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MINUTES OF THE 81st MEETING
OF
THE SOUTH EAST ENGLAND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
HELD ON 31 OCTOBER 2006
READING TOWN HALL
Present:
James Brathwaite (Chairman), Rob Anderson, Liz Brighouse, Poul Christensen, Rob Douglas, Imtiaz Farookhi, Sarah Hohler, Mary McAnally, John Peel, Fiona Pollard, Peter Read, Bill Wakeham, Phil Wood.
In attendance:
Pam Alexander, Jeff Alexander, Lee Amor, Paul Lovejoy, John Parsonage, Duncan Straughen, Donal Galligan, Peter Rockhill, Tahnee Wright, Keith Mitchell (for item 4), Paul Bevan (for item 4), Bob Collier (for item 5), Nigel Walmsley (for item 5), Deborah Wharton (for item 6)
Item 1 Welcome and apologies for absence
- Apologies were received from Peter Jones, Keith House and Rolande Anderson.
Item 2 Minutes of the last meeting (21 September 2006)
- The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a correct record of proceedings, with the clarification of the agreement on the Business Link contracts that the SEEDA Executive will report annually to the Board on the performance, collectively and individually, of the Business Link providers prior to confirming funding for the year to follow, which will not be ‘ring fenced'.
Matters arising
- Phil Wood requested that the Dover Town Centre project, due to return to the Board in December, also address the issue of the proposals for an open prison.
- Paul Lovejoy reported back to the Board on the work being undertaken on CHP projects and the CHP carbon equation for the South East. Bill Wakeham acknowledged the process, highlighting that the measurement method needed to be clarified before the work could be reported.
- In light of the Stern Report, Poul Christensen proposed that the Rural Advisory Committee be used as a pilot for videoconferencing and other carbon reduction measures.
- Duncan Straughen informed the Board that biomass was being considered in relation to the replacement of the boiler at the SEEDA office in Guildford, as part of ISO14001. The Chairman noted that for further commercial exploitation of biomass throughout the region it would be essential to stimulate sufficient market demand, and supported the role of SEEDA in demonstrating exemplary approaches.
- Peter Read highlighted that the Stern Report needs a measured, considered, response taking account of emerging environmental technologies. Imtiaz Farookhi pointed out that many of the issues were straightforward and relatively simple to address, noting that inefficient insulation of housing stock is the largest source of wasted energy. The Chairman commended the approach to new buildings being taken by Yorkshire Forward which had been demonstrated to RDA Chairs recently. It was also suggested that Board members might review their own carbon footprints so as to identify how the necessary changes to reduce impact might affect them as individuals, along the lines of the Royal Society of Arts 5% commitments. The Board requested that a rummage be held on the issue of carbon reductions/climate change during 2007 with background data.
Action: Item 2, Matters arising
Rummage on carbon reduction/climate change to take place during 2007.
Item 3 Declarations of interest
- Rob Douglas in respect of item 9, the Business Link programme, as a member of the SBS Board.
- John Peel in respect of item 9, the Gatwick Learning and Development Centre, as Chair of Central Sussex College which runs the programme.
Item 4 Regional Assembly
- Keith Mitchell, Chairman of the Regional Assembly, updated the SEEDA Board on the current focus of the Assembly's work. The Examination in Public (EIP) of the South East Plan would begin on 28 th November, and he hoped that the close working relationship between SEEDA and the Assembly would continue despite specific differences of policy.
- The Board had supported the proposals for a Joint Implementation Plan for the South East Plan and it was suggested that the Assembly and SEEDA meet together once a year to specifically assess progress; this could begin at the Board level liaison meetings.
- In reference to the recent Regional Transport Board meeting, Paul Lovejoy clarified that SEEDA had reserved its position on the proposed forward programme for 2011-2016 until it could be discussed fully and approved at the next SEEDA Board meeting in December. SEEDA's Chairman noted that both organisations needed to work more closely with the Highways Agency on the various projects that were coming forward. The Board would be concerned to ensure that economic factors had been given sufficient priority in the prioritisation process, specifically in relation to the new Regional Economic Strategy.
