinants of growth and productivity, c. a clear statement that if Devolution Deals are part of this overall approach to growth and productivity, they must retain a strong business voice and focus, d. a strong commitment to funding approaches like LGF (or other forms of discrete and independent funding for local growth) and a reiteration of a competitive deal based approached to allocating this funding (i.e. not allocation formula).
Next Steps / Follow up 9. We have provided a version of the ideas and questions to officials and discussed informally with them. Their steer was that they were largely with the grain of emerging thinking and that they did not need further detailed input ahead of the proposed publication of an Industrial Strategy discussion paper.
10. Officials have suggested that a co-ordinated response and engagement by LEPs would be welcomed and is likely to be most effective. There are two distinct phases, an immediate response to a publication around the Autumn Statement and then more detailed engagement to develop the detail of future policy, leading towards the March 2017 Budget and development of a White Paper. We suggest that an immediate response should focus on LEPs understanding of the important sectors and ability to work with each other to design how nationally and locally important sectors, clusters and related supply chains could be supported, using the SEPs as the basis for doing so.
11. LEP CEOs are meeting on 29th November. Subject to the content of the publication, at this stage we are suggesting an open discussion, followed by smaller group sessions on each of the main themes, to design how LEPs should respond.
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12. Annex A - LEP Ideas Below are the questions and ideas which Chief Executives have raised with officials, reflecting discussions on 10th October.
12.a) SCIENCE AND INNOVATION – TECHNOLOGY LEPs keen to see that Innovation Audits are not forgotten and built on in the next phase of policy development. Another idea is to consider whether there are specific technologies or emerging clusters which UK can prioritise, or which in practice will be prioritised (e.g. are a number of LEPs and others in vesting in autonomous transport projects).
12.b) SECTORS & CLUSTERS LEPs should work together and with BEIS to show how the link between national sectors and relevant local clusters and supply chains can be reflected in any national policy and local plans. This is likely to be an issue on which LEPs should engage both immediately after publication – to demonstrate that they have a good understanding of their locally significant sectors and supply chains and to reinforce a local, placed based approach. But then in the period between publication and budget, to work together and with BEIS to show how LEP areas are collaborating to target support at priority sectors that occur in more than one place.
12.c) SKILLS The LEP position is that any increased business role in either funding or administrating skills provisions (or both) would have to have a strong local element, and that there is also a strong business management element to the skills and productivity challenge. Ideas to be explored in the next phase might include trial places where priority clusters exist, e.g. put in place a hard link between FE college funding incentives and long term sector performance; or meeting employer need in areas (e.g. the East Midlands) with their sector / cluster strength (e.g. advanced motor manufacturing). (Or other examples like Cambridge and mid-level tech skills?)
12.d) INFRASTRUCTURE Even at this early stage, the strategy should usefully emphasise the importance of a strategic approach to infrastructure and growth locally. It’s an important way into productivity, but also builds on deals with the West Midlands, Manchester etc. LEPs are really well placed to ensure that infrastructure investment has the maximum local growth impact. Partly through LGF and through SEP.
13. Other Areas There are also some other areas which LEPs have previously agreed could be important elements of industrial strategy on which Chief Executives may wish to check in with officials:
13.a) ACCESS TO FINANCE / BUSINESS INVESTMENT Is there scope to trail further ideas or work on improving access to finance, particularly for high growth SMEs? Would something eye catching related to future funding and recycling it at a scale bigger than local EU funded JESSICA type schemes be interesting?
13.b) PLACE MARKETING This may be too difficult / for much further down the line - but is there anything we can do to encourage a greater streamlining /more effective use of place based / inward investment marketing? (With a strong link here to the Department for International Trade.) It may be too early, with more time needed to build cross-Whitehall buy in. So, some incentive to streamline and combine forces around bigger brands might be worth thinking about? But it may be too difficult / with not enough gain? Or is this all for local places to work out?
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13.c) PROCUREMENT Basic stuff, and may be too boring. Are there commitments Government could make, or could explore, about further opening up procurement to SMEs and putting in place a greater forward pipeline of requirements to support business investment? Particularly relating to construction and engineering?
Version 2 - 11th November 2016
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Sir Martin Donnelly KCB, CMG Permanent Secretary Department for International Trade
King Charles Street Whitehall London SW1A 2AH
T +44 (0) 20 7008 8088 E [email protected] BY E-MAIL ONLY 11 November 2016 Warren Ralls Director Local Enterprise Partnerships Network
Dear Warren,
HONOURS NOMINATIONS FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SUPPORT OF UK TRADE AND INVESTMENT
As you know, the Prime Minister has recently formed the new Department for International Trade to promote international trade and investment, ensuring the UK takes advantage of the huge trading opportunities open to us across the globe. Given the nature and scope of the Department’s work, we are keen to promote our exporters, celebrate important inward investors and highlight the successes of UK businesses. The honours system is one way of recognising and celebrating outstanding achievements in this field.
We are therefore writing to invite you to make nominations for an honour on behalf of your organisation for achievement in support of the UK economy, and particularly, in the area of trade and investment. For this round, the department is prioritising nominations for people who have made a significant contribution to public life through exporting and therefore represent our ‘best exporters’ and also inward investors to the UK; including a selection of large, medium and small exporters and inward investors. We would like to draw on the knowledge and expertise of your organisation to help identify deserving individuals and ensure that their contribution is rewarded and recognised in this very public way. These overarching priorities should help guide your choice of nominations.
Secondly, we would like to ensure that our stakeholder nominations are of the highest quality and that they reflect the diversity of our population. All nominations undergo internal scrutiny within the Department, and the strongest candidates will be put forward to the Cabinet Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for consideration in the Queen’s Birthday 2017 round. We cannot guarantee that a nomination will lead to an honour; however we can provide feedback on your nominations in due course.
I attach blank citation forms and guidance on how to complete them. Nominations for British nationals or foreign nationals for services in trade and investment performed overseas, or for services performed in the UK with a substantial international component, are processed through the FCO. These should be completed using the FCO
citation form. Nominations with a domestic focus will be processed through the Cabinet Office and should therefore be completed on the Cabinet Office Citation forms.
If you have questions regarding this process or would like advice on making a nomination please contact the department’s Honours Team on 020 7008 8095 or by email at [email protected]
For nominations to be considered for the next round, please email your completed citations by 25 November 2016 to [email protected] If we receive this later that this date, we will keep it as part of our pool of candidates for consideration at the next round, New Year 2018.
Please bear in mind that nominating someone for an honour is a highly confidential process and the person being nominated should not be informed of their nomination.
Thank you,
MARTIN DONNELLY
Draft outline agenda
It is proposed that the total number of delegates will be in the region of 200-250 to include LEP Chairs, Board Members, Chief Executives/Directors, HM Government colleagues and carefully selected invited stakeholders (e.g. BROs). There will also be a number of exhibitors in the catering/refreshment area.
Time Item Comments
10.30am Registration and welcome refreshments (including Sponsorship opportunity. exhibition stands and information bags). 11.00am LEP IMPACT Opportunity for invited 11.10am Welcome from LEPs (LEP Chair). stakeholders to hear from LEPs 11.20am Message from Sponsor #1. LEP achievements, current work and future role. Ministerial address - Chancellor? 1.00pm Lunch, networking and exhibition stands. Sponsorship opportunity. 2.00pm GOVERNMENT VIEW BEIS, DCLG, DfE, DfT, DIT, DWP, 2.05pm Welcome back (LEP Chair). DCMS. 2.15pm Message from Sponsor #2. LEPs hear from Ministers / Whitehall Dept. 3.30pm Refreshment break Sponsorship opportunity. 4.00pm LEPS ONLY Covering specific topics relevant to LEPs (similar in format to the meeting on 10th October). 5.30pm LEP NETWORK 2017/18 Like an “AGM” for LEP Network. Ratification of the Management Board. Looking forward to plans for 2017/18. 6.00pm Conference close. (Depart for dinner at the RAC.) 6.30pm PRIVATE DINNER For Chairs only? Welcome drinks at RAC followed by dinner for Chairs and Ministers. 9.30pm Dinner close
LEP Annual Conference 2017 – draft outline agenda Page 1 of 1 Agenda Item 5 Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership
21st November 2016
Black Country LEP – Annual Conversation 1. Introduction
1.1 The BC LEP’s Annual Conversation with Cities and Growth Unit is taking place on 1st December 2016. It has two primary purposes – to facilitate a formal dialogue between Government and the LEP to enable shared understanding of progress with delivery on key growth programmes and to act as a formal gateway for the following year’s Local Growth Fund (LGF) payments.
1.2 The attached documents detail the Black Country LEP’s Key Areas of discussion and the summary timetable for the Annual Conversation.
2. Recommendations
2.1 That the Board note and approve the Key Areas of Discussion for the 2016 Annual Conversation; and
2.2 That the Board received the formal note of the Annual Conversation to include the agreed actions for both parties, at the 23rd January 2017 meeting.
3. Report Detail
3.1 A summary of the process is detailed below
3.2 During October, the LEP was asked to provide the Cities and Local Growth Unit with revised data on the outputs associated with the existing and planned Growth Deal projects. While keeping spend on track is important, shifting the focus to outputs is important for understanding whether Growth Deals are being delivered and achieving the anticipated aims. This commission was shared with data leads at the workshop on Monday 26 September.
3.3 During October and November, Cities and Local Growth Unit area leads (Relationship Managers) have worked with LEPs to agree a date, location, agenda and attendance for each Annual Conversation. Ours will be held on 1st December and the Cities and Local Growth Unit Deputy Director for your region will chair the meeting. The meetings will focus on strategic overviews of progress to date and future priorities, rather than detailed project- by-project analysis. We have been advised there will be room to discuss specific projects, but this will generally be by exception rather than an exhaustive analysis.
The BC LEP representatives in attendance at the meeting will be:
Sarah Middleton, Simon Eastwood and James Walsh, Section 151 Officer Paul Mellon, Programme Manager Simon Neilson, Rachel Godwin and Joanne Booker
The recent National Audit Office report on LEPs (published in March this year) and the subsequent Public Accounts Committee report (published in July) both highlighted LEP assurance and transparency as areas of concern. Central to the collective response is to ensure that LEP Local Assurance Frameworks are fully compliant with the National Assurance Framework. The government are currently updating this national framework to clarify their requirements of LEPs in these areas, for example that local assurance frameworks must set out the processes which ensure that
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Agenda Item 5 funding decisions are based on impartial advice, and must set out the procedures for the active management of risk. These updates reflect the changes to the wider delivery landscape which have taken place since the first edition was published in December 2014.
LEPs will be advised when the new version is published later this month, and must make sure in preparation for this year’s Annual Conversations that their Local Assurance Frameworks are up to date and fully compliant with the national guidelines. Please note that the updated National Assurance Framework will include the stipulation that Section 151 Officers (or Section 73 Officers where Combined Authorities are the accountable body) write to DCLG’s Accounting Officer by 28 February to confirm that Local Assurance Frameworks have been updated and are compliant with the revised national framework.
Single Pot Areas Conversations with areas with a Devolution Deal and a Single Pot will differ. The process will depend on the status of the LEP and the Mayoral Combined Authority. Area leads will be able to advise on the best approach in your particular case.
Where places put the LGF in their Single Pot, we expect that the conversation should gather information on all spending using Single Pot funding (the Investment Fund, Consolidated Transport Grant and LGF). Therefore, the Annual Conversation may provide the government with evidence of wider Single Pot and deal-related investment, and may include an update on progress towards implementing evaluation and monitoring plans covering each deal area (these should be up and running by January).
Outputs Your Cities and Local Growth Unit area lead will write a note of the conversation which they will agree with you during January. This will inform decisions on release of your 2017/18 LGF payments which are due to be made in April next year. The actions agreed during the Annual Conversations (both for the LEP and for the government) will be reviewed throughout the year during the regular conversations between the LEP and the Cities and Local Growth Unit. As has been the case in the first two years of the Growth Deals programme, we will write to you to confirm your 2017/18 allocation in late February or early March next year.
In the event that a LEP is proving unable to spend and deliver their Growth Deals programme to agreed timescales, it may be that funding will be withheld for 2017/18 during a set period of review and/or until such time as the further assurance of progress with delivery has been provided.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive, Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email:[email protected]
SOURCE MATERIAL Cities & Local Growth Unit – The 2016 Annual Conversations – October 2016 – Growth Deals
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Black Country LEP – 2016 Annual Conversation Key Areas of Discussion
Growth Deal Delivery
What is your overall assessment of progress to date? Are you delivering against the priorities identified in your SEP? What have been your two or three key milestones achieved so far? What is your assessment of your spending performance? Have you got robust plans for bringing any LGF underspend back into Growth Deals? What is your assessment of your progress against your output commitments? What is your assessment of progress so far with the most significant Freedoms and Flexibilities agreed in your original Growth Deal? How effectively is your risk management working? How effective is your oversight of project delivery? How effective is your financial management? Have you established effective processes for developing business cases and a high quality project pipeline?
Governance and Partnership Working
How effectively are the LEP and accountable local authority working together to support Growth Deal delivery? Have there been any difficulties in the LEP/accountable local authority relationship? How effective have your communications been with the general public and local community in your area? How effectively have you engaged with your local MPs? How effectively have you worked with other LEPs in your area? How effectively have you engaged with local businesses, and particularly SMEs? Are you satisfied with the makeup of your Board in terms of representation and diversity, and are you undertaking any succession planning?
Decision Making and Value for Money
Are you content that your decision making processes have been sufficiently open and transparent? Are you content that you are achieving good value for money? To what extent have your private sector members been involved in making decisions about the prioritisation of Growth Deal investments? Has your Local Assurance Framework been updated in light of the revised National Assurance Framework, or if not are plans in place to do this in time for your Section 151 Officer to write in to DCLG by 28 February next year?
Are the LEP’s project appraisal and decision making processes compliant meeting the standards set out in the Local Assurance Framework? Are there any areas of weakness or concern in this regard?
Growth Deal 3
What is your response to your Growth Deal 3 award? How do you think you will find the process of integrating and spending this additional funding alongside your existing Growth Deal profile?
Transport Programme
What is your assessment of your transport programme?
Skills Capital Programme
What is your assessment of your skills programme?
Other Local Growth Programmes
What is your assessment of your Growth Hub? How has the implementation of your City Deal been progressing (if applicable)? What is your assessment of your progress with your Enterprise Zone programme (if applicable)? What is the latest position on your Growing Places Fund allocation? Any reflections on your broadband/flooding/tourism/other related investments (if applicable?)
Devolution and Wider Government Priorities
What is your assessment of the progress so far with devolution deal negotiation/implementation (if applicable)? To what extent is your strategy aligned with relevant wider government priorities such as the Northern Powerhouse, Midlands Engine, Industrial Strategy etc?
What have been the LEP’s most significant successes? What are the biggest challenges facing the LEP?
Agenda Item 6
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership
21st November 2016
Policy Away Day – Draft Programme
1. Background
1.1 The next of the Board’s regular policy planning sessions is scheduled for the afternoon of 12th December at a venue to be advised at meeting. The proposed draft programme is attached for Board’s consideration.
2. Recommendation
2.1 Board Members’ comments on the draft programme are invited to enable it be finalized and preparations put in place with the Black Country Working Group.
3. Report Detail
3.1 The draft programme for the policy planning session on 12th December is attached for members’ consideration. The agenda sets out the questions to considered and the appended draft agenda provides the discussion items as being: -
Where are we – The National Context? Where are we – The Local Context? Where are we going – The refreshed Strategic Economic Plan? Where are we going – questions for the Board? Maximising External Support?
3.2 Comments of members are invited and specifically on the items for “Where we are going”, so that sufficient time can be allocated to discuss, consider and reflect.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email: [email protected]
Source Documents: Attached
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Black Country LEP Board Policy Away Day 12 December 2016 Draft AGENDA 12.20 Apologies, introductions and Summary of Objectives per Session objectives for the day 12.25 Where are we? (i) The Brexit A brief review of a number of complex issues, the aim of which is to national context Autumn Statement/LGF3 identify factors which need to be taken into account in the SEP Refresh Industrial Strategy and LEP work programme. 12.35 Where are we? (ii) A business Mark Wingfield, Managing Director, A&M This item is intended to ground the rest of the session in the reality of perspective EDM, a Black Country based leading the growth ambitions of a successful Black Country SME in the HVM precision engineering company. Launched sector. in 2002 and now has a staff of 58 and sales The plan is to focus the discussion on the drivers of and barrier to of £4.25m in 2016. growth in this company and what action the council and LEP can take to enable its continued growth. 13.00 Where are we? (iii) The local The Black Country Economy There are three strands of the local story that board members need to context The delivery track record understand: The project pipeline 1. The successful delivery of a large number of projects and Examples of impact programmes, and as a result a good track record of using the local growth fund. 2. Progress on a number of key indicators, including: skills, business births and house building. 3. BUT the output gap is growing. The question is: how can we make more progress towards our vision for the Black Country? 13.30 Where are we going? (i) The Strategic Centres (Wolverhampton, the The aim of this session is to present the core narrative on the priority refreshed SEP Visitor Economy & Environmental propositions to the LEP board in order to: Uplift) Test the emerging story; HVM City (Sites of Industrial Excellence Improve the narrative and pitch; and improving existing employment Agree next steps. areas) The factors which need to be highlighted include: Garden City (Accelerating delivery) Higher, more honest story on strategic centres with a need for Transport (Making the case for the investment in environmental improvements across them all; strategic schemes) How can we accelerate house building to maintain the Garden Education and skills City momentum; Public service reform (health and care) New focus on uplift quality of existing employment areas; Need to make the case for investment in transport schemes which secure wider objectives? 14.30 Where are we going? (ii) What more can we do to: This is the key discussion item. Questions for the board attract investor interest? The three key changes are identified. Need a honest discussion on accelerate delivery on housing, high what needs to be done to make progress on each of them, including: quality business sites and locations? Action by councils and Team Black Country; Help businesses to improve their Action by the LEP and private sector board members; productivity and competitiveness? How “game changing propositions” might help. What’s the What are the game-changing propositions? next “Garden City” idea? 15.45 Maximising external support How can we get more from: And then….how can others help us to deliver this? Government and the Industrial Strategy? Devolution and the combined authority? 16.15 Reflections, conclusions and next steps. 16.30 CLOSE
Agenda Item 9a BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP
21st November 2016
BLACK COUNTRY STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PLAN –LOCAL GROWTH FUND
1. Introduction This report summarises the latest committed spend position for 16/17 year end and Forecasts the year end position prior to further additions to the 16/17 Programme of LGF supported schemes. Board members are requested to endorse additional bids against 16/17 and 17/18 LGF Funding.
2. Recommendations LEP Board members are asked to consider LGF support for the following projects: Dudley College Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre £600,000 in 16/17. Middlemore Lane, Aldridge, Walsall £4,033,395 through to 20/21 with £89,493 in 16/17 LEP Board members are asked to consider additional LGF support for the following projects continuing to be developed: Very Light Rail £1.14m in 16/17 - Details to follow LEP Board members are asked to endorse a change to previously Approved LGF support for: Managing Short Trips, nil financial impact
3. LGF Allocation for 16/17 £46.3m Total LGF / LTB funding allocation for 16/17 is £46.3m. Initial testing of projected scheme spends in 16/17 has already commenced with a series of Q1 Project Review updates. A range of changes are now reflected Programme Dashboard “1 of 3”. Although the 16/17 programme appears to be over committed at £48.99m, detailed discussions have revealed a potential slippage against the LEP Approved programme of circa. £5m by 31/03/2017. This is being explored further by the PMO.
4. Forecast slippage in 16/17 LGF Programme Project Reviews have resulted in several Scheme Reforecasts being submitted, while other less certain spend reductions identified during detailed discussions are not yet included in Project progress reports to more accurately reflect current 16/17 year end expectations. LEP Board approved £5m over programming against 16/17 allocation. Effectively seeking to target £51.3m of Committed spend on schemes for LGF funding in 16/17. Currently, it is estimated that total capacity available within that £51m target is approximately £5m, following LEP Board Approval of additional schemes in 16/17. Programme Office is continuing to seek opportunities to accelerate support to existing successful LGF supported schemes that are already delivering valuable outputs and have LGF supported spend in future years.
5. Additional LGF bids, for consideration.
1. Dudley College Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre £600,000 in 16/17 This application relates to a funding request of £600k LGF grant support towards delivery of the Training Equipment for a £1.18m scheme to deliver a Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre. This project will unlock growth objectives in Building Technologies and have an impact locally on SEP growth targets in the Black Country because of the 66 strategically important construction businesses in the region. Dudley College is in the middle of a major investment programme to improve the training facilities for local & regional employers and the community, and as such Capital funding is limited. The proposal is to relocate the college’s existing provision and accommodate this new 1
Agenda Item 9a increased provision in the soon to be vacated ATC centre in Brierley Hill. This building will be rented on an initial 10 year Lease. Given the nature of the building being a rented property the bid is purely for the new additional equipment required for the facility to enable the new and increased provision to be delivered. A significant increase in demand from employers and The Construction Industry Training Boards (CITB) has resulted in Dudley College developing an enhanced construction training plan to meet these needs. In order to be responsive to these demands the College must invest in upgrading the dated construction facilities currently located at Mons Hill Campus. The College aims to provide state of the art construction equipment, which will not only meet the new standards and legislation within the construction industry but also allows learners to experience different ways of working with new technologies and techniques. It is anticipated that by working with the strategic partners listed below the College can address skills in Building Technologies that will allow those businesses to be more competitive in the local and global market place. Some of the key strategic partners include CITB, Laing O’Rourke, BAM Construction, Lovell’s, AH Construction, Interserve, Thomas VALE, Colmore Tang Construction, Seddon’s, Keepmoat and Barhale. CITB have also introduced a wider group of Construction employers to this group as part of their wider network of contacts. The college would seek to use its available capital in refurbishing and altering the building together with the ongoing lease cost of the facility as its match funding to the proposal, and therefore is applying for 100% of the equipment costs. The following Outputs are expected to be realised by the scheme.
Outputs / Outcomes Metric 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 TOTAL
Direct Outputs
Skills – Learners assisted no. 0 50 175 190 190 605 (exc. Apprenticeships)
Skills - Apprenticeships no. 0 50 75 90 90 305
Indirect Outputs
Employment – Jobs no. 0 70 80 90 90 330 Created (FTE)
Employment – Jobs no. 0 80 90 120 120 410 Safeguarded (FTE)
The Skills Factory Director, Colin Parker, has endorsed the bid as meeting an existing need and welcomed the bid from Dudley College with the developing links into CITB. No Property evaluation has been sought on the bid as the Grant support request relates only to Training Equipment and not the fabric of the Leased Building.
2. Middlemore Lane, Aldridge, Walsall £4,033,395 through to 20/21 with £89,493 in 16/17 The Middlemore Lane bid is a gap funding application submitted to facilitate the delivery of a speculative industrial development scheme comprising 5 industrial units, totalling 22,703 sq.m, on a brownfield site of approximately 5.77 hectares. The applicant requires gap funding in the sum of £4,033,395 in order to render the scheme viable for delivery on a speculative basis. The identified viability gap arises as a result of market failure, despite generally improving market conditions, whereby the costs of delivering the scheme currently exceed the value of the completed scheme. The funding viability gap of
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Agenda Item 9a £4,033,395 has been agreed with the applicant as the minimum element of grant required in order that this scheme might be progressed on the proposed basis. Such funding agreement would enable the applicant to proceed with the demolition, remediation and speculative development of the site, subsequently drawing down funding through the construction period within an overall projected total scheme cost of circa £24m. In the event that construction costs are less than anticipated, then proportionally reduced funding will be drawn down. In the event that achievable values exceed those currently assessed, then the applicant will be required to repay 50% of any such uplift in value up to the extent of grant provided. The proposed project is a significant speculative industrial development scheme in an established industrial location. Although a secondary location given the relative proximity to motorway and therefore accessibility, the Aldridge area has historically been an attractive location for business expansion and relocation requirements. The proposed scheme would bring to market good quality, fit for purpose industrial accommodation whilst remediating a contaminated site which currently has a derelict and unattractive existing industrial unit which is not fit for purpose nor does it meet existing demand and occupier requirements. The proposed scheme will therefore deliver a total of 22,703 sq.m of good quality industrial accommodation, create or safeguard up to 503 jobs and remediate approximately 5.77ha of brownfield contaminated industrial land. Overall the scheme offers a reasonable level of value for money and particularly good value for money in relation to number of jobs created, new employment floorspace and private sector leverage achieved.
3. VLR - additional LGF support continuing project development £1,136,778 16/17 The VLR scheme encompassing delivery of an Innovation Centre and Test Track is proving a complex high profile scheme to develop with multiple Stakeholder interests across Central & Local Government, within the Rail Industry and amongst its leading Supply Chain companies. The scheme contains site assembly ambitions along with a determination to engage heavily with leading Rail Industry stakeholders. The Full Business Case development commenced with the LGF support of £300k, in January 2016. Development is now approaching completion of RIBA stage 3, which will provide a confirmed Design which can then be fully costed. Currently the scheme as envisaged, is still seeking to secure adequate funding, from a variety of sources. Discussions with Dudley to find ways of accelerating delivery of the scheme, have identified a range of activities that could be accelerated to enable the Full Business Case to be completed for LEP Board consideration and any subsequently Approved scheme to be delivered in a more timely way. It should be noted that no formal LEP Board Approval has been sought or achieved for Grant support to deliver the full VLR scheme, although it is one of the BIS “earmarked” schemes contained in the LGF 1 & 2 Grant awards to BC LEP. A paper developed by Dudley and its Project team setting out what could be accelerated and what would then be achieved has been reviewed by the LEP Board members Funding Sub Group, who asked for the bid to be further refined. The revised bid will be re-considered at the Funding Sub Group on 30th November.
4. Managing Short Trips – Change request £nil financial impact The previous bid for an additional 5 schemes to be added into the programme has been requested to be amended by Sandwell MBC. They are seeking agreement to substitute an alternate Sandwell scheme into replace the existing Approved scheme. Sandwell confirm that there is no variation to the Outputs of 1km of cycle track, no additional funding requested and scheme completion will still be achieved by 31/03/2017. This Change request is supported by the Black Country Transport Director. The detailed proposal is to replace the proposed canal towpath improvement scheme SA02, between Galton Bridge and Spon Lane on the Birmingham Mainline Canal, with a canal towpath improvement scheme SA08 on the Tame Valley and Rushall Canals between the Chatsworth Avenue canal access and Hill Farm Bridge.
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Agenda Item 9a This change will enable the completion of the route between Walsall/Yew Tree/Great Barr and the employment/education sites to the north of Birmingham plus the city centre. The Tame Valley Canal towpath in Birmingham has already been improved and the SA07 scheme between the Sandwell/Birmingham boundary and the Chatsworth Avenue canal access is part of the MST programme.
6. Continuing Black Country Pipeline Development for 16/17 through to 20/21
LEP Board are requested to note the continued growth in the Black Country pipeline now recorded on Dashboard 2. The opportunity to share Black Country vision for future economic growth with WMCA has been embraced and a range of priority schemes have been brought forward by Council colleagues, some Commercial developers, Colleges and the University. Currently the Pipeline is £0.58bn, accelerating GVA by over £3bn and is capable of delivering over 14,000 houses, over 20,000 Jobs, over 400 hectares of Remediated Land, over 700,000 sq. mtr of Commercial Floorspace, and over 30,000 sq. mtr of Learning Floorspace. Each of the constituent bids is supported by an Initial Proposal, as a gateway to entering the pipeline
Bidders are being encouraged to develop Full Business Cases as a prelude to being considered for LGF, GD3, or any other sources of Funding that become available to the LEP. Simultaneously a prioritisation process is being developed to ensure that in a time of scarce resource the highest priority schemes attract the earliest funding. Prioritisation process will be worked up with Council colleagues before being submitted to the LEP Funding Sub Group for consideration.
7. Major Scheme Bids being progressed through Evaluation process The following non Transport Major Scheme bids have been received and are presently under going Evaluation by Thomas Lister. It is expected that they will be brought forward to future Funding Sub Group meetings for consideration. VLR: Test Track & Innovation Centre, Dudley Heath Town, Wolverhampton Brierley Hill Music Institute Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Housing Development - Doulton Road, Rowley Regis.
Paul Mellon Interim SEP Delivery Director [email protected]
Source Documents: Dudley College - Business case documents Middlemore Lane – Contains exempt information relating to the business affairs of a person. VLR proposal document Managing Short Trips – Change request documents.
