New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Board Meeting
Wednesday 24th February 2021
10.00 - 12.30pm
Via MS Teams
Agenda
No.
Item
1.
Welcome from the Chair
2.
Presentation - The University of Suffolk Strategy and Vision 2020-2030
3.
Apologies
4.
Declarations of Interest
5.
Actions / Minutes from the last meeting
Strategic
6.
Energy Sector Recovery and Resilience Plan
For Approval
Operational
7.
Enterprise Zone Accelerator Fund Amendment - Nar Ouse - Confidential
For Approval
8.
Great Yarmouth O&M Campus - Confidential
For Approval
BREAK - 15 Mins
9.
Enterprise Zone Accelerator Fund - Norwich Research Park - Confidential
For Approval
10.
Norfolk & Suffolk Transport Board Update
Update
11.
Chief Executive’s Report - including confidential items
Update
12.
February Performance Report inc & Economic Dashboards
Update
13.
Board Forward Plan
Update
14.
Any Other Business
1
2
New Anglia Board Meeting Minutes (Unconfirmed)
27th January 2021
Present:
Kathy Atkinson (KA)
Kettle Foods
Sam Chapman-Allen (SC)
Breckland Council
Claire Cullens (CC)
Norfolk Community Foundation
David Ellesmere (DE)
Ipswich Borough Council
C-J Green (CJG)
Brave Goose
John Griffiths (JG)
West Suffolk Council
Matthew Hicks (MH)
Suffolk County Council
Pete Joyner (PJ)
Shorthose Russell
Helen Langton (HL)
University of Suffolk
Steve Oliver (SO)
MLM Group
Corrienne Peasgood (CP)
Norwich City College
Andrew Proctor (AP)
Norfolk County Council
Johnathan Reynolds (JR)
Opergy
Sandy Ruddock (SR)
Scarlet & Mustard
Alan Waters (AW)
Norwich City Council
Jeanette Wheeler (JW)
Birketts
Tim Whitley (TW)
BT
Attendees
Ian Whitehead (IH)
Lane Farm - For Item 2
Rebecca Miles (RM)
Lane Farm - For Item 2
Harry Youngson (HY)
Lane Farm - For Item 2
Shan Lloyd (SL)
BEIS
Mark Ash (MA)
Suffolk County Council
Vince Muspratt (VM)
Norfolk County Council
James Allen (JA)
New Anglia LEP - For Item 7
Chris Dashper (CD)
New Anglia LEP - For Item 11
Julian Munson (JM)
New Anglia LEP - For Item 10
Chris Starkie (CS)
New Anglia LEP
Emma Taylor (ET)
New Anglia LEP - For Item 8
Rosanne Wijnberg (RW)
New Anglia LEP
Helen Wilton (HW)
New Anglia LEP
1
Actions from the meeting: (27.1.21)
2021 LEP Strategic Priorities
Any comments on the strategic priorities to be submitted to CS & CJG
ALL
Strategic priorities slides to be circulated to the board
HW
Chief Executive’s Report
An update on Ely Junction to be provided at the next board meeting
EG
1
Welcome from the Chair
CJ Green (CJG) welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for attending.
2
Presentation from Ian Whitehead, Lane Farm
CJG welcomed Ian Whitehead (IW), Rebecca Miles (RM) and Harry Youngson (HY) from Lane Farm
who provided the board with a presentation on their family run pig farm explaining that over the past
20 years they have diversified the business by setting up a cutting plant which had allowed them to
produce their own products and sell to local stores. IW explained that they then moved into cooking
and processing their pork and by bringing processing into a single building in 2019 allowing customers
to visit the site which resulted in larger orders.
The LEP’s agri-food grant will be used to purchase packaging machines allowing increased
productivity, reduced wrapping costs and allowing the use of recycled materials.
RM confirmed that a web site had been set up for the Suffolk Salami arm of the business which is
being used to test the processes and that this was doing well without promotion and that they would
look to expand this going forward.
The meeting discussed the impact of the pandemic which has reduced the demand from the
commercial food trade but noted that sales in local shops had increased.
CJG thanked them for the presentation and they left the meeting.
3
Apologies
Apologies were received from Dominic Keen.
4
Declarations of Interest
None
5
Actions/Minutes from the last Meeting
The minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting held on 25th November 2020.
CJG reviewed the outstanding actions and Chris Starkie (CS) provided an update on the
sources of traffic on the web site vacancy board details of which will be circulated with the
minutes.
6
2021 LEP Strategic Priorities
CS provided the board with a presentation on the LEP’s key achievements of 2020 and the
strategic priorities for the year ahead.
CS highlighted 10 ways in which the LEP had supported local businesses during the
pandemic including the PPE database, the successes of partnership working and the
provision of grants in particular the Business Resilience and Recovery Scheme. It was also
noted that the LEP team had continued to deliver business as normal throughout its full
portfolio of programmes.
CS proposed the following priorities for 2021:
• Covid-19 Reponses & Recovery - continued practical support for business and support
during the recovery
• Clean Growth Region - driving forward the key elements of the Local Industrial Strategy
including establishing the Clean Growth Taskforce
• International Profile & Trade - working with the Department for International Trade and
other partners to promote the region, navigate any issues related to Brexit and take
advantage of new opportunities.
2
• Strengthening the LEP - securing future financing as programmes come to an end and
identifying funding from other areas.
The meeting discussed the new UK Shared Prosperity Fund details of which will be set out at
the budget in March.
CS also recommended a continuing focus on underpinning themes of inclusive growth,
innovation and digitalisation which will support all areas of work.
Claire Cullens (CC) noted that support for skills needed to be explicit in the objectives and the
meeting discussed the Skills White paper and the role of the Chambers of Commerce. CS
advised that he was meeting with both local chambers to discuss this further and would also
arrange a meeting with CC.
CS agreed to add an explicit reference to skills into the objectives
ACTIONS: Any comments on the strategic priorities to be submitted to CS & CJG
All
Strategic priorities slides to be circulated to the board
HW
The Board agreed:
• To note the content of the presentation and agreed the priorities identified with the addition
of skills
7
Trade and Cooperation Agreement Between the EU and the UK
James Allen (JA) presented the board with a summary of the report on the Trade and
Cooperation Agreement struck between the EU and the UK detailing the contents of the deal,
potential implications for sectors, potential economic impact, emerging intelligence and LEP
activity.
The board discussed the potential impact on the economy of leaving the EU coupled with the
pandemic and current anecdotal evidence of issues.
CS advised the board that the presentation could be provided to partners and anyone
interested should contact him or JA.
The Board praised the quality of the report and presentation and agreed:
• To note the content of the report
8
Agri-Food Industry Council Report
Corrienne Peasgood (CP), chair of the Agri-food Council, presented the board with an update
on the work of the Agri-Food Industry Council and reviewed the key objectives:
• Supporting business recovery, promoting long term growth and ensuring business
resilience.
• Explore ways of attracting inward investment to increase the volume and value of food
processing within Norfolk & Suffolk.
• Collaborate with partners including Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
leveraging the existing strengths of Agri-TechE to realise the collective power as the UK
centre for hi-tech, precision agriculture and food production.
• Support the development of a Food Innovation Centre at the Food Enterprise Park at
Honingham Thorpe to deliver regional business growth through innovation, productivity,
processing and to support the further development of the wider Norwich Food Enterprise
Park.
• Develop a world-leading hub for plant and microbial research at the Norwich Research
Park.
• Understanding, supporting and developing the Clean Growth agenda for the agri-food
value chain.
• Enabling Growth in the New Anglia Agri-food sector through skills development.
CP highlighted some of the concerns which have been raised by businesses regarding the
UK leaving the EU and noted that the full impacts have not yet been seen.
3
Emma Taylor (ET) advised that the next Agri-food sector report will be issued shortly
providing feedback from council members, project updates and case studies.
Johnathan Reynolds (JR) asked if the council included aqua foods within its scope. CP
confirmed it did but this area would be expanded in the future.
The Board agreed:
• To note the content of the report
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Chief Executive’s Report
CS highlighted key projects including the successful delivery of the Peer to Peer Network and
the announcement of a further round of funding to which the LEP will be submitting a bid.
Annual Performance Review - CS was pleased to confirm that Government’s preliminary
assessment was that all requirements have been met. The review meeting between
Government and the LEP team will take place on 28th January.
Covid-19 Response - The LEP is also working with partners in Public Health teams to assist
in setting up Covid-19 testing programmes for businesses with less than 250 employees.
Andrew Proctor (AP) asked if the Peer to Peer network included the care sector. CS
confirmed that the network had been promoted to all sectors.
CS agreed with AP’s comment that progress on Ely Junction had been slow but that the
funding proved by the LEP and local authorities had moved the project onto the next stage.
It was agreed that an update would be provided for the next board meeting.
ACTION: An update on the Ely junction project to be provided at the February board meeting
EG
JR asked how inward investment queries connected to the Industry Councils. CS noted that
this could be challenging given the confidential nature of the investment discussions, but it
would be possible to share some details.
The Board agreed:
• To note the content of the report
10
Connected Innovation
Julian Munson (JM) provided the board with an update on the LEP’s ‘Connected Innovation’
initiative which is being driven by the LEP’s Innovation Board and includes a new programme
to connect and promote Norfolk and Suffolk’s Innovation Hubs and the development of an
Innovation Prospectus. The prospectus is still undergoing amendments and will be circulated
to the Board on completion.
The two year project will provide a more collaborative approach to innovation across the
region and will also support cross sector innovation.
JR expressed thanks to both local authorities for their support and noted the success of
pulling together the innovation hubs and the opportunities which this provides.
The Board agreed:
• To note the content of the report
11
New Anglia Capital Report - Confidential
Chris Dashper (CD) presented the report noting the change in format and advised that this
was still being reviewed and amended.
The Board agreed:
• To note the content of the report
12
January Performance Reports
Rosanne Wijnberg (RW) presented the reports to the Board and highlighted key items.
Growth Programme - the Small Grants Programme runs until September 2021 and further
funding was being investigated.
4
Enterprise Advisor Network - Outputs are as at the end of the autumn term and are rated red
as they are centred on work with businesses. The advisors have been working on other
initiatives which are not reflected in the captured outputs but which are recognised by the
Careers Enterprise Company.
Enterprise Zones - Activity has slowed on the Great Yarmouth & Lowestoft EZ while Space to
Innovate remains busy.
The Board agreed:
• To note the content of the reports
13
Quarterly Management Accounts
RW presented the management accounts to the board and asked for approval of the virement
of funds from the Business Resilience and Recovery Fund (R&R) to the Growing Business
Fund.
The Board agreed:
• To note the content of the accounts
• To approve the budget transfer (subject to government agreement) of £1m from R&R to
Growing Business Fund.
14
Board Forward Plan
CS presented the forward plan highlighting the agenda items for the next meeting.