- The Board NOTED the Regional Assembly's report.
Action: Item 4, Regional Assembly
Paul Lovejoy to bring the Regional Transport Board's recommendations to the next Board meeting for approval.
Item 5 Tourism South East
- Bob Collier, Chief Executive of Tourism South East, presented to the Board their policy for 'Driving Tourism ExSEllence', which sets the foundation for Tourism South East's corporate plan.
- The first element is the supply side, which focuses on people, products and places, including a Skills strategy and workforce development plan which has already received £150,000 match funding from Government. Also highlighted was the ‘Room at the Inn' programme which offers business guidance for rural pub accommodation, the recently launched hotel website and the water usage messages which now appeared in hotel rooms warning of the threat to water supplies, which had been highly successful.
- The second element focuses on ‘Competing for the Customer'. Through the use of a geo-demographic model Tourism South East have identified three distinct audiences; the classic culture market; the cosmopolitan adult market and the family market. Distinct marketing for these separate groups included a supplement in the Sunday Times aimed at the family market which, although it cost £50,000, was extremely well targeted. Also highlighted was the distinct move in the industry away from printed brochures to web based information and advertising.
- The opportunity of the Olympics in 2012 was also focused upon, specifically the additional tourism that will be generated in the 9 years leading up to and post the Games, rather than just for the Games itself. Sarah Hohler highlighted the opportunity of 2012 to dispel the myth of poor British food and cooking, which in fact could be used as a selling point. Mary McAnally noted the success the South East has in organising 550 festivals annually and felt this should be given a higher profile. Also noted was the complementary nature that the hosting of stages of the 2009 Tour de France would play.
- The Board and Tourism South East noted the exciting opportunities that were arising in Medway as a result of the river becoming central to the planning of residential and leisure facilities.
- SEEDA's Chairman welcomed Tourism South East's presentation and highlighted the necessity to improve the skills of front of house staff, including waiters, throughout the region and the industry and raised the point that this needed to be re-established as a sought after profession. Reference was also made to HRH Prince of Wales' promise to visit a Bed and Breakfast in the region and the potential to turn any visit into a successful event. Another point made was the importance of Chinese signposts and signs at major attractions in tapping into the emerging market of tourism from China, just as they have in Australia.
- The Board NOTED the update from Tourism South East.
Action: Item 5, Tourism South East
Jeff Alexander to arrange programme for HRH Prince of Wales' potential visit to the region.
Item 6 Area Update: Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire (MKOBB)
- Deborah Wharton focused her MKOBB area update for the Board on the Oxford2Cambridge (O2C) Arc, in light of the broader discussions at dinner the previous evening and presentation by Dr Nicholas Miles, Executive Director of the O2C Arc.
- The strengths of the MKOBB sub region are formidable and it was highlighted that it is the quality of life in the area that attracts and retains people. Despite the apparent success of the South East, and the Thames Valley within it, it was noted that between 2004 and 2005 the region dropped 15 places in the World regional competitiveness rankings.
- The O2C Arc, jointly supported by SEEDA, EEDA and EMDA, was relaunched in May 2006 as a national initiative with the aim of creating a world class Knowledge Based Economy area in the UK that would network with global peer groups such as Silicon Valley and ELAT. It will build on the success of the two university towns using the centre of the Arc, Milton Keynes South Midlands, as the space to grow and expand the connectivity and accelerate the commercialisation of HEI research. The Board were informed that there is now greater stakeholder buy-in, although there was currently more support in Cambridge than in Oxford.
- The Board was informed that the star performing companies are a fraction of the size of those in Silicon Valley, but that intellectual property generated in the O2C Arc is often captured and exploited elsewhere. Bill Wakeham raised the question as to why University spin outs are so small in the UK in comparison to the USA, noting that any success depends on private sector investment rather than public sector intervention. The Chairman highlighted that it is public procurement, especially military spending, that drives Silicon Valley, particularly through the wholesale purchase of University spin outs.