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Black Country LEP LGF Programme Dashboard as at 4th November 2016 v1.1 Summary 1 of 3 – IN FLIGHT 16/17 FINANCIAL YEAR SPEND PROFILE Local Growth Deal Funding Profile 2016/17 Project Spend (£m) LGF Projects are in a mixture of Start-Up and £50 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Total Implementation £46.30m Grant Funding LGF Competitive £23.70 £33.25 £11.94 £4.44 £7.13 £0.03 £80.49 LEP Board funding of £1.25m is in place to Allocated support development of Council and Transport £40 LGF DfT Retained (M6 J10) £0.65 0.35 0.12 14.26 14.27 £29.65 strategic schemes £45 LGF Expansion £3.90 £3.60 £3.60 £6.40 £6.40 £23.90 The LEP board have approved overprogramming £30 of £5m on the total LGF funding awarded £40 Total LGF Commitment £24.35 £37.50 £15.66 £22.30 £27.80 £6.43 £134.04 £46.3m, resulting in £51.3m of funding in 16/17 LTB pre-allocated £5.60 £8.80 £2.90 £1.10 £0.20 £18.60 Current forecasts from projects show utilisation £20 of £49.59m, suggesting c.£1.7m of available £35 Existing DfT transport major* £3.60 £3.60 funding for additional scheme bids Total Other £9.20 £8.80 £2.90 £1.10 £0.20 £0.00 £22.20 The Programme Office continue to monitor the £10 £30 likelihood of expenditure Development schemes being supported by each Total Growth Deal £33.55 £46.30 £18.56 £23.40 £28.00 £6.43 £156.24 council are detailed as appendix to this report: £0 £25 1 2 3 4
. SMBC reported they will not be £m Quarter *tail funding for Darlaston claiming against the £250k £20 Total LGF Programme Funding Baseline Latest Forecast resource development fund £16.51m OUTPUTS – TO BE REALISED POST PROJECT DELIVERY £15 committed* as of 4h Nov 16 Housing Programme Outputs for 2015/16 projectCommercial starts Key Outputs Achievement against Forecast 2015-16 to 2020-21 Quarterly Spend Profile (Cumulative £m) Jobs Business Learner Apprenticeships £10 Units Floorspace Created Assists Assists Created Completed (sqm) Commercial Floorspace Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total (sqm) £5 Local Growth Deal Commitment 5,000 1,400 3,200 7,000 - - Apprenticeships Created Actual Total LGF Programme Funding £11.58 £23.15 £34.73 £46.30 £46.30
Learner Assists Baseline £9.48 £22.15 £31.04 £45.07 £45.07 £ Baseline 3,583 1,522 2,061 7,539 1,643 48,165 Forecast Business Assists Latest Forecast £6.74 £14.05 £28.94 £49.59 £49.59 £16.51m Forecast 4,178 1,716 2,723 17,440 4,843 99,012 Housing Units Completed Over Utilisation of Grant Funding £3.29 Jobs Created Outputs Delivered To Date 136 236 227 1,212 402 5,131 *Committed as per Project Status NB: LGF Programme Funding includes LGF Competitive, LGF/LTB and DfT retained funding for M6 J10 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Report Updates to Programme Office Outputs Commentary PROGRAMME ISSUES & RISKS CLAIMS Programme Office emphasise the need for eligible outputs 2016/17 LGF Claims Paid (£m) and schemes with little or no outputs are unlikely to receive Issue Impact Description RAG Action 16/17 Grant Claimed YTD (£m) grant support. Substantial Black Country pipeline under Submitted Oct YTD Paid Oct YTD There are NO decreases in forecast for any output this Grant allocation is under Risk under utilisation of grant support and adverse development. Council strategic schemes being period. committed comment by BIS on annual performance Key Outputs Forecasts: developed through additional LEP development fund. LGF Claim Value (£m) £12.85 £6.36 An increase for all outputs is seen, mainly due to new college Further pipeline projects are being prioritised to close Outputs Shortfall in committed outputs against Business Assists th projects going live the remaining gap in projected outputs At 25 October 2016, claims to value of £12,850,470 for LGF and LTB combined have been submitted to Walsall Accountable Body. LA increase by 1,160 learners: 109 for Dudley College, 686 Without effective monitoring in place for all regeneration BC Programme Office now report LGF, Transport Comprehensive LEP To date £6,366,688 has been authorised and paid Halesowen College & 365 Walsall College programmes, BC Programme Office can not guarantee portfolio and City Deal, to inc Growth Hub. Other Board Reporting Payment of £6,483,783 balance awaiting outstanding information / evidence Apprenticeships Created increase by 425: 215 for Dudley suitable use of DCLG grant allocations funding streams remain to be incorporated. College, 10 Halesowen College & 200 for Walsall College from projects Land & Property outputs: Commercial Floorspace up 32,200, As per the October update; There are currently 10 projects without contracts / grant agreements in place. In the main subject to outstanding due to new live projects Airfield Drive & Pensnett Estate Risk Impact Description RAG Mitigation Extension. Remediated Land up by 8.49 ha, for new projects actions on behalf of bidder to satisfy Walsall AB financial due diligence Airfield Drive & Dudley Brownfield Land Phase 1 Increased agility required by all LGF administrators. Use of process. Delegated Authority awarded by Joint Committee to Housing Completions up 149, due to Airfield Drive going live Capacity constraints Closed. As per the October update; There is currently a total of £14.5m of approved £6.36m Outputs delivered to date: support bids would alleviate risk of under utilisation of LGF funds not yet contracted. Of which £9.52m is forecast for 16/17. paid as of grant An increase of Houses Completed from 231 to 236 homes 25th Oct Limited capacity to Limited transport resources in Local Authorities to support Black Country Transport Director is urgently 2016 Programme Office continue to monitor delivery of outputs Projects reporting significant expenditure but no / inequivalent claims include: support Pipeline project development and subsequent project delivery developing a range of innovative responses to help for completed schemes. Springfield Campus Interchange, Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, M6 J10, Development & delivery would impact Black Country ability to take advantage of secure funding for priority Black Country transport Managing Short Trips and VLR feasibility of Transport Schemes emerging transport scheme funding opportunities. schemes. BCC Programme Office – LGF Programme Dashboard Summary 1 of 3 – In Flight v1.1 Contact Officer: Rachel Goodwin Source Data: LGF Project Status Reports (Confidential – not for public review) LGF 2016/17 SPEND PROFILE – LATEST FORECAST & OVERALL PROJECT RAG STATUS 2016/17 PROJECT NAME Borough Last Period This Period Commentary Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL Accessing Growth Programme W'hampton £0.73 £1.13 £2.62 £1.58 £6.06 Overall programme allocation for 16/17 of £6.81m. Anticipated that at least c£700k will slip into 17/18 as currently unallocated. Site infrastructure works complete & next phase of residential development land being marketed. 78 houses already under construction. Open space works due to be tendered Nov 16. Full LGF allocation has been drawn down. WCC Bilston Urban Village W'hampton £0.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.50 meeting with CCG and NHS Property Services to resolve impasse on NHSPS purchase of commercial development plot. Progression of negotiations with the Land Trust for transfer and future management of the open space. Dudley Advance Construction Centre Dudley £0.81 £1.12 £1.84 £2.09 £5.85 Programme on plan. Steel frame for tower block complete. Both sets of concrete stairs installed. Floor sheeting steel 50% laid. UoW still in discussions with Walsall AB over Legal charge proposal causing delays to project progress. Currently forecasting an underspend of over £500k in 16/17. Only 2% of the current forecast has been committed and no claims have been made. Springfield site (Hub): Planning approved without conditions. Enabling works to take place early November and tendering is ongoing for this element. Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills BC Wide £0.05 £1.47 £1.22 £2.16 £4.90 CBM: Currently 10 weeks behind schedule due to delays in legal agreement being produced & signed by all parties. Thomas Dudley: Full planning approval granted and this element of the project is on profile in relation to costs and build, with no issues identified at this stage. ECMS Website now live & contains information on training & skills along with partner information. Recruitment for a business development role has progressed and will go to advert on the 4th November. Branding has been agreed by the partnership. At the end of Q2 2016 - 231 homes completed, 6 jobs safeguarded, 11 apprentices started and 10 enterprises supported. LEP approval achieved to accelerate grant award of £2.38m into 16/17 in line with accelerated Phase 3 development Goscote Lane Corridor Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.38 £2.38 programme. Programme has £5.72m allocated against full three year budget of £6.5m. However, £1.04m of this allocation is for companies with approved EOI’s only. Forecast to create 541 jobs & 35 apprenticeships. 17 jobs created to date. Growing Priority Sectors BC Wide £0.11 £0.12 £0.38 £2.59 £3.20 The significant forecast for March 2017 - £2.58m has been queried, action with PM to reassess forecasts and advise PMO of likely outturn. The Project is still out to tender, revised programme on target. Further Contractor site visits completed. Potential issue achieving jobs created output target by 2021, due to targets being based upon the original construction programme. Wolverhampton Civic Hall W'hampton £0.11 £0.83 £0.37 £1.25 £2.56 The feasibility of achieving the business assists target figures is being addressed due to change in definition of what constitutes a business assist i.e. if it has to comply with the strict ERDF definition. Potential underspend due to over 60% of total forecast still to commit with £881k forecast for March 2017. Traffic Modelling/Economics: Continue Traffic modelling to enable SGAR review in November. Work continues on the traffic modelling related PCF Products Environment/Planning: The three environment related PCF products required for SGAR1, completed & submitted for formal review by HE. M6 Junction 10 Walsall £0.08 £0.15 £0.10 £0.02 £0.35 Communications/Consultation: Communications/consultation PCF products required for SGAR1 completed & submitted for formal consultation with HE. Estates Surveyor tender evaluation & interviews underway to enable contract award 31st Oct. Legal/Governance: Further drafting of the Development Agreement between WMBC & HE continues. Managing Short Trips BC Wide £0.84 £0.42 £0.40 £2.25 £3.92 All but one canal scheme complete. All but two highway schemes on schedule to deliver by 31 Dec 2016, with remaining two forecast to delivery mid Feb 17. Additional schemes awaiting JC approval, scheduled to start on site Jan 17. Programme plan on target. Construction is progressing well & building will currently be water tight. External brickwork nearing completion & roof works almost complete. Final Claim submitted to AB with full £4.88m of grant being Science, Technology & Prototyping Centre W'hampton £2.22 £1.36 £0.00 £0.00 £3.58 claimed. The Asbestos Strip to phase II is on-going. Road Construction is in progress. The Option Agreement and associated Section 33 Deed are being finalised and a valuation has been obtained for Smout & Sons, and negotiations to acquire are Woods Lane Sandwell £0.39 £0.52 £1.17 £1.07 £3.14 still ongoing. Potential underspend due to over 70% of total forecast remaining for Q3 and Q4. Following the procurement process, the preferred remediation contractor has now been selected and all bidders notified of the tender outcome. A pre-start meeting with the selected contractor (Atkins) scheduled for 2nd November. Walsall Waterfront Walsall £0.00 £0.02 £0.01 £0.10 £0.13 Works contract/deliverables & finals costs to be finalised thereafter. Currently reporting circa £250k underspend which is unlikely to be confirmed until mid-December once investigations complete. Outputs achieved: 330sqm of Commercial Floor space refurbished, 0.1ha Area of site reclaimed King Street Parade: Works complete, 3 units let and Outputs can now be claimed. Dudley Town Centre - Sites & Buildings Improvements Dudley £0.13 £0.03 £0.07 £0.06 £0.29 New Mill Street Car Park: Works complete and Outputs can now be claimed Townscape Heritage Programme: Works progressing on several properties , with all works still on target to be completed by December 16. Private sector funding is now being realised. Chances Glassworks Site Assembly Sandwell £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.60 £0.60 Outcome toward delivering site assembly continues to remain uncertain. Unlikely to commit full £600k this financial year Music Institute and Student Accommodation Feasibility Dudley £0.07 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.07 Feasibility complete. FBC received August 2016 & being evaluated by Thomas Lister. Submission anticipated for January LEP Board. Very Light Rail Feasibility Dudley £0.15 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.15 Feasibility complete. FBC received August 2016 & being evaluated by Thomas Lister. Submission for SEED funding anticipated for November LEP Board. Airfield Drive Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.07 £0.07 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Halesowen College - Access Centre for HE Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.70 £0.00 £0.70 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Dudley College - Advanced Engineering Equipment Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.10 £0.00 £0.10 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Dudley Brownfield Land - Ph 1 Dudley £0.00 £0.15 £0.15 £0.25 £0.54 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Pensnett Estate Extension Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.40 £1.20 £1.61 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Infrastructure works start on site scheduled 21st November 16. Walsall College – Additional Engineering Equipment Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.15 £0.00 £0.15 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk, funding fully committed in Oct 2016. Site Investigation Approved Funding Pope's Lane, Oldbury Sandwell £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Planned SI works complete. "Unlikely that a separate funding application will be made for the Pope’s Lane Development, & in the immediacy it is also unlikely that the Developer gap funding FBC will be progressed at this stage". Parkrose Industrial Estate Sandwell £0.02 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.02 SI Complete. Challenge Block Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.04 £0.00 £0.04 SI delayed due to delay in planned demolition of buildings that currently occupy site. However still anticipated to be completed within current financial year. Alexander Metals W'hampton £0.00 £0.00 £0.07 £0.00 £0.07 SI progressing to plan. Moxley Tip Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.09 £0.00 £0.09 SI progressing to plan. Shidas Lagoon Sandwell £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.08 £0.08 Aware of potential issue with award of contract. Currently sits with Walsall Accountable Body. Bourne St, Coseley Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.06 £0.06 Completion of grant award stalled, WMBC awaiting DD submission from applicant. Wharf Approach, Aldridge Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.02 £0.02 Completion of grant award stalled, WMBC awaiting DD submission from applicant. Bull Street Sandwell £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.06 £0.06 No progress. Awaiting completion of grant agreement post January Joint Committee. Black Country Living Museum Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.03 £0.03 SI progressing to plan. Former Caparo Site Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.02 £0.02 SI progressing to plan. Reedswood (former) Golf Course Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.01 £0.01 SI progressing to plan. PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT JC Programme Expenditure BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.18 £0.18 Local Authority Programme Work and Development Fees - claims submitted to Walsall AB. LEP Programme Management BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.36 £0.36 Current expectations that Sandwell MBC will not be claiming against their £250k allocation. To date the eligible expenditure following Walsall AB capital guidelines amounts to £864k LA Programme Work and Development BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.86 £0.86 Total Committed / Forecast Spend £6.21 £7.31 £9.88 £19.36 £42.76
Local Transport Board Schemes (LTB) MSCP: Works progressing well. Construction works for main building on programme. External core brickwork near completion. Power to car park achieved. Scheduled opening 16th Dec 16. Wolverhampton Interchange Commercial Gateway Station Change Designs: Station brief signed by all parties (CWC, NR, Virgin Trains). 2 weekly design meetings ongoing & design submission scheduled for end of October. Network change details submitted & 9 week consultation W'hampton £0.54 £0.00 £4.01 £0.09 £4.63 Phase 2 commences. Metro: Utility works progressing along Pipers Row. All designs for Pipers Row & Railway Drive with CWC for review. Proposals being developed for Railway drive. Scheme programmed to start early 2017. Property Negotiation and Acquisition ongoing. Detailed Design & review of costs completed. A4101 Pensnett Strategic Access Improvement Scheme Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.60 £1.10 DMBC in process of completing Grant Agreement with WMBC. Contract procurement expected to complete end of December 2016. LTB Development Funding BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.60 £1.10 The Aldridge station scheme has funding allocated under LTB / LGF of £4.1m which is unlikely to be spent in total on that scheme. Black Country Transport Director has requested £1.1m be transferred into scheme development funding. LTB Unallocated Funds (Aldridge Station) £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Remaining funding requirement for £3m 16/17 funding currently unallocated. Allocation to be confirmed by BC Transport Director. Until then funding has been slipped into 17/18 with 17/18 original allocation slipped into 18/19. Total Committed / Forecast Spend £0.54 £0.00 £5.01 £1.29 £6.83
Grand Total Committed / Forecast Spend £6.74 £7.31 £14.89 £20.65 £49.59 Black Country Wide LEP Priority Pipeline Dashboard as at 4th November 2016 v1.1 Summary 2 of 3 – BLACK COUNTRY PIPELINE (NOT RESTRICTED TO LGF)
PROJECT PIPELINE Note: Initial Proposals have been received for all projects listed on reverse. Full Business Cases are under development for priority schemes. (See reverse for detail)
Summary 1 - Projects Bids by LEP Priority Proposition Total Outputs
Commercal Flrspace Learning Flrspace Total Project Funding Bid (£m) Jobs Created Jobs Safegrded Housing Business Assists Learner Assists Apprenticeships Land Remediated (ha) (sqm) (sqm) Priority Proposition Investment 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- £m 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 Sub Total 2021 + Total 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 16/17-20/21 2021+ 2021+ 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 Strategic Population Centres £194.82 £1.59 £11.32 £19.92 £12.70 £11.27 £56.79 £1.69 £58.47 2,881 0 16 0 170 0 16 0 0 0 30 4 7.07 0.00 50,573 0 0 0 Delivering Black Country Garden £693.27 £1.90 £24.65 £39.04 £29.92 £16.24 £111.75 £7.65 £119.40 995 184 200 0 11,678 903 23 0 0 0 22 0 188.94 5.92 25,730 1,250 0 0 City Establishing High Value £907.33 £6.15 £36.80 £83.25 £78.06 £15.96 £229.72 £26.27 £255.99 9,811 1,750 650 0 705 629 171 0 166 0 475 0 181.50 10.63 596,834 67,500 0 0 Manufacturing Capital City
Delivery of supporting local £182.67 £1.60 £31.87 £28.96 £56.39 £22.34 £141.15 £35.00 £176.15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Transport solutions Delivering Skills Capital £102.85 £10.90 £15.41 £0.97 £0.00 £0.00 £27.28 £0.00 £27.28 192 0 12 0 700 0 190 0 4,468 0 927 0 6.00 0.00 0 0 21,100 0 Programme Development & £8.90 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £8.90 £0.00 £8.90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Delivery
Total £2,089.83 £23.91 £121.82 £173.91 £178.86 £67.59 £575.58 £70.61 £646.19 13,879 1,934 878 0 13,253 1,532 400 0 4,634 0 1,454 4 384 17 673,137 68,750 21,100 0
COMMENTARY PROGRAMME ISSUES SCHEDULE – LGF PIPELINE BIDS WITH ESTIMATED APPROVAL DATES LGF pipeline is now consolidated listing of all the priority bids for Black Country Wide Approval Funding 18/19- support and will tap into a range of funding opportunities; Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan 16/17 17/18 Total 20/21 WMCA Development Fund 16/17 + Issue Impact Description RAG Resolution Funding Approved up to Sept 16 £ 6.75 £ 1.31 £ 1.58 £ 9.63 LGF Round 3 17/18 + Transport Majors Black Country Joint Committee approval has been Walsall College - Engineering & Construction Equ. £ 0.15 £ 0.15 Other opportunities as they arise awarded to capitalise proposition development Managing Short Trips - Additional Schemes £ 1.43 £ 1.43 Limited resources in Local work - £8.9m to 2021. Each Local Authority will be Bull Street (SI) £ 0.06 £ 0.06 Limited capacity to Authorities to support project requested to identify, for the 2015/16, 2016/17 Goscote Lane Corridor - Acceleration £ 2.38 £ 2.38 It is becoming increasingly difficult to commit the £29m in 16/17. The PMO are support Pipeline development and subsequent and 2017/18 financial years, any revenue funding Black Country Living Museum (SI) £ 0.03 £ 0.03 currently working on revision of the pipeline; working with each of the councils, the Development & project delivery will impact Black that could become available as a result of this Reedswood (former) Golf Course (SI) £ 0.01 £ 0.01 UoW School of Architecture and Built Environment £ 1.76 £ 1.76 £ 3.52 colleges and the University to further refine the timeline of when Grant support will delivery of Projects Country economic growth in future capital allocation to form a Black Country Former Caparo site, Walsall (SI) £ 0.02 £ 0.02 be needed for Strategic Priority schemes. years. Proposition Funding Pot that can be used to Dudley Town Centre Heritage - Additional Funding £ 0.03 £ 0.03 underwrite speculative capital expenditure. Dudley Brownfield Land - Acceleration £ 0.10 £ 0.10 To profile potential Grant bids by linking LEP Funded SI and Development activity Middlemore Lane £ 0.09 £ 1.99 £ 1.95 £ 4.03 Very Light Rail £ 1.14 £ 1.14 presently being undertaken with potential Delivery timeframes identified as working Dudley College Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre £ 0.60 £ 0.60 towards. Limited transport resources in Limited capacity to Local Authorities to support project Total £ 6.01 £ 3.78 £ 3.71 £ 13.51 support Pipeline Black Country Transport Director is urgently This will facilitate the development of a schedule of Grant funding requirements, development and subsequent Development & project delivery would impact developing a range of innovative responses to specific to prioritised schemes, that can be supported as Growth Deal 3 and Land Grand Total £ 12.76 £ 5.09 £ 5.29 £ 23.14 delivery of Black Country ability to take help secure funding for priority Black Country Remediation and any other Grant Funding opportunities become available. Transport Schemes transport schemes. advantage of emerging transport Total Funding Accelerated £ 2.48 £ 2.48 scheme funding opportunities. A range of Business Cases are being developed and presently being evaluated by Total Transport Funding (Accessing Growth / LTB Schemes) £ 3.03 £ 0.18 £ 3.21 Thomas Lister. Total Additional Programme Funding £ 7.24 £ 4.91 £ 5.29 £ 17.45
BCC Programme Office – LGF Programme Dashboard Summary 2 of 3 – Pipeline v1.1 Contact Officer: Rachel Goodwin LEP Board ApprovalSource Data: Joint LGFCommittee Project Approval Status Reports Delegated (Confidential Authority – not for public review) BLACK COUNTRY PIPELINE Total Outputs Total Commercal Flrspace Learning Flrspace Funding Bid (£m) Jobs Created Jobs Safegrded Housing Business Assists Learner Assists Apprenticeships Land Remediated (ha) SEP Funding Project % Private (sqm) (sqm) Project Bid Name / Site Borough Opportunity Area Theme Start DateInvestment Leverage 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 Sub Total 2021 + Total 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 16/17-20/21 2021+ 2021+ £m 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 Black Country Garden City PLACE Heath Town Estate Regeneration W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2016/17 £43.00 £0.00 £4.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £4.00 £0.00 £4.00 81.40% 0 0 0 0 400 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Dudley Gateway - Strategic Infrastructure Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Dudley 2016/17 £33.90 £1.87 £2.88 £2.25 £0.00 £0.00 £7.00 £0.00 £7.00 77.29% 250 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.05 0.00 10,000 0 0 0 Programme Town Centre) PLACE Friar Park, Wednesbury Sandwell Facilitating Schemes 2016/17 £103.03 £0.00 £0.06 £5.00 £5.00 £0.00 £10.06 £0.00 £10.06 90.13% 0 0 0 0 183 517 0 0 0 0 0 0 39.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Wolverhampton Westside W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2016/17 £57.50 £0.00 £0.00 £4.00 £1.50 £0.00 £5.50 £0.00 £5.50 86.96% 550 0 0 0 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 13,000 0 0 0 PLACE Bull Street / Farley Centre, West Bromwich Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2016/17 £13.69 £0.00 £0.26 £0.42 £0.96 £0.00 £1.64 £0.00 £1.64 87.54% 140 34 0 0 24 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.70 0.72 250 250 0 0 PLACE Station Street, Walsall Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2016/17 £19.38 £0.00 £0.00 £0.55 £1.25 £0.75 £2.55 £0.00 £2.55 86.71% 55 0 0 0 250 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0.70 0.00 1,100 0 0 0 PLACE Willenhall Garden City Walsall Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £21.72 £0.03 £0.70 £4.27 £0.00 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 73.57% 0 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Garden City - Holloway Street, Gornal Dudley Facilitating Schemes 2016/17 £29.60 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £2.50 £0.00 £4.00 £0.00 £4.00 84.46% 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10.50 0.00 0 0 0 0 Jewellery Line (Rowley Regis PLACE Lye Garden City Dudley 2016/17 £18.50 £0.00 £0.45 £0.95 £1.90 £1.90 £5.20 £0.00 £5.20 70.27% 0 0 200 0 900 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 30.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 to Stourbridge Junction) Dudley Brownfield Land Improvement PLACE Dudley Facilitating Schemes 2019/20 £30.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.85 £0.85 £1.70 £0.85 £2.55 30.00% 0 0 0 0 240 80 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 2.00 0 0 0 0 Programme Phase 2 PLACE Bourne Street, Coseley Dudley Facilitating Schemes 2016/17 £14.40 £0.00 £0.10 £0.40 £0.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.00 £0.50 96.53% 0 0 0 0 118 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.60 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Housing Development Programme Dudley Brierley Hill Town Centre 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Jewellery Line (Rowley Regis PLACE Housing Development Programme Dudley 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 to Stourbridge Junction) Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Housing Development Programme Dudley 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Town Centre) PLACE Housing Development Programme Dudley Pensnett 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Site Investigation for Residential Land Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Dudley 2016/17 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme Town Centre) PLACE Eastern Gateway South Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2016/17 £21.39 £0.00 £0.00 £0.17 £0.23 £5.09 £5.49 £0.00 £5.49 73.86% 0 0 0 0 85 29 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.26 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Mill Lane Sandwell M5 J1 Location Development 2017/18 £15.45 £0.00 £0.07 £0.98 £0.98 £0.00 £2.03 £0.00 £2.03 86.47% 0 0 0 0 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.30 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Bradleys Lane Site Acquisition Sandwell Facilitating Schemes 2017/18 £2.30 £0.00 £0.00 £0.80 £1.50 £0.00 £2.30 £0.00 £2.30 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5.80 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Housing Development Programme Sandwell M5 J1 Location Development 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Site Investigation for Residential Land PLACE Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2016/17 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme PLACE Housing Development Programme Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Doulton Road, Rowley Regis Sandwell M5 J2 Location Development 2016/17 £27.49 £0.00 £0.75 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.75 £0.00 £0.75 97.27% 0 0 0 0 188 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5.03 0.00 0 0 0 0 Former Caparo and Reedswood Golf Course, M6 J10 Location PLACE Walsall 2016/17 £60.13 £0.00 £0.13 £4.50 £5.40 £0.00 £10.03 £0.00 £10.03 83.15% 0 0 0 0 340 170 0 0 0 0 0 0 11.40 0.00 0 0 0 0 Walsall Development PLACE Brownhills Residential Masterplan Plan Walsall Facilitating Schemes 2016/17 £14.62 £0.00 £0.00 £0.30 £1.05 £0.85 £2.20 £0.00 £2.20 TBC 0 0 0 0 45 45 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.00 0.00 380 0 0 0 M6 J10 Location PLACE Former Goscote Works, Walsall Walsall 2016/17 £29.60 £0.00 £2.35 £2.25 £0.00 £0.00 £4.60 £0.00 £4.60 84.46% 0 0 0 0 395 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Development M6 J10 Location PLACE Housing Development Programme Walsall 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Development Site Investigation for Residential Land PLACE Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2016/17 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme PLACE Housing Development Programme Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Royal Wolverhampton W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2017/18 £54.00 £0.00 £2.50 £2.50 £0.00 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 90.74% 0 150 0 0 350 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.10 3.20 1,000 1,000 0 0 PLACE Cable Street W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2016/17 £39.77 £0.00 £5.20 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £5.20 £0.00 £5.20 86.92% 0 0 0 0 150 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.20 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Alexander Metals W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2016/17 £12.80 £0.00 £1.40 £1.40 £0.00 £0.00 £2.80 £0.00 £2.80 78.13% 0 0 0 0 70 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.30 0.00 0 0 0 0 Site Investigation for Residential Land PLACE W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2016/17 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme PLACE Housing Development Programme W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Housing Development Programme W'hampton i54 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Housing Development Programme W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2017/18 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Housing Development Programme BC Wide Facilitating Schemes 2016/17 £2.25 £0.00 £0.25 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £1.75 £0.50 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Total Black Country Garden City £693.27 £1.90 £24.65 £39.04 £29.92 £16.24 £111.75 £7.65 £119.40 £15.46 995 184 200 0 11,678 903 23 0 0 0 22 0 188.94 5.92 25,730 1,250 0 0 HVM Capital City Very Light Rail Innovation Centre and Test Metro Extension (Dudley BIZ Dudley 2016/17 £29.21 £3.65 £10.86 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £14.51 £0.00 £14.51 13.69% 335 0 0 0 0 0 84 0 166 0 331 0 3.00 0.00 4,041 0 0 0 Track Town Centre) M6 J10 Location PLACE Anson Road, Willenhall Walsall 2016/17 £32.28 £0.00 £0.06 £3.20 £0.00 £0.00 £3.26 £0.00 £3.26 89.90% 575 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 10.00 0.00 31,500 0 0 0 Development PLACE Moxley Business Park Walsall Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £27.57 £0.00 £0.00 £3.00 £4.00 £0.00 £7.00 £0.00 £7.00 74.61% 575 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 10.20 0.00 31,500 0 0 0 Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Brierley Hill Brownfield Land Programme Dudley 2017/18 £4.00 £0.00 £0.14 £1.50 £1.20 £1.16 £4.00 £0.00 £4.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10.00 0.00 45,000 0 0 0 Town Centre) Site Investigation for Commercial Land Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Dudley 2016/17 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme Town Centre) PLACE Grove Lane Intervention Area, Smethwick Sandwell M5 J1 Location Development 2016/17 £26.82 £0.00 £0.30 £9.44 £2.80 £0.00 £12.53 £0.00 £12.53 52.68% 40 0 0 0 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.87 0.00 600 0 0 0 BLACK COUNTRY PIPELINE
Total Outputs
Land Remediated Commercal Flrspace Learning Flrspace Total Funding Bid (£m) % Jobs Created Jobs Safegrded Housing Business Assists Learner Assists Apprenticeships SEP Funding Project Private (ha) (sqm) (sqm) Project Bid Name / Site Borough Opportunity Area Theme Start Date Investmen Leverag 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 Sub Total 2021 + Total 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ t £m e 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 HVM Capital City PLACE Metro Plaza / Mid Line Station, West Bromwich Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2016/17 £13.94 £0.00 £0.13 £2.68 £1.09 £1.09 £4.99 £0.00 £4.99 63.62% 130 0 130 0 43 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.35 0.00 1,875 0 0 0 PLACE Black Patch, Smethwick Sandwell M5 J1 Location Development 2016/17 £93.50 £0.00 £1.50 £18.65 £12.20 £5.00 £37.35 £0.00 £37.35 59.89% 520 1,750 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8.00 0.00 17,500 62,500 0 0 PLACE Pope's Lane Gap Funding Sandwell M5 J1 Location Development 2017/18 £17.50 £0.00 £2.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.50 £0.00 £2.50 TBC 400 0 280 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 4.70 0.00 23,000 0 0 0 PLACE Shidas Lagoon Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2016/17 £11.67 £0.00 £1.75 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.75 £0.00 £1.75 TBC 216 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.80 0.00 10,684 0 0 0 PLACE Lyng Industrial Estate Sandwell M5 J1 Location Development 2016/17 £123.07 £0.00 £0.08 £6.28 £8.24 £0.00 £14.60 £25.47 £40.06 TBC 0 0 0 0 12 482 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.75 6.13 0 0 0 0 PLACE Park Rose Industrial Estate Sandwell M5 J1 Location Development TBC £9.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £9.50 £0.00 £9.50 TBC 245 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.90 0.00 16,000 0 0 0 PLACE Chances Glassworks Main Scheme Sandwell M5 J1 Location Development 2016/17 £21.36 £0.00 £0.00 £2.32 £2.52 £0.80 £5.64 £0.00 £5.64 52.68% 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.20 0.00 0 0 0 0 Site Investigation for Commercial Land PLACE Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2016/17 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme PLACE Phoenix 10 Walsall M6 J10 Location Development 2016/17 £48.00 £0.00 £0.95 £0.75 £5.00 £5.00 £11.70 £0.00 £11.70 75.63% 900 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 16.50 0.00 55,000 0 0 0 PLACE Tempus Ten Walsall M6 J10 Location Development 2018/19 £10.43 £0.00 £0.50 £3.00 £0.00 £0.00 £3.50 £0.00 £3.50 66.44% 300 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3.46 0.00 10,500 0 0 0 PLACE Parallel 9-10 Walsall M6 J10 Location Development 2016/17 £8.30 £0.00 £0.00 £2.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 75.54% 100 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4.59 0.00 9,500 0 0 0 PLACE Former Gasholders Site, Darlaston Rd Walsall M6 J10 Location Development 2016/17 £22.63 £0.00 £0.00 £5.40 £0.00 £0.00 £5.40 £0.00 £5.40 76.01% 400 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 8.30 0.00 26,022 0 0 0 PLACE Aspect 2000, Bentley Mill Way Walsall M6 J10 Location Development 2016/17 £9.00 £0.00 £0.70 £1.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.70 £0.00 £1.70 81.11% 140 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 3.30 0.00 9,402 0 0 0 PLACE Middlemore Lane Walsall Facilitating Schemes 2018/19 £20.99 £0.00 £2.19 £0.93 £1.01 £0.11 £4.24 £0.00 £4.24 79.78% 503 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 5.77 0.00 22,703 0 0 0 PLACE Challenge Block Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2016/17 £37.20 £0.00 £0.50 £1.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 95.97% 100 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 1.26 0.00 23,800 0 0 0 PLACE Willenhall Economic Development Programme Walsall M6 J10 Location Development 2016/17 £5.74 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Showcase Cinema, Bentley Mill Way Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2019/20 £8.32 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 81.97% 180 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2.53 0.00 10,150 0 0 0 PLACE Hills Scrap Yard, Wolverhampton Road Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2018/19 £7.19 £0.00 £0.00 £2.00 £0.90 £0.00 £2.90 £0.00 £2.90 59.67% 120 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.62 0.00 6,500 0 0 0 Site Investigation for Commercial Land PLACE Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2016/17 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme PLACE Lupus Park W'hampton i54 2017/18 £55.50 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE i54 Western Extension W'hampton i54 2016/17 £32.80 £0.00 £3.70 £7.50 £16.80 £2.00 £30.00 £0.00 £30.00 TBC 2,900 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 40.00 0.00 170,000 0 0 0 PLACE Canalside W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2016/17 £131.00 £0.00 £3.00 £3.00 £5.00 £0.00 £11.00 £0.00 £11.00 91.60% 0 0 0 0 200 140 0 0 0 0 0 0 11.00 4.50 35,000 5,000 0 0 PLACE St Georges W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2018/19 £16.80 £0.00 £0.00 £6.80 £10.00 £0.00 £16.80 £0.00 £16.80 0.00% 280 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.20 0.00 5,600 0 0 0 PLACE Bilston Urban Village East W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2016/17 £10.03 £0.00 £3.00 £2.00 £0.00 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 49.88% 370 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.40 0.00 17,600 0 0 0 PLACE East Park Gateway W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2016/17 £17.11 £0.00 £0.16 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.16 £0.00 £0.16 73.08% 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11.80 0.00 1,280 0 0 0 PLACE Pantheon Park, Wednesfield Way W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2016/17 £26.09 £2.50 £2.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £5.00 £0.00 £5.00 80.84% 54 0 150 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 12,077 0 0 0 Site Investigation for Commercial Land PLACE W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2016/17 £1.00 £0.00 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.80 £0.20 £1.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Remediation Programme BUSINESS Black Country Innovation Fund BC Wide Facilitating Schemes 2018/19 £25.80 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 TBC 168 0 90 0 0 0 42 0 0 0 84 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Total HVM Capital City £907.33 £6.15 £36.80 £83.25 £78.06 £15.96 £229.72 £26.27 £255.99 £13.95 9,811 1,750 650 0 705 629 171 0 166 0 475 0 181.50 10.63 596,834 67,500 0 0 Local Transport Solutions i54 Western Extension - A449 Vine Island to 1) Provide necessary highway infrastructure improvements to Junction 2 / A449 to meet the needs and expansion of i54 Western Extension; and 2) Implement PLACE Junction 2 improvements- A449 Vine Island to W'hampton i54 2016/17 £6.91 £0.00 £5.32 £0.80 £0.00 £0.00 £6.12 £0.00 £6.12 1.59% Phase 1 of the wider Public Transport Programme associated with i54 / North Wolverhampton Corridor Junction 2 improvements PLACE Sustainable Transport Programme BC Wide Facilitating Schemes 2017/18 £25.00 £0.00 £4.00 £7.00 £7.00 £7.00 £25.00 £0.00 £25.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Metro Extension (Dudley Improving highway movement operations for public transport & accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists & mobility impaired will encourage modal shift thereby PLACE Dudley Town Centre Access Improvements Dudley 2018/19 £2.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.90 £0.90 £0.00 £1.80 £0.00 £1.80 TBC Town Centre) improving network efficiency & reducing congestion, therefore unlocking barriers to growth. PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Dudley Brierley Hill Town Centre 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Jewellery Line (Rowley Regis PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Dudley 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 to Stourbridge Junction) Metro Extension (Dudley PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Dudley 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Town Centre) PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Dudley Pensnett 2017/18 £7.50 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Metro Extension (Dudley Alterations to Metro Line 1 track at Wednesbury to allow existing metro services to turn back to Birmingham, giving flexibility for timetabling now and with future PLACE Accessing Growth - Metro Line 1 Turnback Sandwell 2017/18 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 TBC Town Centre) Metro extension to Brierley Hill. PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Sandwell M5 J1 Location Development 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Increased opportunity to connect commuters to the employment opportunities in both strategic centres and Willenhall district centre with improved journey times PLACE Walsall - Wolverhampton Rail Corridor Walsall Willenhall / Bilston 2016/17 £29.03 £0.25 £0.50 £1.25 £27.00 £0.00 £29.00 £0.00 £29.00 TBC by creating a new rail passenger service between Walsall and Wolverhampton with two intermittent stations in Willenhall and James Bridge Accessing Growth - Salters Road & Shire Oak- Improvement at the Shire Oak Junction (A461/A452) to include intelligent traffic signals and enhanced right-turn facilities. To operate as part of a ‘SCOOT region’ PLACE Walsall Facilitating Schemes 2017/18 £2.30 £0.00 £2.30 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.30 £0.00 £2.30 TBC Walsall with the nearby Salters Road Junction. PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Walsall M6 J10 Location Development 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Accessing Growth Programme Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Northern Gateway – A449 Stafford Road Corridor PLACE W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2016/17 £6.35 £0.75 £1.04 £1.53 £1.52 £1.52 £6.35 £0.00 £6.35 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 (Scheme Dev Costs) BLACK COUNTRY PIPELINE