The Board agreed:
• To note the content of the plan
15
Any Other Business
None
5
Actions from New Anglia LEP Board Meetings
Date
Item
Action
Update
Actioned
Target Date
By
21/01/2021
Chrief Executives's Report
An update on Ely Junction to be provided at the next board meeting
Included in the Transport board update paper
EG
Complete
27/01/2021
2021 LEP Strategic Priorities
Any comments on the strategic priorities to be submitted to CS & CJG
Slides circulated with January Board minutes
Complete
CS
Strategic priorities slides to be circulated to the board
25/11/2020
Economic Recovery Restart Plan
Details have been circulated with the January Board papers
Complete
Sources of visitors to the vacancy page on the New Anglia Web site to be circulated
CS
Progress Report
25/11/2020
Economic Recovery Restart Plan
Insolvency advice to be provided to the Growth Hub
RW & Jeanette Wheeler in discussion to progress.
Feb-21
RW
Progress Report
23/09/2020
New Anglia Capital
Board members to consider putting themselves forward to join the NAC board
Kathey Atkinson has offered to join the NAC Board and has been invited to
CS
Mar-21
meet the NAC directors at the NAC Board meeting in March.
23/05/2019
Growth Hub Presentation
Growth Hub Annual review to be circulated to the Board when published
This review will now take place early in 2021
CD
Apr-21
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New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Board
Wednesday 24th February 2021
Agenda Item 6
Energy Sector Recovery and Resilience Plan
Authors: Julian Munson/Katie Snell Presenter: Julian Munson
Summary
This paper provides an update on the production of a Sector Recovery and Resilience Plan
for the energy sector developed by New Anglia LEP with All Energy Industry Council
partners.
Background
Norfolk and Suffolk is fast becoming the UK’s epicentre for energy generation and systems
integration with a unique mix of onshore and offshore renewables, gas, nuclear and
hydrogen and is experiencing significant levels of investment, particularly in the offshore
wind sector.
The All-Energy Industry Council (AEIC) recognises the strategic importance and value of the
energy sector as identified in the draft Local Industry Strategy. The AEIC is one of three
Industry Councils, established as strategic public/private sector partnerships to provide a
focus for decision making and leadership in the high value sectors for Norfolk and Suffolk.
The AEIC acts as the LEP’s sector group for energy and provides the strategic direction in
delivering the aspiration to be recognised as the UK’s All Energy Region.
The impact of Covid19 has been significant on some parts of the sector, particularly with
regards to delays with operational contracts impacting on supply chains and furloughing of
staff. There have also been delays reported with respect to approvals from Government for
major offshore projects. To this extent the AEIC has developed a recovery plan for the
sector which not only identifies the key challenges but also the significant opportunities and
major interventions that are being planned or considered to help with economic recovery and
to enhance resilience within the sector.
The Recovery and Resilience plan for Norfolk and Suffolk’s energy sector will support a
range of priorities and interventions to drive growth, investment and innovation, strengthen
the supply chain and boost sustainable employment in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Energy Sector Recovery and Resilience Plan
The Energy Recovery and Resilience Plan has been produced with the support of an Energy
Recovery Task and Finish Group which was made up of selected members from the All-
Energy Industry Council including Local Authority partners and chaired by the LEP’s Head of
Enterprise Zones and Innovation. The LEP Board has endorsed this work as referenced in
the October 2020 LEP Board Meeting discussion on the AEIC.
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The plan sets out how the energy sector within Norfolk and Suffolk can support economic
recovery from Covid-19 in a way which helps to achieve Net Zero. It further supports the
Five Foundations of Productivity (Business Environment, Place, ideas, Infrastructure and
People) and the Grand Challenges aligning to the Local Industrial Strategy and Economic
Strategy.
It acknowledges the Government’s 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution and the
Energy White Paper which were recently published, making it clear that the energy sector
will provide jobs and boost growth, while strengthening the resilience of energy systems and
making energy more affordable, thereby supporting broad economic activity and jobs in all
parts of the economy. Reference to the Government’s energy Sector Deals and the North
Sea Transmission Deal have also been included.
Importantly, it includes current projects and investments within the region of Norfolk and
Suffolk and looks to the medium-long term with several interventions planned. It highlights
the unique mix of energy both onshore and offshore as well as statistics based on GVA,
capital investment, power and job generation which help to set the scene.
The plan is important as improved energy sector resilience and reliability would greatly
reduce economic losses and lost labour hours. Investment in energy is also needed to
develop more sustainable systems, speed up clean energy transitions and reduce emissions
in pursuit of the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Collectively the sector has major long-term investors in the economy providing vital
infrastructure, high skilled jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities. The plan
highlights how the region of Norfolk and Suffolk is exceptionally well positioned to play its
part in the goal to recovery with clear actions to take forward.
Lastly, we have included some clear asks to Government presenting an opportunity for
Norfolk and Suffolk to play an important lead role in delivering the UK’s Green Industrial
Revolution.
Planned Interventions
A range of interventions and planned actions are highlighted within the plan. Examples
include;
 Launching a new branding and marketing campaign to consolidate the region’s
position as a world leader in energy to maximise visibility to Government and
investors
 Enhancing supply chain programme activity to create contract opportunities for local
businesses from the emerging offshore wind and nuclear new build opportunities
 Researching and progressing emerging opportunities for hydrogen production and
innovation in Norfolk and Suffolk
 Supporting skills development programmes to maximise job opportunities in the
energy sector
Recommendation
Endorse the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Norfolk and Suffolk’s energy sector
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New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Board
Wednesday 24th February 2021
Agenda Item 10
Norfolk and Suffolk Transport Board Update
Author: Ellen Goodwin
Presenter: Steve Oliver, Ellen Goodwin
Summary
This paper provides an update on the Transport Board, a sub-group of New Anglia LEP.
Recommendations
The Board is invited to:
 Note the contents of the paper, sub-board report (appendix A) and the overview
presented at the meeting;
 Note the update provided on the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement programme
(Appendix B) and
 Agree in principle to the broadening of scope for the Transport Board to include clean
growth and its necessary connected elements i.e. energy and digital networks.
Background
The Transport Board was established in its current form after the abolishment of the Local
Transport Body and Board in November 2018 with the high-level objective of implementing
the Integrated Transport Strategy.
Its current terms of reference, due to be reviewed in March 2021 state that the Board’s
expected outcomes are as follows:
 A reliable, resilient and integrated transport network with improved capacity and
journey times, providing good connectivity both within and around Norfolk and
Suffolk, and to other UK, European and worldwide destinations;
 A Delivery Plan for the Integrated Transport Strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk, current
and valued by transport bodies; and
 Central government understanding of the transport infrastructure needs and priorities
of Norfolk and Suffolk businesses and residents to support inward investment and
growth.
Transport East
Since its inception in late 2017 Transport East, the Sub-National Transport Board for Norfolk,
Suffolk, Essex, Southend-On-Sea and Thurrock has grown in strength and influence
significantly. It is currently developing its own Transport Strategy along similar themes to
that identified locally. New Anglia LEP is a member of Transport East.
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Transport Board Objectives
The Integrated Transport Strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk was adopted in May 2018 and
highlighted four key areas for intervention which are laid out below alongside the equivalent
priorities for Transport East.
Integrated Transport Strategy
Transport East
Connecting
Quicker, more reliable and
Global
Better connected ports
the East,
resilient strategic connections
Gateways
and airports to help UK
Accessing
to boost our contribution to UK
businesses thrive.
the World
plc, encouraging improved
Boosting the nation’s
perceptions, economic
economy through greater
participation and inward
access to international
investment for our key sectors
markets and Foreign
and competitive clusters
Direct Investment.
Regional
Keeping people and products
Multi-centred
Better links between our
Connectivit
moving in and around our
Connections
fastest growing places
y and our
Priority Places and Enterprise
and business clusters.
Priority
Zones through new investment,
This helps the area to
Places
placemaking, maintenance and
function as a coherent
an integrated public transport
economy and improves
network with opportunities for
productivity.
walking and cycling
Local and
Innovative on-demand transport
Energised
A reinvented, sustainable
Coastal
solutions and improvements to
Coastal
coast for the 21st
facilitate local sustainable
Communities
century. Supporting the
growth, walking and cycling,
growing importance of
recognising local
the energy generated
distinctiveness, and offering
along our coastline, as
access to services and
well as our fantastic
opportunities through digital
visitor experiences.
means
Agile to
Embracing new technologies
Decarbonisati
An evidence report on
Change
and digital connectivity to enable
on
this topic was
remote access to services and
commissioned and will
opportunities to facilitate
be used in the strategy
Mobility as a Service.
development work
currently underway.
New Anglia LEP will continue to work through Tran sport East to achieve the transport
ambitions for Norfolk and Suffolk. Given the clear alignment in priorities there is an
opportunity locally to broaden the scope of the Transport Board and use the platform that
Transport East has in order to achieve a wider set of objectives and avoid resource
repetition.
Delivery and key achievements to date
Accessing the World
Freeport East: A consortium of partners including the relevant local authorities from South
Suffolk and North Essex and New Anglia LEP have been working with officers from
Hutchison Ports to prepare and submit a case for Freeport status built around Felixstowe
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and Harwich Ports. As part of the bid submitted to Government on 5 February three tax sites
and five parallel customs sites have been shortlisted. The case is built on innovation, trade
expansion, clean growth and regeneration. With the potential to generate up to 13,500
additional jobs over time the sponsors of the bid believe it represents a strong case for one
of the 10 Freeport designations available across the UK. The benefits Freeports will enjoy
flexible tariff structures, simplified customs processes, additional funding for infrastructure
upgrades, and tax measures as an incentive for investment. The two ports unrivalled
connections with Europe and the Far East and transport /freight links with the UK’s Midland
Engine make it ideally placed to benefit for the new opportunities that Freeport status offers.
Union Connectivity: The Transport Board recently responded to this call for evidence
focussing on rail freight movements from the Port of Felixstowe to the Midlands, North and
central belt of Scotland and regular air connectivity to/from Aberdeen and Belfast via
Norwich Airport. The response also highlighted the Airport as an important base for offshore
energy operations.
Connecting the East
Ely
The New Anglia LEP is represented on the Ely Taskforce, the Ely Area Capacity
Enhancement Programme Delivery Board and the Ely Communications Working Group.
In March 2017, the Board agreed to fund the advancement of the Ely Area Capacity
Enhancement (EACE) scheme by £3.3m as part of a wider funding package. The road/rail
scheme being worked up will allow for increased passenger services (yet to be determined)
as well as freight capacity on the network. Any new services may be subject to other
improvements on the network if they are to be fully realised. New Anglia LEP funding has
not only helped to accelerate the programme of works on Ely it has also helped to leverage
in additional funding from other partners and DfT.
The Transport Board has created an infographic highlighting the benefits of improving Ely
junction for influencing purposes. This can be found at Appendix B.
Last year the Strategic Outline Business Case was submitted to Government, a positive
decision and the additional £13.1m of funding from DfT obtained. Work is underway on the
next stages of the programme with further public consultations on options for the Ely area
planned in the summer and autumn. The Outline Business Case will be prepared in the latter
half of 2021 with a decision to design expected by summer 2022, this now includes the level
crossing work between Ely and Ipswich which has been accelerated. The current timetable
suggests that a preferred option consultation is programmed for autumn/winter
2022. Subject to various decisions construction could begin 2025. A piece of work is
underway to aggressively pursue ways of shortening the overall programme without
compromising on the benefits.
Alongside this workstream, New Anglia LEP is part of the East-West Rail Eastern Section
Executive Board to advance work on the project in Norfolk and Suffolk.
