MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 15 DECEMBER 2005
AT RENAISSANCE HOUSE, WARRINGTON
Present:
Bryan Gray (Chairman)
David Brockbank
Joe Dwek
Sir Martin Harris
Peter Hensman
Robert Johnston
Pauleen Lane
Dave McCall
John Merry
John Moverley
Marie Rimmer
Brenda Smith
Mike Storey
Maureen Williams
Also Present:
Steven Broomhead
Bernice Law, Secretary
Peter White, (74/04)(74/05)(74/06)(74/10)
Ian Haythornthwaite (74/04)(74/06)(74/08)(74/12)
Helen France (74/08)
Pernille Kousgaard (74/10)
74/00 PRESENTATION: MANCHESTER
ENTERPRISES
The Board received a presentation on the work of Manchester
Enterprises from its Chief Executive, Richard Guy, who was
accompanied by Peter Heginbottom (Chairman) and Eamonn Boylan,
Deputy Chief Executive of Manchester City Council.
Richard outlined the major economic challenges of the sub
region, which included:
- growing the labour force and combating worklessness
- meeting skills needs
- ntegrated development to support the economic agenda
- housing development to support the economic agenda
- building an entrepreneurial culture
- reducing disparities within the sub region
- improving gateways to the region.
He outlined the role of the Manchester Sub Regional Partnership
in the context of relationships with the Agency and City Regional
Development Planning.
74/01 INTRODUCTION AND APOLOGIES FOR
ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Anil Ruia.
74/02 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 17 NOVEMBER
2005
These were approved as a correct record.
74/03 ACTION POINTS FROM LAST MEETING AND MATTERS
ARISING
The Board noted the action points from previous meetings.
- ITEMS WHICH REQUIRE A DECISION
74/04 REGIONAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY (RES) AND
NWDA/PARTNER PRIORITIES
The Board noted that the revised RES offered the opportunity to
review the Agency’s spending priorities and the way in which these
are determined and implemented with partner organisations in the
region. The Board agreed that the new regional priorities and
transformational activities identified in the new RES would help to
influence the development of a more co-ordinated regional effort
including a greater role for Sub Regional Partnerships.
The Board was clear that it was imperative that the Agency’s
policy and spending priorities in the Strategic Investment Plan
(SIP) were clearly determined by the Regional Economic Strategy
(RES) as well as being understood by partners in the region.
The Board noted that, in the interests of partnership working
and transparency, Sub Regional Partnerships (SRP’s) would be sent
the relevant parts of the SIP so that sub regional and regional
spending could be co-ordinated to deliver the priorities laid out
in the RES.
The Board also noted that the Agency’s Corporate Plan 2005/06 to
2007/08 was based on the previous RES and that discussions were
taking place with DTI to see whether the Corporate Plan should be
refreshed to reflect the new RES, without full submission to
Government. The results of this exercise would be presented
to the March Board.
74/05 NW REGIONAL FUNDING ALLOCATIONS: ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES
The Board noted that, under the devolved decision making
initiative, regions had been invited to submit advice to Government
on regional spending priorities in respect of transport, housing
and economic development. The North West Regional Assembly and
Government Office for the North West were facilitating the
exercise. NWDA is responsible for providing advice on
economic development priorities.
The Board noted that the region’s economic priorities in the
short and medium term had been identified from the NWDA Strategic
Investment Plan, which in turn reflected the revised RES.
Priorities beyond the SIP period had been based on the projected
continuation of the split between RES priorities.
The Board approved the Agency’s advice on economic priorities,
which would be incorporated into the regional submission, which was
required by Government by the end of January 2006.
74/06 STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PLAN
2006/09
The Board noted the content of the Agency’s draft Strategic
Investment Plan 2006/09, which reflected the new RES and
specifically the transformational activities outlined. The
Board were advised of the preparation and planning process with
regard to the SIP and agreed the timetable for approval of the
final document. In addition, the Board agreed the principles
used as well as the proposed level of over programming
allowance.
It was agreed that Sub Committees would review the SIP in
advance of the Board’s further consideration at the March
meeting.
The Board noted that the SIP documents were confidential and not
for wider circulation.
74/07 INDEPENDENT PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT (IPA): NWDA
DRAFT SELF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE
The Board noted that arrangements for National Audit Office (NAO)
to conduct the IPA assessment on the Agency were now in place. NAO
would be on site from 13 to 24 March. As part of the process
the Agency was required to prepare a self-assessment against which
NAO would benchmark. The Board received the self-assessment and
endorsed the content, subject to finalisation. The document
would be submitted to NAO by 9th January.
74/08 EDGE LANE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT
SCHEME
Mike Storey declared an interest in this matter.