Total Outputs
Jobs Business Land Remediated Commercal Learning Flrspace Funding Bid (£m) Jobs Created Housing Learner Assists Apprenticeships Total Project Safegrded Assists (ha) Flrspace (sqm) (sqm) SEP Funding % Private Project Bid Name / Site Borough Opportunity Area Investment 16/17 Theme Start Date Sub Leverage 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- 16/17- £m 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 2021 + Total 2021+ - 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ 2021+ Total 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 20/21 Local Transport Solutions 1) Remove a congestion hotspot on the A454, a primary road connecting Wolverhampton City Centre to East Wolverhampton / West Walsall and PLACE City Gateway - A454 Willenhall Road Multi Modal Corridor W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2016/17 £75.08 £0.60 £8.91 £9.53 £13.52 £7.52 £40.08 £35.00 £75.08 TBC junction 10 of the M6; 2) Improve the capacity of Willenhall Road & improve journey time reliability for public transport, business journeys and private car users; and 3) Unlock sites along the route for redevelopment. Junction Improvement on Cannock Road to facilitate access to new developments opportunities within the surrounding area (Cross Street North PLACE Accessing Growth - Cannock road cross station north W'hampton i54 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC and Cambridge street within WCC Canalside Quarter) New access / egress to improve flows into the site and alleviate pressure on the Stafford Road A449. Scheme complements University development PLACE Accessing Growth - Wolverhampton Science Park Access W'hampton i54 2018/19 £1.50 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £0.00 £1.50 £0.00 £1.50 TBC and improves access to existing available development opportunities. PLACE Accessing Growth Programme W'hampton Willenhall / Bilston 2017/18 £2.50 £0.00 £0.60 £0.65 £0.65 £0.60 £2.50 £0.00 £2.50 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0
PLACE Accessing Growth Programme W'hampton i54 2017/18 £2.50 £0.00 £0.60 £0.65 £0.65 £0.60 £2.50 £0.00 £2.50 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0
PLACE Accessing Growth Programme W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2017/18 £2.50 £0.00 £0.60 £0.65 £0.65 £0.60 £2.50 £0.00 £2.50 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Accessing Growth Programme BC Wide Facilitating Schemes 2017/18 £2.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £2.00 £0.00 £2.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0
Total Local Transport Solutions £182.67 £1.60 £31.87 £28.96 £56.39 £22.34 £141.15 £35.00 £176.15 £0.02 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Skills Capital PEOPLE Sandwell College - New Talent Studio Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2016/17 £9.32 £0.25 £2.55 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.80 £0.00 £2.80 TBC 30 0 12 0 0 0 100 0 900 0 100 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 1,300 0 PEOPLE Relocation of Wolverhampton City College W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2016/17 £39.51 £4.94 £10.28 £0.26 £0.00 £0.00 £15.48 £0.00 £15.48 43.03% 20 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 1,593 0 827 0 5.00 0.00 0 0 11,000 0 PEOPLE Music Institute and Student Accommodation Dudley Brierley Hill Town Centre 2016/17 £48.45 £4.80 £2.05 £0.71 £0.00 £0.00 £7.56 £0.00 £7.56 83.05% 138 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 1,915 0 0 0 1.00 0.00 0 0 4,800 0 PEOPLE Grand Post House W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2016/17 £5.57 £0.91 £0.53 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.44 £0.00 £1.44 24.19% 4 0 0 0 0 0 90 0 60 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 4,000 0 Total Skills Capital £102.85 £10.90 £15.41 £0.97 £0.00 £0.00 £27.28 £0.00 £27.28 £1.50 192 0 12 0 700 0 190 0 4,468 0 927 0 6.00 0.00 0 0 21,100 0 Strategic Population Centres PLACE Brierley Hill Infrastructure Package Dudley Brierley Hill Town Centre 2017/18 £12.00 £0.00 £1.00 £2.25 £2.25 £5.50 £11.00 £0.00 £11.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Metro Extension (Dudley Town PLACE Dudley Zoological Gardens Investment Package Dudley 2017/18 £6.00 £0.00 £0.35 £0.25 £0.64 £1.25 £2.49 £1.00 £3.49 TBC 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0.00 0.00 1,250 0 0 0 Centre) Metro Extension (Dudley Town PLACE The Black Country Living Museum: Forging Ahead Dudley 2016/17 £18.60 £0.00 £0.76 £0.23 £2.43 £2.62 £6.04 £0.00 £6.04 4.44% 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 4 0.00 0.00 5,575 0 0 0 Centre) Metro Extension (Dudley Town PLACE Dudley Bus Station Dudley 2016/17 £9.40 £0.00 £0.00 £4.50 £4.50 £0.00 £9.00 £0.00 £9.00 2.13% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.80 0.00 0 0 0 0 Centre) Dudley Town Centre - Buildings and Sites Improvement Metro Extension (Dudley Town PLACE Dudley 2016/17 £4.50 £0.38 £1.68 £1.83 £0.63 £0.00 £4.50 £0.00 £4.50 TBC 0 0 16 0 80 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 1.50 0.00 0 0 0 0 Programme - Phase 2 Centre) PLACE St Michaels Square, West Bromwich Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2016/17 £6.91 £0.00 £0.10 £0.17 £0.76 £0.40 £1.43 £0.69 £2.11 67.94% 40 0 0 0 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.19 0.00 620 0 0 0 PLACE West Brom Public Realm Sandwell West Bromwich Centre 2016/17 £1.98 £1.21 £0.58 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1.79 £0.00 £1.79 TBC Public realm improvements to key routes between transport hubs and key destinations. Building on previous investment in area. PLACE Walsall town centre public realm improvements Walsall Walsall Town Centre 2016/17 £12.40 £0.00 £1.50 £1.50 £1.50 £1.50 £6.00 £0.00 £6.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Connected Places – Commercial Centre W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2017/18 £3.25 £0.00 £1.00 £1.25 £0.00 £0.00 £2.25 £0.00 £2.25 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 PLACE Southside Infrastructure works W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2017/18 £54.10 £0.00 £0.50 £3.00 £0.00 £0.00 £3.50 £0.00 £3.50 92.42% 1,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 20,000 0 0 0 PLACE Strategic Centre – Wolverhampton Public Service Hub W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2017/18 £55.00 £0.00 £1.50 £1.50 £0.00 £0.00 £3.00 £0.00 £3.00 94.55% 1,500 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 20,000 0 0 0 Wolverhampton Interchange: Steam Mill and Sack Works PLACE W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2016/17 £7.50 £0.00 £1.10 £1.70 £0.00 £0.00 £2.80 £0.00 £2.80 62.67% 261 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.58 0.00 3,128 0 0 0 Site PLACE Regeneration of Bilston Centre W'hampton Wolverhampton City Centre 2017/18 £3.18 £0.00 £1.25 £1.75 £0.00 £0.00 £3.00 £0.00 £3.00 TBC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0 Total Strategic Population Centres £194.82 £1.59 £11.32 £19.92 £12.70 £11.27 £56.79 £1.69 £58.47 £3.24 2,881 0 16 0 170 0 16 0 0 0 30 4 7.07 0.00 50,573 0 0 0 Programme Development & Delivery BC Wide . 2016/17 £8.90 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £1.78 £8.90 £0.00 £8.90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0
£2,089.83 £23.91 £121.82 £173.91 £178.86 £67.59 £575.58 £70.61 £646.19 13,879 1,934 878 0 13,253 1,532 400 0 4,634 0 1,454 4 383.51 16.55 673,137 68,750 21,100 0 Black Country LEP LGF Programme Dashboard as at 4th November 2016 v1.1 Summary 1 of 3 – IN FLIGHT 16/17 FINANCIAL YEAR SPEND PROFILE Local Growth Deal Funding Profile 2016/17 Project Spend (£m) LGF Projects are in a mixture of Start-Up and £50 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Total Implementation £46.30m Grant Funding LGF Competitive £23.70 £33.25 £11.94 £4.44 £7.13 £0.03 £80.49 LEP Board funding of £1.25m is in place to Allocated support development of Council and Transport £40 LGF DfT Retained (M6 J10) £0.65 0.35 0.12 14.26 14.27 £29.65 strategic schemes £45 LGF Expansion £3.90 £3.60 £3.60 £6.40 £6.40 £23.90 The LEP board have approved overprogramming £30 of £5m on the total LGF funding awarded £40 Total LGF Commitment £24.35 £37.50 £15.66 £22.30 £27.80 £6.43 £134.04 £46.3m, resulting in £51.3m of funding in 16/17 LTB pre-allocated £5.60 £8.80 £2.90 £1.10 £0.20 £18.60 Current forecasts from projects show utilisation £20 of £49.59m, suggesting c.£1.7m of available £35 Existing DfT transport major* £3.60 £3.60 funding for additional scheme bids Total Other £9.20 £8.80 £2.90 £1.10 £0.20 £0.00 £22.20 The Programme Office continue to monitor the £10 £30 likelihood of expenditure Development schemes being supported by each Total Growth Deal £33.55 £46.30 £18.56 £23.40 £28.00 £6.43 £156.24 council are detailed as appendix to this report: £0 £25 1 2 3 4
. SMBC reported they will not be £m Quarter *tail funding for Darlaston claiming against the £250k £20 Total LGF Programme Funding Baseline Latest Forecast resource development fund £16.51m OUTPUTS – TO BE REALISED POST PROJECT DELIVERY £15 committed* as of 4h Nov 16 Housing Programme Outputs for 2015/16 projectCommercial starts Key Outputs Achievement against Forecast 2015-16 to 2020-21 Quarterly Spend Profile (Cumulative £m) Jobs Business Learner Apprenticeships £10 Units Floorspace Created Assists Assists Created Completed (sqm) Commercial Floorspace Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total (sqm) £5 Local Growth Deal Commitment 5,000 1,400 3,200 7,000 - - Apprenticeships Created Actual Total LGF Programme Funding £11.58 £23.15 £34.73 £46.30 £46.30
Learner Assists Baseline £9.48 £22.15 £31.04 £45.07 £45.07 £ Baseline 3,583 1,522 2,061 7,539 1,643 48,165 Forecast Business Assists Latest Forecast £6.74 £14.05 £28.94 £49.59 £49.59 £16.51m Forecast 4,178 1,716 2,723 17,440 4,843 99,012 Housing Units Completed Over Utilisation of Grant Funding £3.29 Jobs Created Outputs Delivered To Date 136 236 227 1,212 402 5,131 *Committed as per Project Status NB: LGF Programme Funding includes LGF Competitive, LGF/LTB and DfT retained funding for M6 J10 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Report Updates to Programme Office Outputs Commentary PROGRAMME ISSUES & RISKS CLAIMS Programme Office emphasise the need for eligible outputs 2016/17 LGF Claims Paid (£m) and schemes with little or no outputs are unlikely to receive Issue Impact Description RAG Action 16/17 Grant Claimed YTD (£m) grant support. Substantial Black Country pipeline under Submitted Oct YTD Paid Oct YTD There are NO decreases in forecast for any output this Grant allocation is under Risk under utilisation of grant support and adverse development. Council strategic schemes being period. committed comment by BIS on annual performance Key Outputs Forecasts: developed through additional LEP development fund. LGF Claim Value (£m) £12.85 £6.36 An increase for all outputs is seen, mainly due to new college Further pipeline projects are being prioritised to close Outputs Shortfall in committed outputs against Business Assists th projects going live the remaining gap in projected outputs At 25 October 2016, claims to value of £12,850,470 for LGF and LTB combined have been submitted to Walsall Accountable Body. LA increase by 1,160 learners: 109 for Dudley College, 686 Without effective monitoring in place for all regeneration BC Programme Office now report LGF, Transport Comprehensive LEP To date £6,366,688 has been authorised and paid Halesowen College & 365 Walsall College programmes, BC Programme Office can not guarantee portfolio and City Deal, to inc Growth Hub. Other Board Reporting Payment of £6,483,783 balance awaiting outstanding information / evidence Apprenticeships Created increase by 425: 215 for Dudley suitable use of DCLG grant allocations funding streams remain to be incorporated. College, 10 Halesowen College & 200 for Walsall College from projects Land & Property outputs: Commercial Floorspace up 32,200, As per the October update; There are currently 10 projects without contracts / grant agreements in place. In the main subject to outstanding due to new live projects Airfield Drive & Pensnett Estate Risk Impact Description RAG Mitigation Extension. Remediated Land up by 8.49 ha, for new projects actions on behalf of bidder to satisfy Walsall AB financial due diligence Airfield Drive & Dudley Brownfield Land Phase 1 Increased agility required by all LGF administrators. Use of process. Delegated Authority awarded by Joint Committee to Housing Completions up 149, due to Airfield Drive going live Capacity constraints Closed. As per the October update; There is currently a total of £14.5m of approved £6.36m Outputs delivered to date: support bids would alleviate risk of under utilisation of LGF funds not yet contracted. Of which £9.52m is forecast for 16/17. paid as of grant An increase of Houses Completed from 231 to 236 homes 25th Oct Limited capacity to Limited transport resources in Local Authorities to support Black Country Transport Director is urgently 2016 Programme Office continue to monitor delivery of outputs Projects reporting significant expenditure but no / inequivalent claims include: support Pipeline project development and subsequent project delivery developing a range of innovative responses to help for completed schemes. Springfield Campus Interchange, Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, M6 J10, Development & delivery would impact Black Country ability to take advantage of secure funding for priority Black Country transport Managing Short Trips and VLR feasibility of Transport Schemes emerging transport scheme funding opportunities. schemes. BCC Programme Office – LGF Programme Dashboard Summary 1 of 3 – In Flight v1.1 Contact Officer: Rachel Goodwin Source Data: LGF Project Status Reports (Confidential – not for public review) LGF 2016/17 SPEND PROFILE – LATEST FORECAST & OVERALL PROJECT RAG STATUS 2016/17 PROJECT NAME Borough Last Period This Period Commentary Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL Accessing Growth Programme W'hampton £0.73 £1.13 £2.62 £1.58 £6.06 Overall programme allocation for 16/17 of £6.81m. Anticipated that at least c£700k will slip into 17/18 as currently unallocated. Site infrastructure works complete & next phase of residential development land being marketed. 78 houses already under construction. Open space works due to be tendered Nov 16. Full LGF allocation has been drawn down. WCC Bilston Urban Village W'hampton £0.50 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.50 meeting with CCG and NHS Property Services to resolve impasse on NHSPS purchase of commercial development plot. Progression of negotiations with the Land Trust for transfer and future management of the open space. Dudley Advance Construction Centre Dudley £0.81 £1.12 £1.84 £2.09 £5.85 Programme on plan. Steel frame for tower block complete. Both sets of concrete stairs installed. Floor sheeting steel 50% laid. UoW still in discussions with Walsall AB over Legal charge proposal causing delays to project progress. Currently forecasting an underspend of over £500k in 16/17. Only 2% of the current forecast has been committed and no claims have been made. Springfield site (Hub): Planning approved without conditions. Enabling works to take place early November and tendering is ongoing for this element. Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills BC Wide £0.05 £1.47 £1.22 £2.16 £4.90 CBM: Currently 10 weeks behind schedule due to delays in legal agreement being produced & signed by all parties. Thomas Dudley: Full planning approval granted and this element of the project is on profile in relation to costs and build, with no issues identified at this stage. ECMS Website now live & contains information on training & skills along with partner information. Recruitment for a business development role has progressed and will go to advert on the 4th November. Branding has been agreed by the partnership. At the end of Q2 2016 - 231 homes completed, 6 jobs safeguarded, 11 apprentices started and 10 enterprises supported. LEP approval achieved to accelerate grant award of £2.38m into 16/17 in line with accelerated Phase 3 development Goscote Lane Corridor Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £2.38 £2.38 programme. Programme has £5.72m allocated against full three year budget of £6.5m. However, £1.04m of this allocation is for companies with approved EOI’s only. Forecast to create 541 jobs & 35 apprenticeships. 17 jobs created to date. Growing Priority Sectors BC Wide £0.11 £0.12 £0.38 £2.59 £3.20 The significant forecast for March 2017 - £2.58m has been queried, action with PM to reassess forecasts and advise PMO of likely outturn. The Project is still out to tender, revised programme on target. Further Contractor site visits completed. Potential issue achieving jobs created output target by 2021, due to targets being based upon the original construction programme. Wolverhampton Civic Hall W'hampton £0.11 £0.83 £0.37 £1.25 £2.56 The feasibility of achieving the business assists target figures is being addressed due to change in definition of what constitutes a business assist i.e. if it has to comply with the strict ERDF definition. Potential underspend due to over 60% of total forecast still to commit with £881k forecast for March 2017. Traffic Modelling/Economics: Continue Traffic modelling to enable SGAR review in November. Work continues on the traffic modelling related PCF Products Environment/Planning: The three environment related PCF products required for SGAR1, completed & submitted for formal review by HE. M6 Junction 10 Walsall £0.08 £0.15 £0.10 £0.02 £0.35 Communications/Consultation: Communications/consultation PCF products required for SGAR1 completed & submitted for formal consultation with HE. Estates Surveyor tender evaluation & interviews underway to enable contract award 31st Oct. Legal/Governance: Further drafting of the Development Agreement between WMBC & HE continues. Managing Short Trips BC Wide £0.84 £0.42 £0.40 £2.25 £3.92 All but one canal scheme complete. All but two highway schemes on schedule to deliver by 31 Dec 2016, with remaining two forecast to delivery mid Feb 17. Additional schemes awaiting JC approval, scheduled to start on site Jan 17. Programme plan on target. Construction is progressing well & building will currently be water tight. External brickwork nearing completion & roof works almost complete. Final Claim submitted to AB with full £4.88m of grant being Science, Technology & Prototyping Centre W'hampton £2.22 £1.36 £0.00 £0.00 £3.58 claimed. The Asbestos Strip to phase II is on-going. Road Construction is in progress. The Option Agreement and associated Section 33 Deed are being finalised and a valuation has been obtained for Smout & Sons, and negotiations to acquire are Woods Lane Sandwell £0.39 £0.52 £1.17 £1.07 £3.14 still ongoing. Potential underspend due to over 70% of total forecast remaining for Q3 and Q4. Following the procurement process, the preferred remediation contractor has now been selected and all bidders notified of the tender outcome. A pre-start meeting with the selected contractor (Atkins) scheduled for 2nd November. Walsall Waterfront Walsall £0.00 £0.02 £0.01 £0.10 £0.13 Works contract/deliverables & finals costs to be finalised thereafter. Currently reporting circa £250k underspend which is unlikely to be confirmed until mid-December once investigations complete. Outputs achieved: 330sqm of Commercial Floor space refurbished, 0.1ha Area of site reclaimed King Street Parade: Works complete, 3 units let and Outputs can now be claimed. Dudley Town Centre - Sites & Buildings Improvements Dudley £0.13 £0.03 £0.07 £0.06 £0.29 New Mill Street Car Park: Works complete and Outputs can now be claimed Townscape Heritage Programme: Works progressing on several properties , with all works still on target to be completed by December 16. Private sector funding is now being realised. Chances Glassworks Site Assembly Sandwell £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.60 £0.60 Outcome toward delivering site assembly continues to remain uncertain. Unlikely to commit full £600k this financial year Music Institute and Student Accommodation Feasibility Dudley £0.07 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.07 Feasibility complete. FBC received August 2016 & being evaluated by Thomas Lister. Submission anticipated for January LEP Board. Very Light Rail Feasibility Dudley £0.15 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.15 Feasibility complete. FBC received August 2016 & being evaluated by Thomas Lister. Submission for SEED funding anticipated for November LEP Board. Airfield Drive Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.07 £0.07 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Halesowen College - Access Centre for HE Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.70 £0.00 £0.70 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Dudley College - Advanced Engineering Equipment Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.10 £0.00 £0.10 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Dudley Brownfield Land - Ph 1 Dudley £0.00 £0.15 £0.15 £0.25 £0.54 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Pensnett Estate Extension Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.40 £1.20 £1.61 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk. Infrastructure works start on site scheduled 21st November 16. Walsall College – Additional Engineering Equipment Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.15 £0.00 £0.15 Awaiting completion of grant agreement following JC approval. Project proceeding at risk, funding fully committed in Oct 2016. Site Investigation Approved Funding Pope's Lane, Oldbury Sandwell £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Planned SI works complete. "Unlikely that a separate funding application will be made for the Pope’s Lane Development, & in the immediacy it is also unlikely that the Developer gap funding FBC will be progressed at this stage". Parkrose Industrial Estate Sandwell £0.02 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.02 SI Complete. Challenge Block Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.04 £0.00 £0.04 SI delayed due to delay in planned demolition of buildings that currently occupy site. However still anticipated to be completed within current financial year. Alexander Metals W'hampton £0.00 £0.00 £0.07 £0.00 £0.07 SI progressing to plan. Moxley Tip Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.09 £0.00 £0.09 SI progressing to plan. Shidas Lagoon Sandwell £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.08 £0.08 Aware of potential issue with award of contract. Currently sits with Walsall Accountable Body. Bourne St, Coseley Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.06 £0.06 Completion of grant award stalled, WMBC awaiting DD submission from applicant. Wharf Approach, Aldridge Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.02 £0.02 Completion of grant award stalled, WMBC awaiting DD submission from applicant. Bull Street Sandwell £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.06 £0.06 No progress. Awaiting completion of grant agreement post January Joint Committee. Black Country Living Museum Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.03 £0.03 SI progressing to plan. Former Caparo Site Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.02 £0.02 SI progressing to plan. Reedswood (former) Golf Course Walsall £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.01 £0.01 SI progressing to plan. PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT JC Programme Expenditure BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.18 £0.18 Local Authority Programme Work and Development Fees - claims submitted to Walsall AB. LEP Programme Management BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.36 £0.36 Current expectations that Sandwell MBC will not be claiming against their £250k allocation. To date the eligible expenditure following Walsall AB capital guidelines amounts to £864k LA Programme Work and Development BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.86 £0.86 Total Committed / Forecast Spend £6.21 £7.31 £9.88 £19.36 £42.76
Local Transport Board Schemes (LTB) MSCP: Works progressing well. Construction works for main building on programme. External core brickwork near completion. Power to car park achieved. Scheduled opening 16th Dec 16. Wolverhampton Interchange Commercial Gateway Station Change Designs: Station brief signed by all parties (CWC, NR, Virgin Trains). 2 weekly design meetings ongoing & design submission scheduled for end of October. Network change details submitted & 9 week consultation W'hampton £0.54 £0.00 £4.01 £0.09 £4.63 Phase 2 commences. Metro: Utility works progressing along Pipers Row. All designs for Pipers Row & Railway Drive with CWC for review. Proposals being developed for Railway drive. Scheme programmed to start early 2017. Property Negotiation and Acquisition ongoing. Detailed Design & review of costs completed. A4101 Pensnett Strategic Access Improvement Scheme Dudley £0.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.60 £1.10 DMBC in process of completing Grant Agreement with WMBC. Contract procurement expected to complete end of December 2016. LTB Development Funding BC Wide £0.00 £0.00 £0.50 £0.60 £1.10 The Aldridge station scheme has funding allocated under LTB / LGF of £4.1m which is unlikely to be spent in total on that scheme. Black Country Transport Director has requested £1.1m be transferred into scheme development funding. LTB Unallocated Funds (Aldridge Station) £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Remaining funding requirement for £3m 16/17 funding currently unallocated. Allocation to be confirmed by BC Transport Director. Until then funding has been slipped into 17/18 with 17/18 original allocation slipped into 18/19. Total Committed / Forecast Spend £0.54 £0.00 £5.01 £1.29 £6.83
Grand Total Committed / Forecast Spend £6.74 £7.31 £14.89 £20.65 £49.59 Black Country Transport Programme Dashboard as at 4th November 2016 V1.3
FUNDING PROFILE LGF/LTB 16-17 SPEND
Investment by Fund Investment by Scheme 16 Total 14 The current spend profile Funding Stream LGF/LTB £8.67 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total indicates that all projects are £m 4% £38.55 12 currently on target to meet Leverage £338.00 Road 9% 10 Forecast £2.94 £2.06 £5.41 £5.67 £16.09 the required delivery LGF/LTB £65.31 8 £570.00 Millions deadlines as per the Metro 6 Actual £2.94 £0.36 £3.30 individual grant agreements. Leverage £144.46 4 The main risk to this will be Rail Variance £0.00 -£1.70 -£12.79 the Wednesbury to Brierley Not 2 Not Secured (DfT/WMCA) £1,464.15 Secured - Hill Metro scheme due to the (DfT/WM Sustainable Transport £3.3m potential decision required CA) from treasury. Total £1,673.92 87% Accessing Growth £718.70
PROGRAMME LIFECYCLE PROGRAMME ISSUES & RISKS
Transport Pipeline by Project Stage & Funding Status Issue Impact Description RAG Action The current West Midlands Strategic model is Meeting called with Mott MacDonald to understand key currently not capable of running all of the Programme Commentary Prissim issues, a procurement process is due to commence to Fully funded £14.8m schemes that have been identified across the £29.95m commission a new strategic model . Black Country and wider West Midlands. The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill scheme is the The level of local contribution required to Partially funded £118.7m £4.98m 3. Delivery 3. largest by far within the current programme. secure funding from the CA has still not been Liaise with TfWM and James Aspinall to understand the Local Contributions There are significant risks to the delivery determined and this may have an adverse process. effect on some schemes. Fully funded £71.3m timescales if the land required cannot be Budgets are provisionally allocated to some of acquired through negotiation and requires a Make provision for a large risk contingency for all Accuracy of these schemes without a detailed assessment Compulsory Purchase Order. schemes to ensure there is sufficient budget available to Forecast Costs being undertaken. The cost of these schemes Partially funded £114.7m cover any cost increases. The LEP and ABCA need to seek a high level could vary and increase significantly over time. agreement with partners to prevent any objections being raised as part of a CPO prior 2. Development 2. Not secured £50m to awarding LGF funding for other schemes. Risk Impact Description RAG Mitigation
Fully funded £0.4m Scheme No. of Projects Lack of expertise to accurately forecast how long a scheme will take to develop and take to site can result Road 9 Deliverability in funding being tied up for a scheme. This will result in Partially funded £570m more deliverable schemes currently not allocated Metro 4 funding being prevented from taken to site. Not secured £134m Rail 5
1. Programme Entry Programme 1. RESOURCES Sustainable Transport 3
0. Not secured £600m lity Accessing Growth 7 Capacity: 45% Currently, there is insufficient resource to develop Feasibi and deliver all of the schemes listed within the No. of Projects 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 28 programme over a 10 year period. 33 out of 73 staff in place The Black Country needs to work with TfWM and Key to successfully deliver all WMCA to identify the best delivery methods that projects in pipeline can address the resource issue whilst mitigating Project Stages: 0. Feasibility, 1. Programme entry, 2. Development, 3. Delivery £0.76m Funding Status 1. Funding not secured, 2. Partially funded, 3. Fully funded financial risks. £0m
BCC Programme Office – Transport Programme Dashboard V1.3 Contact Officer: Treona Holden Source Data: Transport Project Status Reports (Confidential – not for public review) TRANSPORT 2016-17 PROJECT UPDATE Funding LGF/LTB Not Secured (DfT/ Total No. of Staff No. of staff in Staff Last This Stage Project Name Borough Leverage Commentary Status Funding WMCA) Investment Required place RAG Period Period Road Traffic Modelling/Economics: Continue Traffic modelling to enable SGAR review in November. Work continues on the traffic modelling related PCF Products Environment/Planning: The three environment related PCF products required for SGAR1, completed & submitted for formal review by HE. 2 M6, J10 Major Walsall 3 £29.95 £35.05 £0.00 £65.00 3 3 Communications/Consultation: Communications/consultation PCF products required for SGAR1 completed & submitted for formal consultation with HE. Estates Surveyor tender evaluation & interviews underway to enable contract award 31st Oct. Legal/Governance: Further drafting of the Development Agreement between WMBC & HE continues. A bid on behalf of the Black Country LEP has been submitted to the DfT for £295k, to develop an outline business case in conjunction with Highways England. A decision 1 M5, J1 Major Sandwell 1 £0.00 £0.00 £65.00 £65.00 4 0 on this funding is expected in the autumn statement 2016. A full MSBC has been developed for this scheme by Sandwell Council, there is no funding committed to this scheme to enable construction to commence. Sandwell are 1 Birchley Island M5, J2 Sandwell 1 £0.10 £0.00 £24.90 £25.00 3 2 continuing with Detailed Design and to commence the CPO process at their own expense. A full business case has been developed for this scheme. £6m has been included as part of a wider LGF3 submission for transport. A decision is expected in the Autumn 2 M54. J2 - Vine Island W'hampton 2 £0.00 £0.00 £7.00 £7.00 3 3 2016 budget statement. Scheme programmed to start early 2017. Property Negotiation and Acquisition ongoing. Detailed Design & review of costs completed. DMBC in process of completing 2 Pensnett High Street (A4101) Dudley 3 £3.80 £2.50 £0.00 £6.30 2 2 Grant Agreement with WMBC. Contract procurement expected to complete end of December 2016.
A449 Corridor Improvements (Wolverhampton 2 W'hampton 2 £0.00 £0.00 £49.85 £49.85 3 1 AECOM have been commissioned to develop Business Case for scheme, some funding allocated through the HS2 connectivity package. to I54) Major 2 A454 Neachells Road Major W'hampton 2 £0.00 £0.00 £49.85 £49.85 3 1 AECOM appointed to develop Business Case for scheme. Currently no funding identified for this scheme, but LGF3 may make £6m contribution. W'hampton, 2 A4123 1 £0.00 £0.00 £50.00 £50.00 3 0 AECOM have been commissioned to develop a major scheme business case along with modelling work. This is expected to be completed by March 2017. Sandwell, Dudley 1 A461 Dudley 1 £0.00 £0.00 £20.00 £20.00 3 1 No work has commenced on this corridor yet. Metro MSCP: Works progressing well. Construction works for main building on programme. External core brickwork near completion. Power to car park achieved. Scheduled opening 16th Dec 16. Station Change Designs: Station brief signed by all parties (CWC, NR, Virgin Trains). 2 weekly design meetings ongoing & design submission 3 Wolverhampton Interchange W'hampton 2 £13.50 £105.20 £0.00 £118.70 scheduled for end of October. Network change details submitted & 9 week consultation commences. Metro: Utility works progressing along Pipers Row. All designs for Pipers Row & Railway Drive with CWC for review. Proposals being developed for Railway drive.
0 Wolverhampton to Willenhall W'hampton 1 £0.15 £0.00 £399.85 £400.00 3 0 Work to commence on the development of a Major Scheme Business Case in October 2016. Systra have been commissioned to undertake this work. 0 Wednesbury to Walsall Walsall 1 £0.00 £0.00 £200.00 £200.00 3 0 No work commenced on this at present. May commence in the 2017/18 financial year. 0 Willenhall - Onwards 1 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 3 0 No work commenced onthis at present. Likely to commence once case has been approved for Metro to Willenhall. Rail 1 Walsall to Aldridge Electrification and Stations Walsall 2 £4.30 £0.00 £25.70 £30.00 1 1 Funding from the HS2 Connectivity Package has been removed for delivery and reallocated to the Darlaston, Willenhall and Brierley Hill Train Stations. Walsall to Wolverhampton Rail Service and W'hampton, GRIP3 Study completed on Willenhall train station, a wider commission has just been awarded to look at improvements along the whole corridor. Bid also being 1 2 £0.00 £0.00 £30.00 £30.00 1 1 Stations Walsall submitted to national station fund. 1 Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury Electrification W'hampton 2 £0.00 £0.00 £60.00 £60.00 1 0 Currently undertaking a feasibility study via TFWM. 0 Dudley, Dudley Port and Sandwell Interchanges Dudley, Sandwell 1 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 1 0 A series of workshops are currently being undertaken with Network Rail, WMR, DfT and Local Authorities to identify how best these locations can be improved. This scheme is currently one of the top priorities across the whole of the West Midlands, the scheme unlocks numerous rail paths, thus increasing the volume of trains 1 Camphill Court - WM Connectivity West Midlands 2 £0.00 £0.00 £450.00 £450.00 10 0 able to operate across the West Midlands Network. Sustainable Transport All but one canal scheme complete. All but two highway schemes on schedule to deliver by 31 Dec 2016, with remaining two forecast to delivery mid Feb 17. Additional 3 Managing Short Trips BC Wide 3 £6.35 £0.20 £0.00 £6.55 3 3 schemes awaiting JC approval, scheduled to start on site Jan 17.
GD3 Sustainable Transport Package - Walking 1 BC Wide 1 £0.00 £0.00 £24.00 £24.00 3 0 Currently awaiting approval as part of the Autumn Statement 2016. and Cycling 2 Dudley Bus Station Stage 1 Dudley 2 £0.00 £0.00 £8.00 £8.00 3 3 £400k allocated to develop this scheme. The work will involve TfWM and Dudley Council to develop a design that complements the wider metro scheme. Accessing Growth Site infrastructure works complete & next phase of residential development land being marketed. 78 houses already under construction. Open space works due to be tendered Nov 16. Full LGF allocation has been drawn down. WCC meeting with CCG and NHS Property Services to resolve impasse on NHSPS purchase of commercial 3 Bilston Urban Village W'hampton 3 £3.10 £0.00 £0.00 £3.10 2 2 development plot. Progression of negotiations with the Land Trust for transfer and future management of the open space.