GEML: The Summary Business Case is currently being finalised following the GEML
Taskforce meeting on 28 January. This document brings together the key elements from
both the Strategic Outline Business Case and the Wider Economic Benefits study and the
purpose is to replace the original business case published in 2014, as the key lobbying
document for GEML investment.
The next step is to complete the gap analysis work to finalise the SOBC and progress the
GEML programme to the next stage on the Rail Network Enhancement Pipeline. The gap
analysis work will be undertaken by Network Rail and the Taskforce is currently awaiting
approval from DfT to release the funds to carry out this work. The gap analysis will provide
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29
more clarity in terms of costs and although this extends the timings for putting forward the
SOBC to the next stage, overall it does not impact on the timescales for the programme as
this work was already planned by Network Rail. Once funding has been released, the gap
analysis work is expected to take between 6 - 9 months to complete.
The work on the Great Eastern Mainline described above includes improvement at Haughley
junction.
East Norwich regeneration: New Anglia LEP is working with Norwich City Council, Norfolk
County Council, the Broads Authority and other partners including landowners, Greater
Anglia and Network Rail to consider the opportunities to regenerate East Norwich including a
potential improvement to Trowse rail swingbridge.
A14 Strategy Board: New Anglia LEP sits on the A14 Strategy Board led by the Suffolk
Chamber of Commerce. The Board, although disappointed that the schemes put forward for
delivery between 2020 and 2025 were not approved remains focussed that the improvement
at Copdock be included in the following programme period and that other improvements on
the route are delivered in the future too.
A47 Alliance: New Anglia LEP will continue to work as part of the A47 Alliance, led by
Norfolk County Council to see agreed schemes delivered. The four remaining schemes to
be delivered in Norfolk (Blofield to Burlingham dualling, North Tuddenham to Easton
dualling, Thickthorn junction and Great Yarmouth junctions) should have been completed by
the end of 2020 according to the original timeline. The Alliance remains committed to seeing
further improvements delivered in the future.
Other projects
Transforming Cities Fund: New Anglia LEP continues to be a member of the Joint
Committee for the Transforming Cities Fund programme in Norwich.
Proposed Sizewell C: New Anglia LEP continues to encourage EDF to consider a
sustainable transport strategy for construction.
Connected Places Catapult: the Transport Board continues to work with the Connected
Places Catapult on achieving a balanced approach between public transport and active
travel.
COVID-19
The Transport Board continues to consider the impacts of covid-19. One area that requires
particular support is the rebuilding of confidence in public transport and a working group has
been established to consider just this.
There are transport benefits with respect to the pandemic. The increase in active travel and
the subsequent Emergency Active Travel Fund have benefited Norfolk and Suffolk who have
collectively secured just over £4m.
Transport East have three sub-groups considering passenger transport, active travel and
rural connectivity, each of which have had a pandemic focus since their establishment.
New Anglia LEP is currently commissioning a piece of work to look at the new business
landscape, including the shift to home working/learning, which has resulted from the
pandemic. The shift to home working, if more permanent will have a lasting effect on our
need to travel. Through improving digital connectivity, we have the opportunity to improve
access to employment, learning and services through virtual means.
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Looking Ahead
Clean growth
In November 2020 New Anglia LEP responded to the Prime Minister on the opportunities for
a Green Industrial Revolution in Norfolk and Suffolk, many of which have a distinct transport
focus/element:
1. Alternative Fuels (electric and hydrogen) - we are working across the public and
private sectors, with partners at the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined
Authority and Transport East to explore the opportunities for the collaborative and
strategic deployment of alternative fuels across the wider region. This work will build
on work that is already taking place across Norfolk and Suffolk via Norfolk County
Council’s EV Strategy and the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan.
2. Modal shift (public transport and active travel) - building on the Covid-19 response
described above we will continue to encourage modal shift, encouraging people back
on to public transport and strive to maintain the trend for more active travel.
3. Jet zero and green maritime - we will work with both the aviation and maritime sector
to support their decarbonisation efforts. From a maritime perspective this includes
developing a bid to the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.
In moving forward, there is an opportunity to rationalise the activity of the Transport Board to
avoid repetition and embed clean growth principles. This will likely extend to conversations
about energy networks and digital connectivity. This paper seeks a broad view on this form
the Board ahead of a discussion at the next Transport Board on 18 March.
Influencer and Enabler
Moving forward the Transport Board can continue to work with key partners to enhance its
role as an Influencer and Enabler, developing key messages about infrastructure
improvements in the context of clean and inclusive growth within and outside of Norfolk and
Suffolk and ensure those messages are communicated effectively and in a holistic way
which links to the broader work of the Norfolk and Suffolk Economic Strategy, Local
Industrial Strategy and the Economic Recovery Restart Plan.
Strengthening Governance
The Transport Board will also consider its links with the broader governance of the LEP
including the Skills Advisory Panel, the Industry Councils and the other sector groups, in
particularly the visitor economy.
International Profile and Trade
The Transport Board will also consider its role in supporting international profile and trade.
Recommendations
The Board is invited to:
 Note the contents of the paper, sub-board report (appendix A) and the overview
presented at the meeting;
 Note the update provided on the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement programme; and
 Agree in principle to the broadening of scope for the Transport Board to include clean
growth and its necessary connected elements i.e. energy and digital networks
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Appendix A
Sub- Board Reporting
Sub-Board:
Transport Board
Representatives:
LEP Board: Steve Oliver
LEP Team: Ellen Goodwin
Meeting Frequency:
Quarterly
Key Objectives and their link to the
Update on actions / activity
Next Steps
NSES and LIS
NSES: Our offer to the world/competitive
Significant reduction in public transport use during the
Meeting set up to discuss how we re-build confidence
clusters close to global markets
pandemic will require renewed confidence building drive
and re-drive modal shift
LIS: Infrastructure/Clean growth
Facilitated initial discussions on a maritime
Working together on the Clean Maritime Demonstration
Connecting the East, Accessing the
cluster/network for Norfolk, Suffolk and North Essex
Competition: £20m opportunity as part of the 10-pt
World: quicker, more reliable and
working with SELEP
plan. Update at Transport Board 18 March
resilient strategic connections,
Freeport East bid submitted in support of levelling up and
Awaiting government decision
encouraging improved perceptions,
clean growth
economic participation and inward
Union connectivity response
None yet
investment
NSES: Driving business growth and
Transport East Strategy development
Transport East Forum/ Summit scheduled for 24
productivity
February/9 March respectively
LIS: Infrastructure/Clean growth
Influencing GEML and Ely taskforces to focus on the
Continued engagement
Regional Connectivity and Our Priority
strategic case and political influencing
Places: keeping people and products
East Norwich regeneration inc. Trowse swingbridge
Working through a number of Forums to advance
moving through new investment,
Support projects on A14/A47
Ongoing - A47 comms update at Transport Board 18
placemaking, maintenance and an
March
integrated public transport network with
Transforming Cities engagement in programme delivery
Ongoing
active travel opportunities
NSES: Driving business growth and
Alternative fuels - electrification and hydrogen
Working with the CPCA on an Alternative Fuel Strategy
productivity
opportunities
LIS: Infrastructure/Clean growth
Prevalence of home working/learning - link to digital
Work currently being commissioned
Agile to Change: embracing new
connectivity
technologies and digital connectivity to
33
enable remote access and facilitate
Mobility as a Service
NSES: Driving Inclusion and Skills
CPC active travel/public transport balance
Update report expected at next Transport Board - 18
LIS: Infrastructure/Clean growth
March
Local and Coastal: innovative on-demand
Reduce the need to travel/flexibility
Ongoing considerations
transport solutions and improvements,
Proposed Sizewell C - sustainable transport opportunity
Ongoing discussions about reducing impact with EDF
walking and cycling and offering access to
services and opportunities through digital
means
34
Appendix B
INCREASING CAPACITY AT
ELY JUNCTION
Integral to FREIGHT and
PASSENGER
STRATEGY
Ely capacity
to 2043
DIRECTLY LINKED
to UKs growth -
necessary to accommodate the
Ely is the artery of the UKs
COUNTRY’S DEMANDS
301,859
HIGHEST PRIORITY
rail freight
MINUTES LOST
corridor
at Ely each year-
and supply
equivalent of playing
chain
3,354
ELY
FOOTBALL
MATCHES
70%
or 629
OF CONTAINERS
work days lost
that arrive at Felixstowe are
delivered via Ely to the
Midlands, Manchester,
Liverpool and Yorkshire
and hit
decarbonisation
CO2
targets
Improvements to Ely would allow for
half hourly trains between Norwich
and Cambridge, and hourly services
between Ipswich and Peterborough
NORWICH
IPSWICH
FELIXSTOWE PORT
CAMBRIDGE
PETERBOROUGH
is committed to rail with an
existing 28% modal share, the
highest of any UK port
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Author: Chris Starkie
Summary
This report provides an overview of LEP team activities since the January board and is split into
five parts, reflecting the different strands of LEP activity:
1) LEP managed programmes
2) Strategy
3) Industry Councils, sector groups and external partnerships
4) Engagement and promotion
5) Governance, Operations and Finance
The media dashboard is attached as Appendix B to the report.
Recommendation
The board is asked to note the contents of the report
Highlights
Support for Covid testing for businesses
The LEP team and Growth Hub have begun supporting Norfolk and Suffolk Public Health
colleagues in the roll out of asymptomatic testing for businesses.
The LEP has agreed to assist both counties by proactively contacting businesses in priority
sectors to highlight the importance of regular testing of their workforces and encouraging them to
sign up their staff to programmes being run by the public health teams from Suffolk County
Council and Norfolk County Council.
We will also be using our sector groups and working with business bodies such as the chambers
and the FSB to broaden out this work.
Approval for ESF project
The LEP has received official approval from the Department of Work and Pensions for the bid we
submitted for our Careers Hub programme.
The £1.5m programme is funded through the European ESF programme with match funding from
the Careers Enterprise Company and will allow us to build on the excellent work of the LEP’s
Careers Hub and Enterprise Adviser Network.
Business Resilience and Recovery Scheme
Project approvals are continuing, with 115 projects agreed to date, providing grants valued at
£4.4m.
The programme has attracted £6.9m of private sector match funding - giving a total value of
£11.3m for the 115 projects. Investment in the approved projects will create 196 Full Time
Equivalent (FTE) jobs and safeguard 2,722.
1) LEP Programmes
Business Support
New Anglia Growth Hub
Over the last month the Growth Hub have seen an increase in businesses seeking EU Exit
related support.
Since 11th January 2021 the Growth Hub has also been delivering specialist EU Exit related
support to SMEs across Norfolk and Suffolk.
Around a quarter of businesses enquiring have been seeking in-depth and specialist support
around key topics, particularly exporting and customs advice and guidance. We are also
developing a number of EU Exit related webinars on key topics, to support SMEs to gain the
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knowledge they need to continue to operate effectively and with the minimum of disruption to
trading. (See further information on EU Transition in the strategy section on page 7 of the report).
The Growth Hub team continue to see a steady rise in the number of enquires relating to grant
schemes and are working with a diverse range of businesses to ensure that they have access to
appropriate financial support to both sustain and grow businesses.
Peer Network Programme
A total of 19 cohorts are up and running, with 162 businesses participating in the Peer Network
programme, which runs to the end of March 2021. Discussions are taking place within the
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to run another round of Peer Networks
in 2021/22.