- There were some concerns expressed by the Board regarding the need to focus the Arc on practical outcomes and the need for a stronger business element. Imtiaz Farookhi wondered why there had not been a presentation on Milton Keynes and its potential. SEEDA's role in Milton Keynes where English Partnerships take the lead was explained and the Board were assured that Milton Keynes was fully involved in the O2C Arc. It was agreed that a Board meeting and dinner should be held there in 2007.
- The Board NOTED the MKOBB Area update and requested the view of SESETAC on the O2C Arc.
Action: Item 6, Area Update: Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire (MKOBB)
Jeff Alexander to take the O2C Arc proposals to SESETAC for feedback.
Item 7 Organisational development: IPA draft report and RES Implementation
- Duncan Straughen summarised for the Board the key elements of the feedback received from the National Audit Office in the Independent Performance Assessment (IPA) draft report. SEEDA had been praised for among other things the improving focus of the Regional Economic Strategies and the robust discussions between the Executive team and the Board during Committee and Board meetings, whilst one particular area of improvement that was highlighted was to have a regular review of risks by the Board.
- Pam Alexander explained to the Board that the IPA work was feeding into the Executive team's work on organisational development to ensure the Agency is fit for purpose to deliver the RES, highlighting the three key themes of: Customer Relationship Management; Cross SEEDA working; and LEAN practice and processes. The impacts of possible budget cuts following the Comprehensive Spending Review were also being considered.
- Paul Lovejoy updated the Board on the implementation of the RES, informing them that a draft plan would be put before them early in the New Year with a final implementation plan during the spring of 2007.
- The Board NOTED the update on organisational development and expressed their thanks to Paul Lovejoy, Eileen Armstrong and all those involved for their work on the RES which had been launched very successfully that morning.
Item 8 Financial & Operational Review
- Duncan Straughen summarised for the Board the progress made against budget and profiled expenditure. External factors had slowed expenditure, including the failure of the CHP power station in Southampton being taken forward because of the withdrawal of match funding by Defra.
- Rob Anderson highlighted that the tendency not to spend until the year end was universal as he encountered it both in local authorities and in private business. The Board agreed that whilst more effective profiling was necessary, the reporting of results to the Board should focus more on outcomes than on actual money spent. This shift in approach would enable the Board to discuss which projects carried the most strategic value, and to evaluate the impact of the Agency's work as well as to identify key risks.
- The Board NOTED the financial review.
Item 9 Projects
- It was clarified for the Board that the funding for the Community Stadium in Brighton is to support community projects rather than subsidising the Football Club.
- The Board NOTED the summary of projects.
Item 10 Committee Report: Audit
- Rob Douglas reported that SEEDA's Internal Audit team had themselves been audited by DTI and were ranked as being ‘fully compliant' with all ten of the Government's Internal Audit Standards, the highest ranking possible. The Board expressed their congratulations and thanks to Brian Hudson and Ali Moosvi for their hard work.
- Rob Douglas and Rob Anderson had recently attended a KPMG seminar in Birmingham which had proved very useful in creating links with DTI and other Audit Committees. One suggestion that came out of this meeting was the creation of a risk register listing the top 10 risks in the organisation under a traffic light system that would become a standing item at each Board meeting for noting and would be discussed every 6 months. Board members welcomed this proposal but cautioned not to let the risk register unintentionally erode ownership of issues.
- John Peel highlighted the issue of the retrospective raising of purchase orders and urged the Executive team to ensure this practice did not happen.
- The Board NOTED the report of the Audit Committee.
Action: Item 10, Committee Report: Audit
Duncan Straughen to implement the bringing forward of the top 10 risk register as a standing item on Board meeting agendas.
Item 11 Chairman's Report
- The Chairman informed the Board that he had recently met with Stephen Timms, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and had impressed upon him the successful job RDAs do in managing their budgets. Also highlighted was the Chairman's meeting with Ed Miliband from the Cabinet Office and the changes that are facing the voluntary and community sector and social enterprise, especially through the recently introduced tendering process.
- The Board was informed of the Chairman and Chief Executive's forthcoming visit to India and the commented on the importance of universities coordinating their engagement with global regions.
