executive board agenda - midlands engine · the board approved the minutes from the meeting held 17...

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Executive Board – AGENDA Date: 26 February 2020 13.00hrs – 17.00hrs Venue: Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate Office, Leake Lane. Stanford On Soar, Loughborough, Leicestershire.

Item Timing Topic Paper No. Lead

Lunch 13.00 – 13.30

13.30 – 15.00 Presentation on the National Rehabilitation Centre and Tour of the Defence and National Rehabilitation

Centre ‐ Led by General Sir Timothy John Granville‐Chapman GBE KCB

Matters of Governance

1 15.00 ‐15.30 Welcome, minutes and declarations of interest Reports from the Operating Board:

• Financial update

EB2.20.1

EB2.20.2

Chairman

NJ/RG/AM RG

For discussion

3 15.30 – 17.00 Midlands Engine – Communications and emerging new narrative

Midlands Engine Economic Observatory and Independent Economic Review

Any other business

EB2.20.4

EB2.20.5

RG

RG

4 Date of next meeting: 22 April 2020 14.00 – 17.00hrs KPMG Offices Birmingham

Membership: Sir John Peace (SJP) Cllr Philip Atkins (PA) Leader Staffordshire County Council, Prof. Alec Cameron (AC) President & Vice Chancellor, Aston University, Cllr David Mellen (DM) Leader Nottingham City Council, Cllr Simon Geraghty (SG) Leader Worcestershire County Council, Cllr Martin Hill (MH) Leader Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Barry Lewis (BL) Leader Derbyshire Council, Anthony May (AM) Chair Operating Board, Prof Edward Peck (EP) Vice Chancellor Nottingham Trent University, Kevin Harris (KH) Chair of Leicester & Leicestershire LEP, Cllr Chris Poulter (CP), Derby City Council, Andy Street (AS) Mayor West Midlands Combined Authority, Cllr Ian Ward (IW), Birmingham City Council, Rachael Greenwood (RG) Midlands Engine Programme Director, Rowena Limb (RL) Area Director Cities and Local Growth

Observers: Nick King, ME Advisor, Simon Hall DIT, Marian Sudbury, DIT Director for UK Regions, John Henderson, Leader Staffordshire County Council, Anthony Everitt, Programme Manager Midlands Engine.

Apologies: Andy Street, Cllr Ian Ward, Ian Curryer, Mark Stansfeld (MS) Chair of Worcestershire LEP,

In attendance: Sir John Peace, Cllr Philip Atkins, Prof. Alec Cameron, Cllr David Mellen, Cllr Simon Geraghty, Cllr Martin Hill, Cllr Barry Lewis, Anthony May, Prof Edward Peck, Kevin Harris, Cllr Chris Poulter, Cllr Bob Sleigh, Rachael Greenwood, Rowena Limb, Nicki Jenkins, Maria Machancoses.

Guests:

Chair: Sir John Peace

Minutes: Gayle Aughton

Executive Board – 11 September 2019

Minutes for the Midlands Engine Extraordinary Executive Board

Attendees:

Name Position

Sir John Peace (SJP) Chairman of the Board

Anthony May (AM) Chair Midland Engine Operating Board. Chief Executive, Nottinghamshire County Council

Rachael Greenwood (RG) Midlands Engine, Programme Director

Cllr Philip Atkins (PA) West Midlands Councils. Leader, Staffordshire County Council

Cllr Simon Geraghty (SG) West Midlands Councils. Leader, Worcestershire County Council

Andy Street (AS) West Midlands Councils. Mayor, WMCA

Cllr Martin Hill (MH) East Midlands Councils. Leader, Lincolnshire County Council

Prof Alec Cameron (AC) Midlands Innovation Universities, Chair

Maria Machancoses (MM) Midlands Connect Programme Director

Rowena Limb (RL) Cities and Local Growth Unit, HMG Regional Director

Simon Hall (SH) Department for International Trade, HMG Regional Director

Richard Blackmore (RB) CBI, East Midlands Regional Director

Helen Turner (HT) Midlands Innovation Universities, Director

Gary Woodman (GW) West Midlands LEPs. Chief Executive, Worcestershire LEP

Neil Rami (NR) West Midlands Growth Company, Chief Executive

Iain Gillespie (IG) Midlands Innovation Universities. Pro‐Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise, University of Leicester

Jo Dilly (JD) Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, Managing Director.