Bentley Lane carriageway resurfacing commenced 3rd November. Stevenson Avenue civil works and traffic signal installation complete . Chruchill Rd carriageway 3 M6, J10 Resilience Package Walsall 3 £1.55 £0.17 £0.00 £1.72 1 1 resurfacing commenced 28 October. Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Development Scheme design refresh has now been completed by Mott Macdonald and Systra are currently completing the Outline Business case. Further engagement with Treasury 1 Sandwell, Dudley 3 £0.40 £0.00 £0.00 £0.40 5 2 Work Tranche 1 & 2 required to ensure funding is allocated. 3 Springfield Campus Interchange Connectivity W'hampton 3 £0.60 £1.20 £0.00 £1.80 2 2 Contractor finalised traffic management and phasing plan. Contractors to start on site 7 November. 3 A459 Dudley Road/Coombs Road Halesowen Dudley 3 £0.54 £0.06 £0.00 £0.60 2 2 Scheme programmed to commence on site January 2017. Pinfold Bridge, Wednesfield Road, 3 W'hampton 3 £0.67 £0.08 £0.00 £0.75 2 2 Awarded works to North Midlands Contstruction to start works 28 November 16 to complete 10 April 2017. Trial Pits to be carried out 7-11 November 2016. Wolverhampton City East Gateway A454 Willenhall Road Corridor AECOM have been commissioned to develop a major scheme business case along with modelling work. This is expected to be completed by March 2017. Linked toA454 3 & City North Gateway A449 Stafford Road W'hampton 3 £0.30 £0.00 £0.00 £0.30 3 1 and A449 major schemes in "Road". Orders placed and work underway to deliver outcome. Prism extracts progressing but issue identified which has delayed receipt of Corridor data.
Key £65.31 £144.46 £1,464.15 £1,673.92 76 33 Project Stages: 0. Feasibility, 1. Programme entry, 2. Development, 3. Delivery Funding Status 1. Funding not secured, 2. Part ally funded, 3. Fully funded TRANSPORT PROJECT LIFECYCLE AND RESOURCE COMMITMENTS No. of Staff No. of staff in LGF/LTB Total Not Total Stage Project Name 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 25/26 Funding Status Required place Funding Leverage Secured Investment Road 2 M6, J10 3 3 3 £29.95 £35.05 £0.00 £65.00 1 M5, J1 4 0 1 £0.00 £0.00 £65.00 £65.00 1 Birchley Island M5, J2 3 2 1 £0.10 £0.00 £24.90 £25.00 2 M54, J2- Vine Island 3 3 2 £0.00 £0.00 £7.00 £7.00 A4101 Pensnett Strategic Access Improvement 2 2 2 3 £3.80 £2.50 £0.00 £6.30 Scheme 2 A449 Corridor Improvements (Wolverhampton to I54) 3 1 2 £0.00 £0.00 £49.85 £49.85 2 A454 Neachells Road 3 1 2 £0.00 £0.00 £49.85 £49.85 2 A4123 3 0 1 £0.00 £0.00 £50.00 £50.00 1 A461 3 1 1 £0.00 £0.00 £20.00 £20.00 Metro 3 Wolverhampton Interchange 2 £13.50 £105.20 £0.00 £118.70 0 Wolverhampton to Willenhall 3 0 1 £0.15 £0.00 £399.85 £400.00 0 Wednesbury to Walsall 3 0 1 £0.00 £0.00 £200.00 £200.00 0 Willenhall - Onwards 3 0 1 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Rail 1 Walsall to Aldridge Electrification and Stations 1 1 2 £4.30 £0.00 £25.70 £30.00
1 Walsall to Wolverhampton Rail Service and Stations 1 1 2 £0.00 £0.00 £30.00 £30.00
1 Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury Electrification 1 0 2 £0.00 £0.00 £60.00 £60.00
0 Dudley, Dudley Port and Sandwell Interchanges 1 0 1 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 1 Camphill Court – WM Connectivity 10 0 2 £0.00 £0.00 £450.00 £450.00 Sustainable Transport 3 Managing Short Trips 3 3 3 £6.35 £0.20 £0.00 £6.55 GD3 Sustainable Transport Package- Walking and 1 3 0 1 £0.00 £0.00 £24.00 £24.00 Cycling 2 Dudley Bus Station Stage 1 3 3 2 £0.00 £0.00 £8.00 £8.00 Accessing Growth 3 Bilston Urban Village 2 2 3 £3.10 £0.00 £0.00 £3.10 3 M6, J10 Resilience Package 1 1 3 £1.55 £0.17 £0.00 £1.72 Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Development 5 2 3 £0.40 £0.00 £0.00 £0.40 1 Work 3 Springfield Campus Interchange Connectivity 2 2 3 £0.60 £1.20 £0.00 £1.80
3 A459 Dudley Road/Coombs Road Halesowen 2 2 3 £0.54 £0.06 £0.00 £0.60
3 Pinfold Bridge, Wednesfield Road, Wolverhampton 2 2 3 £0.67 £0.08 £0.00 £0.75
City East Gateway - A454 Willenhall Road Corridor & 3 3 1 3 £0.30 £0.00 £0.00 £0.30 City North Gateway - A449 Stafford Road Corridor
76 33 £65.31 £144.46 £1,464.15 £1,673.92 Key Project Stages: 0. Feasibility, 1. Programme entry, 2. Development, 3. Delivery Funding Status 1. Funding not secured, 2. Partially funded, 3. Fully funded CURRENT ACTIVITY Agenda Item 9 c
DRAFT Minutes of a Meeting of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Funding Applications Sub-Board
10th November 2016 at 10.00am at The Deckhouse, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill
Present: Simon Eastwood Carillion plc; Chris Handy Accord Housing; Ninder Johal Nachural Communications.
In Attendance: Mark Lavender Walsall MBC; Simon Tranter Walsall MBC; Rachel Goodwin Black Country Consortium Ltd. Paul Mellon Black Country Consortium Ltd. Conrad Parke Sandwell MBC; Nigel Easom Black Country Consortium Ltd.
Apologies: Paul Brown, and Tom Westley.
72/16 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 20th October 2016 were circulated.
Agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 20th October 2016 be received and confirmed as a correct record.
73/16 Growing Priority Sectors – Programme Update
Further to Minute No. 54/16, Conrad Parke gave an overview of the status of the applications for Growing Priority Sector funding and of the overall performance of the programme. The current potential total expenditure was £5,197,077. In addition to the full applications there were a further three approved expressions of interest in the system which, if they led to a successful full applications, would add a further £590,000 to the total grant being requested leaving £473,000 to be allocated. 1
Agenda Item 9 c
The Sub-Board was also updated on the progress of the submission of claims.
74/16 Growing Priority Sectors – Application for Funding – Total Construction Supplies Ltd. (Score 50/76)
The Sub-Board considered an application by Total Construction Supplies Ltd. for £750,000 for a £3,751,000 project to fund the purchase of new premises and the installation of new machinery. The application aimed to create 75 new jobs by March 2022 at £10,004 per job and an average salary of £2,200 per annum leveraging £3,001,186 of private sector funding.
The Sub-Board noted that, although there was a need to assess whether the investment would achieve the forecasted growth, the project was one of the highest scoring projects presented for consideration, offered very good value for money in terms of salaries and cost per job, would create eight apprenticeships and that the Company was a fast growing company with a strong additionality argument in that multiple funding sources would be used to finance the project.
Agreed that the LEP Partnership Board be recommended to approve the application for funding by Total Construction Supplies Ltd. subject to the following conditions:-
a) a maximum grant of £750,000 to help implement a £3, 751,000 project; b) leverage £3,001,180 of private sector funding; c) the creation of 75 new jobs by March 2022; d) clarification of the Company’s ability to deliver the rate of growth and return projected in the application through due diligence.
75/16 Growing Priority Sectors – Project Change Process
Further to the discussion at Minute No. 73/16 above, the Sub-Board considered a proposed process for successful applicants who wished to make a change to their agreed project where the original contractual conditions would also change.
Agreed:-
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Agenda Item 9 c
1) that the process be approved subject to:-
a) the process making clear to applicants that proposals may be rejected and result in action to recover grant; b) provision being inserted for further discussions with applicants following assessment of impact of the proposed change; c) making for provision for the Sub-Board to make recommendations to the Accountable Body for legal action if necessary following refusal of a request;
2) that the grant application process should ensure that applicants are aware of the possible impact of failure to comply with grant agreements and achieve targets.
76/16 Local Growth Fund (LGF) – 2016/17 Forecast Slippage
Further to Minute No. 59/16, the Sub-Board noted that detailed discussions continued to reveal potential slippage against the approved programme of circa. £5m by the end of March 2017. The Programme Office was continuing to seek opportunities to accelerate support to existing successful LGF supported schemes that were already delivering valuable outputs and had LGF supported spend in future years. Members also discussed the steps that could be taken to ensure that projects, including reserved transport schemes, were keeping Programme Office fully informed of their spend and progress.
Agreed that further reports be submitted to the Sub-Board on the options for bringing forward spend in the current year’s programme and on any issues that might arise in respect of establishing accurate forecast figures for current projects.
77/16 Additional LGF Bid - Dudley College Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre
The Sub-Board considered an application from Dudley College for £600,000 of LGF grant support towards the provision of the training equipment for a £1.18m scheme to develop a Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre. The project would unlock growth objectives in building technologies and have an impact on SEP growth targets in the Black Country because of the 66 strategically important construction businesses in the region. A schedule of the equipment it was proposed to purchase was submitted to the Sub-Board.
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Agenda Item 9 c
A significant increase in demand from employers and Construction Industry Training Boards (CITB) had resulted in Dudley College developing an enhanced construction training plan to meet these needs. In order to be responsive to these demands the College needed to invest in upgrading the dated construction facilities currently located at Mons Hill Campus. The College aimed to provide state of the art construction equipment, which will not only meet the new standards and legislation within the construction industry, but also allows learners to experience different ways of working with new technologies and techniques. The key strategic partners in the project included CITB, Laing O’Rourke, BAM Construction, Lovell’s, AH Construction, Interserve, Thomas VALE, Colmore Tang Construction, Seddon’s, Keepmoat and Barhale. CITB had also introduced a wider group of construction employers to this group as part of its wider network of contacts.
Agreed that the LEP Partnership Board be recommended to approve the application by Dudley College for £600,000 in 2016/17 to provide equipment to support the development of the Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre.
78/16 Additional LGF Bid - Middlemore Lane, Aldridge, Walsall
Further to Minute No. 61/16, the Sub-Board considered an application by St. Francis Group Ltd for funding of £4,033,395 to facilitate the delivery of a speculative industrial development scheme comprising five industrial units, totalling 22,703 sq.m, on a brownfield site of approximately 5.77 hectares. The application was for gap funding to render the scheme viable for delivery on a speculative basis. The identified viability gap arose as a result of market failure, despite generally improving market conditions, whereby the costs of delivering the scheme currently exceeded the value of the completed scheme. The funding viability gap had been agreed with the applicant as the minimum element of grant required in order that the scheme could be progressed.
The proposed scheme would deliver a total of 22,703 sq.m of good quality industrial accommodation, create or safeguard up to 503 jobs and remediate approximately 5.77ha of brownfield contaminated industrial land. Overall it was considered that the scheme offered a reasonable level of value for money and particularly good value for money in relation to number of jobs created, new employment floorspace and private sector leverage achieved. 4
Agenda Item 9 c
Agreed:-
1) that the LEP Partnership Board be recommended to approve the application by St. Francis Group Ltd for funding of £4,033,395 to 2020/21 including £89,493 in 2016/17 to facilitate the delivery of an industrial development scheme comprising five industrial units, totalling 22,703 sq.m, on a brownfield site of approximately 5.77 hectares at Middlemore Lane, Aldridge, Walsall including the Heads of Terms now submitted, subject to the following conditions:-
a) prior to entering into the funding agreement the applicant to confirm that funding is fully available to complete the scheme; b) Confirmation from the applicant that a minimum of 3 contractors will be approached in respect of proposed construction works. Evidence of this to be provided to confirm best value is achieved; c) clawback provision being included on the basis of 50% of any increase in value achieved beyond that value included within the appraisal and payable upon either sale of the unit or upon assessment of market value at the expiration of 3 years from practical completion, whichever the earlier, such clawback to be capped at the level of grant funding drawn down; d) 75% of any costs saving made through the re-use of crushed material and also savings in respect of demolition costs to be deducted from the identified remediation cost and therefore overall grant award and a revised intervention level to be adopted. The revised intervention level to be reflective of this overall reduced cost and adopted for the calculation of future drawdown of funds. The calculation to be determined as set out in the due diligence report from Thomas Lister. Any reduction in the intervention level would require to be assessed at the point of identified saving being made; e) compliance with key identified milestones relating to demolition, remediation, submission of planning application for proposed works; f) such other conditions as may be required by Walsall MBC in their role as Accountable Body in respect of the Local Growth Fund; g) a legal charge on the site prior to initial drawdown of funding; 2) further consideration of the configuration of the costs once the results of site investigations are available. 5
Agenda Item 9 c
(Mark Lavender and Simon Tranter declared non-pecuniary interests in this application.)
78/16 Very Light Rail Centre (VLR) – Additional Support for Continuing Project Development
Further to Minute No. /16, the Sub-Board considered an application from VLR for funding of £1,136,778 to facilitate time critical investigations and advanced works to keep the project to programme to ensure the start of the main construction package in summer 2017 and completion in autumn 2018. The Sub-Board noted that Dudley MBC had agreed to underwrite the application and the ongoing discussions with stakeholders and potential partners.
Agreed that, Dudley & the VLR Project Team be requested to re- evaluate separating the urgent & vital tasks to progress, from the necessary list of tasks to perform, within the submitted cost listing. FSG members indicated they expected to further consider a refined scheme bid at the FSG meeting on 30th November 2016.
79/16 Managing Short Trips – Change Request
Further to Minute No. /16 the Sub-Board considered a request to replace the proposed canal towpath improvement scheme between Galton Bridge and Spon Lane on the Birmingham Mainline Canal with a canal towpath improvement scheme on the Tame Valley and Rushall Canals between the Chatsworth Avenue canal access and Hill Farm Bridge. The change would enable the completion of the route between Walsall/Yew Tree/Great Barr and the employment/education sites to the north of Birmingham plus the city centre. Sandwell MBC had confirmed that there was no variation to the outputs of 1km of cycle track, no additional funding and no change to the scheme completion date.
Agreed that the LEP Partnership Board be recommended to approve the proposed scheme substitution in the Managing Short Trips Programme.
80/16 Black Country Pipeline Development 2016/17 - 2020/21 and Scheme Bid Progress
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Agenda Item 9 c
Further to Minute No. 69/16, the Sub-Board noted the current position of the project pipeline and the applications being evaluated and due to be submitted to future meetings. Paul Mellon reported on the progress of securing access to the Combined Authority Land Remediation Fund and considered other steps in the development of a land acquisition strategy to support the Black Country’s strategic ambitions.
Agreed that the Board be requested to agree that a discussion of the next steps to implement a land acquisition strategy should be included on the programme for the December Board policy planning session.
81/16 Date of Next Meeting
30th November 2016 – 2.00pm
(The meeting closed at 11.20 a.m.)
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Agenda Item 10
BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP (LEP) EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS (PEOPLE THEME ADVISORY) BOARD
Minutes of a Meeting Held at 8.30am on 12th October 2016 at Business Solutions Centre, Wolverhampton Science Park, Wolverhampton
Present:
George Andrews – Ansaldo NES; Claire Boliver – Wolverhampton College; Janette Breckles – GTG; Jackie Dunne – Wolverhampton University; Cllr Simon Hackett – Sandwell MBC; Richard Halstead - ECF; Chris Luty – BCTG; Jev Bhalla – Walsall Adult & Community College; Sarah Middleton – Black Country Consortium;
In Attendance:
Katherine Haines – BIS; Sarah Jury-Onen - DWP Chris Luty - bctg Karen Matthews – GTG; Colin Parker - Black Country Consortium; Deniece Gabriel – Black Country Consortium; Manjit Galsinh - Black Country Consortium; Jayne Kelly – DWP; Angela Moore – Black Country Consortium; Hywel Ruddick - Black Country Consortium.
Apologies: Cllr. Val Gibson, Dan Baker and Terry Somerfield.
35/16 Welcome and Introductions
The Chair welcomed members to the meeting.
36/16 Minutes of the Meeting held on 12th July 2016
1
The minutes of the meeting held on 12th July 2016 were circulated.
Agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 12th July 2016 were confirmed as a correct record.
37/16 Apprenticeship Reforms i) Summary of Reform ii) Discussion – What should a LEP be doing to ensure a smooth transition to the new funding and qualifications.
The Board received a presentation from Chris Luty detailing the Apprenticeship reforms to commence in May 2017. He stated that the existing framework would be replaced by new standards, which would be much less prescriptive and not necessarily require a mandatory qualification, with a two to three delivery period.
On a question regarding ongoing and end point assessment, he advised that there would assessment of progress and the end point assessment was likely to be 15% of the overall cost of training.
On a question regarding funding he advised that for smaller employees the Government would still cover 90% of the costs of the apprenticeship. He added that there were 15 funding caps ranging from £1500 to £27000 per annum, with an additional £1000 for 16-18 year olds and that funding would be available from June 2017 onwards.
On a question regarding employers’ awareness of the forthcoming changes he advised that a survey had been undertaken of approximately 500/600 small medium enterprises (SME) and whilst 95% had heard of the changes, there were different levels of understanding and the implications.
Sarah Middleton commented that there was a need to “bank” funding raised from the Apprenticeship levy from Black Country businesses to spend in the area.
Cllr. Simon Hackett queried the entry requirements for apprenticeships and stated that in Sandwell there was an issue with people being “apprenticeship ready”. Chris Luty advised that 2
generally it was three to four GCSE’s, he also added that behavioural and interpersonal skill were also taken into account.
Jackie Dunne stated that there was a need for greater understanding for the public and queried if the BC LEP or WMCA had undertaken any marketing to highlight the opportunities. She added that larger employers such as the NHS, local authorities or universities should also undertake awareness campaigns.
Claire Boliver highlighted that FE colleges did run pre- apprenticeship programmes, which attracted a fixed funding sum but acknowledged that this could increase. It was commented that there was a need to know the size of the funding stream for FE Colleges to support these programmes.
Consideration was given to various routes to promote the apprenticeship scheme, to include the Enterprise Adviser champions going into schools. There was consensus that additional promotion of the scheme was required and agreed that funding support would be sought from the BC LEP and WMCA.
Agreed: - 1) that the update be noted; and 2) that the LEP Board and WMCA be asked to make funding available to promote awareness of the apprenticeship reforms to employers and potential apprentices in the Black Country.
38/16 Programmes on a Page - Skills
The Board received a presentation on the Programmes on a Page, which provided detailed updates on the progress on targets against objectives, and statistical comparisons with national statistics on the Skills for the Supply Chain – Focus on Apprenticeships; Skills Capital; Schools – Raising Skills for the Future; and Skills for the Unemployed.
Claire Boliver referred to Raising Skills for the Future and stated that pupil performance on English and Maths still presented a problem for FE providers. A discussion ensued on performance around these key subjects and it was commented it that it was not just around 16-18 year olds but that adults in their 20’s and 30’s needed to upskilled. 3
The Chair welcomed that data and questioned whether the initiatives being put in place by the BC LEP and WMCA provided confidence that the skills agenda was being addressed; was there reassurance that the working being done to improve schools would yield results. He stated that his work with the SEP gave him optimism that the area was moving in the right direction. Sarah Middleton added that there was a need to focus on work being done around English and Maths with schools, FE Colleges and local authorities. This could be done across a sample of schools.
Agreed: - 1) that the Programmes on a Page – Skills dashboards, associated objectives and progress be noted; and 2) that Claire Boliver, Simon Hall and Manjit Galsinh report back on work being undertaken in schools to address the poor performance of pupils in English and Maths.
39/16 DWP and BC LEP – Working Together
The Board received a presentation from Sarah Jury-Onen, DWP, which highlighted that ther4 National Employment Rate was 74.5% and the Black Country employment rate was 66.7%, with 81,338 people in receipt of work related benefits.
She stated that the DWP were seeking support from the Advisory Board and wider BC LEP, for the following: - Assist DWP to identify 5-6000 work experience opportunities. She highlighted that the evidence for people accessing work experience was that they generally moved into to employment two weeks earlier and sustained the employment for 9.5 weeks longer. Access BC people for BC jobs. She highlighted that the opportunities were not necessarily there and suggested that through the networks of attendees and the LEP Board, more opportunities could be identified.
Cllr. Simon Hackett commented on work experience and voluntary work in relation to Special Education Needs (SEN) and stated that pupils with a SEN or a disability were not being given enough opportunities. Sarah Jury-Onen agreed to take this message back to the DWP.
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Deniece Gabriel commented that in relation to work experience opportunities as a group, the Advisory Board could develop a multi-strand approach and produce a brochure to there were enough contacts to circulate to local employers on the benefits of offering work experience opportunities.
Claire Boliver stated that Wolverhampton College led on Special Needs and were working with employers to share resources, provide job coaches and transport trainers.
Simon Hall referenced the work of Natspec – an organisation represents over 70 member colleges and the interests of more than 3,000 students with complex learning difficulties or disabilities. He stated that he would provide a full report on their work to the next meeting. The Chair advised that there were communication challenges for the Advisory Board and that there was a need to outline the appropriate strategy to achieve a greater number of work experience opportunities.
Sarah Middleton stated that the FE College and her team could work together to produce a brochure and stated that the LEP Board should agree to the objective and commit to how it would be delivered. The Chair asked the DWP to attend a futre meeting to provide an update on progress
Agreed: - 1) that the Advisory Board note the update; 2) that the Advisory Board ask the BC LEP Board to endorse the objective to promote work experience across the area; 3) that the DWP attend a future meeting to update the Advisory Board on progress; and 4) that a report on Natspec be submitted to the next meeting.
40/16 Combined Authority and Skills – Update (including Productivity & Skills Commission)
Sarah Middleton advised that a detailed report would be submitted to the next Advisory Board setting out the Skills aspect of the Combined Authority and what it means for the Black Country.
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The Chair commented that he had attended several meetings and seen the objectives and aspirations set out but what was now required were actions.
Agreed that the Advisory Board receive a report on the Skills aspect of the Combined Authority in the context of the Black Country.
41/16 Productivity & Skills Commission – Sector Based Skills
i) Construction Sector Working Group – WMCA Construction Pipeline
The Advisory Board were advised that the Black Country Consortium Ltd. and Construction Industry Training Board, Stage 1 of the Sector Skills Plan was to create a “Construction Pipeline” for the West Midlands through to 2030. The aim was to identify the requirements of the construction industry, given projects such as HS2, and identify and fill gaps in training provision.
Agreed that the update be noted.
ii) Black Country Sport and Physical Activity Sector Skills Plan 2016-21 (SSAP)
Simon Hall presented the report and highlighted that 70% of employers stated that they had a low number of applicants with required skills; 50% of employers stated that there were a low number of applicants with required skills; 50% of employers stated that there were a low number of applicants with the required attitude, motivation or personality; and 90% of employers stated that there were a low number of applicants with skills specific to the industry and/or sector. He advised that sport was identified as a medium to bring out skills such as regularity, teamwork, motivation, leadership and organisational skills. The Sports Sector Skills Plan 2016- 21 had been developed to address the gaps and shortages, particularly in transferable skills needed to meet the Strategic Economic Plan’s people’s priorities.
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He highlighted that the SSAP set out the ambition for a system’s change, driven by the LEP and Active Black Country Boards delivered through “Sport Skills Factory” priorities: Instigate a cultural shift by championing the importance of the sector and the skills required. Lead the development of the Black Country skill system to ignite, re-tune and accelerate the workforce. Creating the skills continuum to support people through their learning. Focus on apprenticeships to increase the number of opportunities and enhance the quality of provision. Identify and advocate the needs of stakeholders and customers by understanding local workforce trends, patterns and requirements. Drive entrepreneurialism, innovation and business development supporting economic growth. Develop a new generation of leaders and managers in sport and physical activity. Champion the Black Country work on a national platform to raise aspirations and economic value of the sector.
The Chair commented that the recommendations needed to have a route into the SEP agenda and noted the high level of employers a stating that employees did not possess the required skills.
Agreed: - 1) that the Advisory Board note the report and agree to receive progress reports; and 2) that the Advisory Board champion the Sector Skills Plan through Members’ networks.
42/16 Adult Education Budget Devolution – Implications for the Black Country
Jev Bhalla provided a briefing note which informed the meeting of a reduction in the adult learning budget and how funding was devolved across the West Midlands area. He advised that adult and community learning organisations (ACLs) sat alongside FE Colleges and provided support for adult apprenticeships, English for speakers of other languages, literacy and numeracy, support to get “work-ready” and provided an outreach service.
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He asked the Board to consider: - 1) Were the allocation/funds targeting appropriate needs. 2) Note the work and best practise already in place to avoid duplication. 3) Consider the clarity of the roles of the providers. 4) Consider whether the Advisory Board should be preparing a position and case to support the Black Country ambitions and challenges.
Following consideration, the following comments were noted: - WMCA needs to identify priority areas and allocate thus BC LEP would need to highlight needs for Adult Learning. Wolverhampton College supported the report and Claire Boliver advised that the WMCA Skills and Productivity Group had ACL as part of their agenda. She confirmed that she would ensure that she would work to protect the budget for ACL when it was devolved. Sarah Middleton stated that the SEP Board had developed a performance management framework with KPI’s but it was noted that the ACL was a missing bit of governance. She suggested that the Advisory Board should seek the three LEP Chairs support for the ACL agenda.
In the context of the overall distribution of funding the Chair expressed concern at the reduction in the adult learning budget and commented that it was important in the context of adult employment. As the WMCA was developing he stated that it presented an opportunity to raise the matter for the Productivity and Skills Commission and highlight the importance of the issue.
Agreed: - 1) that the update be noted; and 2) that the three WM LEP Chairs be asked to support the inclusion of Adult Eduction, as a priority for the Productivity and Skills Commission.
43/16 FE Area Review – Update
Claire Boliver provide an update to the Board. She advised that the report had been completed, was to be published imminently and advised of the recommendations: - Dudley College to remain independent and collaborate; 8
Sandwell College to remain independent and collaborate; Halesowen College and King Edwards Sixth Form are becoming part of an Academy Trust and would remain independent; Walsall College will seek partnership/merger opportunities with South Staffordshire College; City of Wolverhampton College to be given a 6-month extension (December 2016) to consider options around historic debt reduction.
She stated that within the commitment for each college to work collaboratively, it had been agreed that each college would take a lead on priority areas of work. These were: - Sandwell College – Apprenticeships; City of Wolverhampton College - High Needs Provision; Dudley College - Adult Skills; Walsall College - Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) and Literacy and Numeracy; Halesowen College - Higher Education and Shared Services; and King Edward VI College - Profile of the Black Country Colleges.
Agreed that the update be noted.
43/16 Careers Advice and Guidance – Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC)
i) Enterprise Adviser Update
Deniece Gabriel provided an update and stated that Network meetings had been held and that there was still a need to recruit more Advisers.
Jayne Kelly commented that there was some overlap with the work the DWP did within schools and Deniece Gabriel advised that she had worked with the DWP to provide a “Yellow Pages Directory” for the Careers Services.
ii) CEC Investment Fund – new Black Country Programme
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Colin Parker advised the meeting that the BC LEP had been successful in CEC Investment funding. The bid had identified five transformational sectors which were suffering from a skills shortage and consequently hard to fill vacancies – Advanced Manufacturing, Transport Technologies, Building Technologies, Environmental Technologies and Business Services.
He advised that the “Passport to Employment” was a set of three activities to target Year 9 pupils: a skills challenge event; a getting a job in the sector event; and an in-compnay experience day for teachers. The aim was to involve 2000 Year 9 pupils by September 2017, which represented 15% of the Year 9 cohort.
On a question regarding action around the enabling sectors ie health, Colin Parker acknowledged that there was a need but advised that these had not been the basis of a bid for this funding stream.
Sarah Middleton stated that there was an opportunity for funding across ten sectors thus her team were looking at bidding for other available funding streams. iii) CEC Mentoring Fund
Colin Parker advised the meeting of the Government’s £10 million national mentoring scheme and in relation to the BC advised that £336,000 had been allocated and he advised of the current situation, the focus and the identified priorities for mentoring support in the Black Country.
Jackie Dunne advised of the Higher Education Funding Council which had identified Wards nationally where there was the least access by residents to higher education. She stated that the bid had been led by the University of Wolverhampton and had secured £9 million over the next four years. The aim was to raise aspirations, provide advice and guidance and she agreed to share the information with the BC LEP.
It was noted that there was a lot of funding aimed at the 9-13- year-old age group and that there was a need to evaluate the projects being undertaken.
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Jayne Kelly commented that the impact on what was delivered in the school, had an impact on families and that the DWP operated a scheme for cultural change to get people back into education and work
Agreed that the updates be noted.
44/16 Actions and Final Remarks
The Chair thanked members for their input and attendance.
45/16 Date of Future Meetings
The following dates for meetings in 2017 were agreed and confirmed, all commencing at 8.30 am: - Monday, 16th January 2017; Tuesday 4th April 2017; Tuesday 18th July 2017; and Tuesday 10th October 2017.
Meeting ended at 10.30am
Chairman
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Agenda Item 11
BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP COMPETITIVENESS THEME ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes of the Meeting held at 8:30am on 2nd November 2016 at National Metalforming Centre, 47 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich
Present: Paul Brown – LEP Board (Chair); Charles Addison – MADE in the Midlands; Andy Cox – LEP Board; Paul Nicol – SIMCO; John Poole – FSB; Cllr John Reynolds – Wolverhampton CC; Cllr David Sparks – Dudley MBC; John Wood – Liberty Tom Westley – Westley Group
In Attendance: Sarah Middleton - Black Country Consortium Christine Hamilton – DIT Steve Havins – DIT, West Midlands Katherine Haynes – BEIS Charlie Hopkirk – Black Country Consortium Keren Jones – Wolverhampton City Council Wayne Langford - Black Country Consortium Chris Owen - SMMT Stefan Szabo – DIT, Black Country Angie Took – Black Country Consortium
Apologies
Jonathon Dudley, Marc Fleetham, Richard Halstead and Tim Johnson, Michael Mychajluk
31/16 Welcome and introductions/role and the purpose of the Board
The Chair welcomed everybody to the meeting and members introduced themselves.
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32/16 Minutes of the Meeting held on 6th July 2016
The minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 6th July were circulated.
Paul Nicol referenced Minute 23/16, “He advised that if the initiative was not to be launched before the next meeting it could be launched at MIPIM in October.” He advised that it should read, “He advised that the initiative would not to be launched before the next meeting but that it could be launched at MIPIM.”
Steve Havins advised that Minute 25/16, “Steve Havins referenced European Regional Development Fund and stated that the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) had appointed Coventry University to align funding through the Chamber of Commerce.” He advised that, Coventry University had not been appointed and minute was amended to read: -
“Steve Havins referenced European Regional Development Fund and stated that the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) had asked West Midlands International Trade LLP (WMIT) to re-submit a full application following the withdrawal of Coventry University Enterprises (CUE) from the original project. CUE and WMIT had originally applied with CUE as the lead applicant. To align the delivery model with other English Regions where the DIT delivery partners were the lead applicant.”
He provided an update that the revised and scaled down application had successfully gone through IDG and ESIF committees and WMIT were now awaiting receipt of a funding agreement from DCLG which was expected later in November.
Agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 6th July 2016, to include the amendments detailed above, be received and confirmed as a correct record.
33/16 Combined Authority Updates
Sarah Middleton advised that the Mayoral Order was moving through the legislative processes and that four candidates had declared their intention to stand at the Mayoral Election – James
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Brown, Green Party; Sion Simon, Labour Party; Beverley Neilson, Liberal Democratic Party; and Andy Street, Conservative Party.
She advised that work was proceeding on the Mental Health Commission report and that under the Strategic Economic Plan work was proceeding with the Productivity and Skills Commission.
The Chair queried when the funding would come through, to include the Devo2 deal, and he was advised that £36.5 million had been received and that once major programmes were under way, such as HS2, additional funds would come through.
Sarah Middleton advised that: - the Combined Investment Fund stood at £70 million and was being managed by Invest Birmingham. the Land Fund was approximately a £200 million pot and would be formally established through governance next year. In regard to the Black Country ambition she advised that a bid was being prepared for a Land Remediation grant with aim to bring land back up to standard for house building. the Devo 2 deal, she advised that this was linked to the Autumn Statement and stated that Midlands Engine, the Combined Authority and the three West Midland LEP’s had submitted their respective “asks” to Government. the Employment and Skills and the Apprenticeship Levy she advised that it was not currently being fully utilised in the West Midlands and there was a need to ensure this was retained for the area over a number of years.
On a question in relation to the Land Remediation Fund, the meeting was advised that Wayne Langford was the best point of contact.
Agreed that the update be noted.
34/16 SMMT Benchmark Tool
Chris Owen of SMMT gave a presentation on the SMMT Benchmark Tool – National Manufacturing Competitiveness Levels (NMCL), for use by the Automotive, Rail and Aerospace Industries. He highlighted the partners who had signed up to the NMCL and stated that the Tool’s focus was on order winning competitiveness, above productivity in response to Brexit risks and challenges and 3
to capitalise on opportunities. He stated that the NMCL was designed to support advanced manufacturing supply chain companies, for the identified industries. The NMCL was tailored to meet the needs of the manufacturer ie order winning; provided a single national approach; supported the case for investment both from the private and public sectors; and had strong support from businesses and LEPs.
He advised that several LEPs had provided a letter of support for the NMCL and was seeking similar from the BC LEP. The next steps would be to commence pilot in quarters 4 and 1 of 2016 and 2017 respectively; the national metrics, outputs and impacts were being finalised; and discussions were on-going with HM Government through the Departments of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy and Communities and Local Government for support. The Chair thanked Chris Owen for his presentation, welcomed the framework, advised he supported in principle and could see the value in rolling it out as an extension to the current offer from the Business Growth HUB. He asked how many companies were already involved and was advised that 370 businesses were signed up with a need for 22 assessors, and that there was resource and capacity in place with involvement of Aero SC21 and 85 automotive manufacturers.