The Board approved NWDA investment for the Edge Lane Strategic
Environmental Improvement Scheme, subject to detailed consideration
of the project by the Urban Sub Committee, which would meet later
that day. The aim of the scheme is to transform the gateway
from the M62 motorway through to Liverpool city centre and to
convert Edge Lane into a prestigious new boulevard, which will
contain a strong economic and residential mix. The Agency’s
investment, which would be matched with European Regional
Development Funding will create a new physical environment and
setting for this key gateway into the city.
74/09 NWDA 2005/06 MID YEAR PERFORMANCE
REPORT
The Board approved the Mid Year Performance report, which
outlined the Agency’s key achievements, organisational issues,
financial and output performance for the period 1 April 2005 to 30
September 2005. The report would now be submitted to DTI and
published on the Agency’s website.
74/10 EUROPEAN FUNDING POST 2006
The Board received a presentation from Pernille Kousgaard, Head of
European Policy which outlined the level of structural funds
received by the region for the period 2000-2006; Objective 1, £865m
and Objectives 2 and 3, £845m, matched by over £2bn of other
funding.
Pernille explained that the future of Structural funds for the
period 2007 - 2013 was still undecided. There were three
priorities for action for the EU
- convergence
- competitiveness and employment
- co-operation.
The North West’s prospects of funding were discussed and the
Board were given current views on the extent of future funding to
the region.
It was agreed that the Agency should continue to be proactive in
programme development during 2006 to achieve:
- a single overarching programme for the region
- RES to form basis of investment
- inclusion of RES and Agency priorities in the operational
programme.
74/11 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
1 BBC Media Zone Greater Manchester
The Board received an update on developments with regard to the
BBC’s proposed relocation to the North, which the Agency is
continuing to progress with the BBC and Manchester and Salford City
Councils. The Board noted that the Agency had commissioned
Cambridge Policy Consultants to assess the economic benefits of the
relocation and the associated Media Zone. The consultants report
confirmed that the relocation would generate over 3000 jobs for
Greater Manchester (that includes 1500 which may relocate) and 3500
for the region. The Agency had also commissioned PwC to
review the economic case for public support to help maximise the
impact from the relocation on the NW economy.
The Board noted that the BBC Governors would decide on the two
preferred sites for the Media Zone on 9 January and that the final
decision was likely to be announced in April 2006.
2 Review of the future role of Further Education
Colleges
The Board noted the findings from Sir Andrew Foster’s review of
the future role of Further Education (FE) colleges. Sir Andrew’s
report, which was published in November, outlined a vision for the
FE system of the future, which, amongst other things, will have a
clear core purpose; deliver the skills that the economy needs and
consistently meet high standards of quality. The Board were
made aware of the key recommendations to take forward the
vision.
3 LSC Agenda for Change
The Board noted that in parallel with the Foster Review the LSC was
driving forward a major programme for the transformation of the FE
sector, as part of the LSC’s Agenda for Change. The Board noted
that Agenda for Change was based on six key themes: Skills and
Employers; Quality; Funding; Business Excellence; Data, and
Reputation.
The Board also noted that the LSC had published its annual
statement of priorities and had announced restructuring proposals,
which sought to release £40m to front line use, reduce the overall
workforce by 1300 posts, strengthen its regional structure and
establish Economic Development teams.
The Board were advised that the Agency, in its lead role, had
written to Mark Haysom, LSC Chief Executive in response to Agenda
for Change, the annual statement of priorities and the
restructuring proposals. Specifically the Agency had highlighted
the fact that the Agenda for Change document did not allude to
Regional Economic Strategies and asked for clarification in respect
of the LSC’s role in economic development.
4 Update on NW Regional Skills Partnership
(RSP)
The Board received a progress update on the activities being taken
forward by the North West RSP. In particular the RSP’s had
submitted a comprehensive progress report to Government to which a
response from Phil Hope, Minister for Skills is expected
shortly. Following that, a dialogue between the North West
and Government is expected to take place in Spring.
5 Air Services Development Fund (ASDF)
The Board noted the developments with regard to ASDF. The
Agency is working closely with the Department for Transport on the
progress of the ASDF protocol and framework and discussions are
currently underway with NW airports and stakeholders to identify
new opportunities for the most appropriate use of the fund, should
the European Union Notification, which was currently awaited,
prevent it being used for route development purposes.
6 The Lowther Trust
The Board noted that the Agency had been in discussion with Lowther
Estates with regard to the feasibility of Lowther Castle and
Gardens, in Cumbria, being developed into a major tourist
attraction for the region. Following a detailed development
study the Trust had agreed to take the project forward and a bid to
the Big Lottery Fund was currently being progressed. The
Board noted that it would receive a presentation on the proposed
project at the January meeting.