John Sinnott (JS) Leicestershire County Council, Chief Executive

Jenny Kenning (JK) Midlands Enterprise Universities, Director

Observers:

Anthony Everitt (AE) Midlands Engine Interim Programme Manager

Nick King (NK) ME Consultant

Dominic Murphey (DM) Hanover PR

Dan Gilbert (DG) Hanover PR

Guests:

Name Position

Alex Gardiner (AG) Metro Dynamics, Associate Director

Apologies:

Cllr Ian Ward (IW) West Midland Councils. Leader, Birmingham City Council

Cllr Barry Lewis (BL) East Midlands Councils. Leader, Derbyshire County Council

Cllr Chris Poulter (CP) East Midlands Councils. Leader, Derby City Council

Cllr David Mellen (DM) East Midlands Councils. Leader , Nottingham City Council

Kevin Harris (KH) East Midlands LEPs. Chair, Leicester and Leicestershire LEP

Mark Stansfield (MS) West Midlands LEPs. Chair Worcestershire LEP

Prof Edward Peck (EP) Midlands Enterprise Universities. Vice Chancellor, Nottingham Trent University

Deborah Cadman (DC) West Midlands Councils ‐ Combined Authority, Chief Executive

Professor Iain Gillespie (IG) Chair Midlands Engine Innovation and Enterprise Group

Angela Joyce (AJ) Chair Midlands Engine Skills Group

Ruth Carver (RC) East Midlands LEPs. Chief Executive, Greater Lincolnshire LEP

Ian Curryer (IC) Midlands Engine AB and Chief Executive, Nottingham City Council

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1 Introduction & apologies

The Chairman welcomed members to the Midlands Engine Executive Board, with particular

welcome to members of the Operating Board.

1.1 There were no declarations of interest.

1.2 Apologies noted above.

2 Approval of minutes

2.1 Approval of the Minutes

The Board approved the minutes from the meeting held 17 June 2019 without amendment.

2.1 Matters arising

None recorded.

3. Chairs Opening Remarks

The Chairman thanked members for their attendance and welcomed Operating Board

Members who had been invited to join this Executive Board meeting.

The Chairman confirmed since the last meeting of this Board that James Brokenshire MP has

since stepped down in his role as Midlands Engine Champion and he noted he had extended

thanks on behalf of the Board and Midlands Engine Partnership, referencing the significant

support provided by James Brokenshire in this important role.

The Chairman confirmed to the Board that the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick (Secretary of State for

Housing, Local Government and Communities) had been confirmed as the Midlands Engine

Champion and commented on looking forward to working closely with Robert as the

partnership moves forward.

4. Strategy Refresh

The Chairman invited RG to present an update on the Midlands Engine Strategy Refresh and

to provide an overview of progress over the summer in gathering input from across the

partnership to shape the forthcoming strategy refresh. RG presented a summary of the

emerging priorities for the partnership including four key areas of focus on which partners

were generally agreed it made sense to act together regionally to address. RG responded to

questions and points of clarity raised by the Board and gave an overview of next steps. It was

agreed that the next iteration of the document would be shared with the Board for their

feedback, prior to lodging an updated document, incorporating Board feedback, with the

government.

Members of the Board provided feedback and commented on the importance of presenting

government with both a strong evidence base and compelling narrative around additionality

brought by the partnership, opportunities for tackling productivity and the unique offer of

the Midlands Engine partnership.