John Wood was keen to explore how his group could access the NMCL to operate themselves and Wayne Langford advised that through HVM City there were linkages to 10 500 companies, which he could supply. Chris Owen welcomed further conversations and the opportunity to develop further contacts.
Following these comments, it was
Agreed: - (1) That the Board note the update; and (2) That a Letter of Support be submitted to SMMT from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership.
35/16 Industry 4.0
Charlie Hopkirk gave a presentation on the Industry 4.0, which had also been called the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and was based upon technological changes to include autonomous robots; system 4
integration, cloud computing, cybersecurity etc. He highlighted that industry awareness in the manufacturing community was below 45% but that 80% of manufacturers stated that it would be a business reality by 2025. Thus, there was a need to promote it across BC businesses in order to improve competitiveness and productivity ion the long term. However, to date there had been poor business uptake and engagement from previous programmes and opportunities, linked to a potential shortfall in the expertise of officers and inefficient funding allocations.
The Chair queried what was being done to address the shortfall in officer expertise and the recommendations for the Board were highlighted: - a) The Advisory Board to consider efforts that could be used to enhance awareness and activity of Industry 4.0 in the region; b) Explore levels of awareness of Industry 4.0, to help shape support; c) Utilise support programmes as means of raising awareness and promoting Industry 4.0; d) Consider how to align support with pre-existing programmes; and e) Explore the need for further educating business support officers in Industry 4.0.
The Chair welcomed the presentation and commented that there was a need to raise awareness through marketing and other initiatives. Wayne Langford added that the Competitiveness Advisory Board Members, could act as champions for Industry 4.0 in their respective fields; develop links to business support; consider suitable events to promote Industry 4.0 etc.
It was suggested that suitable NEC conferences could be used to raise awareness.
John Woods commented that he felt infrastructure was poor with no access to superfast broadband in Wolverhampton City Centre and suggested that IT companies should be on board to lead the initiative.
Wayne Langford advised that the digital roll out across the Black Country had provided 97% coverage for superfast broadband access but conceded that this did not cover Wolverhampton City Centre. Sarah Middleton stated that a report would be submitted to 5
the next meeting showing the coverage that had been achieved; the constraints to funding which meant Wolverhampton City Council had not been within the roll out; and the bigger issue that businesses who had coverage were not accessing the opportunity.
Andy Cox commented that Industry 4.0 had been established in Germany, having been used for the last 20 years. He commented that the Growth HUB launch had been poor and there was a need across the UK for businesses to step up to Industry 4.0.
Cllr John Reynolds advised that he was aware businesses did have concern regarding cybercrime and that this presented a barrier to them accessing superfast broadband.
Following these comments the Chair, stated that there was a need to promote awareness but added that the basics should be right.
Agreed: - 1) The Advisory Board to consider efforts that could be used to enhance awareness and activity of Industry 4.0 in the region; 2) Explore levels of awareness of Industry 4.0, to help shape support; 3) Utilise support programmes as means of raising awareness and promoting Industry 4.0; 4) Consider how to align support with pre-existing programmes; and 5) Explore the need for further educating business support officers in Industry 4.0.
36/16 Growth Hub/Business Support a) Business Plan b) Dashboard and outputs
Keren Jones, presented the Business Plan and Dashboard detailing activity of the Growth Hub between April and September 2016 and highlighted that the seven partners had secured £3.5 million towards their work to include an enhance brochure.
She advised that the work undertaken for SME’s was providing information and following enquires through to ensure they received the quality of resource they required. She advised that there were
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three components to the advice, some was free, some charged and some was accessed privately.
Following comments, she agreed that she would bring the final draft of the business plan to the next meeting; the dashboard would have targets against it; and the third element regarding accessing specialist would be thought through.
The Chair commented that there was a need for greater detail on the dashboard as with only 7-10 enquires per day the service should cease. Keren Jones agreed to provide greater detail and look at comparators with neighbouring the neighbouring West Midland LEPs.
Andy Cox, as Growth HUB Champion, commented that he felt the Growth HUB was targeting the “low hanging fruit” and that strategic business engagement was required. He felt that currently there was a lack of vision within the Growth HUB as to the activity they should undertake.
Following additional comments, it was acknowledged that a marketing strategy should be in place and that a revised business plan and updated dashboard would be submitted to the next meeting.
Agreed that an updates business plan, dashboard information and marketing strategy be submitted to the next meeting.
37/16 Strategic Business Engagement
Paul Nicol, presented a briefing note and highlighted that the BC SEP programme B1: A Supply Chain Fit to Supply, contained the objective that the LEP would “work with our strategic companies and SMEs to enable Black Country companies to better exploit supply chain opportunities.”
He highlighted that as BEIS WM had reported that the LEP was perceived as weak in this area and thus the aim was to work with local authority partners and Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton have existing consultative strategic business groups. It was noted that Dudley MBC had a resource issue and Cllr. David Sparks asked that any specific difficulties be notified direct to him. It was also noted that the Chair of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre had 7
facilitated the launch of the Strategic Business Engagement in March 2016.
Using these existing groups there was potential for the LEP to work closely with them to consult the strategic business community on activity and proposals, to act a sounding board and a critical friend, advising on how existing activity could be improved and identifying new activity.
On a question on further activity, he advised that a he would be meeting with the Chair of the Grand Theatre.
Agreed that the update be noted.
38/16 Science and Innovation Audit
Pam Waddell gave a presentation on the Midlands Engine Science and Innovation Audit, highlighting that: - Public investment in the science base generated returns of at least 20% per annum in perpetuity in the private sector; With 1% of the world’s population the UK produced 6.4% of world publications, and receives 15.9% of citations with highest impact; and Consequently, driving science and innovation for productivity was prioritised by LEPs, WMCA, ME and UK Industrial Strategy.
She stated that all recognise that science and innovation strengths and opportunities vary by place and need to be evidenced and understood in order to prioritise investment and target action
It was commented that there needed to be a change in universities as they were not perceived as outward facing and the gap between attitudes and engagement needed to be bridged.
The Chairman welcomed the update and commented that he was aware the majority of LEPs did have an Innovation Group
Agreed: - 1) that the update be noted; and 2) that the BC LEP be requested to establish an Innovations Sub-Group.
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39/16 Department of International Trade (DIT) Update Report
Christine Hamilton, Steve Havins and Stefan Szabo were in attendance to report on this matter. Christine advised that Stefan Szabo was the lead for the Black Country.
The Chair referred to the 2020 target and asked how far off was this being achieved. He was advised that an announcement was scheduled for 14 November which would update on the 2020 target.
Stefan Szabo stated that the target for the Black Country was to work proactively with 250 SME’s and that there was a hold up with identifying these as permission was need to share the BC LEP database.
Andy Cox commented that there was a need to change priorities as currently from his perspective the emphasis was placed on measuring criteria, it was target driven and the focus was on reports when the main aim should be getting companies to the market place. He stated that the 18-month programme of events ended in February 2017, which was not fit for his, or other, businesses. He expressed other frustrations with how the Department operated to include recruitment and stated that the Midlands Engine represented a unique opportunity to help achieve the 2020 goal of £1 trillion worth of exports.
It was explained that in February the Department would again look at funding for 2017; that the recruitment exercise was for people with different skill sets to those made redundant and that DIT were focusing on three elements of grant support for international growth, taking businesses to overseas markets and bringing businesses from overseas to the Midlands.
Councillor David Sparks highlighted the funding agreement for local government being over a four year timescale and stated that it was not inevitable that this could be replicated across the public sector if pressure was applied to Ministers.
The Chair asked how additional support could be obtained for the Black Country and he was advised that it was a regional programme with support split equitably across the LEP geography.
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Agreed that the update and comments be noted.
40/16 LEP Business Communications Strategy
Angie Took, stated that work had commenced on the Business Communications Strategy with elements to consider how the priorities fitted in with the SEP, identifying work done with the Growth HUB but that there was a need to populate the Strategy and for this she sought the role of a Marketing and Communications Champion from the Board, along with Wayne Langford and Dan Carins, who were part of the group.
Agreed: -
1) That the emerging strategy document be noted; and 2) That Andy Cox be the nominated as the Marketing and Communications Champion.
41/16 Employment and Skills Board – update on Careers Enterprise Programme
Wayne Langford provided an update on the apprenticeship scheme, highlighting that 13% of employer establishments in the Black Country provided work inspiration; 38% of employer establishments in the Black Country had people on work experience, but stated that the update had missed the element in relation to Enterprise Advisors and agreed to bring back an update to the next meeting.
The Chair asked that the relevant lead officer attend the next meeting as the Advisory Board may wish to “drill down” into the figures provided.
John Wood advised that his company wished to support the programme but explained the difficulties his team member had experienced when trying to engage with the programme.
Agreed that the Director of the Skills Factory attend the next meeting to report on the Careers Enterprise Programme.
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42/16 Any Other Business
a) HVM City
Wayne Langford provide an update to the Advisory Board and agreed to share the Work Programme.
b) Power and Growth Update
Wayne Langford stated that a smaller cohort would visit Engie at the Olympic Village and advised that the arrangements would be co-ordinated by the Secretariat.
c) Big Five In Dubai
Christine Hamilton stated that a trade visit was being undertaken to Dubai and that there three places were available for the Black Country.
Agreed that the dashboards be noted.
43/16 Dates of Future Meetings - 2017
Agreed that the following meeting dates, all to be held on a Wednesday commencing at 8.30 am, be confirmed for the year 2017: - 1st February; 3rd May; 12th July; and 1st November.
Meeting ended at 10.40am.
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Agenda Item 12 Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership
21st November 2016
Black Country LEP Assurance Framework - revised
1. Background 1.1 Walsall MBC as the accountable body have further reviewed and amended the Assurance Framework.
2. Recommendations 2.1 That the Board note and approve the revised Black Country LEP Assurance Framework.
3. Report Detail Walsall MBC as the accountable body have reviewed and amended the Assurance Framework and requested further amendments.
1. Please note the updates/amendments to the ‘Section 1.3 LEP Governance’ as detailed below: -
Reference to the Theme Advisory Groups making recommendation on applications for funding has now been removed in line with the Terms of Reference for these Groups.
2. Please note the updates/amendments to the section ‘Section 2.1 Local Authority Accountable Body Structures’ as detailed below: -
Inclusion of the reference to the Combined Authority Land Remediation Fund with regards to the Black Country Executive Joint Committee, Black Country City Deal and Growth Deal Advisory Board, Working Group and Collaboration Agreement. Review and recommendation for strategic investment in relation to City Deal and Growth Deal, the scope has been widened to now include the Combined Authority Land Remediation Fund.
3. Please note the following updates/amendments to the section ‘5.14 Project Lifecycle’ as detailed below:
Further refinements to include reference to Walsall Accountable Body Stage 2 due diligence earlier into the evaluation and approval process.
4. Please note the revised Appendix 7 – Programme Management Office Terms of Reference’ which has now been updated to reflect change in PMO structure.
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive, Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Hywel Ruddick Tel: 01384 471104 Email:[email protected]
SOURCE MATERIAL Black Country LEP Assurance Framework - http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us/our- board/assurance-framework
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BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP
ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK
Version 7 – Revised November 2016
Any enquiries relating to the Framework should, in the first instance, be directed to: -
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd The Deckhouse Waterfront West Dudley Road Brierley Hill DY5 1LW
Phone – 01384 471102 Email – [email protected]
1 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
Report Structure
Section 1 LEP Governance and Decision Making Page 3
1.1 Name 1.2 Geography 1.3 LEP Governance 1.4 Cross LEP Working and Engagement
Section 2 Local Authority Partnership Working Across the LEP Page 8
2.1 Local Authority Accountable Body Structure 2.2 Team Black Country
Section 3 Transparent Decision Making Page 12
3.1 Governance Overview 3.2 Registration and Declaration of Interests 3.3 Gifts and Hospitality 3.4 Stakeholder Engagement 3.5 Developing Prioritising and Appraising 3.6 Availability of Information on Line
Section 4 Accountable Decision Making Page 16
4.1 Status and Role of Accountable Body 4.2 Audit and Scrutiny 4.3 Strategic Objective and Purpose 4.4 Working Arrangements and Meeting Frequency 4.5 Transparency and Local Engagement 4.6 Equality and Diversity 4.7 Complaints and Whistleblowing 4.8 The Decision Making Process
Section 5 Ensuring Value for Money Page 19
5.1 Black Country Consortium Limited 5.2 Project Lifecycle 5.3 Principles 5.4 Stakeholders 5.5 Documents 5.6 The Five Case Model 5.7 Project Register 5.8 Project Prioritisation 5.9 Strategic Fit with SEP Objectives 5.10 Value for Money 5.11 Delivery Timing and Risk 5.12 Scoring Matrix 5.13 Complaints Procedure 5.14 Project Lifecycle 5.15 Contracts Claims Process
2 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
SECTION 1 LEP Governance and Decision Making
1.1 Name
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership.
1.2 Geography
The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) covers the geographical boundary of the Boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and the City of Wolverhampton, it covers 356 square kilometres and sits at the heart of England, forming the western part of the West Midlands Metropolitan Area, the largest conurbation outside London.
A map of the area can be found at Appendix 1
1.3 LEP Governance
Roles and Responsibilities:
1.3.1 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Structures
Details of the LEP structure are set out below:-
1.3.2 The Local Enterprise Partnership Board (Appendix 2)
The Board provides the clear vision and strategic leadership to enable the delivery of the Black Country Strategy Economic Plan (SEP) and, using the resources under its direction and engaging with local business, local authorities, government and government agencies and other local stakeholders, provides a vehicle through which innovative funding/development mechanisms to drive major change and investment can be secured.
The roles and responsibilities of the Black Country Strategic Transport Board, which previously operated as a LEP Sub-Board, are now fully integrated into the main Black Country LEP Board.
Further details can be found at www.blackcountrylep.co.uk .
1.3.3 Membership
The LEP Board has been established since 2012 and currently comprises 13 members; a Private Sector Chairman, 6 Private Sector Members, 1 representative from the social enterprise sector, the 4 local authority Leaders and one representative each of the higher and further education sectors.
Local Authority Members may nominate a named alternate who should normally be a cabinet portfolio holder to act as their deputy in exceptional circumstances.
All Board Members (except for Council Leaders) will normally serve for a period of two years renewable for one further term subject to the approval of the Board and subject to such performance review process as the Board may establish.
Further details can be found at http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us/our-board.
3 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
Theme Advisory Groups and LEP Board Sub - Groups
1.3.4 Reporting and making recommendations to the LEP and/or Joint Committee the Theme Advisory Groups and Funding Applications Sub-Group are not therefore subject to the requirements of paragraph 3.1.1(j) of the Governance Protocols
1.3.5 The LEP Board has established three Theme Advisory Groups to advise, make recommendations and co-ordinate activity and engagement on the direction, development and application of funding in respect of each the three SEP themes; people, place and business.
More specifically the individual Groups will:-
i) People Theme Advisory Group (including role of Black Country Employment and Skills Board) (Appendix 3)
Act as the leading strategic support body to the LEP providing a forum for the engagement of private sector employers and liaison with public sector employers to develop, formulate and co-ordinate policies and proposals relating to employability, education and skills that support the Black Country’s strategic aim to grow its global supply chain with the world class skills it demands, to maximise the benefits of the region’s location.
Further details can be found at www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us
ii) Business: Competitiveness and Enterprise Theme Advisory Group (Appendix 4)
Act as the leading strategic support body to the LEP providing a forum for the engagement of private sector employers, intermediaries and liaison with public sector agencies to develop, formulate and co-ordinate policies and proposals within the theme area and enabling businesses in our key sectors to grow and deliver our contribution to the implementation of the SEP through the development of our economic, social and physical infrastructure
Further details can be found at www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us
iii) Place Making and Land Theme Advisory Group (Appendix 5)
Act as the leading strategic support body to the LEP providing a forum for the engagement of private sector investors and developers in liaison with public sector planning authorities to develop, inform and co-ordinate policies and proposals relating to the environment, green growth, brownfield land, land for housing, transport schemes and the development of the visitor economy that support the Black Country’s strategic aim to grow its global supply chain with the world class locations it demands to maximise the benefits of the region’s location.
Further details can be found at www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us
iv) Funding Applications Sub-Group (formerly Regional Growth Fund/Growing Places Sub-Group) (Appendix 6)
Consider and make recommendations to the LEP Board concerning applications for Growth Deal, Regional Growth Fund, Growing Places and Public Works Loan Board Funding and monitor the overall effectiveness and use of the funds.
Further details can be found at www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us
4 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
Other Project Steering Groups and Informal or Time-Limited Working Groups
1.3.6 Reporting and making recommendations to the LEP, Theme Advisory Groups and/or Joint Committee and not therefore subject to the Requirements of paragraph 3.1.1(j) of the Governance Protocols
i) Black Country Elite Centre Feasibility Steering Group
Drive forward and make recommendations to the LEP via the People Theme Advisory Group on the necessary steps to complete the feasibility study & optimal business case for the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills in a timely way meeting the requirements of the Growth Deal funding and to gaining approval to proceed (through a lead development partner) to the full development of the Elite Centre in 2016.
ii) City Deal Housing, Jobs and Prosperity Pilot Project Steering Group
Led by Accord Housing the Group co-ordinates the housing led Housing, Jobs and Prosperity Pilot
Project whose overriding purpose is to ensure that social housing tenants get linked up with work initiatives and benefit from the economic growth which will come about as part of the wider Black Country City Deal.
iii) Black Country Broadband Plan Project Board (Group)
The Group is responsible for reviewing and reporting to the LEP and Joint Committee on the supplier’s detailed performance of the contract for the rollout of the Black Country Broadband Plan.
iv) Black Country Access to Finance Group
The role of the Group is to report and make recommendations to the LEP (via the Business Theme Group) on the business finance challenges and barriers facing the Black Country and engage with intermediaries and local business to make recommendations as to solutions to these issues.
v) Black Country Growth Hub Steering Group
Comprising members from the local authorities, University of Wolverhampton, Black Country Chamber, Black Country Consortium, the Manufacturing Advisory Service, UKTI and Pera Consulting the Group provides strategic leadership and direction for the Black Country Growth Hub thus ensuring its impact on businesses in the region, brings together and enhances business support services for the Black Country in particular for the High Value Manufacturing sector and appropriate communication and leadership back into respective partner organisations and the business community to ensure objectives are met.
vi) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Operations Group
The Group comprises the four local authorities, UKTI, Made in Britain (programme partner), Black Country Consortium and the Invest Black Country (IBC) team. Its function is to update on the activities and performance of IBC, review the pipeline of enquiries, capture local intelligence from each respective organisation and assist the development and delivery of IBC Strategy and Action plan. The Group provides co-ordination across partners to raise awareness of the Black Country as an investment destination, capture investment interest for the area and assist indigenous foreign owned growth.
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vii) Black Country Social Enterprise Cabinet
The Cabinet provides a biannual forum for infrastructure social enterprise support organisations in the Black Country to discuss and make recommendations to the LEP (via the Business Theme Group) or to other agencies on collaborative working to grow a flourishing social enterprise sector across the Black Country.
viii) Aerospace Growth Partnership
Led by Wolverhampton City Council the Group is examining ways to deliver closer supply chain collaboration; provide workforce development and technology transfer between the aerospace companies and their suppliers.
ix) Black Country Enterprise Zone Management Steering Group
The Group co-ordinates activity, to secure the successful delivery and impact through management, development and marketing of an integrated Enterprise Zone approach focussing on key priorities and enabling engagement.
Further details can be found at http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us
x) Black Country Environment Forum
The Group brings together agencies and stakeholders to discuss and make recommendations (via the Place Theme Group) on the steps necessary to facilitate and champion a step in change in the image and environmental quality of the Black Country to underpin social and economic transformation and help meet the challenges of growth making the most of the existing diversity of the Black Country’s natural and built environment, particularly its canals, open spaces and industrial, architectural and geological heritage.
xi) Black Country Green Growth Group
The Group aims to bring together interested agencies and stakeholders to develop a pipeline of projects and make recommendations on the development and delivery of the Green Growth Strategy that aims to establish the Black Country as leading centre for the manufacturing and deployment of key technologies and solutions underpinning the growing global low carbon economy with a particular focus in the energy, housing and transport industries.
xii) Visit THE Black Country Partnership
The Group engages with the tourism industry generally to ensure the widest participation and exchange of information and views to act as a voice and a ‘champion’ of tourism in the Region
xiii) City Deal Programme Management Group
The Group is responsible for providing oversight of the City Deal, identifying potential areas of collaboration and cross working and for collating information to government on key aspects of the City Deal
Details of all these Groups can be found at http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us
1.3.7 Black Country Consortium Ltd
The Consortium is a company limited by guarantee (Incorporated Number 05159791) whose purpose is to champion the urban renaissance aspirations of the Black Country and more
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specifically to direct and support the delivery of the Strategic Economic Plan. The Consortium provides the secretariat to the LEP and the financial and legal framework with which the LEP operates as a committee of the Consortium. The four Black Country local authorities provide annual subscriptions as core funding to the business.
Further details concerning the activities of Black Country Consortium Ltd can be found at www.the-blackcountry.co.uk
1.3.8 SEP Programme Office
A dedicated, innovative and proactive SEP Programme Office has been established within Black Country Consortium Ltd to support all aspects of SEP programme direction and management.
The Programme Office will be led by a SEP Delivery Director with responsibility for the timely delivery of an integrated economic growth delivery programme for the Black Country by providing project and programme management expertise to Team Black Country ensuring projects are selected, planned, managed and closed using the principles of best practice project management. A key aspect of the role is to ensure resources are spent with regularity, propriety and provide for value for money.
The role will work in close collaboration with the Accountable Body and the BCC Ltd team who will provide strategic oversight, intelligence and advocacy to the SEP/Growth Deal programme management and additional capacity to the Programme Office through its Black Country European Policy Co-ordinator and the Black Country Economic Intelligence Unit. The role of the Joint Committee Programme Manager, and oversight of the Joint Committee Secretariat, remains with the Accountable Body and a summary of these responsibilities can be found at section 4.1.
The Programme Office will define a practical fit for purpose project management methodology based on best practice and deploy the Performance Management Information System (PMIS) – VERTO, a cloud based system designed specifically for the public sector that supports programme and project management best practice (Prince2, MSP, P30 etc.);
The Programme Office will provide training and mentoring to Project Managers, Sponsors and team members from Team Black Country to ensure that the project methodology and supporting PMIS is fully understood and used. The Programme Office will enable Team Back Country to establish and develop project management as a core competency. The terms of reference and structure for the Programme Office are set out in Appendix 7.
Further details for the SEP Programme Office can be found on the LEP website www.blackcountrylep.co.uk and the Black Country Consortium Ltd website www.the- blackcountry.co.uk.
1.4 Cross LEP Working and Engagement 1.4.1 West Midlands LEP Chairmen
West Midlands LEP Chairmen meet approximately quarterly to discuss issues of common concern and to consider and develop areas of joint working. The meeting is supported by regular meetings of LEP Senior Officers.
Information on individual West Midland LEPs can be found via the following links: Coventry and Warwickshire LEP: www.cwlep.com Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP: www.centreofenterprise.com The Marches LEP: www.marcheslep.org.uk Stoke and Staffordshire LEP: www.stokestaffslep.org.uk
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Worcestershire LEP: www.wlep.co.uk
1.4.2 Cross-LEP groups also meet to focus on specific issues such as transport and finance. The cross-LEP statement on transport is set out at Appendix 8.
SECTION 2 Local Authority Partnership Working Across the LEP
2.1 Local Authority Accountable Body Structures
Local Authorities act as Accountable Bodies for the various funds available to support the LEP’s activities as follows:-
Sandwell MBC – Growing Places, Regional Growth Fund, Broadband Project Plan and Public Works Loan Board Fund (including both City Deal and Growth Deal elements).
Walsall MBC – City Deal, EU Technical Assistance Team, Local Growth Fund (including the Growth Hub Growth Deal funding from July 2015) and LEP Strategic Fund
Wolverhampton CC – Enterprise Zones and Growth Hub City Deal (funding up to the end of June 2015)
Dudley MBC – Youth Employment Initiative (YEI)
Black Country Executive Joint Committee (Appendix 9)
Established by Dudley MBC, Sandwell MBC, Walsall MBC and City of Wolverhampton Council the Black Country Joint Committee acts as a strategic body in relation to the City Deal, Growth Deal and the Combined Authority’s Land Remediation Fund setting and reviewing objectives for strategic investment across the Black Country, providing a coherent single position on the major strategic issues, agreeing the allocation of spending and major priorities.
The Chairman of the LEP Board (or his authorised nominee) is an ex officio member of the Joint Committee and is entitled to speak on City Deal, Growth Deal and Combined Authority’s Land Remediation Fund matters but not vote. Reports from the Advisory Board are presented by the appropriate Working Group member with input from the LEP Chairman.
Further details can be found at http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/index/council_and_democracy/black_country_joint_committee.htm the webpage for the Black Country Joint Committee secretariat.
Black Country City Deal and Growth Deal Advisory Board (Appendix 10)
Established by the four Black Country local authorities, the Joint Committee Advisory Board acts as a strategic advisory body; reviewing and recommending to the Joint Committee objectives for strategic investment across the Black Country in relation to the City Deal, Growth Deal and the Combined Authority’s Land Remediation Fund.
The membership of the Board includes four private sector representatives nominated by the LEP Board. They are three LEP Board members and a private sector representative interested in transport. Other private sector LEP Board members act as nominees for the lead members and provide a pool of additional expertise on a rotational basis.
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Further details can be found at www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us.
Working Group (Appendix 11)
The overall role of this Group comprising the four Local Authority Heads of Regeneration, Consortium Chief Executive, Black Country Director of Transport and a Private Sector LEP Board Member is, with support from the Programme Management Office, to devise, oversee, manage and monitor the City Deal, Growth Deal and the Combined Authority’s Land Remediation Fund and review and evaluate on a regular basis ongoing individual project’s progression and delivery against the business case for the project, including any key milestones, financial spend and compliance with any central Government grant terms, and report and make recommendations to the Advisory Board as appropriate.
Collaboration Agreement (Appendix 12)
The four local authorities and Black Country Consortium Ltd. have entered into a collaborative agreement that establishes a legal framework for joint working in relation to the functions of the Joint Committee. This agreement places equal responsibility on all four Black Country Local Authorities and the Black Country Consortium for the underwriting of the Joint Committee programme. The Agreement gives delegated authority from each of the four Local Authority Cabinets to the Joint Committee. The four Local Authorities have delegated their functions for City Deal, Growth Deal and the Combined Authority’s Land Remediation Fund and this was approved by each of the Local Authorities’ Cabinets during the autumn of 2014. Therefore, when the Joint Committee approves a decision for City Deal, Growth Deals or the Combined Authority’s Land Remediation Fund, it is acting, in effect, as Cabinet for each of the Local Authorities. Walsall Council, as Secretary to the Joint Committee and Advisory Board, reports to the Joint Committee, following which the Joint Committee may authorise signature by Council officers without having to go to individual Cabinets for authority to do so. Given this delegated authority, all four Local Authorities have amended their internal grant approval processes (e.g. approval to give out and receive grants) to reflect the new arrangements relating to City Deal and Growth Deal Funds.
Further details can be found at Appendix 12 and at http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/index/council_and_democracy/black_country_joint_committee/bcjc_repo rts/bcjc_reports_7_may_2014.htm
2.2 ‘Team Black Country’
2.2.1 The establishment of ‘Team Black Country’ is an ongoing process reflecting the recognition that closer integration of the skills and resources of the Black Country Local Authorities can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of SEP delivery. A culture of collaboration, reducing areas of duplication and aligning skill sets, offers the potential to achieve real efficiencies in the management and delivery of SEP programmes. Team Black Country recognises the shared issues and challenges across the Black Country and the benefits to be derived from a more responsive and agile resource management process to meet the variable needs across the Black Country and between programme areas. A range of key growth related activities can operate on a pan-Black Country basis and Team Black Country will provide the mechanism for more coordinated and efficient delivery of such activities.
2.2.2 A set of principles has been endorsed by the LEP Board as the framework for Team Black Country to guide cultural change and working practices amongst Black Country local authorities:-
1. It is in our joint interests to progress Team Black Country. It is the logical next step to closer collaboration in a time of austerity but also an opportunity for the Black Country LEP
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2. We need a mindset which is Black Country first. We will all benefit when we work jointly for the Black Country’s benefit. 3. We need honesty, seniority and leadership from officers of the four local authorities. 4. We must be prepared to use time, resources and people to help one another out, not just between the Local Authorities but also drawing in other public and, importantly, private sector and voluntary sector expertise. 5. There will never be a precise correlation between what we put in and what we get out. That is fine. 6. We will empower the SEP Programme Manager and agree to work positively with the Local Authorities. They will challenge each of us as they rightly should. They will be responsible for ensuring delivery of the Black Country Programme and we are choosing to employ them to assist us to make a step change in programme delivery and programme/pipeline development. We help their success and they help our own. 7. When we are successful it is to all of our credit. It is likely a lot of that credit will be badged at the LEP's. It is in our interest for this to happen, for it is through LEPs that money is flowing and we are in a national competition for resources and attention. Political credit will always be secured too. 8. Team Black Country will operate with pace. It will be fluid and it will spot and take opportunities. Its processes will be as slick as possible and its governance diligent but proportionate. 9. Team Black Country will be positive for our officers and their future development. It gives us a chance to stretch and develop our own capability locally: a Black Country 'talent pool'. 10. A pooled approach to resourcing project development costs for pan-Black Country initiatives and to address strategic opportunities will support a more responsive approach to delivery. 11. Where any authority or partner, or their staff, are not working in accordance with our Team Black Country approach we will deal with it quickly and honestly. When we make decisions together we will stick to them. We will act as if bound by 'Cabinet collective responsibility'.
2.2.3 Black Country Transport Working
The Black Country Transport Officers Group has been established to provide technical and policy advice to the LEP, Joint Committee and Joint Advisory Board and to the West Midlands’ Strategic Transport Officers Group on transport matters, co-ordinate technical views, option appraisals and strategic/background information in relation to individual schemes or higher level transport interventions and to develop, conduct initial appraisal and advise upon transport schemes. The Group comprises officers from the four local authorities, the Integrated Transport Authority, TfWM, Network Rail, Highways Agency and the Department for Transport by invitation.
The post of Black Country Director of Transport, responsible to the Managing Director of Wolverhampton City Council, has been established to focus on the development of well evidenced transport schemes that can be developed into a strong pipeline. This includes working with partners on scheme design & development, identifying funding sources and ensuring scheme delivery as part of the Strategic Economic Plan. In addition, the Director inputs into the Core Strategy Review and acts as a member of Team Black Country to put the Black Country in a strong position in any joint working and funding arrangements.
2.2.4 EU Funding Technical Assistance Team
Walsall Council acts as the Accountable Body for the European Union (EU) Technical Assistance Team on behalf of the Black Country. The role of the team of three officers includes programme monitoring, compliance and performance management, together with
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intervention design and management where action to get the programmes projects back on track is required. The Team also provides guidance for individuals and organisations through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) application processes to successful approval, successful project initiation, delivery and completion. The Team also supports the successful prosecution and completion of all ERDF projects and initiatives approved as part of the 2007 – 2014 Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) package for the Black Country.
This activity currently mainly relates to the 2007-14 ERDF Programme but the Team is also engaged in supporting the development of the 2014-20 Programme including the development of a pipeline of projects and guidance to support new governance arrangements, bidding agreements and Programme start up. The work of the BCTA team will continue throughout the new programme, and a funding submission to support both ERDF and ESF work has been submitted to DCLG, with match secured from the four Local Authorities and the LEP to support this future activity’.
2.2.5 Collaborative Working Task Group
This time limited group brings together officers working on the development of LEP, Joint Committee and other collaborative structures and the administration and management of the various funding streams to ensure that there is a collective understanding of roles and purpose with the aim of working towards a seamless Black Country management of these areas of activity.
2.2.6 Invest Black Country
Invest Black Country (IBC) works to increase the numbers of Inward Investment opportunities successfully landed by the Black Country by developing and promoting the best possible propositions and taking these to the market place.
IBC delivery is achieved through team work, the three core staff (2.2FTE’s) work with colleagues throughout the 4 Black Country Councils, the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and their partners to co-ordinate investment proposition development, responding effectively to enquiries.
Key to success is maximising the benefits that can be drawn from the UKTI service, getting this right has resulted in many new investments landing in the Black Country.
IBC provides a single point of contact for companies looking to relocate and investors looking to develop in the Black Country, together with the capacity to actively target investment funds looking for long term investment opportunities.
Through IBC, the Black Country is able to direct the work of regional partnerships including: Drive West Midlands and the West Midlands Investment Forum, and is regularly represented at global shows through its partnership with Marketing Birmingham.
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SECTION 3
Transparent Decision Making
3.1 Governance Overview
3.1.1 Governance Protocols
a. The Secretariat to the LEP will be provided by Black Country Consortium Ltd.
b. The Partnership may establish such groups or committees as may be necessary to facilitate the conduct of its business. For the time being they will comprise the Sub-Group and Theme Advisory Groups set out at paragraph 1.3.5 and the informal and time limited Groups set out at paragraph 1.3.6 c. The Board is established as a Committee of the Directors of Black Country Consortium Limited and its proceedings will, as far as possible, be conducted in accordance with the requirements of this framework and the relevant Consortium Articles of Association. d. The Board may elect a local authority member and a private sector member to act as Deputy- Chairmen. e. The Chairman or in his absence the Deputy Chairmen, may call a meeting of the Board at any time, giving not less than seven days’ notice. f. Where an emergency meeting is called the notice period may be waived and the reason for doing so will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. g. Notwithstanding the requirements of the Access to Information Rules (see paragraphs j and k) meetings will be attended by:
i. Board Members, ii. the Black Country Consortium Chief Executive as head of the Partnership Secretariat and such members of her staff that she requires to support her in this role, iii. Local Authority Chief Executives; iv. other observers by resolution of the Board or at the request of the Chairman where expert input is required for a particular discussion item; v. BEIS Regional Director or Liaison Officer.
