WORCESTERSHIRE LEP BOARD MEETING

Monday 10th September 2018, 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm

DRP group, Hartlebury Industrial Estate, Hartlebury, Worcestershire.

DRAFT AGENDA

1. Welcome and Apologies

2. Declarations of Interest

3. Minutes of WLEP Board Meeting – July 2018 ( 5 mins)

4. Matters Arising (5 mins)

4.1 Action List

4.2 Correspondence

5. LEP review – Gary Woodman (60 mins)

6. The Worcestershire 2020 – 2040 pipeline – Luke Willetts (40 mins)

7. Update on BetaDen and approval of the Business Case – Linda Smith (15 mins)

8. Update on the 5G project – Lorraine Stone (15 mins)

9. Worcestershire Energy Strategy (emerging reccs) – Encraft (10 mins)

10. LEP Budget 2018/19 and LGF Programme – Steph Simcox (10 mins)

11. LEP Annual Conference – Jack Barnett (10 mins)

12. FAR Committee Update inc Risk Register – Chris Walklett (10 mins)

Board Meeting Dates for 2018:

19th November 2018

Board Dates 2019:

24th January 21st March 16th May11th July19th September21st November

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1.0 WELCOME & APOLOGIESPRESENT:Mark Stansfeld (MS) Non-Executive Chair

Carl Arntzen (KA) Managing Director, Worcester Bosch Group

Cllr Karen May (KM) Bromsgrove District Council (rep Northern DCs)

Cllr Linda Robinson (LR) Leader, Wychavon District Council (rep Southern DCs)

Cllr Simon Geraghty (SG) Leader, Worcestershire County Council

Chris Walklett (CW) Partner, Bishop Fleming

Mark Martin (MM) Chair of WLEP Business Board

Nick Baldwin (NB) Chairman, Office for Nuclear Regulation

Prof David Green (DG) CEO & Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester

Stuart Laverick (SL) Principal & Chief Executive, Heart of Worcestershire College

Carl Arntzen (CA) CEO, BOSCH Thermotechnology Ltd

IN ATTENDANCE:Gary Woodman (GW) Chief Executive, Worcestershire LEP

Linda Smith (LAS) Director of Enterprise, Worcestershire LEP

Lorraine Stone (LOS) 5G Worcestershire LEP

Steph Simcox (SS) Head of Strategic Infrastructure Finance & Financial Recovery, Worcestershire County Council

Jack Barnett (JB) PR & Communications Executive, Worcestershire LEP

Ian Miller (IM) Chief Executive, Wyre Forest District Council

Ian Smith (IS) BEIS Local

Andrea Ledward (AL) LEP Senior Sponsor

APOLOGIES:None submitted.

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2.0 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

2.1 Conflicts of Interest Policy

2.1.1 Introduction This policy exists to ensure that any conflicts of interest which may arise in the Worcestershire LEP’s decision-making processes are managed and recorded properly. This protects the integrity of our decision-making processes, enables stakeholders to have confidence in our decision-making, and protects the reputation of the LEP and members of its boards.

The policy should be read alongside the Standards of Conduct Policy for Worcestershire LEP.

2.1.2 Scope

This policy applies to all members of LEP Decision Making Groups (‘members’) making investment decisions involving public money as identified in Figure 1 – WLEP Organisational Structure.

2.1.3 Definition

An “interest” may include employment, other appointments (including trusteeships, directorships, elected office), memberships (whether corporate or personal), investments, shareholdings, land and property, intellectual property, customer/client relationships, use of the LEP’s services or anything else which could (or could be perceived to) impact on the member’s ability to act independently.

This list is not exhaustive, and the presumption should be in favour of including anything which could conceivably be considered to be an interest, even if it is felt unlikely to arise.

2.1.4 Policy

The policy is in two parts:

Maintaining a record of all interests

Managing potential conflicts of interest

2.1.5 Maintaining a record of all interests

The LEP Executive will maintain a Register of Interests covering all Members and these will be renewed in January of each year.

Members are required to update their forms if any new interests arise during the year.

