Local Enterprise Partnership The Way Forward

Current status of LEP proposition Proposal went in early September White Paper on localism setting out role of LEP 28 th October Letter confirming approval of LEP proposition received 29 th October “… our officials will be in touch shortly as you develop your plans.”

White paper on Localism – role of LEP Business led bodies that represent real economic geographies To support local authorities “…existing role in fostering and sustaining growth” Manage the wind down and closure of the RDAs and to review key European funding for economic development Continue to support the Capital’s role as we rebalance our national economy

This raises fundamental questions Who is “business” and how will it lead? What is structure? What are resources? What are the timescales? What is the relationship between the LEP and the Growth Fund? Guidance X ?

Resources LEPs will:  be expected to fund their own day-to-day running costs  consider how they can obtain the best value for public money by leveraging in private sector investment  (may) wish to submit bids to the Regional Growth Fund, but will not receive preferential treatment

Timescale Unclear – but time is of the essence “Partnerships should maintain momentum and move quickly to formally establish their board” “Government will enter into a discussion with partnerships about delivery in parallel with progress to establish appropriate boards and governance “

What is West of England Partnership Position? Proposition from leaders/chief executives to go to Partnership Board meeting on 29 th November Will indicate intention to establish shadow board by January 2011

What are the Private sector actions required? If this is to be “business led”, we need to:  arrive at broad consensus of form and function of LEP  secure views from key sectors  ensure private sector view is genuinely representative of whole business community  ensure accountability back to business

Key issues to be addressed Governance Legal status Board representation from private sector Negotiating process

Key issues to be addressed Governance board composition mem and arts/terms of reference protocols for meetings, officeholders (chair, vice-chair) etc. sub-structure if any Legal status Board representation from private sector Negotiating process

Key issues to be addressed Governance Legal status Company Limited by Guarantee Limited Liability partnership A Community Interest Company A trust An unincorporated association Board representation from private sector Negotiating process

Key issues to be addressed Governance Legal status Board representation from private sector Availability Representatives vs individuals External profile “Big hitters” Internal profile Recognised by business community Understand the issues Representation Key sectors SMEs Innovation Negotiating process

Key issues to be addressed Governance Legal status Board representation from private sector Negotiating process  Key responsibilities especially in relation to government agency functions (UKTI, lead sector responsibilities)  Clarification of the “how” in relation to the Action Plan and Approach  “asks” of government in LEP bid  Asset and liability transfer  Transition timetable (to establishment of LEP Board)

Need to determine who represents the private sector to plan the way forward  Not shadow board, but a working group  Need to engage with the West of England Partnership to agree a way forward Private Sector has a lot to do! Need to ensure it can express “business” views We have to move quickly and take decisions quickly

My suggestion... The Skills and Competitiveness Board is the most representative group in the West of England for:  Private sector  FE  HE  Third sector Create a sub-group on behalf of the private sector, FE and HE to develop our thinking Ensure there is wider group support to create accountability to the business community as a whole across the Partnership area... to act as a “sounding board” and validate output from the sub-group

Business – 7 members  Stephen Harrison  Malachy Mc Reynolds (Confederation of British Industries)  Nick Sturge (Institute of Directors)  Stephen Birch (Federation of Small Businesses)  Alan Bailey – Environmental Technologies  Martin Williams – GKN Aerospace  Phil Smith (GWE Business West) Further and Higher Education  Fern Urquhart - Higher education  Keith Elliott – Further Education My suggestions for the sub-group Support group - Business  Dick Penny – Creative and Media  Bethan Evans (Business Services & Legal expertise)  Simon Bird – Port Company  John Savage – Health sector  Iris Eiting – Third Sector

Confirmation from this meeting Is this the correct way forward? Are we happy the right people are on the sub-group? Are there any key messages/”direction of travel” we want to give this group? Are we happy that people from this sub-group represent business, in the short term, in negotiations with WofE Partnership and Central Government?

Key Issues Shortage of Development Land Inadequate Transport Infrastructure Shortage of Housing Development Business growing faster than skills base in some areas Overreliance on limited number of major employers Natural threats to sustainable growth (e.g. flooding, rising price of key utilities) Pockets of serious worklessness Lack of Integrated Action joining up planning, infrastructure, skills and housing interventions