7 Meeting with Government to discuss Daresbury,
Science and Nuclear
The Board noted that Sir Martin Harris had accompanied the Vice
Chancellors of Lancaster Liverpool, and Manchester Universities and
the Chief Executive of the Council for the Central Laboratory of
Research Councils (CLRCC) to a meeting with Lord Sainsbury, the
Minister for Science and Innovation. The Minister received a
progress report on Daresbury, and was advised of the proposal to
create the Science City North and South sites at Daresbury and
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. The Board noted the joint
working between NWDA and SEEDA with regard to the development of
the two sites and also noted that the Minister had agreed that the
NWDA should lead on the National Nuclear Laboratory proposal.
8 Towards a strong Urban Renaissance
The Board noted the recommendations from the recent Urban Task
Force report which examined the progress made since the Task
Force’s first report in 1999 and the Urban White Paper, published
in 2000.
9 Confederation of British Industry (CBI) :
Innovation Survey
The Board noted that the CBI had recently asked MORI to
conduct a survey of its members on innovation activity within their
companies. Of the 1400 CBI members 173 took part in the
survey, for which a key finding was that Innovation is seen as
crucial in helping raise regional economic performance. The report
was critical of RDAs role in helping companies innovate and of
Government procurement practices; and recommended better
collaborative activity across a range of organisations, including
RDAs.
10 Regional Economic Forecasting Panel
The Board noted the key features that would be included in the
Regional Economic Forecasting Panel’s report which would be
published shortly and which provided economic forecasts for the
North West up to 2008.
11 Local Government Structures /North West Regional
Assembly
The Board noted that David Milliband, Minister for
Communities and Local Government had recently begun a national
dialogue on the future of local government in terms of shape, size
and role in the context of citizen’s changing needs and
expectations.
In addition, the Board agreed that the Chief Executive should
arrange for an event for Board Members to meet the North West
Regional Assembly Executive to discuss the alignment of key
regional priorities and performance management arrangements.
12 Corporate Management Structure
The Board noted that the new RES offered the opportunity for the
Chief Executive to review the Agency’s corporate management
structure and that he would present his findings and proposals at a
Board meeting early in 2006.
74/12 FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The Board noted the Agency’s financial position as at 31 October
2005 and the progress that had been made to achieve budget
targets. The Board also:
- noted the issues being addressed with DTI in respect of End of
Year Flexibility and non cash costs
- noted the approved delegations for the period 26 October 2005
to 17 November 2005
- approved the Quarter 2 Efficiency Report for submission to
DTI
- approved a single tender action to United Utilities for work,
to the value of £120,000, on North Manchester Business Park.
74/13 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The Chairman reported the appointment of Vanda Murray to the RDA
Board from 1 April 2006.
The Chairman outlined discussions with Alun Michael on the DTI’s
role alongside RDA’s on CSR 2007. He emphasised that DTI had
said they would lead and support RDA’s through this process.
The Chairman thanked Rob Johnston for his valuable work as a
member of the RDA Board and wished him every success in the
future.
74/14 MINUTES FROM THE ENVIRONMENT SUB COMMITTEE
EXTRAORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 11 NOVEMBER 2005
The Board noted the minutes from the Environment Sub Committee
extraordinary meeting held on 11 November 2005.
74/15 MINUTES FROM THE SOCIAL INCLUSION SUB COMMITTEE
EXTRAORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 11 NOVEMBER 2005
The Board noted the minutes from the Social Inclusion Sub
Committee extraordinary meeting held on 11 November 2005.
74/16 MINUTES FROM THE URBAN SUB COMMITTEE
EXTRAORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 16 NOVEMBER 2005
The Board noted the minutes from the Urban Sub Committee
extraordinary meeting held on 16 November 2005.
74/17 MINUTES FROM THE INFRASTRUCTURE SUB COMMITTEE
EXTRAORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 16 NOVEMBER
2005
The Board noted the minutes from the Infrastructure Sub Committee
held on 16 November 2005.
74/18 MINUTES FROM THE ENTERPRISE AND INNOVATION SUB
COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 17 NOVEMBER
2005
The Board noted the minutes from the Enterprise and Innovation Sub
Committee held on 17 November 2005.
74/19 MINUTES FROM THE MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND
TOURISM SUB COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 17 NOVEMBER
2005
The Board noted the minutes from the Marketing, Communications and
Tourism Sub Committee held on 17 November 2005.
74/20 MINUTES FROM THE RURAL SUB COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD ON 17 NOVEMBER 2005
The Board noted the minutes from the Rural Sub Committee held on 17
November 2005.
74/21 BOARD MEMBERS FEEDBACK
Brenda Smith reported on a seminar she had attended on RDA
financial awareness and provided copies of the paperwork for the
Board.
The Chairman informed the Board that Natural England were
seeking applications for Board Directors by 30 December.
The Chairman suggested Board members may wish to read the
summary document on Board induction - A Case Study - and on what
makes an exceptional non-executive Director.
74/22 DATE AND TIME OF THE NEXT BOARD
MEETING
The next meeting will be at 12.45 on Thursday, 19 January 2006
at Renaissance House, Warrington.