Members noted the progress since the last meeting of this Board and acknowledged the

significant work undertaken by partners in helping to shape the emerging strategy planning.

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5. U.K. China Regional Leaders Summit

The Chair invited AM to provide an update on plans for the China Regional Leaders Summit,

currently scheduled to take place in the week commencing Monday 17 February.

Members commented on the significance of this as an opportunity for building even stronger

links with China, culturally, economically and socially.

Members noted the initial progress, agreed the proposed governance arrangements which

AM put forward including Steering Group ToR and requested that an update report be

bought back to this Board following the event in February.

6. Any Other Business

The Chair requested that NR provide a brief update on the Commonwealth Games.

NR reported that a global viewing audience of 3‐4 billion is expected. The focus of this

opportunity will be on maximising the legacy of the games in terms of trade, tourism and

investment.

7. Date of next meeting:

The next meeting of the Executive Board scheduled for 26 February 2020.

Security Level: Confidential Restricted Unclassified Commercially Sensitive

Meeting & Date: Midlands Engine Executive Board ‐ 26 February 2020

Subject: Financial Update

Attachments: None

Author: Accountable Body Total no of sheets: (incl. cover sheet)

4

Papers are provided for: Approval Discussion Information

Summary & Recommendation:

Summary

This report sets out on behalf of the Accountable Body of the Midlands Engine:

Financial summary for year end 2019/20 (reporting Q3 actuals and Q4 estimates)

Accountable Body Transfer

Recommendation To note summary and actions required, including:

1. To note the forecast year end position and consider further, on meeting, partner contributions2. Update of ESOL and Mental Health Contracts for 2019/203. To note the update on the transfer of the Accountable Body

Financial Summary

Forecast end of year position

The financial position for 2019/20 is reflected in table 1.Current spend against budget is £1,646,102.44 with

outstanding commitments of £1,129,470.23 as at January 31 2020, against a planned budget of £2,775,572.67.

This leaves £331,371.78 of unallocated income, with the agreement in principle from MHCLG established that

the Midlands Engine will carry these funds forward into the new financial year 2020/21 (this figure may change

upon receipt of further partner contributions). The Board are also asked to consider, on meeting, the matter

of partnership contributions and determine a way forward.

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Table 1: Core funding profiling end of year position 2019/20

Midlands Engine Budget 2019‐20

Midlands Engine Total Budget 2019‐20

Actuals 2019‐20

Commitments 2019‐20

Forecast Total Spend 2019‐20

Central Programme costs

Staff costs 806,000.00 504,316.81 301,683.19 806,000.00

Hospitality & Travel 40,500.00 25,904.28 14,595.72 40,500.00

IT & phones 4,605.98 4,017.54 588.44 4,605.98

Accountable Body Costs 100,000.00 74,999.99 25,000.01 100,000.00

Total 951,105.98 609,238.62 341,867.36 951,105.98

Marketing and Comms

Marketing Operations 352,664.69 227,122.15 125,542.54 352,664.69

Campaign 575.00 575.00 0.00 575.00

Total 353,239.69 227,697.15 125,542.54 353,239.69

Strategic Priority project development and initial delivery

Strategic Priority 611,000.00 429,166.67 181,833.33 611,000.00

Total 611,000.00 429,166.67 181,833.33 611,000.00

Regional Economic Observatory 280,000.00 0.00 280,000.00 280,000.00

Total 280,000.00 0.00 280,000.00 280,000.00

Regional Leaders Summit 580,227.00 380,000.00 200,227.00 580,227.00

Total 580,227.00 380,000.00 200,227.00 580,227.00

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 2,775,572.67 1,646,102.44 1,129,470.23 2,775,572.67

Income

Net Income b/f from 2018/19 including commitments 2,081,944.45 2,081,944.45 2,081,944.45