Start-Up Programme
The number of people coming forward seeking support to start their own business continues to
be at a high level. Both NWES and Menta continue to deliver support to those seeking helps and
advice. With our current ERDF funding ending in September, we are working with partners to
seek alternative funding to enable the delivery of Start Up activity in the future. As part of this
process, we are holding an event in March to bring together key players in Start Up delivery,
together with local authority partners, so we can develop a long term plan for Start Up support.
Business Grants
Business Resilience and Recovery Scheme
Project approvals are continuing, with 115 projects agreed to date, providing grants valued at
£4.4m. The programme has attracted £6.9m of private sector match funding - giving a total value
of £11.3m for the 115 projects.
As of 8th February 2021, there were 9 grant applications with a combined grant value of £366,850
in the pipeline, being supported by the Growth Hub.
Investment in the approved projects to date will create 196 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs and
safeguard 2,722. Of the 115 businesses supported, 72 are in Norfolk (£2.7m) and 43 are in
Suffolk (£1.7m).
Visitor Economy Grant Scheme (VEGs) and Wider Economy Grant Scheme (WEGs)
Both schemes continue to be extremely popular. As of 8th February, 160 grant applications
totalling £421,907 have been approved with £186,708 of funding paid out to SMEs. A further 17
grant applications totalling £43,650 are currently under development, leaving £103,287 of funding
remaining to be allocated. MHCLG have recently confirmed that the scheme will be extended in
terms of timescale, with final claims for grants extended to the end of April 2021. The extension
does not include any additional funding for the schemes.
Small Grant Scheme
The number of applications coming through to the Small Grant Scheme has continued to pick up,
with the amount of funding unallocated now below £45k. Since its launch, the SGS has
supported 322 SMEs with £2.99 million of grant funding. A number of grant awards have slipped
due to the impact of Covid-19, however, we anticipate that the fund will be fully committed by the
end of March 2021. There are ongoing conversations with MHCLG as to future additional
funding, with a range of options available to ensure that the scheme continues beyond the
current end date of November 2021.
Growing Business Fund
The fund continues to be popular with businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk. Growth Hub
advisers are meeting businesses who are still keen to progress their growth plans and in
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particular there has been an uplift since the autumn of 2020 in businesses looking to move or
extend their premises and employ additional staff.
All funds available for 2020/21 have already been fully committed to projects. There is a very
healthy and growing pipeline of projects for 2021/22 with many businesses looking to proceed
quickly.
Growth Through Innovation
Interest in GTI continues to gain momentum, with further applications coming forward, particularly
from the manufacturing sector. As of the 12th February 2021 there is £654k of unallocated
funding remaining, with a further £1.2m worth of projects under development. We continue to
prioritise applicants that can demonstrate that their project is able to spend and claim the
required funds before the end of March 2021, to ensure that the 2020/21 funding is fully allocated
and spent.
Eastern Agri-tech Initiative
Funds within this scheme are now fully committed, and the grant scheme is closed to new
applications in both the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) area and New
Anglia areas. Applicants are being signposted to alternative funds where they exist.
LEP Innovative Projects Fund
Innovative Projects Fund 1 (2018 Call) - £500,000.
IPF1 Summary: Seven projects with a combined allocation of £539,531.
All projects are progressing well. Year One of the Ipswich Cornhill Project has been completed.
£91,634 has been claimed so far in this financial year (£224,759 in total). The total project spend
to date is £490,049. Public match funding of £138,705 and Private match funding of £119,711
has been levered in. Norfolk County Council’s Project ‘Building Supply Chain Skills Capacity’ is
being re-launched under the new name ‘Gearing Up to Grow’ in partnership with EEEGR.
Innovative Projects Fund (2019 Call) - £1.5m
IPF2 Summary: 18 projects with a combined allocation of £1.522m.
Fifteen projects now have their Grant Offer Letters and have started delivery. £244,099 has
been claimed so far in this financial year. Private match funding of £56,326 and public match
funding of £184,731 has been levered into the region. Of the remaining three projects, 2 projects
are finalising details prior to Offer Letter stage and the 3rd (SCC Transport Innovation Hub) is yet
to return a re-profiled proforma.
Growing Places Fund - confidential
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LEP Growth Deal (Capital Growth Programme)
The Growth Deal, which has helped fund 41 projects as part of the Capital Growth Programme
over the past six years, officially comes to an end on 31 March 2021.
Of these, 21 projects have achieved practical completion, most notably providing various
improvements to our transport network and significant enhancement to skills provision in our
area. Progress with many ongoing projects has been affected and slowed to some degree by the
Coronavirus Pandemic, mainly through the adoption on-site health restrictions.
However, most ongoing projects are well underway and will all likely be completed over the next
year, involving the drawdown of our remaining Local Growth Fund allocation.
Getting Building Fund
The development of projects receiving financial support through the Getting Building Fund is
making good progress. Delivery of projects including the Bury St Edmunds Cornhill
Regeneration, the new Marina Centre on the Great Yarmouth Seafront and the Integrated Care
System Academy at University of Suffolk are underway.
Plans for the extension of the Norfolk Local Full Fibre Network are near completion and delivery
is expected to begin soon.
Additionally, planning for the East Suffolk Smart Towns and Micro-Generation & Storage of
Energy in Sudbury and Stowmarket are making good progress. Delivery of these and the
remaining projects are expected to start in the Spring and Summer of 2021, with almost all
scheduled for completion by early to mid-2022.
Enterprise Zones
Despite it being a challenging quarter, the two LEP Enterprise Zones are still welcoming new
businesses and demand, especially for small units, remains high.
A strong return for Q4 is predicted as buildings on the Space to Innovate Zone are completed
and occupied ahead of the deadline for benefits at the end of March 2021. This is familiar to the
EZ team as a similar pattern was seen when benefits came to an end on the Great Yarmouth and
Lowestoft EZ in 2018.
Handover of the Dr Ella May Barnes building (EMB), formerly known as the Zone 4 joint
NALEP/SNC building, on the Norwich Research Park EZ site will be in February and landscaping
is underway. This project is covered in more detail under agenda item nine. Elsewhere on the
NRP, the new multistorey car park will officially open on March 1st, alongside the new Hethersett
Lane roundabout.
All the speculative buildings at the Wolesley Business Park on the Mobbs Way, Lowestoft
Enterprise Zone site have been sold or let, with businesses moving onto this site during Q3.
The Gateway14 development site at Stowmarket is progressing with a planning application now
submitted and the statutory period of consultation running until 3rd March 2021. We anticipate the
application being determined in April/May. 17 hectares of Gateway 14 is designated as an
Enterprise Zone. New Anglia LEP will continue to work closely with Local Authority partners and
developers Jaynic in progressing development opportunities on the site.
As part of the work on developing the new 5-year Strategic Plan for Enterprise Zones, the LEP
has been engaging with Local Authority partners across Norfolk and Suffolk to understand the
pipeline of potential investments across all EZ sites and importantly trying to plan for demand
going forward with a need to better understand any potential impacts on the market from
Covid19.
The draft EZ Strategic Plan is scheduled to be presented at the next LEP Board meeting.
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Enterprise Zone Accelerator Fund
Items on Nar Ouse and Norwich Research Park are covered separately under items seven and
nine.
Inward Investment - Confidential
2) Strategy
Health Protection Board/Resilience Forum
Work has progressed closely with both Health Protection Boards and Resilience Forums to
support engagement with the business community.
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Stuart Catchpole has led on behalf of the LEP Executive to support both counties with their roll
out of the asymptomatic testing for workers that cannot work from home - which has included
updates to businesses and passing on interested businesses to the county teams.
This programme will ramp up over the coming days with the Growth Hub and other LEP team
members proactively contacting businesses to raise awareness of the asymptomatic testing
process and benefits for business.
We have supported in getting preventative information out to businesses in the construction and
logistics sectors, which built on the work we assisted with on food processing.
Discussions are ongoing with partners around the peer to peer digital marketing campaign that
we have committed to undertake working with both counties to capture best practice of adapting
business models with innovative preventative measures amongst the business community.
Business Intelligence
The LEP continues to submit weekly business intelligence returns to central government, local
MPs, and local authority partners.
This information has been useful in assessing the impact of Covid-19 on our business base and
key sectors, as well as capturing detailed information on whether businesses are affected or not
by the new UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
The business intelligence we capture in the coming weeks and months will be particularly useful
as we look towards the medium to longer term Economic Recovery Plan and for our evidence
base.
Economic Evidence
The LEP has provided input to the initial draft of the productivity task & finish group report,
specifically focusing on aspects relating to the three strategic opportunities listed in the Local
Industrial Strategy and aligning discussion with the Clean Growth golden thread.
We are in discussions with Norfolk County Council officers regards the formation and shaping of
their five year economic recovery scenario work. We will continue to liaise with Andrew Staines at
NCC, in order to ensure that this analysis aligns with the broader recovery and renewal strategy
development going on across both Norfolk and Suffolk.
In addition, we are meeting with the Norfolk Office of Data Analytics and the Suffolk Office of
Data Analytics, in order to discuss how we will collectively formulate, structure, and shape an
evidence base to inform both the next Covid recovery update in the summer, and lay the
foundations for the renewal plan later this year.
We have agreed to draft a bi-monthly skills and employment report, combining intelligence and
data from a range of sources, which will be circulated to inform economic development officers
across Norfolk and Suffolk. This report will feature metrics directly related to Covid business
support schemes, as well as tracking other key metrics such as the local unemployment and job
vacancy rates.
EU Transition
Business intelligence continues to come in as businesses assess what the deal means for them
and as businesses are affected by particular issues. For example, Make UK have set out that
supply chain disruption for manufacturers has been felt immediately; even those manufacturers
that deemed themselves ready have faced some disruption; new rules for products including
rules of origin, conformity and product markings are a whole new world for many; not all
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companies have taken the necessary steps to ensure they are ready for the changes brought in
through the Northern Ireland protocol; and manufacturers which regularly send employees to the
EU for business are seeing challenges.
Across the first three weeks of the V4 Services’ contract to provide outreach support to
businesses on behalf of New Anglia LEP and Growth Hub - 244 calls have been made to
businesses. 174 of these have been supported through basic outreach and 19 through
specialist/in-depth support and 34 signposted on. These conversations have helped raise
awareness of businesses as to what they should be doing and also where opportunities might be.
Specific intelligence includes businesses commonly reporting a lack of knowledge on VAT
changes to EU imports and exports; confusion over incoterms; uncertainty around business
travel; trouble in understanding commodity codes and how to fill in customs declarations; reports
of customs intermediaries not having capacity to take on new clients; businesses seeking to
understand the rules of origin and how to track origin of materials through documentation;
businesses seeking more information on trading with Northern Ireland to ensure they continue to
trade there; businesses trying to understand UKCA/CE marking changes and how this impacts
their products; and some reports of goods held up due to border disruption.
Skills and Employment
Skills Advisory Panel (SAPs)
The SAP met in January to review the draft Local Skills Report. This followed a period of wider
stakeholder consultation over the Christmas/New Year period plus feedback from the
Department of Education. Some minor amendments have been made and we should have a
designed version for our website to review later this month.
