Decision details

Ruth Connor, Chief Executive, Marketing Lancashire, presented a report (circulated) to the Performance Committee setting out the funding position of Marketing Lancashire including the funding provided by other public and private sector partners.

Ruth talked the Committee through the background of Marketing Lancashire, what it does and explained what the vision for Marketing Lancashire is.

It was noted that to date Marketing Lancashire is predominantly funded by Lancashire County Council with significant programme funding also provided by the LEP. The remit of the organisation is to help support and promote a strong inward investment agenda and secure additional private sector funding.

Ruth informed the Performance Committee that Funding from LCC had been agreed at cabinet last week for 2017/18, and the following three years but it is subject to annual performance reviews.

It was recognised that a lot has been done recently to align Marketing Lancashire with partner objectives and to drive other income generation within the Company itself.

Ruth explained that Marketing Lancashire want to push the LEP forward where possible and focus on delivery. It was highlighted Marketing Lancashire’s focus over the next three months will be MIPIM, Energy HQ investment and the Enterprise Zone website.

It was noted that it would be good to see more national coverage of the LEP and perhaps one option would be to release information together in a package rather than bit by bit. It was also discussed that the way information is illustrated is important and it needs to be clear and easy for people to access.

It was highlighted that access to financal information had been an issue when looking at what is available and there needs to be a clear message of how to access business finance.  It was proposed that a simple process chart be put together that is user friendly.

Resolved:

That the LEP Performance Committee note the contents of the report.