Midlands Engine ‐ DCLG 590,000.00 590,000.00 590,000.00

LEP/LA contributions 620,000.00 240,000.00 240,000.00

LEP/LA contributions ‐ Arrears 700,000.00 120,000.00 120,000.00

Regional Leaders Summit ‐ DCLG 75,000.00 75,000.00 75,000.00

Regional Leaders Summit ‐ DIT 200,000.00 0.00 0.00

Regional Leaders Summit ‐ FCO 100,000.00 0.00 0.00

TOTAL INCOME 4,366,944.45 3,066,944.45 3,106,944.45

Overall balance 1,420,842.01 291,371.78 331,371.78

Note: LEP/LA contributions fund Central Programme costs


ESOL and Mental Health ‐ Table 2 outlines the ESOL and Mental Health programmes.

ESOL Programme‐ Upon receipt of the final progress reports and confirmation of deliverables, final

payments will be made in March / April 2020.

Mental Health Programme‐ The first four contracted milestones have been achieved and associated

payments made. The next milestones are scheduled to be achieved in March 2020. This contract is a three‐

year contract so any unspent funds will be transferred into the next financial year. We are expecting the

Department of Health to release the next Mental Health grant payment in the coming weeks – this has been

confirmed in writing and grant will be transferred before 31 March 2020.

Table 2: Grant Funded Programmes 2019/20

Expenditure Budget 2019 ‐ 20

Actuals 2019‐

20

Outstanding

Commitments

2019‐20

Total Allocation

2019‐20

Government Programmes

Mental Health funding ‐ Grants 950,000.00 400,000.00 550,000.00 950,000.00

Mental Health funding ‐ Accountable Body ‐

contract management 50,000.00 19,000.00 31,000.00 50,000.00

ESOL ‐ Grant 963,000.00 845,549.00 117,451.00 963,000.00

ESOL ‐ Accountable Body ‐ contract

management 45,000.00 24,500.00 20,500.00 45,000.00

Total Expenditure 2,008,000.00 1,289,049.00 718,951.00 2,008,000.00

Income

ESOL ‐ DFE: Net income B/F from 2018‐19 inc

comm 1,008,000.00 1,008,000.00 0.00 1,008,000.00

Mental Health: Net Income B/f from 2018‐19

inc comms 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 0.00 1,000,000.00

Total Income 2,008,000.00 2,008,000.00 0.00 2,008,000.00

Overall balance 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Midlands Engine ‐ Other Programmes ‐ Budget 2019‐20

Note ‐ AB fees for the Government Programmes *Mental Health and ESOL sit outside the scope of the original AB agreement


Accountable Body Transfer

In October last year, Nottingham City Council informed the Chair of our intention to step out of the

Accountable Body role for the Midlands Engine. Subsequently, it has been agreed that Staffordshire County

Council will take up the role from the 1st April 2020.

We are working proactively with both the Executive team and Staffordshire to make arrangements for the

transfer process, including the transfer of contracts, and staffing arrangements. We have worked closely with

the Midlands Engine secretariat over the past year to maintain an accurate up to date budget whilst supporting

the changing priorities of the service including the Regional Leaders summit.

We will continue to do this over the coming weeks ensuring a smooth transition of the Accountable Body

function in the transfer over to Staffordshire County Council.

Both Nottingham City Council and Staffordshire County Council will attend the Annual Assurance meeting with

MHCLG, due to take place in early March.

Ian Curryer

Chief Executive, Nottingham City Council


Meeting & Date: Midlands Engine Executive Board – February 2020

Subject: Midlands Engine Communications & Narrative Update

Attachments: N/A

Author: Midlands Engine Executive Team Total no of sheets: (inc cover sheet)

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Papers are provided for: Approval Discussion X Information


Summary

This paper updates the Executive Board on activities over the last two quarters to develop the ‘voice’ of the Midlands Engine, enhance outbound communications and to reframe a new narrative for our region. The new narrative (draft included herein) builds on work commenced in late 2019 and a workshop session in January 2020 at the Midlands Engine Operating Board.

