Agenda item

To be presented by the Chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership Board..

The following statement was made by Katharine Finn, Vice-Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership Board.

Introduction:

§  I would like to begin by emphasising the LEP Board’s commitment to working with the new administration in government and to continue to build on our relationships with government and our local MPs.

§  Especially as the region continues to recover from the significant impact of Covid and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we remain in a state of uncertainty as our residents, businesses and public services are affected by the rising cost of living.

Investment Fund

§  I note the inflationary impact on the Investment Fund and welcome recommendations that will minimise this impact and enable the funding of ambitious activities [within approved budgets] and ensure key outputs are delivered on time.

§  I am pleased to see the investment in infrastructure to enable the delivery of the Hengrove Park development which will significantly transform that part of South Bristol and provide much needed homes.

§  It is important that we ensure we have an active pipeline of projects to take advantage of funding opportunities as they arise, and we are well placed to bid into national programmes as well as utilising our own funding.

Investment Fund Delivery Assurance

§  I welcome the measures being put in place to improve project delivery and help ensure we avoid delay and can provide the benefits of these projects earlier. 

§  I welcome the review of the Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre (QTIC) project. QTIC, at the heart of the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, has the potential to be a nationally and internationally recognised asset for the region and will cement our reputation as the home for innovation. I am particularly pleased to see the emphasis on the development of a skill strategy – this will mean that people from across the whole West of England region can access pathways into the high-quality jobs created by QTIC. The new measures recommended by the review will help get this project back on track and ensure that it’s potential can be fully unlocked.

Infrastructure Directorate Transport Update

§  The business community supports the scale and ambition shown through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement [CRSTS] and Transforming Cities Fund [TFC] and for continuously reviewing its key activities and work programmes to reflect changing priorities and cost increases.

§  These schemes will help growth and productivity - connecting our residents to employment and training opportunities in an efficient and affordable way.

Green Recovery Fund Update / Update on progress towards Climate & Ecological Strategy

§  I note the vast progress made and the scale of challenge the region faces to meet the 2030 target.

§  I am pleased to see the first open call for the Green Recovery Fund was a success and that a number of applications were received.

§  The business board fully supports the environment team as it expands its programme of activities. Unfortunately, last week’s LEP Board was postponed when we were due to discuss in more detail, however the LEP would welcome exploring ways in which we may be able to support delivery, assist in catalysing the private sector to take action and help empower our residents.

Combined Authority Internal Approvals

§  The LEP is always supportive of processes that improve the efficiency whether it be for internal or external projects.