The LEP Executive will publish an up-to-date Declarations of Interests on the LEP website at www.wlep.co.uk/

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MINUTES OF WLEP BOARD MEETING

Monday 16th July 2018, 2.00pm – 5.00pm

Apex Supply Chain Technologies, Elm Drive, Hartlebury Trading Estate, HartleburyWorcestershire DY10 4JB

PRESENT:Mark Stansfeld (MS) Non-Executive ChairCllr Karen May (KM) Bromsgrove District Council (rep Northern DCs)Cllr Ken Pollock (KP) Worcestershire County CouncilNick Baldwin (NB) Chairman, Office for Nuclear RegulationMark Martin (MM) Chair of WLEP Business Board & Director, One Creative

Environment Ltd

IN ATTENDANCE:Gary Woodman (GW) CEO, Worcestershire LEPLinda Smith (LS) Director of Enterprise, Worcestershire LEPLuke Willetts (LW) Director of Operations, Worcestershire LEPStuart Emmerson (SE) Inward Investment Manager, Worcestershire LEPSteph Simcox (SS) Head of Strategic Infrastructure Finance & Financial Recovery,

Worcestershire County CouncilIan Smith (IS) Local Engagement Team, Dept. BEISKevin Dicks (KD) Chief Executive of Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough

Councils (Local Government CEO Observer)Maree Haddrell (MH) Office Manager, Worcestershire LEP (Notetaker)

APOLOGIES:Prof David Green (DG) CEO & Vice Chancellor of the University of WorcesterStuart Laverick (SL) Principal & CEO, Heart of Worcestershire CollegeChris Walklett (CW) Partner, Bishop FlemingCllr Simon Geraghty (SG) Leader, Worcestershire County CouncilCarl Arntzen (CA) CEO, BOSCH Thermotechnology LtdCllr Linda Robinson (LR) Leader, Wychavon District Council

Agenda Item ACTION

1.

1.1.

1.2.

Welcome and Apologies

MS welcomed the Board to the meeting and noted apologies from several members.

MS introduced Julian Adams, Chief Executive of Apex Supply Chain Technologies, who gave a presentation detailing the current projects that Apex are undertaking and projected growth opportunities. He explained that he had received positive feedback regarding the relocation to Hartlebury, and found that Worcestershire was a good location for many partners, including those in London. The Board noted the presentation and thanked Julian for allowing the Board to use the meeting room at Apex, and Julian left the meeting.MS stated that factory visits are very useful and believes the Board should carry out more visits to get a feel for local

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1.3. businesses. The Board were impressed with the presentation and the technologies that Apex is developing; MH will ask for a copy of Julian Adams’ presentation.

MH

2.

2.1.

Declarations of Interest

MM declared an interest in item 5, Worcestershire Infrastructure and Growth Plan 2020-2040 due to his professional company role in the development sector. It was agreed that MM would leave the room during the discussion.

3.

3.1.

Minutes of the WLEP Board Meeting May 2018

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.

4.

4.1.

4.1.1.

4.1.2.

4.1.3.

4.1.4.

4.1.5.

4.2.

4.2.1.

4.2.2.

4.2.3.

Matters Arising

Actions List

GW will obtain a copy of the Local Industrial Strategy; this will be provided by the September board meeting.

KM stated that some District Council members were disappointed at not being fully involved with and having more input to the recent workshop looking at the future of Worcestershire 2020-2040. It was agreed that we need to engage and get buy-in from all partners, so a session specifically for portfolio holders will be held by the end of September. The workshop was also on the agenda for later in the meeting.

QUAD approved £15,000 for the Centre for Entrepreneurship; milestones have not yet been signed off but it is expected that this is likely to be ready for the September Board meeting.

Feedback from the Huawei 5G demonstration was positive. The Risk Register was on the agenda for later on in the meeting.

Agrifood will be linked into the industrial Strategy document for Worcestershire.

Correspondence

The letter from the National Lottery Fund linked into agenda item 8 (EU Programme Update).

MS gave an update on the Council of LEP Chairs held at Downing Street on 19th June. The Prime Minister was in attendance and MS felt that it was a strong meeting involving honest conversations, particularly around apprenticeships. KM asked whether the apprenticeship levy was discussed; MS confirmed that it was, and all agreed that it was necessary to make it easier for employers to embrace.