- The Chairman also reported on the successful reception organised by SEEDA's representative at the British Embassy in Paris. There are already 500 French companies investing in the South East, including EDF and Cap Gemini, and this event provided an excellent networking opportunity for potential investors.
- Also brought to the Board's attention was the Chairman's lunch with Sir David King, the Chief Scientific Advisor, and their constructive discussion of the role of RDAs in addressing climate change.
- The Board NOTED the Chairman's report.
Item 12 Agency Report
- Pam Alexander reported back to the Board on the work the Agency had recently undertaken. It was highlighted that the Agency was now paying 99% of invoices on time and the Board expressed their congratulations for this improvement.
- She noted that David Williams from Guildford Borough Council had succeeded Marian Headicar as Chief Executive of Portsmouth City Council.
- The Board were informed that Pam Alexander had recently met with Eurostar with local partners and they had agreed to share ton a confidential basis the research behind their recent decision to cut services from Ashford. This was now being analysed prior to further meetings to consider the position.
- SEEDA was supporting Portsmouth Naval Base's work on efficiencies, and their intention to create a centre of excellence, in the context of the Government's naval base review.
- Rob Douglas informed the Board that the Small Business Service was being dismantled and that the remaining element of the organisation would now report jointly to both the DTI and HM Treasury.
- The Chairman asked Rob Douglas and Peter Jones to consider the shape of the Board Committees and Poul Christensen requested that the issue of sub-regional representation on external bodies also be looked at.
- The Board discussed the proposal to consider a female only Business Angel Network with some difference of views.
- The Board NOTED the Agency report.
Action: Item 12, Agency Report
Rob Douglas and Peter Jones to consider with the Executive the future shape of Board Committees
Jeff Alexander to consult Fiona Pollard on developing the Business Angel network.
Item 13 AOB
- Poul Christensen recommended Natural England, which was launched on 1 st October, to the Board.
- The Chairman introduced Tahnee Wright to the Board, the new Head of the Chief Executive's Office, who has joined SEEDA from the Equality Unit at the DTI to replace Simon Walker.
- Paul Lovejoy summarised for the Board the agenda for the December Board meeting in Brussels, which will take place over 6 th-7 th December.
SEEDA BOARD
SUMMARY OF ACTIONS
31 OCTOBER 2006 MEETING
Action: Item 2, Matters arising
Rummage on carbon reduction/climate change to take place in early 2007.
Action: Item 4, Regional Assembly
Paul Lovejoy to bring the Regional Transport Board's recommendations to the next Board meeting for approval.
To be taken at December Board meeting (item 6).
Action: Item 5, Tourism South East
Jeff Alexander to arrange programme for HRH Prince of Wales' potential visit to the region.
Action: Item 6, Area Update: Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire (MKOBB)
Jeff Alexander to take the O2C Arc proposals to SESETAC for feedback.
To be taken to SESETAC in March 2007.
Action: Item 10, Committee Report: Audit
Duncan Straughento implement the top 10 risk register as a standing item.
To begin January 2007, following review by Executive Board.
Action: Item 12, Agency Report
Rob Douglas and Peter Jones to carry out a review of Board Committees
Early 2007 following work on SEEDA structures (seen item 5)
Jeff Alexander to consult Fiona Pollard on developing the Business Angel network.
21 SEPTEMBER 2006 MEETING
Action: Item 2, Matters arising
John Parsonage to bring a paper to the Board on LSPAs.
To be taken at the January 2007 Board meeting.
Action: Item 8, Dover Town Centre
DoverTown Centre proposal to return to the Board for approval.
To be taken at the December Board meeting (item 9a).
20 JULY 2006 MEETING
Action : Item 4, Global Regions
Jeff Alexander to lead a discussion on SEEDA's international trade policy with the BRIC countries.
To be taken at the January 2007 Board meeting.
Action : Item 5, 2012 Olympics regional action plan
Paul Lovejoy to provide the Board with a timeline for implementing the regional action plan.
To be provided at the December Board meeting, following the Nations and Regions Group meeting in November (item 10).
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