Quorum
h. No business will be transacted at a meeting of the Board unless at least four Members of the Board are present at least two of whom shall be private sector Members.
Voting and Decisions
i. All decisions will be made with a consensus approach. If necessary a vote will be taken. Any decisions put to the vote shall be decided by a majority of the Members present and voting at that meeting. Voting shall be by such means as may be agreed by the Members present at a meeting provided that the Chairman or any Member may request a vote to be taken by a show of hands on any resolution or business before a meeting.
Access to Information Rules and Freedom of Information, etc. Requests
j. Meetings of the LEP Board will, in addition to these protocols, comply with the Access to Information Rules set out at Appendix 13 k. Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulation requests will be dealt with via the Accountable Body.
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l. If the LEP Board agrees at any time in the future to establish any Sub-Group with delegated powers in respect of any of its functions. The meetings of that Sub-Group will also comply with the Access to Information Rules.
Minutes
m. Subject to the requirements of the Access to Information Rules, minutes of the Board proceedings will be drawn up and kept electronically, as will all Board papers. The minutes shall be submitted to the next meeting for approval as to their accuracy. The minutes as approved shall be signed by the Chairman of the meeting to which they are submitted and if so signed shall be received as conclusive evidence of the facts stated therein and the meeting had been duly convened and validly held. n. The names of the Members present at a meeting shall be recorded in the minutes. If any officer or employee of the Partnership, Black Country Consortium or any other organisation attends the meeting the name of that officer or employee shall be recorded as being in attendance. o. Minutes are available to the public on the LEP website http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us/our-board/lep-board-meetings
Engagement Events
p. The Board will hold periodic open events for discussion and engagement with the private sector and other stakeholders to monitor and discuss the progress of the Partnership at such time and place as the Board may from time to time determine.
Annual Review
q. The LEP will publish an annual review document detailing its activities. This will be distributed to stakeholders and be available on the LEP website www.blackcountrylep.co.uk
3.1.2 Review of this document
These protocols will be reviewed annually and variations to the protocols will only be made after consultation with the LEP Board and the Section 151 Officer of the Accountable Body.
3.1.3 Pecuniary Interests – Conduct of Board business
All business of the Partnership will be conducted in accordance with the Nolan principles of public life:-
a. Selflessness Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. b. Integrity Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties. c. Objectivity In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merits. d. Accountability Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
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e. Openness Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands. f. Honesty Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest. g. Leadership Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
3.2. Registration and Declaration of Interests
3.2.1 Members of the LEP Partnership Board must register their interests; elected members will have already undergone this procedure and their own local authority’s register of interests will be sufficient except they will be asked if they need to make any additional declarations to reflect the application of the code across the LEP geography. A collated register of interests of all members of the LEP will be maintained and will be available on the LEP website www.blackcountrylep.co.uk. The registration of interests procedure for all other members of the Partnership Board will follow the Members’ Code of Conduct set out in part 5 of the Accountable Body’s Constitution and the relevant paragraphs are, set out as Appendix 14. Where the appendix refers to Walsall Council this will be taken as referring to the LEP and its geographic area.
3.2.2 Members must act in the interest of the whole Black Country LEP area and not in the interest of their sector or geographical area.
3.2.3 Completed registration of interest forms will be available on the LEP website http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us.
3.3. Gifts and Hospitality
3.3.1 Gifts and hospitality policy for elected members will be the same as that of their own local authority. Copies of these will be available on the respective members own local authority website. A collated register will be updated and made available on the LEP website www.blackcountrylep.co.uk.
3.3.2 For all other LEP Board members, the Accountable Body’s Code of Conduct will be used to declare any gifts or hospitality as set at Appendix 14
3.4. Stakeholder Engagement
3.4.1 Bi-monthly newsletters will be distributed to stakeholders throughout the Black Country and wider West Midlands informing of current and planned LEP activity and how to get involved.
3.4.2 Regular social media updates concerning relevant activity will be provided via the LEP Twitter site @blackcountrylep
3.4.3 A calendar of events will be developed and made available on the LEP website www.blackcountrylep.co.uk
3.4.4 An on-going PR campaign will inform stakeholders of LEP activity
3.4.5 Stakeholders will be able to contact the LEP via the LEP websites contact form http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/contact-us or through social media @blackcountrylep
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3.5. Arrangements for Developing Prioritising and Appraising and Approving Projects
The details of arrangements for the development, prioritisation and appraisal and approval of projects are set out at Section 5 of the Framework.
3.6. Availability of Information Online
Links to the Black Country LEP website are available on local authority websites and links to the Walsall Council Joint Executive Committee webpage are also available on the other local authority and Black Country LEP websites. The LEP Secretariat will undertake regular reviews to ensure this information is accurate, up to date and consistent.
SECTION 4
Accountable Decision Making
4.1. Status and Role of Accountable Body
4.1.1 Walsall Council will be the Accountable Body for the Local Growth Fund. As the Accountable Body Walsall Council will: -
a) Hold the Local Growth Fund funding and make payments in accordance with the decisions made by the LEP and ratified by the Joint Committee; b) Account for these funds in such a way that they are separately identifiable from the accountable body’s own funds and provide financial statements to the LEP as required. A Statement of Accounts is published on the Walsall Council website: http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/index/council_and_democracy/publications/soa.htm; c) Ensure that projects have in place and have agreed suitable arrangements for the management of the risks associated with the project activity to ensure that projects comply with legal requirements with regard to equalities, environmental, EU issues and other relevant legislation and guidance; d) The role of the Accountable Body is to put in place suitable arrangements for ensuring that grantees manage the risks associated with the LEP’s activities. Through the Section 151 Officer the Accountable Body will put in place appropriate arrangements which reflect the approvals received from the LEP Board and the Joint Committee. The Accountable Body will complete a number of activities at the Pre Grant Award, Grant Award and Post Grant Award stages as outlined in the ‘Local Growth Deal Programme - Roles and Responsibilities’ document – see Appendix 21; e) Ensure that those in receipt of Growth Deal funds are obligated to comply with the LEP Assurance Framework; f) Maintain the official record of Growth Deal decisions and proceedings as undertaken by the Joint Committee, and the audit trail for all projects; g) Respond to requests made by the Consortium Audit Committee for support; h) Supply format for non-elected voting members to declare interests (elected voting members can utilise their own authority’s procedure; and i) Supply access to all Joint Committee associated documents including decisions, minutes and reports. Documents will be available online via the LEP website www.blackcountrylep.co.uk. j) The Accountable Body will utilise its own internal audit, accountancy and treasury management systems in the delivery of its role. k) Provide the Secretariat to the Working Group, Advisory Board and Joint Committee at the Pre Grant Award, Grant Award and Post Grant Award stages as outlined in the ‘Local Growth Deal Programme - Roles and Responsibilities’ document. The Joint Committee
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Programme Manager, with support from the Joint Committee Programme Management Officer(s) will:
Ensure the effective scheduling and calling of the meetings within the Joint Committee structures – including the Working Group, Advisory Board and Joint Committee Programme Management meetings Coordination of the Accountable Body Working Group, which includes the Section 151 officer and legal, finance and audit leads; Hold the Local Growth Fund funding and make payments in accordance with the decisions made by the LEP and ratified by the Joint Committee; Monitor the agreed arrangements for the management of risks associated with the project activity and ensure that projects are appropriately managing the risks through the mechanisms within their Grant Agreement, assessing evidence where appropriate through agreed mechanisms. Maintain the official record of Growth Deal decisions and proceedings as undertaken by the Joint Committee, and the audit trail for all projects; Ensure that their agendas are set and that the meetings are accurately recorded, with minutes and decisions published where appropriate Ensure that the resultant action plans are produced and progress monitored Work with the Joint Committee Secretary to ensure that all appropriate meeting schedules are both aligned and timely Working with the Programme Office in the delivery of project outcomes and compliance with instructions, tasks and improvements o Contractual monitoring, evidence verification and project audit – and the sharing of this information with the Programme Management Office through the Growth Deal Monitoring Database o Updating Grant Agreement schedules for multi-year projects, to incorporate approved changes as necessary.
Establishing and maintaining the required Accountable Body structures and arrangements as directed by the Joint Committee In consultation with the SEP Delivery Director, calling and chairing Programme Management Meetings, Forward Planning and drafting/coordinating reports on behalf of the Lead Authority for consideration at the appropriate group meetings. Ensuring that project/report sponsors are informed and offered guidance with the preparation and submission of their reports Appointment and management of the Accountable Body part of the Programme Management Team.
4.2. Audit and Scrutiny
4.2.1 Regular independent (external) audit and assurance checks will be commissioned and undertaken to verify that the LEP is operating effectively within the terms of its agreed assurance framework.
4.2.2 The Consortium’s Audit Committee will report on the effectiveness of the Secretariat’s systems of governance, internal financial control and risk management in relation to the elements of Growth Deal funding for which it is directly responsible. This will ensure that the highest standards of propriety in the use of public monies are maintained and proper accountability for the use of those monies. The LEP and the Consortium Audit Committee will be responsible for taking the necessary action to remedy any shortcomings identified within any such audit.
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4.2.3 In relation to the Joint Committee each constituent Council, within its own Scrutiny structure may choose to look into the performance of the City Deal and Growth Deal and its impact on that Scrutiny Committee’s Council, it can do and report under the normal structure to its Full Council and Cabinet on its findings. The findings will then be reported back to the next available Joint Committee as appropriate.
4.2.4 The provisions of paragraph 4.2.3 above will apply to the scrutiny of the LEP in relation to City Deal and Growth Deal as it applies to the Joint Committee.
4.3. Strategic Objectives and Purpose
4.3.1 The LEP will: -
a) Ensure that value for money is achieved regarding the local growth fund funding; b) Identify a prioritised list of projects within the available budget; c) Make recommendations on individual project approval, investment decision making and release of funding, including scrutiny of individual scheme business cases1 to the Black Country Joint Committee for ratification; d) Monitor progress of scheme delivery and spend; e) Actively manage the devolved budget and programme to respond to changes in circumstances (for example scheme slippage, scheme alteration or cost increases); f) Engage government in dialogue to ensure resource is maximised and additional funding streams are coordinated; g) Fully participate in the development of strategic cross boundary schemes; and
4.3.2 Terms of reference for the LEP are available at Appendix 2 and can be found on the LEP website www.blackcountrylep.co.uk
4.4 Working Arrangements and Meeting Frequency
4.4.1 Meetings of the LEP will be programmed to occur approximately monthly, with special meetings held as required. All of these meetings will be open to the public subject to the Access to Information Rules set at Appendix 13.
4.4.2 The LEP will develop a process for making urgent decisions between normal meetings and where special (exceptional) meetings cannot be convened within an acceptable timeframe. Notice of any special meetings will appear on the LEP website http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us/our-board/lep-board-meetings .
4.5 Transparency and Local Engagement
4.5.1 Meeting papers and minutes, scheme business cases and evaluation reports, funding decision letters with funding levels and conditions indicated and regular programme updates on delivery and spend against budget will be published on the LEP website http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/about-us/our-board/lep-board-meetings in accordance with Access to Information Rules.
4.5.2 The public and stakeholders will be able to provide input via the LEP websites contact form http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/contact-us. Stakeholders will be made aware of how to provide input by being informed via the LEP newsletter which is distributed to businesses throughout the Black Country, and through intermediaries such as the Chamber of Commerce.
1 Guided by the Funding Sub Group, 3rd party technical expertise / assessment as required and from BCC Programme Office, with BCC Chief Executive will take responsibility for scrutinising business cases on behalf of the LEP.
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4.5.3 The LEP will adhere to Local Government Transparency Code through Walsall Council as the accountable body.
4.5.4 A statement detailing the process by which the LEP will make decisions on major investment, as well as the rationale, will be published online alongside other documentation. Details can be found at www.blackcountrylep.co.uk
4.5.5 FOI and EIR requests will be dealt with in the first instance by Walsall Council, whose officers will have access to all relevant documents.
4.6. Equality and Diversity
4.6.1 The Black Country LEP is committed to promoting equality and diversity. Together the LEP and the Accountable Body will pay due regard to the Equality Act 2010 by tackling discrimination, harassment, intimidation and disadvantage when proportioning funding.
4.7. Complaints and Whistleblowing
4.7.1 Complaints from stakeholders, members of the public will be dealt with and resolved in accordance with the Black Country Consortium’s Customer Care Charter and Complaints Procedure set at Appendix 15. .
4.7.2 Whistleblowing allegations will be referred immediately to and investigated by the Internal Audit officers of the Accountable Body. The whistleblowing procedure is included at Appendix 16 and further information can be found at: http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/index/council_and_democracy/whistle_blowing.htm
4.8. The Decision Making Process
4.8.1 The role and purpose of the Accountable Body is set out at paragraph 4.1 above, the procedures and requirements of the Accountable Body and Joint Committee are set out in the Collaborative Agreement (Appendix 12) and the terms of reference at Appendices 9-11. The objectives and purpose of the LEP are set out at paragraph 4.4 above. Conflicts between the Joint Committee and the LEP in relation to the matters considered under the Framework will be dealt with in accordance with paragraph 17 of the Collaboration Agreement.
18 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
SECTION 5
Ensuring Value for Money. Prioritisation, appraisal, business case development and risk management
5.1 Black Country Consortium Limited Project Assurance Black Country Consortium Limited (BCC) Ltd. will provide Project Assurance through the lifecycle on behalf of the LEP. This section sets outs the project lifecycle process relating to projects submitted for inclusion as part of the SEP.
5.2 Project Lifecycle All projects follow a lifecycle; from initial idea, through planning to implementation and finally closure. It is important that projects within the SEP Programme follow a consistent lifecycle model. The lifecycle is supported by key decision points; Stage Gates. Stage Gate’s enable the appropriate level of oversight, governance and monitoring of projects at key steps through their lifecycle journey. They enable the appropriate approval bodies to approve or reject a project to move to the next stage in the lifecycle.
Therefore BCC Ltd. has defined a lifecycle model consisting of Stage and Stage Gates. The approval process for each Stage Gate has also been defined to ensure total transparency of process for all stakeholders.
5.3 Principles A number of principles have been defined that underpin the defined approach: a. Proposals are actively encouraged from all public, private and charity sector stakeholders. The process has therefore been made as simple as possible, balanced with appropriate governance and oversight as required by Central Government and the LEP to ensure the barrier to participating is as low as possible. For example; creating a lengthy initial application form may put off some possible proposers, particularly SMEs. b. Approval Stage Gates have been defined to ensure appropriate engagement by both funding approvers and technical subject matter experts. Given the diverse range of possible proposals it is important that technical subject matter experts are engaged to validate proposals where required. c. The complete end to end process must be fair and transparent d. There are limited funds and resources and prioritisation will be undertaken by the LEP Board. e. We work with a sense of urgency and where appropriate time limits have been established within the approval process
5.4 Stakeholders Several entities, including Approval Panels and Approval Boards are engaged in the project lifecycle. These are defined below.
No Panel / Board Participants
1 Proposal Panel 3 x Theme Leads, Delivery Director, Economic Intelligence Unit 2 Theme Board As defined in separate documentation 3 LEP Board As defined in separate documentation 4. Funding Sub Group As defined in separate documentation 5. Joint Committee As defined in separate documentation Advisory Board
19 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
No Panel / Board Participants
6. Joint Committee As defined in separate documentation 7. Working Group Private Sector LEP Board Member, Local Authority Heads of Regeneration, Consortium Chief Executive, Black Country Director of Transport, Joint Committee Programme Manager and Team 8. Accountable Body Joint Committee Programme Management Team, Appropriate Project Group Officers within Walsall MBC 9 Programme Office Delivery Director, Programme Office Analyst, Programme Office Administrator
5.5 Documents A number of standard documents are required to support projects through the approval, delivery and closure lifecycle stages. These are defined below.
No Document Description & Purpose 1 Initial Proposal A short “2 page” document that outlines the proposal against the five case model in high level terms enabling an initial evaluation and prioritisation with a weighting against strategic fit. 3 Full Business Case The Full Business Case is the detailed planning stage where the (FBC) applicant will revisit and build on the information supplied in the Initial Proposal. The full business case will be used to inform prioritisation where there are overall programme affordability considerations. Only those projects that have been approved at the Initial Proposal stage will progress to the FBC. 4 Change Request Once a project has been approved any change will be subject to a formal Change Request. The approval authority for the proposed Change Request depends on the scale and impact of the Change. The Programme Office provides guidance on the Change Control process for in-flight projects. 6 Project Status The Project Manager will provide regular timely and accurate status Report reporting (fortnightly) to the Programme Office throughout the lifecycle of the project. . 7 Project Closure As part of submitting a project for approval to close the Project Report Manager will prepare the Project Closure Report. This acts as a mirror to the approved Full Business Case and compares the final status against the original baseline for schedule, cost, quality, benefits and scope. 8. Accountable Body Projects will submit evidence of spend to date as part of the Claims and supporting evidence for Grant Claims. This will inform accurate Reporting Process projections of spend for the programme. Grant claims will be paid monthly or quarterly by agreement, and will also be supported by a detailed report on progress towards meeting contractual objectives and evidence of expenditure. All Grant claims will be evidenced by the Project documentation required by the Accountable Body to validate the claim and the Programme Management team at both the PMO and the Accountable Body will work together to include forecasting and actual information into dashboard reporting. The Programme Office will monitor and report overall Programme Cashflows to validate progress of delivery by each Project against
20 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
No Document Description & Purpose Grant allocated. The Accountable Body has put in place a Monitoring and Assurance Framework to ensure that all projects are in compliance with the conditions of Grant, the LEP Assurance Framework and have the required evidence and audit trail to support Project activity. 9. Match Funding - The Programme Office will require periodic Project Progress reports monitoring detailing the total investment in the project and information on other sources of investment. Projects will be asked by the Accountable Body to certify that the required % of non-LGF spend on the project has taken place. The Accountable Body and the LEP reserve the right to request evidence of match funding.
Templates for the Initial Proposal and Full Business Case are contained in Appendix 17.
5.6 The Five Case Model
5.6.1 HM Treasury standard for the development of a Business Case is based on the Five Case Model. Policies, strategies, programmes and projects will only achieve their spending objectives and deliver benefits if they have been scoped robustly and planned realistically from the outset and the associated risks taken into account.
5.6.2 The business case, both as a product and a process, provides decision makers, stakeholders and the public with a management tool for evidence based and transparent decision making and a framework for the delivery, management and performance monitoring of the resultant scheme.
5.6.3 The business case in support of a new policy, new strategy, new programme or new project must evidence:
a. That the intervention is supported by a compelling case for change that provides holistic fit with other parts of the organisation and public sector– the “strategic case” b. That the intervention represent best public value – the “economic case” c. That the proposed Deal is attractive to the market place, can be procured and is commercially viable – the “commercial case” d. That the proposed spend is affordable – the “financial case” e. That what is required from all parties is achievable – the “management case”
5.7 Project Register
5.7.1 The Programme Office will maintain a Project Register. This is a list of all proposals, in-flight projects and closed projects. Proposals and projects will be ordered by their lifecycle stage and prioritised by the Programme Office based on the agreed prioritisation model. 5.7.2 Red / Amber / Green (RAG) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be tracked for all in-flight projects and included on the Project Register. 5.7.3 The Verto MIS will be used as the project & portfolio management solution providing this Project Register.
5.8 Project Prioritisation
5.8.1 At all projects levels projects will be appraised on the following 3 areas:
21 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
Appraisal Criteria:
1. Strategic fit with SEP objectives
2. Value for Money - Benefit Cost Ratio & Leverage 3. Delivery timing and risk
These elements may be weighted at different stages of the project lifecycle. For example Strategic Case will be viewed as the priority at the Initial Proposal Stage. 5.8.2 There is no lower or upper financial limit for the projects to be put forward at this stage, however please note that only capital funding is available from the Local Growth Fund, (not revenue). 5.8.3 In relation to skills-related projects, the Skills Funding Agency in the past indicated that projects should contribute at least two thirds of the funding required. This benchmark is viewed by the LEP as a useful guideline.
5.9 Strategic Fit with SEP Objectives
5.9.1 The Black Country Strategic Economic Plan April 2014 is available via: http://theblackcountrylep.com/about-us/black-country-plans-for-growth/strategic- economic-plan 5.9.2 The Plan sets out 3 primary objectives and 12 strategic programmes:
Strategic Programmes to Transform Strategic Programmes to Raise Strategic Programmes to the Black Country Infrastructure and Employability, Education and Improve Black Country Environment - PLACE Skills -- PEOPLE Competitiveness - BUSINESS Pl1. Employment sites and premises P1. Skills for the supply chain B1. Developing a Supply Chain fit to supply Pl2. Infrastructure to Support Growth P2. Skills capital B2. Exploiting global opportunities Pl3 Housing (including in town centres) P3. Schools and college statutory B3. Access to Finance. education provision. PL4. Distinctive Urban Centres P4. Securing and upskilling the Black Country residents and employees PL5. Overall quality environment and low carbon.
Projects will be assessed in terms of their strategic fit to these 12 programmes.
5.9.3 The Black Country Performance Management Framework provides a clear framework against which success can be measured. This is set out in Appendix 18.
5.9.4 The following table sets out our ambitions for our targets sectors and the map illustrates our growth network – 4 strategic centres and 16 corridor centres as set out in our Core Strategy
22 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
23 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
5.10 Value for Money
5.10.1 Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) The LEP model which is used by its Economic Intelligence Unit takes the outputs from projects and calculates the benefit cost ratio for employment, business creation, business assists, learners assists and housing outputs and combines them to calculate the GVA impact and a total project Benefit Cost Ratio based on the public sector ask. The full methodology is show in Appendix 19 5.10.2 Appendix 20 sets out the value for money calculations for Transport projects. 5.10.3 Match funding/Leverage Projects will be ranked according to the amount of funding requested as a proportion of investment levered from other sources – public and private. 5.10.4 The BCR and leverage ranking are combined and ranked in order to determine a ranking order.
5.11 Delivery Timing and Risk 5.11.1 Projects able to demonstrate the most certainty will be given the highest priority. In order to determine that certainty we will evaluate the mitigations proposed against each of the key risks.
5.12 Scoring Matrix 5.12.1 Proposals and projects at each stage of the lifecycle will be prioritised based on a simple scoring of 0 – 3, where 0 is the lowest score. Projects will be scored by the Programme Office using a clearly defined scoring model that defines the characteristic of a “0”, “1”, “2” and “3” against the Five Case Model elements of Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial, and Management.
5.13 Complaints Procedure 5.13.1 A transparent complaints procedure exists for stakeholders at all stages in the project lifecycle and is set out at Appendix 15. The complaints procedure has a number of steps enabling appropriate escalation:
a. Informal b. Appeal to Black Country Consortium Ltd. Company Secretary Appeal to Black Country Ltd, Board of Directors
24 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
5.14 Project Lifecycle
Each project will be subject to a structured due diligence process. The requirements at each stage of project development will be articulated and made available to the applicant. NB: Major Transport schemes will be subject to a separate appraisal, development and delivery process which is referenced in Appendix 20 - ‘Black Country Strategic Transport Guidance Notes’.
5.14.1 Overview
Initial Full Business Case Contract Contract Delivery Contract Proposal & Due Diligence Ready Award Completion
Initial Project FBC Proposal Evaluation of Closure Completed FBC by Funding completed . Report
Sub Group e
c completed i
Generic Grant f f t t t Agreement & Stage 2 DD O i i i
e m m Due Diligence m submission b b b e e m u u u s c s i
checklist completed r S S m f e o f r a
issued d r B O o n
t g A
E
e o t l n i l r
o SI Bid or Land/ SI Bid or Land/ m i a P m t
s b e l p Property Bid? Property Bid? m o s u a a t O r
S r : o d g W n d
r e o n y t u r E t t b i P
e Review by e R y m c b
LEP Board b
Y N Y N n u n a Review by s i
e l s k p Programme Office t t a i r t m o r m o p b e C u e
d s r e
n & e Evaluation v
s r u o Evaluation
g r u
Evaluation o t of FBC by Evaluation e t p n l
of IP by Technical i a p r n o of IP by PMO t
Technical of FBC by PMO A r o s o
i
Assessors Contract Awarded
Review by Joint t t i e y
Assessors p l c n e
Commitee e O n
o s :
r
a t e m r o i c M s t r d e u
j o n s e d E d s R n n A E a Review by r a
Heads of l u
Regen g e e R
v
t Project Closed i
o Stage 1 Due1Stage Diligence
Review by r m p
SI Only b p
Place Group e u s A s r e o r
d o n t
E n o i t p e s O
r : o t c d e n j E e R Project Review by Review of Stage 2 Ready Advisory Board DD by Walsall AB to Close Programme Office
e monitor delivery of s r
o Outputs d n E
25 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
5.14.2 Initial Proposal Stage
Initial Proposal Full Business Case Contract Contract Delivery Contract & Due Diligence Ready Award Completion
Initial Project FBC Proposal Evaluation of . Closure Completed FBC by Funding e c
completed i Report f Sub Group f completed
Generic Grant O
e t t Agreement & t Stage 2 DD i i i e m c m m m Due Diligence submission i b f m b b e f u a u u s s B r checklist completed r S S O e
o g A r
e d o
issued l o l n r t m
E a P
t s n i l m o SI Bid or Land/ SI Bid or Land/ o i a a t m t
r b e p Property Bid? Property Bid? d g W s u
O r e
S o y : o t r t n d b i P r
n
u e E y t m c e b Review by b
n R u a n i LEP Board s
l Y N Y N e s k p Review by t a r t m
o Programme Office r o t i p e C
e d m r b
n &
s u u s
e g u e v e Evaluation t n r l i o Evaluation a r r o o Evaluation of FBC by Evaluation t p t r o s
of IP by Technical
p t n i e
of IP by PMO y
Technical of FBC by PMO A l o c n Assessors i Review by Joint Contract Awarded t e n o
Assessors p a m Commitee e r O i M
s : t r u
t e s o c s d s r d e j n o n A e a E d
R n r E a
Review by l u
Heads of g e
Regen R e
v
t Project Closed i o
Review by r m p
SI Only b p
Place Group e u s A s r e o r
d o n t
E n o i t p e s O
r : o t c d e n j E e R Project Review by Review of Stage 2 Ready Advisory Board DD by Walsall AB to Close Programme Office
e monitor delivery of s r
o Outputs d n E
a. Submissions are actively encouraged from any Black Country stakeholder, including public, private and third sector. To minimize the barrier to entry the first Initial Proposal form has been designed to be as simple as possible to complete but based around the Five Case Model for Business Cases as defined by HM Treasury. The purpose of the Initial Proposal is to provide a high level overview of the project, and the opportunities it presents and the risks it entails.
b. Initial Proposals for Site Investigations or Property / Land projects will be submitted to property regeneration consultants for technical assessment. All other Initial Proposals will be submitted to the Programme Office for evaluation; templates are available via the Black Country LEP website. Clear strategic alignment to the SEP is paramount. The Programme Office will be looking specifically; to match the proposal to the 3 strategic Themes and 12 SEP Programmes; for which
26 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
the Black Country LEP (BCLEP) Growth Objectives and Measures of Success will be addressed; and how the proposal will unlock the identified BCLEP Growth Objectives.
c. The Programme Office will seek technical / expert guidance to validate demand as well as state aid compliance.
d. Proposals will either be endorsed/recommended to proceed or returned. Proposals requiring 100% funding will automatically be returned. Those proposals that are returned are invited to resubmit. Guidance will be offered on the reasons for non-endorsement.
e. Those proposals that are endorsed/recommended to proceed are invited to move to the Full Business Case & Due Diligence Stage and develop their Full Business Case (FBC). The project is added to the Black Country pipeline and included in the Dashboard Reports to the Working Group, Advisory Board as well as the LEP Board.
f. Site Investigation proposals that are endorsed/recommended to proceed are issued to the Officer Place Group for endorsement.
g. Low value machinery purchase bids of under £500,000 will only be required to submit an Initial Proposal, providing there are no structural property changes required to accommodate the new machinery. Whilst a Full Business Case will not be required, the applicant will be required to complete a number of additional schedules as requested by the Programme Office.
h. Accessing Growth schemes will only be required to submit an Initial Proposal. Whilst a Full Business Case will not be required, the applicant will be required to complete a number of additional schedules as requested by the Programme Office.
i. Initial Proposals will be appended with a copy of the Walsall Accountable Body Stage 2 Due Diligence checklist. Applicants will be required to declare that they have understood what is required of them by the Accountable Body before the application can proceed. A copy of the generic Grant Agreement will also be issued, as early visibility of the documentation will enable a more rapid turnaround at pre-contracting.
NB: Whilst Site Investigation bids will only complete the Initial Proposal document, all SI bids will be subject to endorsement by the Place Group, Funding Sub Group, Heads of Regeneration, and Advisory Board before approval by the LEP and subsequent Joint Committee. Site Investigation bids will also be subject to technical appraisal and due diligence conducted by a third party agent.
27 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
5.14.3 Full Business Case & Due Diligence Stage
Initial Proposal Full Business Case Contract Contract Delivery Contract & Due Diligence Ready Award Completion
Initial Project FBC Proposal Evaluation of Closure Completed FBC by Funding completed . Report
Sub Group e
c completed Generic Grant i f f t t Agreement & t Stage 2 DD i O i i
m m m Due Diligence submission e b b b e e u m u u s c s
checklist completed r S S i e f m o r f
d issued a B o r n O t
E g A
e t n o l i l o SI Bid or Land/ SI Bid or Land/ r i m m a t P
s b e p
Property Bid? Property Bid? l m s u o O r a a
t S :
o r n d d W g r
n e o u y E t t r t b e i P Review by
R e y m
LEP Board c
Y N Y N b b
n Review by u a n i s l
e
Programme Office s k p t t i a r t m m o r o b p e u C
s e e d r e Evaluation v
n & r o Evaluation
s u r o
Evaluation g
of FBC by Evaluation u p t
e of IP by Technical t n p l i n
of IP by PMO a A Technical of FBC by PMO r o o t
Assessors i Contract Awarded r o Review by Joint s t
t
Assessors p i e y l e
Commitee c O n
s e : n r o t e o a c s m r r d i M e j t o n u
e E d s R d s n n E A
Review by a
Heads of r a l
Regen u g e e
v
t Project Closed R i o
Review by r m p
SI Only b p
Place Group e u s A s r e o r
d o n
t
E n o i t p e s O
r : o t c d e n j E e R Project Review by Review of Stage 2 Ready Advisory Board DD by Walsall AB to Close Programme Office
e monitor delivery of s r
o Outputs d n E
a. The Full Business Case (FBC) is the detailed planning stage where the applicant will revisit and build on the information supplied in the Initial Proposal. b. At this stage the Programme Office instructs the applicant to commence Stage 2 due diligence, and informs the Accountable Body that they have done so, to enable to Accountable Body to provide the appropriate support and guidance from the earliest possible stage. It is made clear to the applicant by both the Programme Office and the Accountable Body that this does not equate to an approval of their project and all work done at this stage remains at the risk of the applicant. c. The Programme Office will provide helpful guidance information to those completing FBCs. This will include online support and may include face to face workshops, depending on demand from applicants. The guidance will be on how to complete the documentation, not what to enter. Those providing guidance must be allowed to remain independent. 28 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
d. Once submitted, the FBC will be evaluated by the Programme Office using a clearly defined scoring model that defines the characteristic of a “0”, “1”, “2” and “3” against the Five Case Model elements of Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial, and Management. The score generated will confirm the robustness of the FBC and inform the prioritisation to be carried out by the Funding Sub Group. e. Property / Land project bids will then be submitted to the property regeneration consultants for technical appraisal. The consultants will liaise directly with applicants to gather necessary additional information required to complete technical and cost appraisal. The consultants will also issue and agree a draft Heads of Terms (HoT) with the applicant. The HoT will also be subject to review and agreement by Walsall Accountable Body. The outcome of the appraisal will be a detailed Stage 1 Due Diligence Assessment Report and agreed HoT which will be submitted to the Officer Place Group for endorsement. If the bid is endorsed/recommended to proceed by the Officer Place Group the Programme Office will seek Funding Sub Group endorsement. a. During this stage Walsall Accountable Body will also hold a pre-contracting workshop with the applicant and support the applicant through completion of their Stage 2 Due Diligence submission ahead of consideration by the LEP Board and, subsequently, the Joint Committee (JC). b. All Local Authority sponsored bids put forward for Funding Sub Group endorsement (SI, Property/ Land or other identified Growth Deal priorities) will need to be accompanied by a letter of support from the sponsoring Head of Regeneration. c. The Funding Sub Group will consider an FBC and make a recommendation to proceed / not to proceed to the main LEP Board at the next available Board meeting. d. The calendar of LEP Board meetings will be publicised to provide clear guidance as to the approval schedule. The Funding Sub Group will meet at an appropriate interval prior to the LEP Board to enable the submission of recommendations. e. The Funding Sub Group does not make a formal approve / reject decision but provides recommendations to the decision making entity; the LEP Board. The Funding Sub Group will focus on the strategic fit of each bid and their recommendations will be shared via meeting minutes. Supplementary information for clarification may be requested by the Funding Sub Group. f. If all the supplementary information has been provided then the FBC will be submitted to the LEP Board for approval. g. Applicants are NOT able to update their FBC at any time whilst waiting for submission to the LEP Board without undertaking a formal Change Request. The Change Request will be reviewed by the SEP Delivery Director in the first instance. Depending on the scale/nature of the Change then the SEP Delivery Director may require the author to return to the beginning of the Full Business Case & Due Diligence Stage. h. If the LEP Board reject a submitted FBC the applicant may be invited to revisit their FBC and resubmit.