In mid-January the Government launched the ‘Skills for Jobs: Lifelong Learning for Opportunity
and Growth’ White Paper. The ambitions include giving employers a greater involvement in
curriculum development and standalone Level 4 and 5 qualifications.
The LEP Network is in discussion with the Department for Education regarding the development
of Local Skills Improvement Plans and how this aligns with our Local Skills Report and the SAP.
Chambers of Commerce are cited to have a larger role in education under the changes outlined
in the paper.
We have had some constructive conversation with the chambers who are keen and eager to be
involved in this space but concerned of expectations and demands being placed on them.
It has been agreed that it is a good idea to build from the SAP structure and supporting
resources. We will put ourselves forward as a trailblazer. If we don’t succeed in becoming a
trailblazer, we will proceed anyway if we can.
Apprenticeship Levy Transfer
Levy Transfer continues to grow demand. Currently 160 transactions have been completed, with
40 pending approval with transferring employers and 20 new applications received in the last
month. There is a current need to engage with more transferring employers to meet the demand
and through January an active campaign targeting those companies has been taking place which
will carry on into February. This includes working with our comms team and using social media to
complete case studies.
There has been in increased demand from the social care sector for funding to support the up
skill of staff to meet the increased need for supporting individuals with more complex needs at
home or in care homes whereas previously they may have been treated in hospital.
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We are currently working with UoS, TechEast, Suffolk County Council and the Chamber to
promote and support the development of digital skills from level 4 to 7, seeking to partner with
large national companies to use levy transfer to fund the apprenticeships. We will roll the same
programme out to Norfolk in due course.
EAN and Careers Hub
The EAN in collaboration with STEM Learning hosted an LMI Week from the 1st of February
consisting of sessions from representatives of the three Growth Sectors of ICT/Digital, Agri Tech
and Clean Energy. Sessions were attended by Careers Leads and Teachers to increase their
understanding of the local labour market and future opportunities.
Migrating schools to the Careers Leads dashboard of Compass + continues to be a priority with
New Anglia outperforming CEC’s National average to date.
During February the EAN will be collaborating with Speakers for Schools on two webinars
showcasing virtual work experience to schools and businesses with the intention of increasing
local opportunities for young people.
For Apprenticeship Week the EAN has developed resources to support greater understanding of
apprentices and will be hosting apprentices on a Careers and Coffee session on the 9th of
February.
Skills Data
The writing of the Local Skills Report has enabled us to compile a large amount of skills data with
support from the Department for Education. This includes attainment levels of our residents,
destination after qualification completion and skills supply/demand. This data will be hosted on
our website and updated at least annually.
Decarbonisation Academy
Dates for the four task and finish groups covering: Curriculum, Decarbonising Infrastructure,
Market Forces, Research and Commercialisation have been set to begin developing a plan for
the Norfolk and Suffolk pilot. These groups will explore the evidence around assets and
opportunities as well as consider how we deliver maximum impact for our area.
In addition to these task and finish groups we will be delivering a private sector session to test
our thoughts further. We continue to work with the other pilot areas including Coast to Capital as
the project develops.
Infrastructure
Transport Board
A wider Transport Board update is offered under agenda item 6.
Transport East
Strategy development continues with a consultation expected over summer 2021. Officers
recently attended a ports roundtable to discuss challenges and opportunities for the sector which
will feed into this strategy development process alongside other themes including passenger
transport, active travel and rural connectivity. The next Forum meeting is due to take place on 24
March with the wider Transport East summit planned for 9 March.
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Great Eastern Main Line (GEML)
The Summary Business Case is currently being finalised following the GEML Taskforce meeting
on 28th January. This document brings together the key elements from both the Strategic Outline
Business Case and the Wider Economic Benefits study and the purpose is to replace the original
business case published in 2014, as the key lobbying document for GEML investment.
Utilities
Energy
Alternative fuels - outputs from the private sector forum were shared with the LA working group
in January. Since then, New Anglia LEP has been working with the Cambridge and
Peterborough Combined Authority on a high-level strategic approach that would support the
delivery of Alternative Fuels across the wider region.
Greater South East Energy Hub
The most recent Hub Board meeting largely focussed on the governance of the Green Homes
Grant programme:
Total fund worth £78.35m - 12% will be capitalised leaving the remainder for home energy
efficiency improvements across the 11 LEP Hub area - £68.948m.
Grants available for low-income households to improve energy efficiency of homes with poor
EPC ratings, including public and private rented sectors, in order to make them warmer and more
adaptable to climate change.
The programme will support clean growth as well as green recovery and economic resilience and
provide cost effective carbon savings by delivering domestic energy efficiency at scale.
The Hubs have been chosen to lead in order to maximise the pace of delivery - the programme
needs to be delivered this calendar year in addition to any under delivery from previous
programmes.
LEPs are asked to provide strategic guidance for grant allocation through methodology
agreement.
Norfolk and Suffolk each have their own Local Authority delivery consortia led by a lead Local
Authority yet to be determined.
Indicative allocations for the fund have been worked out based on population and those in fuel
poverty. Deliverability of previous programmes will need to feed into the final allocations in order
to maximise the supply chain’s ability to deliver.
European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF)
Performance of Norfolk and Suffolk ERDF and ESF projects funded as part of the £80m
investment from the national programme continues to be strong, despite the impact of Covid 19
on delivery. These programmes are being delivered to their full timescales in 2023 and continue
to adhere to EU funding rules during that period.
National Reserve - ERDF
The ERDF Reopening High Streets Safely Fund which was issued via District Councils last
summer has been extended to June 2021, as have the Visitor Economy and Wider Economy
schemes being distributed in Norfolk and Suffolk via the LEP.
Interreg France Channel England funding programme
The LEP is working with six other organisations in France and England, including Norfolk County
Council, on C-CARE (Covid-19 Channel Area Response Exchange), a COVID-19 response bid
led by Kent County Council to the Interreg France Channel England funding programme. If
successful, the project will bring around £1m funding to the LEP for activity which enhances our
response to the pandemic.
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The project also involves an in-depth evaluation of Covid response interventions across the
partnership, and the development of best practice case studies and guides for future
emergencies. The outcome of the bid will be known before the end of March 2021 and the
project is due to start by June.
3) Industry Councils, sector groups and external partnerships
Sector Groups and Industry Councils
Visitor Economy
Work is progressing on the development of a Tourism Action Plan, with discussions taking place
between VEE, LEP, DMOs, Local Authorities. There is yet to be any formal announcement from
Government on the timeline for bidding for Tourism Zones but it is understood to be put back
several months.
All Energy Industry Council (AEIC)
The All-Energy Industry Council meets on the 22nd February with a focus of the discussion being
the draft Energy Sector Recovery and Resilience Plan and the role of the Industry Council
members in its delivery.
The LEP is also working closely with Local Authority partners, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce,
EDF Energy and representatives from the Sizewell C Consortium to develop and progress the
plans around maximising future economic opportunities in relation to supply chain, business
support, inward investment and skills. A draft Statement of Economic Intent has been prepared to
clarify the scope of this activity.
Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (NAAME)
The NAAME engineering success project, funded by the LEP’s Innovative Projects Fund and
hosted by the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor is making significant progress with a planned
launched for the new website, trade and member directory as well as the Talent Sharing Platform
(TSP) for the end of February.
The delivery plan has now been approved by the NAAME Industry Council and covers four main
objectives for the coming years. Additionally, the Industry Council have approved the
development of a NAAME Skills Subgroup looking to address the skills gap and develop the
engineers of tomorrow. The group has direct reporting lines into the LEP SAP and will provide
direct links between the region’s colleges, the universities (Productivity East, in particular) and
industry.
Financial Industries Group (FIG)
A programme of events is being developed for 2021-22 and will be run using online platforms. A
wide range of topics are being planned, with some directly related to the impact of Covid on work
practices, including employment law and returning to the workplace and staff wellbeing. Wider
topics are also under consideration such as climate and sustainability (and links to insurance,
lending etc) and skills and students in the workplace.
Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor
The Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor has recently joined a steering group formed by the UEA,
to help develop a Branding cluster for Norwich - in order to attract new
creative/marketing/branding revenue as well as talent into the city by raising the region’s
reputation for this sector. Focus areas for this steering group include: 1) Strategy & Research 2:
Communication 3: Networking 4: Education and 5: Talent.
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As part of this group, the Tech Corridor has created an opportunity for Norwich to become a pilot
city for a nationwide roll out of AD-Cademy, a free, online advertising course aimed at helping to
address the lack of diversity in advertising, created by the Brixton Finishing School.
The programme is primarily aimed at 18- to 25-year-olds from multi-cultural, gender diverse,
neurodiverse and working-class backgrounds. The course has been designed to upskill
participants in key aspects of marketing, creativity and digital and help will help young people
enhance their employability through practical support, advice and mentoring.
The Tech Corridor is also part of a new group set up by the East of England Local Government
Association to coordinate and enable joined up messages for inward investment. The group
(which also includes Norfolk and Suffolk Unlimited) will aim to identify opportunities where a
joined effort might be beneficial, such as MIPIM.
4) Engagement and Promotion
Launch of Freeport East bid
CJ Green and Chris Starkie represented the LEP at the launch of the Freeport East bid. The
event was attended by MPs, businesses and local authority partners from Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk
and Cambs.
Freeport East now has a website - www.freeporteast.com which highlights the key elements of
the bid which includes the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich as well as the Gateway 14 site at
Stowmarket.
We are encouraging businesses and other interested parties to sign up to the bid, which was
submitted earlier this month and is in competition with proposals from across the UK.
Support with Covid-19 and EU Exit business messaging
Business support scripts for Covid-19 and EU Exit continue to be updated and circulated to
partners at least weekly, and our website pages are updated to ensure business-facing
information is up to date and easy to navigate. We have supported national and local authority
messaging about Lateral Flow Tests, helping with the development of business FAQs and
promoting testing through our website and digital channels.
5) Governance, Operations and Finance
This section provides an update for the board on any key operational matters as well as a
headline summary of the LEP’s operational finances.
Risk Register
The current risk score for risk 11, funding to support LEP programmes, has increased from 15
(amber) to 20 (red) as the longer-term view of infrastructure funding remains unclear.
Annual Performance Review
Our Annual Performance Review meeting with Government took place on 28 January. We have
received a note of the meeting with provisional scores of ‘met’ across each of the three themes;
governance, delivery and strategic impact. The final outcome letter is due in April after
consideration of Q3 data returns and national moderation.
Finance
The next set of management accounts will be the full financial year, April 20 - March 21 reporting
to the May Board meeting. There have been no extraordinary or unexpected costs since
reporting last month.
The Audit and Risk Committee met on 11 February and Price Bailey presented their audit plan
for the forthcoming year end. Key audit focus will again be on impairment of loans/investments
and also going concern as auditors are required to undertake more work following revision to the
12
48
New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Board
Wednesday 24th February 2021
Agenda Item 11 - Chief Executive’s Report
auditing standard in this area. The audit timetable will be tight this year, however some early
audit work will be undertaken in advance of the onsite visit to review provisional information,
select samples and request initial information. A meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee has
been scheduled for 29 June to review the draft accounts and Management Letter ahead of the
July LEP Board.
Recommendation
The board is asked:
 To note the contents of the report
13
49
Communications activity
during January 2021
This dashboard sets out the outcomes and impact of our communications activities
during January 2021.