Recommendation

Board Members are asked to note:

The forward progress being made across all Midlands Engine communications

Active progress across the partnership to reframe the ‘common’ narrative of the region

Background

1. Communications re‐set

A more sustained approach to communicating the work and activity of the Midlands Engine Partnership was acknowledged as essential by the Operating Board in May 2019 – and powerful communications is recognised as a cornerstone function of the Partnership.

With a newly appointed Programme Director (June 2019) the opportunity was taken to answer longstanding questions and build much needed core narratives for the Partnership which have been previously absent. Work has focused on building consistent narratives – which we are now looking to strengthen further, based on evidence and data (Midlands Engine Independent Economic Review

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and Observatory paper refers). The aim throughout has been for all outward facing communications to have consistent branding and create a strong visual presence backed with robust, factually correct and consistent content.

Midlands Engine now has a modest communications resource working alongside Hanover, a Public Affairs agency recruited in August 2019. With this enhanced communications capability work is underway to measurably improve messaging, presentation and both proactive and reactive communications. Our specialist Public Affairs team also have a remit to support political stakeholder engagement on behalf of the partnership.

Communications – Party Conference Season 2019

We had a very successful conference season 2019, given the political uncertainty in the run up to and during the course of conferences. Our visual presence was strong and well received, and we were able to easily articulate the essence of the Midlands Engine with the assets produced. This year we shared stands and events with colleagues in Midlands Connect, creating economies of scale, sharing costs and using team resources effectively to attend to stands / visitors during conference days. This was a highly effective approach and enabled shared planning, better co‐ordination overall and greater collective impact.

Partners were represented strongly at each conference with conference materials carrying sponsor logos, for instance. 2019 conference season sponsorship, including the opportunity for presence at conference and speaker slots was taken up by:

Space Park, Leicester Midlands Health Innovation Leicester University

We received TV coverage (ITV main news at 6.00pm) at the Liberal Democrat conference, which we attended for the first time. The Labour conference had a different dynamic with fewer in‐depth Midland Engine conversations. However, we did have an excellent fringe event which was supported by colleagues from Midlands Connect, partners and Hanover. Lord Kennedy of Southwark, Labour Communities spokesperson, and Professor Malcolm Bennet, University of Nottingham spoke very passionately about the region to a packed room.

At the Conservative conference we had a solid number of good conversations with sitting MPs as well as PPCs. Our fringe event, whilst very well attended, lacked ministerial support, largely down to uncertainty until the last minute as to who was able to attend. However, we successfully secured a full room ‐ and powerful speeches were emphatically delivered by our Chair as well as Prof Iain Gillespie, Chair of the Midlands Engine Innovation and Enterprise strategic group.

Midlands Engine – Cabinet Secretaries Infrastructure Panel ‐ Chair

Midlands Engine Chairman, Sir John Peace was invited by Downing Street to chair a panel of three Cabinet Secretaries – a centerpiece event on the Monday of the Conservative Conference. This session followed immediately on from the Chancellors speech and was delivered to a packed room. The focus of the session was infrastructure and the need for investment in the regions.

A visual summary of conferences is included on the pages that follow including a summary of key people who the team met and spoke with about Midlands Engine business and our partnership work.

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Libe

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Conservative Party Conference – Manchester

Sajid Javid, Chancellor of the Exchequer

Robert Jenrick Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Growth

James Cleverly, Party Chair

George Freeman, Minister for the Dept Transport

Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State for DCMS

John Glen Economic Secretary to the Treasury Wendy Morton, Under Secretary of State for Justice

Conner Burns, Minister of State for International Trade

Nadim Zahawi Minister for BEIS Stratford upon Avon

Theresa Coffey, Secretary of State for Department of Work and Pensions

Andrew Stevenson Minister of State Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Dept International Development

Gareth Davis, Director General International Security in the Department of Transport (forma BEIS Minister) PCC Grantham and Stamford