29 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
i. If the LEP Board feels the types of projects and benefits being submitted are unbalanced they will feed back their Needs. These Needs may trigger a re- prioritisation by the Funding Sub Group of waiting Business Cases. Needs may also be communicated back up the chain to those considering submitting an Initial Proposal. Additional marketing around these Needs may also be appropriate. j. Once the LEP Board approves a submitted FBC the applicant is informed by the Programme Office of the decision the next working day. k. The bid will then be subject to endorsement by the Heads of Regeneration Working Group and the Advisory Board. If both these decision making bodies endorse / make a recommendation to proceed, the bid will move to the Contract Ready Stage. l. Reports for the Heads of Regeneration Working Group will be drafted by the Programme Office to ensure that the appropriate level of detail, including any conditionality applied, is included. Advisory Board and Joint Committee reports will be completed by Local Authority Officers.
30 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
5.14.4 Contract Ready Stage
Initial Proposal Full Business Case Contract Contract Delivery Contract & Due Diligence Ready Award Completion
Initial Project FBC Proposal Evaluation of Closure Completed FBC by Funding
completed . Report Sub Group e completed c
Generic Grant i f f t t Agreement & t Stage 2 DD i i i O
m m m
Due Diligence submission e b b b e u e u u s m s
completed r checklist c S S i e o m f r
d issued f a o n B r t O
E
g A t n
e i o l
o SI Bid or Land/ SI Bid or Land/ l r i m t m a P b e p
Property Bid? Property Bid? s s l u m o O r
S a a t : o
r n d d r g W n
u e o E y t t r e t
Review by b i P
R
e y LEP Board m Y N Y N c b b
n Review by u n a s i
l e
Programme Office s t k p i t a r m t m o r b o u p e C s e
e d e v
Evaluation r r
n & o Evaluation
s r u Evaluation o
of FBC by Evaluation g p t u of IP by Technical t e p n n l
of IP by PMO i a Technical of FBC by PMO A o r o t Assessors i Review by Joint Contract Awarded r t s o
Assessors p t i e y
Commitee e O l c
n s : r e n t e o o c s a m r d e r i M j o n t u e
E d s R d n s E n
Review by A a
Heads of r a l
Regen u g e
e v
t Project Closed i R o
Review by r m p
SI Only b p
Place Group e u s A s r e o r
d o n t
E n o i t p e s O
r : o t c d e n j E e R
Project Review of Stage 2 Review by Ready DD by Walsall AB Advisory Board to Close Programme Office
e monitor delivery of s r
o Outputs d n E
a. The Programme Office will undertake Pre-Due Diligence checks on all FBCs and confirm sign off to the Accountable Body post LEP Board approval of the project. This will support the Accountable Body in completing the stage 2 due diligence. b. During stage 2 due diligence the Accountable Body will negotiate the details of the Grant Agreement with applicants, including the security or underwriting of the Grant via a Performance Bond, Legal Charge or other process for underwriting, negotiate the content of the Schedules and confirm Outputs. c. The Accountable Body will complete Stage 2 Due Diligence on all projects that have been approved by the LEP Board prior to submission to the Joint Committee d. All projects at this stage will be submitted to the Joint Committee for review by the Joint Committee Secretariat. e. Those projects approved by the Joint Committee will move to the Contract Award Stage.
31 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
5.14.5 Contract Award Stage
Initial Proposal Full Business Case Contract Contract Delivery Contract & Due Diligence Ready Award Completion
Initial Project FBC Evaluation of Proposal . Closure Completed completed FBC by Funding e Report c Sub Group i f Generic Grant f completed O
t t t
Agreement & Stage 2 DD e i i i e m m m Due Diligence submission m c b b b i e u u u f m s s f checklist completed r S S a e o B r r O
d
issued g A o n
e t o l
E l r t n m i a P
o SI Bid or Land/ SI Bid or Land/
s i m l t m o b e p a a Property Bid? Property Bid? t s
u r O r
S d W g : o
n e d o y r t r n u t b E i t P
e
Review by e y m R c b b
Y N Y N LEP Board n u a n
i Review by s l
e s k p
t Programme Office t a r i m t o r m o p e b C
u e d s r e
n & e Evaluation v
s r u o Evaluation
g r u Evaluation o e
of FBC by Evaluation t p t n
l
of IP by Technical i p a n r
of IP by PMO o t
Technical of FBC by PMO A o r o s Assessors i Contract Awarded
Review by Joint t t i e y
Assessors p l c n Commitee e O
e s n : o r t e a o c m s r i M r d e t j u o n
e s E d d R s n n E A
Review by a
Heads of r a l
Regen u g e e
v
t Project Closed i R o
Review by r m p
SI Only b p
Place Group e u s A s r e o r
d o n t
E n o i t p e s O
r : o t c d e n j E e R
Review of Stage 2 Review by Project DD by Walsall AB Advisory Board Ready to Close Programme Office
e monitor delivery of s r
o Outputs d n E
a. Agreement of the terms of and subsequent award of the grant agreement by the Accountable Body will be determined by the availability and allocation of funding. Some projects may therefore remain at “Approved Contract Ready Stage” until funding is provided. b. Once funding is provided a contract can be awarded and project delivery will commence. c. Detailed contract/grant conditions will be drawn up by the Accountable Body for each successful bid as part of the Contract Award stage following both Stage 1 and Stage 2 due diligence, and pre-award negotiations.
32 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
5.14.6 Delivery
Initial Proposal Full Business Case Contract Contract Delivery Contract & Due Diligence Ready Award Completion
Initial Project FBC Evaluation of
Proposal . Closure Completed
FBC by Funding e
completed c Report i
Sub Group f Generic Grant f completed O
t t t Agreement & Stage 2 DD e i i i e m m m Due Diligence submission m c b b b i e u m f u u s s f
checklist completed r S S a e o r B r O
d
issued g A o n
e t o l
E l r t n m i a P
o SI Bid or Land/ SI Bid or Land/
i s m l t m o b e p a a Property Bid? Property Bid? t s
u r O r
S d g : W o
e n d o r y t r n t u b E i P t
e
Review by e y m R c b b
Y N Y N LEP Board n u n a
s Review by i
e l s k p
t Programme Office t a r i t m o r m o p e b C e u
d s r e
n & e Evaluation v
s r u o Evaluation
g r u
Evaluation o t of FBC by Evaluation e p t n
of IP by Technical l i p a n r o
of IP by PMO t
Technical of FBC by PMO A o r s o Assessors i Contract Awarded
Review by Joint t t i e y
Assessors p l c n Commitee e O
e s n : o r t e a o m c s r i M r d e t j u o n
e s E d d R s n n E A
Review by a
Heads of r a l
Regen u g e e
v
t Project Closed R i o
Review by r m p
SI Only b p
Place Group e u s A s r e o r
d o n t
E n o i t p
e s O
r : o t c d e n j E e R
Review of Stage 2 Review by Project DD by Walsall AB Advisory Board Ready to Close Programme Office
e monitor delivery of s r
o Outputs d n E
a. The project is now in Delivery and continues to be subject to monitoring and change control by the Programme OfficeAssurance role undertakenby Programme Office , as well as ongoing contractual monitoring
Regular timely and status reportssubmitted to Programme Office and compliance by the Accountable Body. b. The identified Project Manager must provide timely and accurate status information to the Programme Office using the Project Status Report (PSR). Any identified possible deviation away from the contracted schedules must be highlighted as early as possible via the PSR. This monitoring is supported by the reporting against agreed deliverables to the Accountable Body which forms the grant claims process.
33 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
c. Any request to change from the agreed baseline scope, cashflow, timescales and outputs (outside of the agreed tolerances) must be managed through submission of a formal Change Request from the Project Manager into the Programme Office. The Change Control process can be viewed as an appendix to this document (Appendix 22). d. Minor changes to forecast cashflows (i.e. within agreed tolerances) must be notified immediately via the PSR but will not require a Change Request proposal. e. The Programme Office will provide the Assurance function to the LEP Board and may undertake detailed assessments and analysis of in-flight projects at any time. f. The Programme Office will provide timely and accurate Dashboard reporting to the LEP Board and other appropriate stakeholders on the performance of in- flight projects.
34 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
5.14.7 Contract Completion
Initial Proposal Full Business Case Contract Contract Delivery Contract & Due Diligence Ready Award Completion
Initial Project FBC Evaluation of
Proposal . Closure Completed completed FBC by Funding e c Report i
Sub Group f Generic Grant f completed O
t t t Agreement & Stage 2 DD e i i i e m m m Due Diligence submission m c b b b i e u f m u u s s f checklist completed r S S a e o B r r O
d
issued g A o n
e t o l
E l r t n m i a P
o SI Bid or Land/ SI Bid or Land/
s i m l t m o b e p a a Property Bid? Property Bid? t s
u r O r
S d g : W o
n e d o r y t n r u t b E i t P
e
Review by e y m R c b b
Y N Y N LEP Board n u n a Review by i s
l e s k p
Programme Office t t a r i t m o r m o p e b C u
e d s e r
n e & Evaluation v
r s u o Evaluation
r g u Evaluation of FBC by Evaluation o p t e t n
of IP by Technical l i p a n r
of IP by PMO o t Technical of FBC by PMO A o r i s Assessors Contract Awarded o Review by Joint
t t i e
Assessors p y l c e Commitee n O
s e n : o r t e a o c s m r i r M d e j t o u n
e s E d d R s n n E A
Review by a
Heads of r a l
Regen u g e e
v
t Project Closed i R o
Review by r m p
SI Only b p
Place Group e u s A s r e o r
d o n t
E n o i t p e s O
r : o t c d e n j E e R Project Review by Review of Stage 2 Ready Advisory Board DD by Walsall AB to Close Programme Office
e monitor delivery of s r
o Outputs d n E
a. On completion of the agreed scope of work the project must be formally closed. b. A final PSR to close out the project will be submitted to the Programme Office who will then inform the LEP Board via the monthly dashboard reports. c. The Programme Office will continue to monitor outputs as required to support the original approved Full Business Case until outputs begin to stabilise. d. Walsall Accountable Body will continue to monitor outputs as required until stabilised or above the contracted level of outputs captured in the Grant Agreement contract.
35 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
5.15 Contract Claims Process
5.15.1 Projects will need clear guidance for recovering the Grant aided element of their expenditure throughout the Grant year.
Specific process guidance will be needed to ensure compliance with year-end cut off procedures deployed by Walsall Council as the Accountable Body.
This will need to be documented with supporting graphics in the house style of section 5
NB: Details of the Accountable Body Contract Claims Process is referenced in Appendix 21 – ‘Local Growth Deal Roles and Responsibilities’
5.15.2 Evaluation
The LEP Board and partners are clear on what we need to achieve in order to deliver economic growth for the Black Country. We have a long-established, politically endorsed Performance Management Framework in place against which we monitor our progress in relation to the targets established by the Black Country Strategy. The Performance Management Framework sets out our clear ambitions for the area. It provides a comprehensive knowledge base over the period of the programme so that the initiatives and interventions can be tracked and aligned. As this knowledge base grows and builds, this will create a legacy that can inform emerging strategies and initiatives to ensure future policy is informed by a robust knowledge base drawn from the real life expertise of the partners and participants to this project.
For each of the 12 SEP Programmes we are clear on the current baseline position and the scale of impact required in order to achieve our long term targets. These are monitored and reported to the LEP Board via the BC Economic Intelligence Unit. The evaluation and overall impact of all activity is critical for the LEP Board.
5.15.3 Evaluation of the Growth Deal It is a requirement by BEIS that LEP produce evaluation plans for their growth deal allocations. These Plans are owned by the LEP and are in response to the challenge that has been set by the Public Accounts Committee to progress the quality of evaluation of local growth interventions.
The growth deal as a whole will be evaluated and assessed in terms of the economic impact on the Black Country in the context of the Black Country Performance Management Framework and the SEP utilising Outcomes and Impact Evaluation techniques.
A series of selection criteria have been developed, through which the LEP will determine the shortlist of projects to be evaluated:
36 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
Criteria Description Timing Projects on which work will begin during 2015/16 will be prioritised.
Importance to Projects should contribute to meeting the needs of the LEP, providing LEP/Relevance to SEP data and intelligence that are of practical use and have a clear relation to themes set out in the SEP. Project Innovation Projects involving or supporting innovative activities should be selected, where possible. On this criterion, highly innovative projects with smaller budgets will be prioritised over larger, more standard schemes, in order to facilitate learning and capture best practice.
Size Projects must be large enough for impact to be measured and should receive proportionate evaluations - larger public investments justify fuller evaluation. The suggested size ranges are: <£5 million= small, <£50 million = medium, £50 million and above = Large.
Availability of Evidence Priority should be given to projects in areas with weak existing evidence bases. Evaluation Cost Projects should be prioritised where evaluation costs will not be unreasonably high and where the best value for money can be achieved with the evaluation. Technical Feasibility (1) Projects should be prioritised where a basic level of evaluation evidence Practicality can be obtained, using a reasonable amount of resource.
Technical Feasibility (2) Projects should be selected, if possible, where robust evaluation is Robustness feasible. Projects should be judged based on their score on the Maryland Scale (1-5), with 1 being "Poor" and 5 indicating "Gold Standard”. Gold standard is unlikely to be practicable for Growth Deal projects
Data Collection Projects must avoid relying only on self-reported outcomes for impact assessment, cross-referencing wherever possible to Government statistics. Self-reported outcomes include data provided through beneficiary surveys, stakeholder consultations and other primary research methods, which are considered less robust that Government data, although this may not be available at the required level of detail.
In all cases evaluation should be proportionate and selective; taking into consideration the scale, value and scope of an intervention. Growth deal Project sponsors are required to work with the LEP to outline the most appropriate evaluation approach e.g. Process evaluation, Theory based evaluation, Outcomes evaluation or Impact evaluation for their project and provide the LEP with evaluation reports as agree.
37 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
Each type of evaluation question applied to a specific level of coverage serves a slightly different audience but in general the uses of evaluation can be characterised as: Demonstrating growth deal delivery and value for money (particularly important for programmes that may later seek additional funding) Learning lessons about what works, either to create desired impact on outcomes or to ensure efficient delivery of outputs Providing the evidence base to influence future decentralisation policy
38 Black Country LEP Assurance Framework v7 November 2016
Appendix 7
Black Country Consortium Programme Management Office Terms of Reference
The purpose of this document is to provide a high level definition of the scope, role and responsibility of the BCC Ltd Programme Office.
According to the OGC, the definition of a Portfolio Management Office provides a clear definition of the role to be performed by the BCC Ltd Programme Office:
“An office which is established centrally to manage the investment process, strategic alignment, prioritisation and selection, progress tracking and monitoring, optimisation and benefits achieved by an organisations projects and programmes on behalf of senior management.”
Portfolio, Programme and Project (P3): P3(O) refers to the collaboration of the Portfolio, Programme and Project office functions, to build joined-up processes for establishing, developing and maintaining appropriate business support structures.
It brings together Office of Government Commerce (OGC) best practice in PRINCE2, MSP, MoR and Portfolio Management; so is the latest and best industry standard for a support office.
Governance + Structure Functions + Services
Define a balanced portfolio of Ensure consistent delivery of change programmes and projects
Effectiveness
Do the RIGHT Work Do the Work RIGHT
Efficiency
SThe Programme Management Office therefore:
Helps BCC Ltd and its partners deliver strategic objectives Provides a service to the wider BCC Ltd organisation and its partners. The service being subject matter expertise in best practice P3 management. Will institutionalise P3 ‘Best Practice’ within BCC Ltd and across its partners Will help integrate and align P3 with business operations in order to support BCC Ltd and its partners in successfully accomplishing its strategic objectives. Exists to mentor, coach, train and support those given responsibility to deliver projects within BCC Ltd and across its partners. Exists as an innovative and proactive change agent and a champion of clear transparent project status reporting
Programme Management Office Terms of Reference Nov 2016 1 Black Country Consortium Ltd
Appendix 7
Programme Management Office Objectives
The Programme Management Office is committed to continuously and critically examining Programme Management Office practices, review them against current priorities and implementing changes where required to ensure the Programme Management Office manifests itself as an innovative and proactive change agent within BCC Ltd.
It will:
Provide appropriate visibility of proposed and inflight projects to the Lep Board Funding Sub Group, LEP Board, Joint Committee and various sub committees to enable them to make informed investment decisions thereby creating the right project mix (e.g. strategic, infrastructure) Ensure that projects are appropriately prioritised, aligned with strategic objectives and project teams are supported throughout the delivery Provide monthly project progress management information required for the BC LEP Board, Joint Committee and its sub-committees Ensuring that reporting is available to enable the review of the ongoing performance of the vairouns progammes against the SEP, and the production of ad hoc reports as requested, escalating potential risks and issues accordingly Become the source of Project & Programme Management tools and excellence Facilitate a culture of learning through training and support to practitioners Become the Centre of Excellence for project management that embodies best practices Enable alignment with governmental assurance best practice Act as a consultancy and advisory service to the project management community across the Black Country
Project Success
The Programme Management Office mission is:
To provide the tools, processes and support necessary to empower the Black Country LEP and it partners to do the RIGHT WORK and the WORK RIGHT
With this mission in mind, the Programme Management Office considers a project to be a complete success when the following are true:
The pre-defined objectives and outputs / outcomes are either achieved or exceeded The defined Project Management Methodology is implemented appropriately and utilised correctly Project delivery is completed on or below schedule and financial targets
However it is to be noted tat the Black Country LEP Board have the ultimate authority to determine project scueess and sign off whether the project has delivered appropriate value for money.
Programme Management Office Terms of Reference Nov 2016 2 Black Country Consortium Ltd
Appendix 7
Programme Management Office Staffing
The current staffing for the Programme Management Office includes: Delivery Director Senior Programme Management Office Analyst Programme Management Office Analyst Programme Coordinator
Detailed Job Descriptions have been created for these roles.
BCC works in partnership as part of Team Black Country. Partners will provide Project Managers and subject matter expert resources as part of a wider virtual team.
Programme Methodology
Projects must be assessed, approved, planned, managed and closed using a consistent methodology. The Programme Management Office is therefore responsible for defining a best practice approach that must include:
Develop practical consistent methodology based on current approach and best practice Methodology to include a Stage Gate based lifecycle with supporting document templates Define governance structure; including prioritisation & selection model, approval process, escalation mechanisms for inflight projects as well as change request process Definitions of roles and responsibilities of the Programme Management Office Define project reporting requirements Define escalation process for risks, issues & exceptions
The Programme Management Office has supported in defining a practical fit for purpose project management methodology based on best practice. The overview of the project lifecycle methodology is illustrated below:
Programme Management Office Terms of Reference Nov 2016 3 Black Country Consortium Ltd
Appendix 7
Programme Software Tools
The methodology determines the information required at each stage of the project lifecycle. Software tools will enable efficient management of data and collaboration. The Project Management Information System (PMIS) deployed by Black Country Consrtium (BCC) Programme Management Office is Verto.
Verto is a web based tool used to track all Black Country Growth Deal Project activity and is the central store for project information. Projects once approved by the LEP Board are entered into Verto and assigned an individual project number. Project Managers have access to Verto and are responsible for ensuring that all information is up to date and accurate in line with submission of fortnightly projet status reports to the PMO.
Project Management Training & Mentoring
The Programme Office will provide training and mentoring to Project Managers, Sponsors and team members from Team Black Country to ensure that the project methodology and supporting PMIS is fully understood and used. The Programme Office will enable Team Back Country to establish and develop project management as a core competency.
Programme Management Office Terms of Reference Nov 2016 4 Black Country Consortium Ltd
Agenda Item 13
BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP
21st November 2016
Black Country LEP Communications report for October 2016.
1. Introduction
The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of LEP communications activity and its impact in October 2016.
2. Recommendations
2.1 That the Board notes this report.
3. 1 Communications report
Focus of activity MIPIM UK Launch of redesigned BC LEP Website Development of database & Mail Chip account Roll out of File protect October E-newsletter Preparation of Communications Plans for Thematic Groups
Stories featured in E News:
MIPIM UK Wolverhampton i10 Design Competition Launch of Sector Skills Plan for Sport & physical Activity Transformational Gold Passport 2 Employment Awards funding Event round up
BC LEP E newsletter – October 2016 Analysis: - Emails sent – 6948 - Emails delivered – 6471 - Views & forwards – 2623 - Unique opens – 1277; 19.73% - Unique user click through – 3.55% - Soft bounces –5.33%
Open rate (the number of emails sent out opened by the recipients divided by the total number of emails sent as a percentage) averages vary dependent on sector, with average rates ranging from 17% - 19.5%.
1 An email is only counted as "opened" if the recipient also receives the images embedded in that message. A large percentage of email users have image-blocking enabled on their email handling systems. This means that even if they open the email, they won’t be included in the open rate, meaning it can be a false representation of actual viewing numbers. Next E News out end of November 2016
BC LEP Cloud based ‘Private’ file sharing system
The site is now set up and is being used for the BC LEP Board.
Roll out is underway for the thematic and sub group meeting papers.
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) The LEP are still working with the WMCA communications team to devise a business engagement plan for the West Midlands Strategic Economic Plan. This involves communicating with businesses from all sectors across a variety of communications channels.
WMCA Identity Proposition:
Following the Board presentation by Marketing Birmingham, the BC LEP 4 representatives supporting Stewart Towe, Sarah Middleton and Angie Took will be: Andy Cox Cox & Plant Laura Wakelin Black Country Museum Tim Johnson Wolverhampton City Council Wayne Langford BCC Ltd
A first meeting with design agency Heavenly has taken place, awaiting answers to questions posed around process and consultation.
3.2 Media coverage
The advertising equivalent value of the coverage achieved:
October 2016 coverage: AVE GRAND TOTAL £145,911.00
Summary of stories under separate cover
BC LEP continue to hold 6th ranking in the LEP Twitter followers table.
E Media Statistics Website Users 950; Visits 1198; page views 8076
Tweets LEP followers continues to build from 5.648 in September to 5,763 in October. Top Tweet (September) earned 2,351 impressions Google’s free digital masterclass for local businesses on 14 Oct in #Dudley bit.ly/2dja3MV #DigitalGarage pic.twitter.com/hxKn2oF1hX
96 Tweets in September 2
LinkedIn Followers for September increased from 373 to 387
4. Financial Implications None identified
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Angie Took LEP Communications 01384 471133 [email protected]
Source Documents: The media coverage is referenced for its source and is in the public domain.
3 PR coverage – October 2016
Broadcast/websites
6 October 2016 – Passport to Employment Funding PR story was featured as a news item on Chamber website http://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/bccc-news/item/3563-careers- enterprise-company-invests-in-young-people-across-the-black-country-black-country-lep- awarded-funding-to-deliver-passport-to-employment
7 October 2016 – Careers Enterprise Adviser Network Business Breakfast event PR story was featured as a news item on Chamber website http://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/bccc-news/item/3565-black-country-business- breakfast-at-leasowes-high-school-young-people-inspired-to-consider-future-careers
______
Complete list of October coverage – 112 articles (total value: £145,911.00)
Mander Centre: Future looking bright for revamped Wolverhampton shopping centre West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 01/10/2016, Unattributed carry out a process called ‘placebranding'. Uniform's design director Neil Sheaky said the aim was to promote a more positive image of the city. Another keynote speaker was Stewart Towe, chairman of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, LEP, the joint business and council body set up to bring new investment and jobs to the area. Mr
One in five shops are sitting empty Dudley Chronicle (Main), 29/09/2016, p.5, Unattributed of units gathering cobwebs. Overall in the UK the proportion of empty shops has fallen from 13.3 per cent last year to 12.3per cent. Ninder Johal, board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and former President of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: "Obviously we want to see a lower vacancy rate. The High Street is thousands of jobs on the way Dudley Chronicle (Main), 29/09/2016, p.29, Unattributed office, technology and industrial space in the surrounding areas in Brierley Hill and Pensnett. Following the announcement in the Chancellor's March budget statement, Dudley Council bosses, with partners at the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, have submitted the final business case and anticipate this being formalised in the new Chancellor's autumn statement in November. The Brierley Hill Business and Innovation
Leader makes pledge to press for rail link Walsall Chronicle (Main), 29/09/2016, p.5, Unattributed and Walsall is achievable according to a council leader. Walsall Council's Sean Coughlan says he will make it his task to get the line reopened. His comments come as the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership outlined plans to apply for £29 million of funding for the scheme over the next five years. The rail link was revived in 1998, but
One in five shops are sitting empty Stourbridge Chronicle (Main), 29/09/2016, p.5, Unattributed of units gathering cobwebs. Overall in the UK the proportion of empty shops has fallen from 13.3 per cent last year to 12.3per cent. Ninder Johal, board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and former President of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: "Obviously we want to see a lower vacancy rate. The High Street is
Dudley canal trust celebrate funding for festival of light Towpath Talk (Web), 04/10/2016, Unattributed in a local community to celebrate something meaningful to them.Major funding partners for the project to create the Portal include the European Regional Development Fund £997,000, Heritage Lottery Fund £989,000, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership £755,000 and Biffa Award £500,000. Other charitable donors include The Garfield Weston Foundation, J P Getty Jr Charitable Trust, Headley Trust, The Wolfson Foundation, Dudley
Unique new technology centre progressing to schedule BusinessDesk (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed to the region involved in Science and Technology research and development. The substantial investment will have a major impact on the local economy through improved competitiveness and new job creation.” Stewart Towe, chair of the Black Country LEP, said: “The Growth Fund is helping the Black Country LEP to invest in, and change the landscape of, the whole Black Country.
05/10/2016 Unique new technology centre progressing to schedule BusinessDesk (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed development. The substantial investment will have a major impact on the local economy through improved competitiveness and new job creation.” Stewart Towe, chair of the Black Country LEP, said: “The Growth Fund is helping the Black Country LEP to invest in, and change the landscape of, the whole Black Country.
Dudley Canal Trust celebrate funding for festival of light What's On in Birmingham (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed in a local community to celebrate something meaningful to them.Major funding partners for the project to create the Portal include the European Regional Development Fund £997,000, Heritage Lottery Fund £989,000, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership £755,000 and Biffa Award £500,000. Other charitable donors include The Garfield Weston Foundation, J P Getty Jr Charitable Trust, Headley Trust, The Wolfson Foundation, Dudley
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Malvern Gazette (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure.
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Worcester News (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure.
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Evesham Journal (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed brings with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure. "The
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Redditch Advertiser (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed brings with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure. "The
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Tewkesbury Admag (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed brings with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure. "The
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Hereford Times (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed brings with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure. "The
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Halesowen News (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed brings with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure. "The
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Dudley News (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed brings with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure. "The
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Droitwich Spa Advertiser (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed brings with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure. "The
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Stourbridge News (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed brings with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure. "The
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Kidderminster Shuttle (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed brings with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure. "The
Midland Metro's Brierley Hill extension to start next year Ludlow Advertiser (Web), 05/10/2016, Unattributed brings with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longed for link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure. "The
Expanding - but not away from our roots Birmingham Post (Legal 500), 06/10/2016, p.12, Unattributed we believe the time is right to expand. "There is a lot of confidence in Walsall and the Black Country at the moment. The latest Annual and Economic Review from Black Country Consortium, points to significant growth in manufacturing and industry with business confidence high. "We are planning to expand in all areas of our business, with particular focus on
£600,000 upgrade to sort busy junction Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 06/10/2016, p.24, Richard Guttridge School. Delays Currently, schoolchildren and college students have to wait for traffic to stop at the traffic lights before crossing the road but there is no designated pedestrian crossing. The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership has put up £540,000 of the funding with £60,000 coming from Dudley Council. Dudley Council's highways boss Hilary Bills said: "Halesowen College, Earls High School
Metro extension work set to start next year Stourbridge News (Main), 06/10/2016, p.5, Unattributed exciting investment brings with it many opportunities for Brierley Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a longedfor link with our neighbours in Wednesbury and beyond to Wolverhampton and Birmingham." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "The formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the devolved funding it will bring will hopefully bring much improved infrastructure. "The
Boost for Black Country youth employment The Birmingham Press (Web), 07/10/2016, Unattributed support young people across the Black Country to develop their careers in key transformational sectors including Advanced Manufacturing, Building Technologies, Transport Technologies, Environmental Technologies and Business Services. Led by the Black Country LEP, the Passport to Employment programme will connect year 9 pupils and teachers with employers from these key sectors through a variety of activities and events held at
City's college deserves campus to be proud of Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 07/10/2016, p.8, Unattributed its new main campus up and running. a However, the saviour looks set to appear in the form of Wolverhampton's learning quarter. Talks are ongoing with Wolverhampton council and the Black Country LEP that will see the college take pride of place at the centre of a new city learning zone in three years. site for college be top of
College move set to be completed in three years Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 07/10/2016, p.1, Peter Madeley move to a new base in the city centre in three years time, the Express & Star can reveal. Negotiations are taking place between college bosses, Wolverhampton council and the Black Country LEP that will see the college leave the Paget Road site it has occupied for the last 17 years. Moving to a new main campus is considered a
College move set to be completed in three years Express and Star (Walsall) (Main), 07/10/2016, p.1, Peter Madeley move to a new base in the city centre in three years time, the Express & Star can reveal. Negotiations are taking place between college bosses, Wolverhampton council and the Black Country LEP that will see the college leave the Paget Road site it has occupied for the last 17 years. Moving to a new main campus is considered a
College move set to be completed in three years Express and Star (Sandwell) (Main), 07/10/2016, p.1, Unattributed move to a new base in the city centre in three years time, the Express & Star can reveal. Negotiations are taking place between college bosses, Wolverhampton council and the Black Country LEP that will see the college leave the Paget Road site it has occupied for the last 17 years. Moving to a new main campus is considered a
College move set to be completed in three years Express and Star (Dudley) (Main), 07/10/2016, p.1, Peter Madeley move to a new base in the city centre in three years time, the Express & Star can reveal. Negotiations are taking place between college bosses, Wolverhampton council and the Black Country LEP that will see the college leave the Paget Road site it has occupied for the last 17 years. Moving to a new main campus is considered a
COLLEGE TO MOVE BY 2019 SAYS BOSS Express and Star (City Final) (Main), 07/10/2016, p.1, Peter Madeley move to a new base in the city centre in three years time, the Express & Star can reveal. Negotiations are taking place between college bosses, Wolverhampton council and the Black Country LEP that will see the college leave the Paget Road site it has occupied for the past 17 years. Moving to a new main campus is considered a City of Wolverhampton College to move sites by 2019 says boss West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 07/10/2016, Unattributed move to a new base in the city centre in three years time, the Express & Star can reveal. Negotiations are taking place between college bosses, Wolverhampton council and the Black Country LEP that will see the college leave the Paget Road site it has occupied for the past 17 years.Moving to a new main campus is considered a priority
Enterprise partnership backs factory scheme Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 04/10/2016, p.24, Unattributed The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership is supporting the project for a new manufacturing site for Steel & Alloy Processing in Oldbury. It has given £54,000 through the Growth Deal to
From former pub to apprenticeship hub Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 04/10/2016, p.23, Unattributed The University of Wolverhampton's Apprenticeship Hub was officially opened in the presence of local guests and dignitaries. The £500,000 investment, which includes a funding contribution of over £150,000 from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, is part of the university's ambitious Our Vision: Your Opportunity strategy which will see a £250 million investment over five years in support of economic
£240k funding to help students into careers Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 08/10/2016, p.5, Unattributed [HL]:-£240k funding to help s
£240k funding to help students into careers Express and Star (Walsall) (Main), 08/10/2016, p.5, Unattributed [HL]:-£240k funding to help s
£240k funding to help students into careers Express and Star (Sandwell) (Main), 08/10/2016, p.5, Unattributed [HL]:-£240k funding to help s
£240k funding to help students into careers Express and Star (Dudley) (Main), 08/10/2016, p.5, Unattributed [HL]:-£240k funding to help s
Metro extension is authority's priority Stourbridge Chronicle (Main), 06/10/2016, p.2, Unattributed have hailed its potential for the region's economy. Dudley Council chief executive Sarah Norman tweeted: "Good progress on Brierley Hill Metro reported at @WestMids_CA Board Meeting. Will start in 2017." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "If we're going to continue to attract inward investment then infrastructure is the number one priority. The formation of the West Midlands
Metro extension is authority's priority Dudley Chronicle (Main), 06/10/2016, p.2, Unattributed have hailed its potential for the region's economy. Dudley Council chief executive Sarah Norman tweeted: "Good progress on Brierley Hill Metro reported at @WestMids_CA Board Meeting. Will start in 2017." Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "If we're going to continue to attract inward investment then infrastructure is the number one priority. The formation of the West Midlands
Time to shout city is open for business Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 01/10/2016, p.19, Simon Penfold Uniform to carry out a process called 'placebranding'. Uniform's design director Neil Sheaky said the aim was to promote a more positive image of the city. Another keynote speaker was Stewart Towe, chairman of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, LEP, the joint business and council body set up to bring new investment and jobs to the area. Mr Towe
Brexit and the Black Country: two manufacturers navigate a new world The Guardian.com (Web), 08/10/2016, Unattributed plans are on track. With the pound so low, Cox believes more UK businesses should be looking to increase exports. But in his experience as board director for exports on the Black Country local enterprise partnership (LEP), many companies lack the confidence to broach new markets and the government is not giving them enough support. "The Department for International Trade needs
£1m revamp is under way Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 30/09/2016, p.12, Jordan Harris Walsall Council and be part of this truly exciting regeneration project." The works are the result of grant funding from whg as part of an £8.8 million award from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) to deliver much needed housing and regeneration in the area. Mark Tranter, whg's director of development, said: "This work will present a number of
£1m revamp is under way Express and Star (City Final) (Main), 30/09/2016, p.12, Jordan Harris Walsall Council and be part of this truly exciting regeneration project." The works are the result of grant funding from whg as part of an £8.8 million award from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) to deliver much needed housing and regeneration in the area. Mark Tranter, whg's director of development, said: "This work will present a number of
Metro extension work will begin next year Express and Star (Walsall) (Main), 03/10/2016, p.5, David Cosgrove economy. Dudley Council chief executive Sarah Norman tweeted: "Good progress on Brierley Hill Metro reported at @WestMids_CA Board Meeting. "Will start in 2017 &be first Devo deal scheme completed." Blighted Black Country LEP board member Ninder Johal said: "For too long this region - and other parts of the UK - have been blighted by poor infrastructure. "If we're going
Apprenticeship Hub opens to boost skills across city Wolverhampton Chronicle (Main), 06/10/2016, p.21, Unattributed growth. University Vice-Chancellor Geoff Layer insisted the hub would be integral in helping delivering bright futures for young people and vital skills for local employers. George Andrews, chairman of the Black Country LEP Employment and Skills Board, said: "Apprenticeships are a critical part of the strategy to provide the pipeline of talent required to meet industries' requirements." Nicola Turner MBE,
Dark days in the Black Country: two Midlands manufacturers start to navigate a new world The Observer (Main), 09/10/2016, p.47, Unattributed are on track. With the pound so low, Cox believes more UK businesses should be looking to increase exports. But in his experience as board director for exports on the Black Country local enterprise partnership (LEP), many companies lack the confidence to broach new markets and the government is not giving them enough support. "The Department for International Trade needs
Big hotel and leisure complex is backed Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 29/09/2016, p.19, Unattributed 'economic driver' for the area. The hotel has not yet been named, but Whitbread is behind budget chain Premier Inn. The news has been welcomed by board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Ninder Johal. He said: "Ask anybody about the Black Country and they will talk about the industrial heritage. "But what people sometimes fail to
Apprenticeship hub is open Express and Star (City Final) (Main), 29/09/2016, p.5, David Cosgrove of technical and professional higher and degree apprenticeship pathways that are both relevant to industry and which offer apprentices real progression in their chosen careers." George Andrews, Chair of the Black Country LEP Employment and Skills Board, said: "All across the UK businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the highly skilled people needed to support their needs. Apprenticeships
Big hotel and leisure complex is backed Express and Star (City Final) (Main), 29/09/2016, p.19, Unattributed 'economic driver' for the area. The hotel has not yet been named, but Whitbread is behind budget chain Premier Inn. The news has been welcomed by board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Ninder Johal. He said: "Ask anybody about the Black Country and they will talk about the industrial heritage. "But what people sometimes fail to
New hub offers one-stop destination for apprenticeships The Phoenix Newspaper (Web), 09/10/2016, Unattributed The University of Wolverhampton's Apprenticeship Hub was officially opened in the presence of local guests and dignitaries. The £500,000 investment, which includes a funding contribution of over £150,000 from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), is part of the University's ambitious Our Vision: Your Opportunity strategy which will see a £250 million investment over five years in support of
Business breakfast at Leasowes High School BBP Media (Web), 10/10/2016, Unattributed The Black Country LEP delivered its first Business Breakfast for young people on 7th October, at Leasowes High School through the Enterprise Adviser Programme. The Enterprise Adviser programme is a
Wulfrun opens before revamp Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 11/10/2016, p.7, Unattributed capacity by 230 to 862. The standing capacity at the Wulfrun Hall will increase to 1,340 when the work is completed. The work will be part funded by a £6.6m Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal grant.