Media coverage
-
3 press releases
-
17 pieces of coverage
-
6 reactive media enquiries
Top 3 stories
Eastern Daily Press
The Dig helps to lift profile of potential East Anglian filming sites
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/business/netflix-film-the-dig-helps-region-film-profile-
7078384
East Anglian Daily Times
Transport chiefs urged to back region’s rail network with big cash windfall
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/business/great-eastern-mainline-works-could-net-9bn-
6883640
East Anglian Daily Times
More than 100 firms sign up for downturn boost
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/business/new-anglia-lep-offers-free-mentoring-to-smes-
6887312
Website
-
24,047 page views
(up 8,444 on previous month)
-
New features - updated Coronavirus business support page, updated EU Exit
pages
-
Project to improve accessibility of web and digital content
-
Links to top stories
https://newanglia.co.uk/10m-package-will-help-norfolk-and-suffolks-businesses-
through-covid-19-pandemic/
https://newanglia.co.uk/laptops-are-lifeline-for-disadvantaged-students/
https://newanglia.co.uk/2m-investment-for-norfolk-rapid-covid-test-firm/
https://newanglia.co.uk/rail-taskforce-says-investment-could-deliver-9-3bn-in-
economic-benefits/
50
Covid-19 respon
- Support with regional Lateral Flow Testing messaging
-
5 versions of business support script issued to partners
-
Business support website page updated weekly
-
Employment opportunities website page updated weekly
EU Exit comms
-
5 versions of business support script issued to partners
-
Website page updated weekly, including Deal outline, videos and webinars
-
Support with social media messaging about settled status for workers and
Rules of Origin for exporters
Social media and e-newsletters
Jan 2021
Dec 2020
New Anglia LEP
Number of Twitter followers
8,922
8,857
Average Twitter engagements per day (likes, retweets etc.)
67.48
53.32
Number of impressions (times a tweet showed in someone’s
160K
135K
timeline)
Number of LinkedIn followers
3,754
3,635
Number of impressions on LinkedIn
41.7K
32K
E-newsletter: open rate
34.97%
32.78%
E-newsletter: click-through rate
23.46%
18.69%
Norfolk & Suffolk Unlimited
Number of Twitter followers
659
643
Average Twitter engagements per day (likes, retweets etc.)
8.6
7.6
Number of impressions (number of times users saw our tweet)
3.1K
12.8K
Number of LinkedIn followers
1,088
1,074
Other projects
-
Supporting final stages of development of new energy sector branding
-
Design and website work for Innovation Prospectus
-
Design support for Great Eastern Main Line new business case
-
Editing and design support for the Local Skills Report
-
RESTART festival videos now being used on Norfolk Chamber’s new Norfolk Knowledge Hub
-
Support for Clean Maritime briefing event on 28 January, chaired by Steve Oliver.
51
52
New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Board
Wednesday 24th February 2021
Agenda Item 12
February Programme Performance Reports
Author: Programme leads;
Presenter: Rosanne Wijnberg
Summary
The following reports follow for review by the LEP Board this month:
-
Growth Deal (incl confidential appendix); Jonathan Rudd
-
Programme Dashboards: reflect all LEP programme outputs, compiled by Simon
Papworth
-
Interim Economic Dashboards; produced by Simon Papworth
Recommendation
The board is asked to:
-
Note the reports
-
Approve the Growth Deal Quarterly Dashboard
1
53
Growth Deal Performance Report
Q3 2020/21
Programme Overview - What is the Growth Deal?
• Programme duration: April 2015 - March 2021.
• Value: £223.517 million (excluding funding awarded directly to Norfolk County Council).
• Aims: to boost the region’s skills, drive innovation, target support to help small businesses to grow and improve transport and infrastructure.
• Contribution to the Economic Strategy: estimated to create 54,750 new jobs, 6,800 new homes and to generate an additional £628m public and private investment.
Capital Projects
Growing Places Fund
Growing Business Fund
EZ Accelerator Fund
Total £M
£164.081
£30.116
£18.450
£10.870
£223.517
What is the Overall Programme Status?
Finance
Amber↓
Nearing full commitment, although forecast outturn has fallen and a growing amount of grant is likely to be unspent by Mar 21.
Outputs
Green↓
Reasonably on track to meet our forecast outputs, with a number of projects at risk of late achivement.
Delivery
Amber→
Increased amount of delay across many projects, only partly due to COVID restrictions, in addition to previous factors.
What are our Key Updates?
• Programme progress: reasonable in circumstances, only a minority of projects are experiencing significant delay to delivery, with minimal impact on long term outcomes.
• Refining the forecast of expenditure for remaining Growth Deal period to March 21 with the cooperation of all approved projects.
• Key concerns: Delay in project delivery will undermine spend & drawdown this financial year, but we continue to work toward maximising outturn by appropriate means.
What is our Financial Position?
Financials (£ million)
Actual
Actual
Actual
Actual
Actual
Forecast
Forecast
Financial Year
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22
Total
Brought Forward
0.000
12.008
0.000
19.189
18.060
16.355
Gov Allocation
36.900
38.549
41.334
34.660
24.662
47.412
223.517
Spend [Act/Fcst]
-24.892
-50.556
-22.145
-35.789
-26.367
-44.855
-204.605
Unallocated
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
Carried forward
12.008
0.000
19.189
18.060
16.355
18.912
18.912
2020/21 Expenditure Profile
Spend progress quarter by quarter:
25
60
•Delivery disrupted by COVID restrictions.
• Continue work to minimise funding Rollover.
50
20
40
15
Contract Comittments:
Forecast
Available LGF
30
• £3.5M apportioned to Resilience & recovery Scheme
(£M)
10
& Claims
all now contractually committed.
20
(£M)
5
* £1.035M apportioned to Growing Places Fund not
10
yet contractually committed.
0
0
Apportionment:
Q1-20/21
Q2-20/21
Q3-20/21
Q4-20/21
Financial Quarters
• No change to apportionment of funds.
Qtrly Forecast
8.793
12.128
15.049
15.004
Qtrly Spend
6.564
8.238
10.982
Available LGF
63.767
57.203
48.965
37.983
What is our contribution to the Economic Strategy?
Quarter/Year:
3 (Oct-Dec) 2020/21
Forecast to
Percentage
Outputs - Cumulative from April 2015 to Quarter 3 2020/21
Actual to date
Change
2025
Progress
New Homes
792
1005
79%
28
New Jobs
2,896
2,478
115%
45
New Learners
2,040
6,707
30%
355
Match Funding (‘Non-LGF Expenditure’); forecast to March 2021 only.
£662.484M
£622.374M
106%
£16.958M
Forecasts have been updated to include Homes, Jobs & Learners from projects anticipated out to 2025.
• Homes: 28 from Lynsport Access Road, Kings Lynn (no apparent growth at Lark Grange, Bury St Edmunds this period)
• Jobs: being met primarily through Growing Business Fund (31), 6 for Growing Places, 1 at UEA, 1 for the Innovation Network & 5 at South Lowestoft Industrial Estate.
• Learners: 86 at International Aviation Acdemy, 269 at Productivity East. (West Suffolk College to confirm 2020-21 Learners in Q4 submission).
• Match funding: progessing well.
What is the Project Delivery Status?
Overall:
Green↓
Physically
Significant
Under
Complete
On track
Small Variation
Total Projects
Complete
Variation
Development
Black
Blue
Green
Amber
Red
Purple
-
11
14
9
11
5
0
50
Change
0
+1
-3
+3
-1
0
0
• Project change: UoS DigiTech Centre making increased progress in both delivery and spend: Red to Amber.
• Project change: Suffolk Broadband; delivery of Phase 2 (Strategic Extension Programme) Complete, just waiting for confirmation of final coverage & spend: Green to Blue.
• Project change: NATS City Centre Transport package, delay to completion of Prince of Wales Rd scheme. Green to Amber.
• Project change: Norfolk & Suffolk Innovation Network delivery slowed due to COIVID preventing access to sites: Green to Amber.
What are the Next Steps?
•Continue to monitor the impact of issues & risks, including COVID, on Growth Deal delivery schedule and expenditure profile, and offer support where possible.
•Proceed with Evaluating completed Projects, in accordance with Evaluation Framework.
•Support development & delivery of projects chosen for support through the "Getting Building Fund" to meet the ambitions of our Economic & Local Industrial Strategies .
54
Appendix 1 - Growth Deal Q3 2020-21 Programme Performance Report
Below is an update on all Growth Deal large capital projects and sub-programmes, reflecting the
‘Project Delivery Status’ section of the Programme Performance Report.
Red: Snetterton Employment Area- Delivery delayed approx. 18 months, initially by a 30%
cost increase from UK Power Network, and then an indemnity clause in the preferred site lease
agreement. Breckland District Council then acquired an alternative site, but UKPN are rewriting
the delivery programme, where construction is unlikely to begin before Spring 2021.
Red: Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project- Delivery of tidal defence elements delayed
by 9 to 12 months. Planning permission granted Feb 20 for construction of tidal walls. Full
funding for Tidal Barrier now secured and project should assume an accelerated delivery.
Red: Enterprise Zone Accelerator Fund- Construction of NRP Zone 4 Building and
Roundabout making good progress. However, the Nar Ouse Regeneration Area development
has yet to begin, with delivery and spend likely to continue into Autumn 2021.
Red: Snape Maltings Flood Defences- delivery delayed by an ongoing Internal Drainage
Board (IDB) application to the Environment Agency for Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA),
after which construction will commence as soon as practical.
Red: SNC Digital & Technology Skills Hub- Delivery schedule slipped by 6-9 months, mainly
due to land acquisition and planning processes and partly due to COVID restrictions.
Amber: Growing Business Fund - Applications have slowed. Contracted commitments,
project delivery & expenditure likely to carry forward into 2021-22 Financial Year.
Amber: Growing Places Fund - All apportioned funding now allotted to projects, although
Contracted commitments, project delivery & expenditure likely to carry forward into the 2021-22
Financial Year.
Amber: Norwich Area Transportation Strategy - City Centre Package- Delay to completion
of Prince of Wales Road scheme and delivery of Plumstead Road Roundabout.
Amber: Attleborough Sustainable Transport Package- Land purchase and planning
permission had been delaying delivery, but some construction has now begun.
Amber: Thetford Transport Package- No substantial progress or grant claims for the past 12
months. Delivery schedule for Croxton Road footpath and cycleway to begin January 2021.
Amber: Great Yarmouth Rail Station Interchange- Delay and uncertainty remain over the
Vauxhall Gardens element of the package for which a CPO may be used to acquire land.
Amber: Ely Area Rail Enhancement Scheme- Programme development through to option
selection was delayed by rail system complexity and requirement for additional DfT funding. An
Outline Business Case is now expected Autumn 2022 for a ‘Decision to Design’ the preferred
solution. Possible delivery anticipated from 2025 onwards.
Amber: UoS DigiTech Centre - Delivery of new facilities has improved, despite delay to
asbestos work in Orion Building (Acoustic Suite) now planned for Jan-Jun 2021, postponing
move of personnel from Oberon House ground floor. Completion & occupation expected Dec 21.
Amber: CCN Digital Technology Factory - delivery schedule slipped 3 months, as it took
longer to agree value engineering aspects of final contract and then COVID restrictions further
delayed start of works. Construction now underway.
