New Anglia Board Meeting (Via Teleconference)
25th March 2020
Key Points
COVID-19 Impact on the LEP and the Local Economy
The Board received a report detailing the main strands of work underway to support the economy at this time.
Growth Hub - This is being promoted as the key support for businesses and is providing information on
sources of funding and the most up to date Governmental advice.
Norfolk Economy Cell - Chris Starkie, the LEP CEO, is chairing the Economy Cell of the Norfolk response to
the emergency which contains various workstreams supported by LEP and Local Authority staff along with
other key partners. Discussions are ongoing to provide similar support to Suffolk.
The Board discussed the unprecedented situation and the impact it is having on the businesses and economy
of Norfolk and Suffolk and provided examples based on their own experiences and contact with businesses.
It was agreed that, as there is no scheduled April board meeting, a teleconference should be held to provide
the board with an update on the rapidly changing situation.
The Board agreed:
• To hold a one hour teleconference in April to receive an update
LEP Delivery Plan
The Board was presented with the new LEP delivery plan for 20/21 which provides an outline of the main
objectives, initiatives and targets of the LEP over the coming 12 months
The Board agreed:
• To approve the Delivery Plan and delegate to the LEP chief executive authority to make minor changes
necessary ahead of publication on 1 May 2020
LEP Operating Budget
The Board received details of the operating budget for the LEP for 2020/21 financial year noting that it reflected
the running costs the LEP operation.
The Board agreed:
• To approve the operating budget for 2020/21
Governance
The Board was presented with the updated LEP Assurance Framework, Scheme of Delegation and
Accountable Body Agreement which have been amended to ensure they are in line with newly published
Government guidance and that all the information contained in them is accurate and up to date.
The Board agreed:
• To approve all documents
Election of Deputy Chair
The Board was advised that one nomination has been received for the post of deputy chair which had been
proposed and seconded in accordance with the LEP’s policy and invited the Board to ratify the appointment of
Jeanette Wheeler as deputy chair of New Anglia LEP.
The Board agreed:
• To ratify the appointment of Jeanette Wheeler as deputy chair on a three year term
Chief Executive’s Report
The Board reviewed the Chief Executive’s report providing an overview of activities since the February board.
It was confirmed that the funding application to extend the Business Growth Programme has now been
approved in principle by MHCLG and the Board was asked for and granted approval for the LEP to launch the
Growth Through Innovation fund
The Board agreed:
• To approve the launch of the Growth Through Innovation Fund (confidential)
Further Papers Reviewed
• Freeports Consultation (Noted)
• EU Exit Transition (Noted)
• March Programme Performance Reports (Noted)
• Board Forward Plan (Noted)
The March LEP Board Papers can be found on Sharepoint:
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