SE picked up the DTI uplift as part of his agenda item, Inward Investment Strategy. KP queried the figures for new jobs, which saw a drop from 599 to 453; GW explained that the focus had shifted from quantity to quality of jobs, looking at a balance of smaller companies with a tech background.

GW

LW

LS/GW

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4.2.4. MS reported that a LEP review meeting would be held in London on 17th July; IS pointed out that no ministers were attending as no finance decisions had been made but an announcement would be forthcoming. It is expected that there will be no definitive statement regarding geography, as it will be for LEPs to decide how to approach the challenges set by ministers. GW and LW were attending on behalf of WLEP and GW will circulate a briefing note to the Board and partners following the meeting. GW

5.

5.1.

5.2.

5.3.

5.4.

5.5.

5.6.

5.7.

Worcestershire Infrastructure and Growth Plan 2020-2040

LW gave a presentation to support the report outlining the approach adopted to develop the Worcestershire 2020-2040 Infrastructure and Growth Plan; the report is consistent with the information given to Leaders at the session during the Worcestershire Leaders Board on 11th July. KM queried why we were asking districts for statistics when these have already been collated by the County Council, and suggested speaking to Neill Crump at WODA.

MS stated that the Midlands has a model where we can be an exemplar at a local and national level, and as we have already surpassed our target he feels we should raise our 2030 target. There was an agreement that we needed to be more aspirational.

Due to his declaration of interest, MM left the room before LW produced the map and key priorities were discussed.

MS would like a full framework with overlays detailing infrastructure, housing, schools and employment land for the next meeting.

In response to KM’s query regarding working with districts, LW reported that he has been working with the Districts’ Economic Development teams and the Planning Officers Group. GW added that the LEP will also bring in portfolio holders and senior officers over the summer, and are happy to be guided by districts how best to workshop. IS raised the issue of external challenge; MS will take this on board but we are not at that point yet.

SS gave an overview of the model used in Oxfordshire, and it was agreed that it would be useful to understand the model, including how and why certain aspects were included. Consultation with education and skills portfolio holders, business and young people was also agreed to be key.

MM rejoined the meeting.

LW

LW

6.

6.1.

6.2.

Inward Investment Strategy

SE introduced himself to the Board; he took up the role approximately 4 months ago and gave an update on his work to date; Stuart would welcome 1:1s with members he has not yet had the opportunity to meet.

SE gave a presentation on the Inward Investment Strategy,

SE

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6.3.

1.2.3.4.5.6.

6.1.6.2.6.3.

6.4.

6.5.

including challenges and opportunities. Government is focusing on high value rather than high quantity investments, which dovetails well with the WLEP approach. The 250 key business list that is being developed is hugely important and will be used to prospect and target business; this will be brought back to the September Board meeting.

The Board were asked whether WLEP would wish to continue the MIPIM investment; a discussion followed and it was agreed that buy-in and contributions from various partners would be key; MM and SE will discuss how to ensure this is achieved. We intend to commit but require businesses to make up the bulk of the sponsorship.

KD stressed the importance of engaging with all Districts and asked how we will ensure a joined up approach; SE is already engaged with all economic development officers and is happy to sit down with any other members to discuss the approach, and aims to regularly work out of District offices, to build/maintain relationships and meet face-to-face.

SE is working with Stephen Butterworth on an event in the Autumn, and will confirm the date shortly.

MM/SE

SE

SE

7.

7.1.

7.2.

7.3.

BUDGET

SS reported that the little had changed since the last Board meeting in May. Staffing is still the largest spend, but SS has concerns regarding the Skills and Investment Fund; GW agreed this is an area of concern, particularly for next year so it was agreed that an early warning would be needed to enable us to flag the underspend with BEIS, and see whether we can defer £1.8m this year without clawback.

It was agreed that the Skills Board would bring recommendations for spend or a decision to request deferment to the September Board.

The Board agreed that SS will report the quarterly position to Board and for the other Board meetings by exception only going forwards.