Amber: Norfolk & Suffolk Innovation Network-. Rollout of gateways delayed by COVID
preventing access to chosen sites.
Amber: Business Resilience & Recovery Scheme- Strong pipeline of grant applications,
approval and acceptance, although full spend not likely before the end of the Financial Year.
Green: West Suffolk College Engineering and Innovation Centre.
55
Green: Ipswich (Radial) Transport Package.
Green: Great Yarmouth Transport Package.
Green: Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing.
Green: Cefas Marine Science Hub.
Green: Great Yarmouth Flood Defences.
Green: Honingham Thorpe Food Enterprise Park.
Green: Eye Airfield Access Link Roads.
Green: UEA Productivity East.
Blue: Lynnsport Access Road (King's Lynn).
Blue: Suffolk Broadband Programme.
Blue: Bury St Edmunds Eastern Relief Road.
Blue: King's Lynn Innovation Centre.
Blue: A47/A1074 Longwater Junction, Norwich.
Blue: Norwich Area Transportation Strategy - A11 Corridor.
Blue: Ipswich Waterfront Innovation Centre.
Blue: International Aviation Academy Norwich
Blue: South Lowestoft Industrial Estate.
Blue: Ipswich Cornhill.
Blue: East Coast College Energy Skills & Engineering Centre.
Blue: Norwich Northern Distributor Road.
Blue: Bacton to Walcott Coastal Management Scheme.
Blue: A140 Hempnall Roundabout.
Black: Easton & Otley College Construction Training Centre.
Black: College of West Anglia University Centre.
Black: Upper Orwell Crossing Feasibility study.
Black: Lowestoft Third Crossing Feasibility study.
Black: Norfolk Broadband programme.
Black: Beccles Southern Relief Road.
Black: Bury St Edmunds Sustainable Transport Package.
Black: Haverhill Innovation Centre.
Black: Growth Hub Programme.
Black: Sudbury Western Bypass Study.
Black: Felbrigg Junction Improvement.
56
Growth Deal Dashboard
LEP Name
New Anglia LEP
Growth Deal Performance
Area lead comments
This Quarter:
Q3_2021
G
Deliverables Progress
Financial Progress
Financial Year
2015-16
2016-17
17-18
18-19
19-20
20-21
Total
This Quarter
15-17
Total
LGF Award
Housing
17-18
18-19
19-20
20-21
21-25
£36,900,000
£38,548,555
£41,334,111
£34,659,957
£24,661,848
£47,412,132
£223,516,603
Houses Completed
28
176
7
62
493
54
-
792
Forecast for year
155
0
40
150
350
155
310
1,005
Financial Year
15-17
Total
Progress towards forecast
18%
-
18%
41%
141%
35%
-
79%
LGF Outturn
This Quarter
17-18
18-19
19-20
20-21
Actual
£
10,981,570
£
75,448,555
£
28,621,444
£
29,312,509
£
26,367,064
£
25,783,670
£
185,533,243
Jobs
Forecast for year
£
40,478,764
£
75,448,555
£
28,621,445
£
35,420,467
£
43,547,372
£
40,478,764
£
223,516,603
Jobs Created
43
173
1,345
648
626
75
-
2,866
Progress towards forecast
27%
100%
100%
83%
61%
64%
83%
Apprenticeships Created*
2
8
7
10
3
2
-
30
Jobs including Apprenticeships
45
181
1,352
658
629
77
-
2,896
LGF Expenditure
Forecast for year
231
598
393
605
407
231
294
2,528
Actual
£
12,506,274
£
73,694,786
£
22,489,457
£
37,198,266
£
22,446,523
£
27,563,864
£
183,392,896
Progress towards forecast
19%
30%
344%
109%
155%
33%
-
115%
Forecast for year
£
40,478,764
£
75,448,555
£
22,144,993
£
41,896,919
£
43,547,372
£
40,478,764
£
223,516,603
* Apprenticeships included within jobs totals prior to 2017
Progress towards forecast
31%
98%
102%
89%
52%
68%
82%
Skills
Non-LGF Expenditure
Area of new or improved floorspace (m2)
0
3,944
4,849
0
13,968
3,727
-
26,488
Actual
£
16,957,683
£
44,410,133
£
155,062,844
£
292,547,407
£
111,162,422
£
59,301,316
£
662,484,122
Forecast for year
5,968
2,930
4,849
0
6,125
5,968
0
19,872
Forecast for year
£
111,466,956
£
46,410,132
£
55,432,686
£
286,366,003
£
122,698,974
£
111,466,956
£
622,374,751
Progress towards forecast
0%
135%
100%
-
228%
62%
-
133%
Progress towards forecast
15%
96%
280%
102%
91%
53%
106%
Number of New Learners Assisted
355
153
275
708
476
428
-
2,040
Total LGF + non-LGF Expenditure
Forecast for year
862
72
279
846
870
862
3,778
6,707
Actual
£
29,463,957
£
118,104,919
£
177,552,301
£
329,745,673
£
133,608,945
£
86,865,180
£
845,877,018
Progress towards forecast
41%
213%
99%
84%
55%
50%
-
30%
Forecast for year
£
151,945,720
£
121,858,687
£
77,577,679
£
328,262,922
£
166,246,346
£
151,945,720
£
845,891,354
Progress towards forecast
19%
+97%
+229%
+100%
+80%
+57%
100%
Transport
Length of Road Resurfaced
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.3
1.6
1.6
-
4.4
Length of Newly Built Road
0.3
1.4
2.5
23.1
0.0
0.3
-
27.3
Length New Cycle Ways
0.0
0.0
0.0
10.0
2.2
1.7
-
13.8
Project RAG Ratings
Contractual Commitments (manual entry)
Previous Quarter
This Quarter
Previous Quarter
This Quarter
15-17
17-18
18-19
19-20
20-21
Total
Project Name
Q2_2021
Q3_2021
Project Name
Q2_2021
Q3_2021
Forecast
£
107,828,427
£
23,950,927
£
28,880,126
£
55,595,263
£
7,261,860
£
223,516,603
Actual
£
107,828,427
£
23,950,927
£
27,769,356
£
51,175,733
£
11,787,220
£
222,511,663
Easton and Otley College
N/A
N/A
Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing
AG
AG
Variance
+0%
+0%
-4%
-8%
+62%
-0%
College of West Anglia
N/A
N/A
Lowestoft Flood Risk Management
AR
AR
Lynnsport Access Road
G
G
Ely Area Rail Capacity Enhancement
A
A
Bury St Edmunds Relief Road
G
G
Enterprise Zone Accelerator Fund
AR
AR
Commentary
Kings Lynn Innovation Centre
G
G
Cefas Marine Science Hub
G
G
1. Contract Commitments include our 7% Running Costs and are now nearing ful committment.
Growing Business Fund
A
A
Bacton to Walcott Coastal Management Scheme
G
G
2. Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project, a government priority specified in New Anglia's Growth Deal, has experienced significant delay and slow expenditure.
Growing Places Fund
A
A
Eye Airfield Access Link Road
G
G
3. Snetterton Employment Area power upgrade project has been delayed more than a year by legal issues that prevented site access and an alternative has now been selected for delivery.
West Suffolk College
G
G
Snape Maltings Flood Defence
AR
AR
4. University of Suffolk DigiTech Centre has been delayed 9 months due to Asbestos works, so completion for full occupation now unlikely before December 2021.
Norfolk Broadband Programme
N/A
N/A
Great Yarmouth Flood Defences
G
G
5. City College Norwich DigiTech Factory construction has slipped 3 months, as it took longer to agree value engineering aspects of the contract and then COVID delayed start of
Suffolk Broadband Programme
G
G
A140 Hempnall Roundabout
G
G
construction.
A47 Longwater Junction
G
G
Honingham Thorpe Food Enterprise Park
G
G
6. Delivery of the Suffolk New College Digital & Technology Skills Hub Tech Centre has slipped by 6-9 months, mainly due to land acquisition and planning, but also partly due to COVID
Norwich Area Transportation Strategy (NATS) C
G
G
UoS DigiTech Centre
AR
A
restrictions.
Norwich Area Transportation Strategy (NATS) A
G
G
CCN Digital Technology Factory
A
A
7. Deployment of the Norfolk & suffolk Innovation Network has been delayed upto 6 months by COVID restrictions.
Ipswich Waterfront Innovation Centre
G
G
SNC Digital & Technology Skills Hub
AR
AR
International Aviation Academy
G
G
Norfolk & Suffolk Innovation Network
G
A
Beccles Southern Relief Road
G
G
UEA Productivity East
G
G
Haverhill Innovation Centre
N/A
N/A
Business Reslience & Recover Scheme
AG
AG
South Lowestoft Industrial Estate
G
G
Running Costs
G
G
Sudbury Western Bypass Study
N/A
N/A
-
-
-
Attleborough Sustainable Transport
AR
A
-
-
-
Bury St Edmunds Sustainable Transport
G
G
-
-
-
Great Yarmouth Transport Package
AG
AG
-
-
-
Ipswich Radial Corridor Improvements
G
G
-
-
-
Section 151 Officer Approved
Thetford Transport Package
A
A
-
-
-
Name
East Coast College
G
G
-
-
-
Felbrigg Junction Improvemnet
N/A
N/A
-
-
-
Signature
Ipswich Cornill
G
G
-
-
-
Snetterton Employment Area
AR
AR
-
-
-
Norwich Northern Distributor Road
G
G
-
-
-
Date
Great Yarmouth Rail Station Interchange
AG
AG
-
-
-
58
New Anglia LEP programme outputs dashboard - Q3 2020/21
Data as of Feb 2021
Jobs created
Private sector investment unlocked
New dwellings supported
Primary Economic Strategy (ES) indicators supported
Primary Economic Strategy (ES) indicators supported
Primary Economic Strategy (ES) indicators supported
Delivery, this quarter (Q3, Oct-Dec 2020):
125
Delivery, this quarter (Q3, Oct-Dec 2020):
£14.1m
Delivery, this quarter (Q3, Oct-Dec 2020):
28
Delivery, year to date (2020-21 financial year):
£25.9m
Delivery, year to date (2020-21 financial year):
54
Delivery, year to date (2020-21financial year):
842
With a proven track record of creating jobs and supporting employment
Delivery, cumulative to date (2012-):
£514m
opportunities in the local economy, LEP programmes have a demonstra-
ble and clearly measurable impact on the ambitions of the Economic
LEP programmes continue to leverage in significant private sector invest-
Strategy, and associated indicators.
ment, helping to unlock jobs, housing, capital and growth. In fact, the IMF
Though typically small-scale and limited in terms of direct tangible out-
estimates every £1 of private sector investment can stimulate a further £3
The Enterprise Zones, Growing Business Fund (GBF), and Business Growth
puts, LEP programmes still have a demonstrable role in supporting the
of economic growth, highlighting its direct impact on the delivery of the
Programmes have proved to be the primary drivers of the jobs created to
delivery of new homes and leveraging in resources to unlock sites and
aims and ambitions in the Economic Strategy.
date in 2020/21.
development.