Backing for £28m rail centre gathers pace Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 11/10/2016, p.20, Unattributed of Dudley, create jobs and will also be an iconic building for people to visit. Ministers are very keen for this development to happen, we've got a commitment from the Black Country LEP and are also confident we will get European funding." A 'very light rail' line will run from a newly built technology centre at the bottom of Castle
Black Country business breakfast at Leasowes High School Young people inspired to consider future careers MidlandsBusinessNews.co.uk (Web), 11/10/2016, Unattributed The Black Country LEP has delivered its first Business Breakfast for young people today, 7 October, at Leasowes High School through the Enterprise Adviser Programme. The Enterprise Adviser programme is
Metro line extension is authority's top priority Halesowen Chronicle (Main), 06/10/2016, p.3, Unattributed Hill, before terminating in Brierley Hill town centre. Dudley Council chief executive Sarah Norman tweeted: "Good progress on Brierley Hill Metro reported at @WestMids_CA Board Meeting. Will start in 2017." Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership board member Ninder Johal said: "If we're going to continue to attract inward investment then infrastructure is the number one priority. The formation of the
Midlands Engine revs up for MIPIM CoStar Uk (Web), 11/10/2016, Unattributed drive forward the local economy." Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said: "MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull's ambitions and vision for future development. The ‘Hub' area, incorporating the growth
Greater Birmingham to make Mipim UK debut Birminghamnewsroom.com (Web), 11/10/2016, Unattributed the local economy." Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said: "MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull's ambitions and vision for future development. The ‘Hub' area, incorporating the growth
Greater Birmingham to present at MIPIM UK for first time, ahead of Midlands Engine MIPIM debut Meet Birmingham (Web), 11/10/2016, Unattributed drive forward the local economy."Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said:"MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull's ambitions and vision for future development. The ‘Hub' area, incorporating the growth plans
Greater Birmingham to present at MIPIM UK for the first time, ahead of Midlands Engine MIPIM debut Business Birmingham (Web), 12/10/2016, Unattributed drive forward the local economy."Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said:"MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull's ambitions and vision for future development.The ‘Hub' area, incorporating the growth plans of
12/10/2016 MIPIM UK set to be first test of the strength of the Midlands Engine BusinessDesk (Web), 12/10/2016, Unattributed Cllr Ian Courts, deputy leader and Solihull’s cabinet member for managed growth, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said: “MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull’s ambitions and vision for future development. The ‘Hub’ area, incorporating the
MIPIM UK set to be first test of the strength of the Midlands Engine BusinessDesk (Web), 12/10/2016, Unattributed Greater Birmingham’s economic resurgence and drive forward the local economy.” Cllr Ian Courts, deputy leader and Solihull’s cabinet member for managed growth, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said: “MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull’s ambitions and vision for future development. The ‘Hub’ area, incorporating the growth
Greater Birmingham to present at MIPIM UK for the first time, ahead of Midlands Engine MIPIM debut Downtown In Business (Web), 12/10/2016, Unattributed drive forward the local economy."Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said:"MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull's ambitions and vision for future development. The ‘Hub' area, incorporating the growth plans
Greater Birmingham to present at MIPIM UK for the first time, ahead of Midlands Engine MIPIM debut Downtown In Business (Web), 12/10/2016, Unattributed the local economy." Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said: "MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull's ambitions and vision for future development. The ‘Hub' area, incorporating the
Greater Birmingham to present at MIPIM UK for first time Commercial News Media (Web), 13/10/2016, Unattributed the local economy." Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said: "MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull's ambitions and vision for future development. The ‘Hub' area, incorporating the
Greater Birmingham to present at MIPIM MidlandsBusinessNews.co.uk (Web), 13/10/2016, Unattributed the local economy." Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said: "MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull's ambitions and vision for future development. The ‘Hub' area, incorporating the
Greater Birmingham to be showcased to MIPIM Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (Web), 14/10/2016, Unattributed the local economy." Cllr Ian Courts, deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for managed growth at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said: "MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull's ambitions and vision for future development. "The ‘Hub' area, incorporating the
DECISION DUE ON £28m RAIL HUB Dudley Chronicle (Main), 13/10/2016, p.1, David Cosgrove of Dudley, create jobs and will also be an iconic building for people to visit. "Ministers are very keen for this development to happen, we've got a commitment from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and are also confident we will get European funding." Tunnel A 'very light rail' line will run from a newly-built technology centre at the bottom
£240k funding to encourage students into business careers Dudley Chronicle (Main), 13/10/2016, p.22, Unattributed [HL]:-£240k funding to encour
Enterprise partnership backs factory scheme Dudley Chronicle (Main), 13/10/2016, p.11, Unattributed THE Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership is supporting the project for a new manufacturing site for Steel & Alloy Processing in Oldbury. It has given £54,000 through the Growth Deal to
GREATER BIRMINGHAM TO PRESENT AT MIPIM UK ? The Bip (Web), 14/10/2016, Unattributed the local economy." Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, who will be attending MIPIM alongside representatives from the Black Country LEP and Birmingham City Council, said: "MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull's ambitions and vision for future development. The ‘Hub' area, incorporating the
CITY COLLEGE WILL MOVE TO NEW SITE BY 2019, SAYS BOSS Wolverhampton Chronicle (Main), 13/10/2016, p.1, Unattributed of Wolverhampton College is set to move to a new base in the city centre in three years time. Negotiations are taking place between college bosses, Wolverhampton Council and the Black Country LEP that will see the college leave the Paget Road site it has occupied for the last 17 years. Moving to a new main campus is considered a
DECISION DUE ON £28m RAIL HUB Stourbridge Chronicle (Main), 13/10/2016, p.1, David Cosgrove of Dudley, create jobs and will also be an iconic building for people to visit. "Ministers are very keen for this development to happen, we've got a commitment from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and are also confident we will get European funding." Tunnel A 'very light rail' line will run from a newly-built technology centre at the bottom
£240k funding to encourage students into business careers Stourbridge Chronicle (Main), 13/10/2016, p.8, Unattributed [HL]:-£240k funding to encour
Enterprise partnership backs factory scheme Stourbridge Chronicle (Main), 13/10/2016, p.15, Unattributed THE Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership is supporting the project for a new manufacturing site for Steel & Alloy Processing in Oldbury. It has given £54,000 through the Growth Deal to
Sponsors sign up for Midlands move on Cannes Commercial News Media (Web), 17/10/2016, Unattributed highlighted a number of key sites in and around the city and county.The MIPIM 2017 Midlands Pavilion will be made up of local enterprise partnerships covering Nottingham, Birmingham, Solihull, the Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, Leicester and Leicestershire, Stoke & Staffordshire, Derby, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Worcester, the South East Midlands and the Welsh border.The pavilion will take up a large space
THE OPPORTUNITY OF YOUR LIFETIME Midlands Business Insider (West) (Main), 01/11/2016, p.17, Unattributed THE BUILDING up the quality of public realm and creating a place that's attractive enough for Google to want to be based there. WAYNE LANGFORD DIRECTOR OF INVESTMENT & GROWTH, BLACK COUNTRY CONSORTIUM For the Black Country the big opportunities are in the manufacturing supply chain that will be created by HS2. And it will be more than just putting THE BLACK ARTS Midlands Business Insider (West) (Main), 01/11/2016, p.33, Unattributed responsible for schools, and what was clear is that they can make a difference under the right leadership, and handle issues around work and employer relationships. SARAH MIDDLETON CHIEF EXECUTIVE, BLACK COUNTRY CONSORTIUM There is a real focus on improving the Black Country's housing, particularly in challenging areas: we have a real lack of housing for private tenancy and rental.
Decision due on £28m light rail hub Halesowen Chronicle (Main), 13/10/2016, p.2, Unattributed of Dudley, create jobs and will also be an iconic building for people to visit. "Ministers are very keen for this development to happen, we've got a commitment from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and are also confident we will get European funding." A 'very light rail' line will run from a technology centre at the bottom of Castle
Enterprise partnership backs factory scheme Halesowen Chronicle (Main), 13/10/2016, p.13, Unattributed THE Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership is supporting the project for a new manufacturing site for Steel & Alloy Processing in Oldbury. It has given £54,000 through the Growth Deal to
Sponsors sign up for Midlands move on Cannes East Midlands Business News (Blog), 18/10/2016, Unattributed number of key sites in and around the city and county. The MIPIM 2017 Midlands Pavilion will be made up of local enterprise partnerships covering Nottingham, Birmingham, Solihull, the Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, Leicester and Leicestershire, Stoke & Staffordshire, Derby, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Worcester, the South East Midlands and the Welsh border. The pavilion will take up a
Sponsors sign up for Midlands move on Cannes East Midlands Business News (Blog), 18/10/2016, Unattributed a number of key sites in and around the city and county. The MIPIM 2017 Midlands Pavilion will be made up of local enterprise partnerships covering Nottingham, Birmingham, Solihull, the Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, Leicester and Leicestershire, Stoke & Staffordshire, Derby, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Worcester, the South East Midlands and the Welsh border. The pavilion will take up a large
Engineering a powerful force for change City AM (Main), 20/10/2016, p.29, Unattributed [HL]:-Engineering a powerful f
Discussions on devolution deal Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 20/10/2016, p.21, Unattributed at the council chambers, will see a variety of dignitaries, including Meg Hillier MP, chair of the Committee of Public Accounts, Rob Marris MP and Sarah Middleton, chief executive of Black Country Consortium, discuss the act.
Conference will help put city on the map Express and Star (City Final) (Main), 20/10/2016, p.21, Jessica Labhart chambers, will see a variety of speakers, including Meg Hillier MP - chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, Rob Marris MP and Sarah Middleton - chief executive of the Black Country Consortium. They will be discussing the implications of the act which saw directly-elected mayors introduced to head combined local authorities, including the newly-formed West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
20/10/2016 National recognition for West Midlands Combined Authority BusinessDesk (Web), 20/10/2016, Unattributed Solihull LEP; Sarah Whitney, founding director, Metro Dynamics; Rachel Egan, head of employment and skills, Solihull MBC; Paula Deas, operations director, Coventry and Warwickshire LEP ; Sarah Middleton, chief executive, Black Country Consortium; Cllr Lawrence, also WMCA lead on transport, Liz Peace, former CEO at British Property Federation; Jan Britton, COO, WMCA and chief executive, Sandwell Council; Prof Colin Copus,
National recognition for West Midlands Combined Authority BusinessDesk (Web), 20/10/2016, Unattributed Solihull LEP; Sarah Whitney, founding director, Metro Dynamics; Rachel Egan, head of employment and skills, Solihull MBC; Paula Deas, operations director, Coventry and Warwickshire LEP ; Sarah Middleton, chief executive, Black Country Consortium; Cllr Lawrence, also WMCA lead on transport, Liz Peace, former CEO at British Property Federation; Jan Britton, COO, WMCA and chief executive, Sandwell Council; Prof Colin Copus,
No building on green spaces Walsall Advertiser (Main), 20/10/2016, p.10, Unattributed [HL]:-No building on green spa
Firing up the Midlands Engine The MJ (Municipal Journal) (Supplement), 20/10/2016, p.16, Unattributed [HL]:-Firing up the Midlands E
Green belt plan denied Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 21/10/2016, p.9, Unattributed in consultation with the local residents with money generated by the new developments in the area. The funding for the whole development has been secured via a grant from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and is linked to a wider funding package provided by them and others such as the Homes and Communities Agency to create these new housing
Green belt plan denied We [...] Express and Star (Sandwell) (Main), 21/10/2016, p.9, Unattributed in consultation with the local residents with money generated by the new developments in the area. The funding for the whole development has been secured via a grant from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and is linked to a wider funding package provided by them and others such as the Homes and Communities Agency to create these new housing
Green belt plan denied Express and Star (Dudley) (Main), 21/10/2016, p.9, Unattributed in consultation with the local residents with money generated by the new developments in the area. The funding for the whole development has been secured via a grant from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and is linked to a wider funding package provided by them and others such as the Homes and Communities Agency to create these new housing
Green belt plan denied Express and Star (City Final) (Main), 21/10/2016, p.9, Unattributed in consultation with the local residents with money generated by the new developments in the area. The funding for the whole development has been secured via a grant from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and is linked to a wider funding package provided by them and others such as the Homes and Communities Agency to create these new housing
Revamp plan for key traffic hotspot on M5 Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 22/10/2016, p.15, Unattributed Bromwich." Council chiefs have admitted they are still facing a waiting game over a proposed transformation of the Birchley Island in Oldbury. A business case has been submitted to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership in the hope that funding for the scheme will be forthcoming.
ACTIVE BLACK COUNTRY GIVES JOBSEEKERS A SPORTING CHANCE Recruiter (Main), 01/11/2016, p.38, C a R O L I N E R O B E R T S county sports partnership, is planning to focus more closely on the transferable skills that participation can develop in a bid to increase general employability across the region. Along with the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), it has recently launched a Sector Skills Action Plan for sport and physical activity, the first of its kind in the UK. In its
Takeaways taking over high streets Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 24/10/2016, p.4, Jack Averty per 100,000 residents. Councillor George Adamson, the leader of the council, said they would look closely at the data released by Public Health England. Ninder Johal, board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and former president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: "The choice we have is takeaways paying rates and employing people, or empty premises.
Opening of new Skills Training UK Academy Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 25/10/2016, p.22, Unattributed Training UK Academy for Business, Industry and Technology, based at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, welcomed high profile guests for the official opening of an apprenticeship training centre. Stewart Towe, Chair of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, was on hand to cut the ribbon alongside MP for Wolverhampton North East Emma Reynolds and Martin Dunford, Chief Executive
Chief is forging ahead on manufacturing hub Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 25/10/2016, p.21, Unattributed a curriculum that is current, relevant and right for the manufacturing industry. Our new dedicated ECMS centres will provide world-class training facilities and higher level apprenticeship pathways," he said. The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership approved £8.04 million funding for ECMS.
Science Park marks 21st anniversary Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 25/10/2016, p.23, Unattributed attended by Professor Ian Oakes, University of Wolverhampton deputy vice-chancellor; Nigel Babb, University of Wolverhampton Science Park commercial director; Lynsey Whitfield, University of Wolverhampton project manager; Ninder Johal from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and Simon Blackburn, managing director of Clegg Construction. Nigel Babb said: "This is an exciting time for the science park and wider region as we
Go-ahead given for next phase of Springfield Campus University Of Wolverhampton (Web), 25/10/2016, Unattributed will be retained and the area landscaped. Old and new buildings will be linked by a glazed link. The ECMS Hub, which has been supported by £7.6m from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership's Growth Deal, will function as an employer-led training facility for the region, designed to improve productivity and growth in the high value manufacturing (HVM) sector.
Go-ahead given for next phase of Springfield Campus Public (Web), 25/10/2016, Unattributed will be retained and the area landscaped. Old and new buildings will be linked by a glazed link. The ECMS Hub, which has been supported by £7.6m from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership's Growth Deal, will function as an employer-led training facility for the region, designed to improve productivity and growth in the high value manufacturing (HVM) sector.
You are here: > > > > Larger Birmingham Airport integrated with HS2 could give `supersonic boost' to economy Birminghamnewsroom.com (Web), 25/10/2016, Unattributed employment by 243,000 jobs, according to the West Midlands Economic Forum. Redeveloping Birmingham Airport is a key element of the Strategic Economic Plans of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull, Black Country and Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnerships. Birmingham Airport has huge potential and the ability to open up access to key international markets for thousands of the
Science park comes of age West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 25/10/2016, Unattributed attended by Professor Ian Oakes, University of Wolverhampton deputy vice-chancellor; Nigel Babb, University of Wolverhampton Science Park commercial director; Lynsey Whitfield, University of Wolverhampton project manager; Ninder Johal from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and Simon Blackburn, managing director of Clegg Construction. Nigel Babb said: "This is an exciting time for the science park and wider region as
Foundry training centre helps Black Country regeneration BBP Media (Web), 26/10/2016, Unattributed Foundry training centre helps Black Country regeneration:A flagship manufacturing skills centre will be created in the heart of the Black Country following an £8m funding package from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. The funding will help launch a new Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills hub based in Wolverhampton along with training spokes in Tipton, Dudley and £11.7m skills centre wins council backing Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 27/10/2016, p.21, Judith Hawkins to open in 2017 and it is hoped it will become the new institute of technology in the Black Country. The scheme received £7.6 million of crucial funding from The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through its Growth Deal. Ninder Johal, LEP board member, said: "In order to get a rebalanced UK economy we really need to ensure that
£11.7m training centre backed Express and Star (Dudley) (Main), 27/10/2016, p.21, Judith Hawkins due to open in 2017 and it is hoped it will become the new institute of technology in the Black Country. The scheme received £7.6m of crucial funding from The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through its Growth Deal. Board member Ninder Johal said: "We really need to ensure manufacturing continues to flourish."
Foundry training centre helps fire Black Country regeneration MidlandsBusinessNews.co.uk (Web), 27/10/2016, Unattributed Foundry training centre helps fire Black Country regeneration:A flagship manufacturing skills centre will be created in the heart of the Black Country following an £8m funding package from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. The funding will help launch a new Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills hub based in Wolverhampton along with training spokes in Tipton, Dudley and
Javid: Devolution deal is proving to be great news for the West Midlands Business Birmingham (Web), 28/10/2016, Unattributed lead for WMCA and Leader Walsall Council Cllr Roger Lawrence, Transport lead for WMCA and Leader of Wolverhampton City Council Jonathan Browning, Chair of Coventry & Warwickshire LEP Stewart Towe, Chair of Black Country LEP Steve Hollis, Chair of Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP The West Midlands devolution deal includes: GainShare funding of £36.5m per
New jobs, new centre, new transport: Black Country Living Museum masterplan is backed by bosses West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 29/10/2016, Unattributed is backed by bosses:The Black Country Living Museum needs £10 million of funding to complete an ambitious expansion The expansion project has been given the thumbs up by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which has pledged to support its £10 million funding push. Details of the ambitious development, which could include moving the site's entrance from
Museum masterplan bringing 90 jobs is backed by business bosses Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 29/10/2016, p.4, Richard Guttridge new visitor centre and the extension of the tram line, creating 90 jobs, has been backed by business bosses. The expansion project has been given the thumbs up by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which has pledged to support its £10 million funding push. Details of the ambitious development, which could include moving the site's entrance from Tipton
An attraction we can be proud of Express and Star (Wolverhampton) (Main), 29/10/2016, p.8, Unattributed lead to the creation of 90 jobs. It would also see an exhibition space and retail and café facilities created. The expansion project has got the thumbs up from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which has pledged to support its £10 million funding push. This is great news for the local economy. The Black Country Living Museum is
Museum masterplan bringing 90 jobs is backed Shropshire Star (Main), 31/10/2016, p.16, Unattributed a new visitor centre and the extension of the tram line, creating 90 jobs, has been backed by business bosses. The expansion project has got the thumbs up by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which has pledged to support its £10 million funding push. The museum, near Dudley Zoo, is a genuine rival to Shropshire's Blists Hill and
Made in the Black Country, Sold Around the World Black Country LEP Communications Report – October 2016 Overview MIPIM UK PR and social media strategy Launch of the new LEP website Set up of new File Protect system Monthly e-newsletter to external stakeholders Careers Enterprise Company: Passport to Employment funding awarded, first Enterprise Adviser Business Breakfast event held at a Black Country school and new marketing materials produced. Supporting communications activity for project partners including: Dudley Canal Trust, Talent Match Black Country, Black Country GOLD, City Deal: Working Together project and the University of Wolverhampton Attendance at Regional Strategic Marcomms Group meetings Website analytics Total visits 1,198 Users 950 Page views 8,076
Top pages:
Social media analytics
LEP followers increased from 5,648 followers on 30 September 2016 to 5,763 on 3 1 October 2016 .
Followers: September October 2016 2016 Tweets 96 84 Tweet 41.5k 46.2k impressions Profile visits 1,369 1,633 Mentions 57 74 New followers 108 115
Top Tweet earned 2,351 impressions Inspiring Google digital masterclass organised by @IanAustinMP for local 387 businesses & the next generation #DigitalGarage followers
Media coverage & AVE The advertising equivalent value of the coverage achieved: October 2016 £145,911.00 (September 2016 £153,040.00)
Brexit and the Black Country: two manufacturers navigate a new world - £32,389.00 The Guardian.com (Web), 08/10/2016, Unattributed plans are on track. With the pound so low, Cox believes more UK businesses should be looking to increase exports. But in his experience as board director for exports on the Black Country local enterprise partnership (LEP), many companies lack the confidence to broach new markets and the government is not giving them enough support. "The Department for International Trade needs
THE OPPORTUNITY OF YOUR LIFETIME - £7,466.40 Midlands Business Insider (West) (Main), 01/11/2016, p.17, Unattributed THE BUILDING up the quality of public realm and creating a place that's attractive enough for Google to want to be based there. WAYNE LANGFORD DIRECTOR OF INVESTMENT & GROWTH, BLACK COUNTRY CONSORTIUM For the Black Country the big opportunities are in the manufacturing supply chain that will be created by HS2. And it will be more than just putting Made in the Black Country, Sold Around the World
Agenda Item 14
BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP 21st November 2016 Extension to Provider Delivery on the Skills Funding Agency ESF Opt-In
1. Introduction
This report is to provide an update on current SFA opt-in arrangements for ESF delivery in the Black Country
2. Recommendations
2.1 That the Board agree to the extension of contracted activity, currently due to complete in March 2018, with a new date for completion of July 2018
3. Report Detail.
3.1 As part of the planning and implementation of the ESIF 2014-2020 funding programme, the Black Country committed to Opt-in arrangements with the SFA to support the match funding of our ESIF strategy.
3.2 In November, the SFA wrote to all LEPs and ESIF Area Sub-Committees on key changes to ESF Opt-in offers in the light of the government’s policy announcements on further devolution of the Adult Skills Budget. As a consequence, all SFA ESF contracts were due to close in March 2018.
To enable performance on contracts to be maximised and to ensure spend and programme targets, the SFA have negotiated with the Managing Authority and the Department for Education an offer to extend ESF contracts to July 2018.This will ensure that all contracts will have at least eighteen months of activity.
There are no financial implications to the LEP, due to late contracting the projects will remain profiled over an 18 month period rather than reducing to a 12 month delivery.
Affected contracts will include: Contract Deliverer Community Grants Walsall MBC Skills Factory Black Country Consortium Support for the Unemployed Skills Training UK IAG for Young People Skills Training UK Skills Support for the Workforce Calderdale College Response to Redundancy Calderdale College
1
Sarah Middleton Chief Executive Black Country Consortium Ltd
Contact Officer Zoey West External Funding Team Lead [email protected]
2
LEP ESF Opt-In Memorandum of Understanding Statement November 2016
Confirmation to Extend Contracts
Further to the letter sent out on behalf of Karen Sherry on 5 October 2016, confirming our agreement with the Managing Authority and the Department for Education to extend ESF contracts to 31 July 2018, we are now writing to you to seek your approval to proceed with these actions.
Please complete the confirmation below to authorise the Skills Funding Agency to extend all ESF contracts under the Opt-In offer, to 31 July 2018.
Confirmation
LEP NAME: DATE COMPLETED:
I, (insert name* and job title/position), hereby give authorisation for the Skills Funding Agency, under the ESF Opt-In Offer, to extend all contracts to 31 July 2018 for the (insert LEP area). I am aware that the contract extension is also subject to agreement from providers delivering this provision.
I confirm that I am approving this request on behalf of the LEP area/Local Sub Committee and have the appropriate delegation to do so.
*Please note that we do not require an electronic signature, please print your name in the space above.
If there are contracts which you would prefer not to be extended, please highlight these in your response to the ESF Programme Team.
Please email your completed form to the ESF Programme Team by close of play 21 November 2016.
LEP Opt-In Memorandum of Understanding Statement November 2016
Confirmation to Vary MoUs
Further to the letter sent out on behalf of Karen Sherry on 5 October 2016, confirming our agreement with the Managing Authority and the Department for Education to extend your ESF contracts to 31 July 2018, we are now writing to you to seek your approval to proceed with these actions.
Please complete the confirmation below to give the Skills Funding Agency authorisation to vary your Memorandum of Understanding as a result of any changes made during the development of specifications. Please note there where there aren’t any variances, we will still require confirmation so that the description of the contracted activity aligns with the MoUs.
Confirmation
LEP NAME: DATE COMPLETED:
I, (insert name* and job title/position), confirm that the funding set out within the LEP Statement is a true and accurate record of the final values following the completion of procurement. I hereby give authorisation for the Skills Funding Agency, under the ESF Opt-In Offer, to vary the Memorandum of Understanding with the Managing Authority across all priorities as appropriate for the (insert LEP area).
I confirm that I am approving this request on behalf of the LEP area/Local Sub Committee and have the appropriate delegation to do so.
*Please note that we do not require an electronic signature, please print your name in the space above.
Please email your completed form to the ESF Programme Team by close of play 21 November 2016.
The Cube, T 0345 377 5000 123 Albion Street, Leeds, www.skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk LS2 8ER
To: Local Enterprise Partnerships and Local Sub-committees
23 September 2016
Dear Local Enterprise Partnership and Local Sub-committee members,
Extension to Provider Delivery on the Skills Funding Agency ESF Opt -In
In November 2015, my predecessor Mike Bell wrote to LEPs and Local Sub- committees to outline how we would deliver the ESF programme in light of government devolution announcements at the time. Ministers agreed that we could not put in place contractual or match-funding arrangements beyond the point at which the SFA might cease to be accountable for the non-apprenticeship adult skills budget. As a consequence, all ESF contracts were planned to finish in March 2018.
However to enable us all to maximise performance on the contracts, and deliver spend and programme targets, we have agreed with the Managing Authority and the Department for Education that we will offer to extend your ESF contracts to July 2018. This will ensure that all contracts will have at least eighteen months of activity.
It would be the decision of the ESF Committee whether contracts can be extended to July 2018, however the provider would also need to be in agreement.
The extension is only for the end date of the contract and does not mean that contract values would be increased. Contract value increases would be managed through the published performance management rules . Because we are not increasing contract values, we will provide match funding through 2015/16 and 2016/17 mainstream funding as planned.
To extend the contracts we will do the following:
• We will inform providers of the opportunity to extend contracts, subject to agreement from the Local Sub-committee.
• Once all contracts have been signed, we will write to ESF Committees in November confirming the final funding position and the changes to Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) that will be processed with the Managing Authority. We will ask you to confirm the values and whether you want the provider contracts to have the option to extend to July.
• We will then update the MOUs with the Managing Authority.
• Our Delivery team that manages the ESF contracts will inform the providers of the opportunity to extend their specific contracts to July 2018 and how this will be managed. It will also be discussed at the tripartite meetings we have with the providers and LEPs.
• We will process provider requests to extend the contracts at the performance management points defined in the performance management rules, i.e. February 2018 and August 2018.
I hope you will agree that this extension will be helpful in maximising the use of funds and delivery on the ground locally. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the ESF Programme team on CVH-ESFCo- [email protected] .
Yours sincerely
Karen Sherry Deputy Director Business Operations
The Skills Funding Agency is a Co-financing Opt-In organisation for the 2014-2020 ESF Programme.
2 of 2 LEP Opt-In Memorandum Of Understanding Statement November 2016
ESF 2014-2020 Programme This statement sets out details of the current Opt-in MoU values and the proposed MoU Black Country values following the completion of procurement. The statement also shows the value of your specifications against each investment priority.
**Table 1: MOU by Priority Axis Current MOU Value Proposed MOU Value based on Procurement MOU Proposed Changes Priority ESF TOTAL Area Type ESF ESF ADMIN TOTAL ESF MATCH TOTAL ESF ESF ADMIN TOTAL ESF MATCH TOTAL ESF MATCH TOTAL Axis ADMIN ESF 1 More £3,350,000 £372,222 £3,722,222 £3,722,222 £7,444,444 £3,349,900 £372,211 £3,722,111 £3,722,111 £7,444,222 -£100 -£11 -£111 -£111 -£222 2 Moredeveloped £11,033,672 £1,225,964 £12,259,636 £12,259,636 £24,519,272 £11,033,672 £1,225,964 £12,259,636 £12,259,636 £24,519,272 £0 -£0 -£0 -£0 £0 developed * Difference between current MOU value and MOU value following procurement Table 2: Activity Committed in Specifications NOTIONAL AMOUNTS Agreement IP Area type Specification Title ITT Number ITT VALUE ESF ADMIN TOTAL ESF MATCH TOTAL No 1.4 More 01S15C00066 Community Grants 29833 £1,000,000 £111,111 £1,111,111 £1,111,111 £2,222,222 1.1 Moredeveloped Support for the Unemployed 30113 £1,900,000 £211,111 £2,111,111 £2,111,111 £4,222,222 01S15C00066 developed 1.1 More IAG for Young People 30114 £449,900 £49,989 £499,889 £499,889 £999,778 01S15C00066 developed Total Priority Axis 1 £3,349,900 £372,211 £3,722,111 £3,722,111 £7,444,222 2.1 More SSW Intermediate and Higher Level Skills 30032 £10,000,000 £1,111,111 £11,111,111 £11,111,111 £22,222,222 01S15C00067 developed 2.1 More 01S15C00067 Response to Redundancy 30149 £500,000 £55,556 £555,556 £555,556 £1,111,111 2.2 Moredeveloped 01S15C00067 Improving the Labour Market Relevance of 30149 £533,672 £59,297 £592,969 £592,969 £1,185,938 developed Education & Training SystemsTotal Priority Axis 2 £11,033,672 £1,225,964 £12,259,636 £12,259,636 £24,519,271
Key ESF ESF only **The SFA will submit change requests to the MA from December ESF ADMIN Administration Cost 2016 based on the proposed amounts as per table 1. If there is TOTAL ESF ESF + Administration no difference between current MoU and proposed MoU, we will MATCH Match Funding Value still submit a change request so that the description of the TOTAL ESF + Administration + Match contracted activity aligns with the MoUs.