Judy Chadwick

8.

8.1.

EU Programme Update

GW presented the ESIF strategy update; more ERDF funding will be forthcoming despite Brexit, and all but £1m has been

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allocated. However, ESF is looking less positive so we need to gain an understanding of the national position on and a possible solution to the match issue. GW will raise the issue at the LEP Review meeting, and the management team will come back to a future meeting with possible solutions for spending the budget. GW

9.

9.1.

9.1.1.

9.2.

Assurance framework/Annual Conversation Update

Far Committee Update including Risk Register

As CW was not present, this item will be deferred to the September board meeting.

Feedback from overview and Scrutiny

MS reported that it went well, and it has been agreed that this will become an annual event. There were some helpful suggestions and MS will circulate a link to the website so members can access a copy of the agenda and minutes.

CW

MS

10.

10.1.

AOB

GW reported that the WLEP has been successful in our Careers Hub bid, which will bring in a £200k investment. Members congratulated the team on the success of the bid.

11.

11.1.

Dates of future meetings

The next meetings will be held on 10th September and 19th

November 2018.

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4.0 MATTERS ARISING (ACTION LIST & CORRESPONDENCE)

4.1 ACTION LIST

4.1.1 Matters Arising

1.2.3.4.

4.1.4.1.1.1. GW will obtain a copy of the Local Industrial Strategy; this will be provided by the

September board meeting.

Action: Gary Woodman

1.2.3.4.

4.1.4.1.1.

4.1.1.1.4.1.1.2. A Worcestershire 2020-2040 session specifically for Northern district portfolio holders

will be held by the end of September.

Action: Luke Willetts

4.1.1.3. QUAD approved £15,000 for the Centre for Entrepreneurship; milestones have not yet been signed off but it is expected that this is likely to be ready for the September Board meeting.

4.1.2.4.1.3.

Action: Linda Smith & Gary Woodman

4.1.2. Correspondence

4.1.2.1. GW will circulate a briefing note to the Board and partners following the LEP review meeting.

Action: Gary Woodman

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4.1.3. Worcestershire Infrastructure and Growth Plan 2020-2040

4.1.3.1. MS would like a full framework with overlays detailing infrastructure, housing, schools and employment land for the next meeting.

Action: Luke Willetts

4.1.3.2. The LEP will also bring in portfolio holders and senior officers over the summer, and are happy to be guided by districts how best to workshop

Action: Luke Willetts

4.1.24.1.34.1.4

4.1.5 Inward Investment Strategy

4.1.4.4.1.4.1. The 250 key business list that is being developed is hugely important and will be used to

prospect and target business; this will be brought back to the September Board meeting.

Action: Stuart Emmerson

4.1.4.2. It was agreed that buy-in and contributions from various partners would be key to MIPIM; MM and SE will discuss how to ensure this is achieved

Action: Mark Martin & Stuart Emmerson

4.1.4.3. KD stressed the importance of engaging with all Districts and asked how we will ensure a joined up approach; SE is already engaged with all economic development officers and is happy to sit down with any other members to discuss the approach, and aims to regularly work out of District offices, to build/maintain relationships and meet face-to-face

Action: Stuart Emmerson

4.1.4.4. SE is working with Stephen Butterworth on an event in the Autumn, and will confirm the date shortly.

Action: Stuart Emmerson

4.1.5. Budget

4.1.5.1. It was agreed that the Skills Board would bring recommendations for spend or a decision to request deferment to the September Board

Action: Judy Chadwick

4.1.6. EU programme Update

4.1.6.1. GW will raise the issue of ESF funding at the LEP Review meeting, and the management team will come back to a future meeting with possible solutions for spending the budget.

Action: Gary Woodman

4.1.7. Assurance framework/Annual Conversation Update

4.1.7.1. Far Committee Update including Risk Register was deferred to the September meeting.

Action: Chris Walklett

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4.1.8. Feedback from overview and Scrutiny report

4.1.8.1. MS will circulate a link to the website so members can access a copy of the agenda and minutes.

Action: Mark Stansfeld

4.2. CORRESPONDENCE

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