Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, and introductions were made by all in attendance.

Apologies had been received from Sue Smith and Geoff Mason.

None

Resolved: that the minutes of the meeting on 8 September 2022 were approved as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.

Regarding Export Activities, it was noted that funds were still available but take up had so far been low. It was commented that there was no funded manpower support for the application process. An online event was suggested to help promote the fund; it was noted that a workshop was running on 6 December "Export Academy: agents and distributors" by the Department for International Trade. Members were encouraged to share the link via trade networks and social media.

It was agreed that some standardised communication was needed for the Committee members to disseminate. Andy Walker agreed to discuss this with Lynne Gillen, Export Manager for Department of International Trade, and circulate a communications message to the group.

Resolved: a message regarding Export activities and the Internationalisation Grant would be circulated to the Committee for dissemination

Miranda Barker OBE, Chief Executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, presented a paper (circulated) and slides outlining the process leading to the creation, performance, and evolution of RedCAT (Lancashire Centre for Alternative Technology).

She also outlined RedCAT Innovation, consultancy support through the Chamber, RedCAT Ventures, which was moving to be an FCA approved funding broker outside the Chamber and RedCAT Development/Manufacturing Accelerators, creating managed manufacturing spaces in Lancashire, and the Committee were encouraged to lend support.

The table of outputs was highlighted, showing targets and results; it was commented that development was often not output-focussed and the end process whereby outputs were realised was often under resourced.

The Committee discussed the asks, and Justin Kyriakou offered to arrange a meeting with Miranda, Ann, and Chris Oglesby from the Greater Manchester LEP to discuss support for this activity.

Miranda was thanked for her presentation.

Resolved: that the information be noted

Andy Walker, Head of Business Growth, Lancashire County Council, presented the report and slides (circulated) summarising the trajectory of the economy of Lancashire, and providing a picture of the challenges and opportunities.

The Committee requested the Lancashire data broken down into areas.

In the discussion that followed, it was commented that aspiration and growth were good, but it was also important to defend the strengths and attributes already in the economy. It was also commented that many businesses were wary of admitting to problems and seeking help. It was suggested that the ICEAW could develop a "do's and don'ts for business finance" which Committee members could disseminate, to encourage businesses to seek help when necessary.

Resolved: the Business Support Management Board agreed

i.  That the information be noted

ii.  That the Lancashire data be broken down into areas and circulated

iii.  That Justin Kyriakou would circulate a "do's and don'ts for business finance" message to Committee members

Andy Walker, Head of Business Growth, Lancashire County Council, presented the report (circulated) outlining the work of the LEP's six sector groups.

It was noted that in the new year consolidated asks could be brought from the sector groups for this Committee to discuss. It was also suggested that the Chairs of each of the groups be invited to attend a Committee meeting to discuss their strategies and receive feedback, and consider what actions the Committee could take to drive forward the work to impact businesses.

Resolved: that the information be noted, and that the Chairs of each of the sector groups be invited to a future meeting to discuss their strategies

Standing item – a round table update and discussion

This was covered under other items.

Presented by: Andy Walker

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None

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Resolved: the meeting programme was agreed as below:

(10.30 09 February – already booked)

10.30 25 May 2023

10.30 07 September 2023

10.30 16 November 2023

10.30 08 February 2024

The next meeting of the Business Support Management Board is scheduled for 10.30am on 9 February 2023 in Exchange Room 8, County Hall, Preston.

The next meeting of the Business Support Management Board is scheduled for 10.30am on 9 February 2023 in Exchange Room 8, County Hall, Preston.

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.

Andrew Leeming, Boost Programme Manager, presented the private and confidential report (circulated) providing an update on Boost and the Growth Hub, and outlining some proposed changes to the provision of some of the services.

Resolved: that the Business Support Management Board note and endorse the changes as set out in the report