Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies had been received from David Holmes, CC Aidy Riggott, Phil Green and Steve Burns.

None

Resolved: that the minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2022 were agreed as an accurate record

None

Leigh Mclaughlin, Employment and Skills Coordinator, Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, presented the report (circulated) outlining the amended framework, following a request from Board members at the previous meeting. The emendations were approved.

It was requested that under item 12 (page 14 of the pack) a further figure be added to show the amount spent in the local supply chain as a percentage of the total.

Resolved: that the revisions are noted and the framework approved

Melissa Conlon, Commercial Director, AMRC North West, presented an update on the AMRC, outlining the AMRC's key research themes, the growth in staff and capacity available, and future aspirations

In response to a question about the timeline for the building to be filled to capacity, Melissa commented that the timing was dependent on the success of various bids, but it was expected to reach capacity in the next 2-3 years.

Marketing was discussed; it was noted that the partnership was working well, there were good relationships among the wider AMRC network and a number of events had been held. It was suggested that a focus on the PR for Lancashire specifically would be welcomed.

Melissa was thanked for her presentation.

Resolved: that the update was noted

There were no items to raise at the next LEP Board meeting.

Councillor Mark Smith wished to thank the Committee in advance of the upcoming elections. The Committee echoed their thanks and best wishes.

Anne-Marie Parkinson also noted that this would be her final meeting, having resigned from the LEP. The Committee wished to place on record their thanks to her, and best wishes.

The next meeting of the Enterprise Zone Governance Committee is scheduled for 12.00 noon on 18 May 2023, to be held virtually.

The next meeting of the Enterprise Zone Governance Committee is scheduled for 12.00 noon on 18 May 2023, to be held virtually.

The Committee is asked to consider whether, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, it considers that the public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that there would be a likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the appropriate paragraph of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as indicated against the heading to the item.

Resolved: that the meeting move into Part II, Private and Confidential, to consider the remaining reports as they contained information defined as confidential or exempt in accordance with the relevant paragraph of Part I to schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as set out in the report. It was considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

Rob Green, Head of Enterprise Zones, Blackpool Council presented a private and confidential report which provided the committee with an update on the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

The report included updates on KPIs and milestones, risks, Masterplan and

Delivery Plan, project management, fiscal incentives, current activity, social value and environmental activity, the Blackpool Town Deal, Squires Gate Industrial Estate, planning applications, communications infrastructure and marketing, and Blackpool Airport.

Resolved: that the Enterprise Zone Governance committee note the report

Rob Green, Head of Enterprise Zones, Blackpool Council presented a private and confidential report which provided the committee with an update on the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone.

The report included updates on activity since the last meeting, including achievements to date, KPIs and milestones, risks and actions, an update on the delivery plan, the Getting Building Fund, residential development, the Fleetwood/Poulton Rail Line, marketing, the Hydrogen Steering Group, the Vinnolit site, new onsite companies, and job creation.

Resolved: that the Enterprise Zone Governance Committee note the report.

Chris Dyson, Strategic Development Programme Manager, Lancashire County Council, presented a private and confidential report which provided the committee with an update on the Samlesbury Aerospace and Warton Aviation Enterprise Zones.

Regarding the Samlesbury site, the report included an update on the site delivery programme for phases 2a and 2b, a financial update, an update on planning, commercial marketing agents, ancillary accommodation, communications, skills and the low carbon feasibility study.

Regarding the Warton site, the report included an update on the masterplan and strategic meetings between partners.

In response to a question about the Estate Management Strategy, it was noted that this was expected in around 6 months' time. The Chair requested this be further prioritised.

In response to a question about the marketing of sites, it was noted that work had been done to ensure this was being coordinated, and that work was ongoing on a stronger prospectus around inward investment propositions in Lancashire.

Resolved: that the Enterprise Zone Governance Committee note the report.