Delivery through last year was very successful, achieving an outcome of
In Q3 of 2020 the EZ’s and Business Growth Programme made the most
This was another metric, where we saw considerable over achievement
198% above target.
significant contributions for the second quarter running. Compared to
through 2019/20, however, Q2 of 2020 saw a modest increase on Q1 de-
livery, though Q3 saw the pace of delivery increase further—despite very
previous trend data, the figures for Q3 2020 were below the average,
In Q3 of 2020/21 there have been challenging conditions, with the advent
challenging economic and labour force conditions.
though this is unsurprising, given the prevailing economic conditions.
of tier restrictions and a second lockdown in November. It remains unclear
what the full impact of the second lockdown, and the third lockdown will
However, sites appear to have continued operating through the autumn
We anticipate a recovery through 2021, though in light of recent further
have on various projects and their ability to deliver. Any potential shortfall
and we are confident that demand for housing will remain through 2021.
lockdown announcements, this metric could prove very challenging in
in this metric is likely to be directly linked to the performance of the job
the year ahead.
created metric.
Target, this year (20-21 financial year):
2,107
Target, this year (20-21 financial year):
£62m
Target, this year (20-21 financial year):
195
Delivery, year to date, as % of target:
40%
Delivery, year to date, as % of target
42%
Delivery, year to date, as % of target:
28%
59
New Anglia LEP programme outputs dashboard - Q3 2020/21
Data as of Feb 2021
New businesses created
Jobs paying above the median salary
Learners & apprenticeships supported
Primary Economic Strategy (ES) indicators supported
Primary Economic Strategy (ES) indicators supported
Primary Economic Strategy (ES) indicators supported
Delivery, this quarter (Q3, Oct-Dec 2020):
97
Delivery, this quarter (Q3, Oct-Dec 2020):
7
Delivery, this quarter (Q3, Oct-Dec 2020):
357
Delivery, year to date (2020-21 financial year):
261
Delivery, year to date (2020-21 financial year):
16
Delivery, year to date (2020-21 financial year):
430
Delivery, cumulative to date (2012-):
1,616
% of Jobs paying above the Median wage
Delivery, cumulative to date (2018-):
1,989
this quarter:
23%
The scale and breadth of the LEPs activity within enterprise support
LEP programmes play an important role in creating and supporting
means it has a vital and unrivalled role to play in supporting and stimu-
learners and apprenticeships, ensuring a demonstrable impact on the
lating the uplift in enterprise required to achieve the aims and ambitions
The above figures show that the overall volume of job creation (in relation
ambitious skills-related aims of the Economic Strategy and associated
indicators.
of the Economic Strategy.
to Growth Deal projects), picked up through Q3 (30 jobs created com-
pared to 27 for Q1 and Q2 combined), however, the proportion of those
In 2019/20 delivery against target fell below what was anticipated—in
This was another metric where delivery exceeded expectations last year,
jobs directly supported that are paying above the median wage, (around
particular, the Aviation Academy and West Suffolk College projects
though only marginally in this instance.
£26,500 p.a.) slipped below target in Q3.
have not met projections in terms of through put. Latterly, Suffolk New
Q3 of 2020 showed some encouraging signs, its possible that part of the
College and City College Norwich have slipped below projected targets,
The vast majority of the jobs created through Q1, Q2, and Q3 0f 2020/21
activity can be attributed to an increased volume of the population start-
with a return to normal activity not expected until autumn 2021.
have been full-time posts. The figures show that the proportion of jobs
ing their own enterprise having been laid off as a consequence of the
While learner numbers for Q1 and Q2 2020 look low, its important to
paying above the median wage steadily rose through 2019-2020 & the
lockdowns and restrictions. This remains a very difficult metric to pre-
bear in mind this is one of the most cyclical metrics we track. Q3 deliv-
first 2 quarters of 2020/21. However, Q3 of 2020 has seen a notable drop.
dict, especially in light of a second lockdown, and now third lockdown.
ered a substantial number of the overall annual total to date. In addi-
In order to hit the 33% target for the full reporting year , Q4’s returns
There remains potential that impending redundancies could see a pro-
tion, around 500 of the learners are anticipated to flow through the ‘Fit
would need to achieve the highest quarterly proportion to date, with at
portion of the workforce starting their own businesses, which could see
for Nuclear’ programme, which we will closely monitor, as it will have a
least 40% of the jobs paying above the median salary.
delivery achieving close to the envisaged target in Q4.
significant bearing on achieving the overall goal.
Target, this year (20-21 financial year):
387
Target, this year (20-21 financial year):
1,467
Target, this year as % of all GBF job creation
33%
Delivery, year to date, as % of target:
67%
Delivery, year to date, as % of target
29%
Delivery, Year to date, as % o60target
30%
New Anglia LEP Interim Economic Indicators
Data as of January 2021
Furlough Data
Self Employment Support
Unemployment - Proxy Indicator
Comparator profile May to December 2020
Comparator profile Mar to Nov 2020
Comparator profile July to December 2020
The data for the self-employment support scheme (SEISS) shows that the
take-up rate in Norfolk and Suffolk peaked in July at around 74% of eligible
Unemployment data at a local, county, and LEP level, is updated on a rolling
The above data illustrates that as a result of the trading restrictions brought
self-employed, just below the UK peak of 77%. The take up rate has de-
monthly basis, reflecting the average unemployment rate over the preceding 12
about by the first lockdown of 2020, around one third of all eligible workers
creased through August, to around 62% and 67% - respectively.
month period. This means that the ‘official’ data will not provide a timely indication
were receiving support through the furlough scheme, at both a national and
on the impact of the current restrictions in terms of increases in unemployment.
Compared to the drop-off rate of the furlough scheme over a similar peri-
a local level.
od, the reduction in take-up rate for self-employed support has been much
Therefore, we have agreed with the Norfolk Office for Data Analytics (NODA) and
Sector data relating to furlough is not available at a local level, but national
smaller, with around 6 in 10 of those eligible still claiming support through
the Suffolk Office for Data Analytics (SODA) to use a ‘proxy’ unemployment indica-
level data indicates that hospitality and visitor/retail sectors saw the largest
tor—the Alternative Claimant Count. This measure allows us to examine the in-
October, though the data indicates this figure fell further, to around 50% by
take up rates—running at around 75-87% at their peak.
crease in unemployed claimants, over a relatively short periods of time.
December.
We can see from the above figures that there was an increase of 113% in unem-
There was a noticeable reduction in furlough figures as the economy reo-
The average value of a claim in December was around £2,800 in both Nor-
ployed claimants in Norfolk and Suffolk between March to July of this year, and this
pened through the summer months (falling to around 6/7%), however, as the
folk and Suffolk— exactly in line with the UK average.
figure has been comparatively constant through the rest of 2020.. Norfolk and Suf-
tier restrictions and a second lockdown kicked in, the furlough rate has crept
folk are largely reflective of national trends., though tracking below the rest of the
back up to around 11/12%
61
UK in terms of the headline rate of unemployment.
New Anglia LEP Interim Economic Indicators
Data as of January 2021
Vacancies
Wages
Enterprise Rate
Comparator profile: Jan-Dec 2020
Profile: Jan 2018-Dec 2020
Comparator Profile Jan 2018—Dec 2020
The data above shows us the en-
terprise start-up rate in relation to
the working age population, 16-
64 years of age.
The data reflects only those busi-
nesses registered with Companies
House, and is therefore a proxy of
enterprise activity, rather than a
direct reflection of overall activity.
We can see that the initial lock-
down caused a substantial dip in
The above table shows only a selection of the year on year comparative vol-
business formations, though this
ume of job postings in Norfolk and Suffolk by sector groupings, together with
rapidly recovered through the
an ‘all sectors’ summary figure
summer, before plateauing
through the autumn. This is a
In terms of all vacancies, across all sectors — there has been an increase of
The data shows us that median wages contnue to track significantly below the UK
common pattern, looking back at previous year’s data, though overall the
4,955 in the volume posted up to December 2020 compared to December
natonal average.
volumes of enterprises being registered tracked above the average in 2020.
2019.
Median wages at both a natonal and local level have only marginally fluctuated
There may be two contributory factors to this, one is that as people have
We can see that while there was a significant drop off in nearly every sector as
over the past 12 months, though overall median wage levels have incrementally
lost their jobs or have been made redundant as a result of the impact of
a result of the initial lockdown, there was a sustained surge in demand in the
increased since 2018.
lockdowns, and they have decided to start their own enterprise. In addition,
health and social care sector. Many of the other sectors (except for Accommo-
the more general disruption to established business and trade practices, as
dation & Food), appeared to be getting back on trend by the end of 2020.
While it may seem counter intuitve to see that median wages have contnued to
a result of the UK leaving the EU, may have caused an uptick in enterprise
Information & Communciatiosn also saw a drop in demand, though this
rise during a tme of economic challenge and recession, it may be important to
registrations, as various sectors adapt to new trading conditions.
bear in mind that this partcular recession has reduced the vacancy rate at the low-
should not be taken as an indication of a drop in demand for ‘digital skills’
er end of the pay scale in partcular.
across the economy as whole.
62
New Anglia LEP Board Forward Plan - 2021
Date
Venue
Strategic
Operational
27th January
Virtual
2021 LEP Strategic Priorities
 Connected Innovation
Agri-Food Industry Council Report
 NAC Report
Trade and Cooperation Agreement
 Growth Programme, EAN, Enterprise Zones PPRs
Between the EU and the UK
 Quarterly Management Accounts
24th February
Energy Sector Recovery Plan
 Economic and Programme Dashboards
Local Transport Board Report
 Growth Deal PPR
 Capital Growth Projects x 3
31st March
Virtual
Enterprise Zones 5 Year Strategic
 LEP updated Local Assurance Framework 21/22
Plan
 LEP Operating Budget 20/21
ICT Digital Industry Council Report
 Enterprise Zones, EAN and Agri-Tech PPRs
April
No Board Meeting
26th May
Virtual
Innovation Board Report
 Capital Budget 21/22
 Quarterly Management Accounts
 Growth Programme and Growth Deal PPRs
23rd June
Virtual
Skills Advisory Panel Report
 Enterprise Zones, Eastern Agri-Tech & EAN PPRs
 Operating & HR Policies
21st July
Virtual
All Energy Industry Council Report
 Growth Programme PPR
 NAC Report
 Accounts Approval
 Q2 Management Accounts
August
No Board Meeting
22nd
Virtual
Agri-Food Industry Council Report
 Growth Deal, EAN & Enterprise Zones PPRs
September
Tourism Action Plan / Tourism Zone
 Economic and Programme Dashboards
22nd
New Anglia LEP AGM
September
20th October
Virtual
ICT Digital Industry Council Report
 Growth Programme & Agri-Tech PPRs
 Quarterly Management Accounts
24th November
Virtual
Local Transport Board Report
 Economic and Programme Dashboards
 Growth Deal PPR
December
No Board Meeting
63
Standing Items (where relevant)
 Local Industrial Strategy
 IAC recommendations
 Continuing Business/ Chief Executive’s Report including updates on
o Programmes
o Strategy
o Engagement and promotion
o Governance, Operations and Finance
 Board Forward Plan
Items to be Scheduled
 Opportunity Areas progress report
 Freeports
 Towns Deals
 Norfolk and Suffolk Investment Plan
 Clean Growth Taskforce
 Economic Recovery Plan - Restart & Renew progress update
 CNTC
64