Johnathan Morgan Councillor Outwoods Ward Charnwood Borough Council

Cllr Suzanne Webb, West Midlands Regional Chair for Conservatives

Labour Party Conference – Brighton

John McDonnell Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

Andrew Gwynne, Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Valarie Vaz Walsall and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons

Andy McDonald, Shadow Transport Minister

Hugh Gaffney, Scottish MP

Preet Gill MP, MP Edgbaston

Professor Malcom Bennet University of Nottingham, Prof. Paul Monks Leicester

Lord Kennedy – Midlands Engine Fringe event

Liberal Democrat Party Conference – Bournemouth

Jo Swinson Party Leader

Ed Davey, Deputy Leader

Sir Vince Cable, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson Health and Social Care

Lord Fox Lords Spokesman for Business and Industrial Strategy

Lord Bradshaw, Co-Chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party Committee on Transport

Dr Keith Schofield Aston University (Organisational Psychology)

Bill Newton, Dunn East Midlands MEP

Izzy Knowles South West Birmingham PCC for Heath and Mosley.

Ade Adeyemo PCC (*Prospective Parliamentary Candidate) Solihull and Meriden

Jennifer Gray PPC for Walsall

Lucy Hurds, PPC Hereford, and South Hereford

Beverly Nielson, PPC West Worcestershire

Party Conferences 2019


Thanks to partner sponsors

Sponsorship of this event, and the huge investment made by Leicester University, Midlands Health Innovation and Space Park as partners, supporting preparations in the run up to conference season was simply invaluable.

Leadership of Midlands Engine discussions with politicians by partners brought immeasurable impact for our partnership. This is an active demonstration of the power of collaboration, where working together enables much more to be achieved than when working alone. It is hoped that, with earlier preparation and greater lead times as is planned for 2020, we can work with an even larger group of partners as we present the Midlands Engine partnership on the national stage, through party conference season.

For the 2019 season, grateful thanks are noted to the teams and leaders who brought their support and shared investment forward.

Recommendations for Party Conference 2020

Build on joint work with Midlands Connect Start planning a lot earlier, for sponsorship and fringe events and stand selection Ensure Midlands Engine is represented by all four ambition area specialists Ensure fringe events are in best available location to maximize attendance Engage sooner and proactively with partners to ensure conference season offer is well

tailored for their needs

Planning is now underway for conference season 2020, based on the above recommendations.

Midlands Engine Core Communications

Social Media

Twitter is the main social media channel used by Midlands Engine and significant work has been done since mid‐2019, starting pre‐conference season, to increase activity – one result of which is active growth in engagement and followers. Work continues with partners to increase own‐hand content, support partner content and proactively manage the account.

Website

The website has undergone a minor update to reflect updated ambitions – superseding the Vision for Growth narratives and bringing content up to date with the Partnerships own development. Increased traffic through the site is already demonstrated.

End of Year Review and updated newsletter

An end of Year Review was prepared and shared with partners as well as the wider Midlands Engine community. This was very well received and evaluating metrics such as link clicks from circulated e‐copy show a high penetration rate compared to previous mail‐outs. Spontaneous promotion by partners of the End of Year Review demonstrated the positive response from across the partnership. Issue 1 of an updated newsletter format has also been distributed (February 2020), refocused to link


partners and regional content, renamed “Midlands Matters” (previously The Midlander) and again this has been very positively responded to by partners and a wider readership. Work is actively ongoing with partner organisations for the content they wish to include in subsequent issues – all proposals are welcome!

Key facts

A detailed and current key facts summary has been developed and will remain a work in progress, periodically updated on key stats/messages – underpinned by data from the Midlands Engine Economic Observatory.

Pre‐election communications

Working together across the communications teams of Midlands Connect, Hanover and Midlands Engine, a clear plan for pre‐election communications was been developed in dialogue with the Chairman, and cross party correspondence – a letter and infographic introducing Midlands Engine ‐ was sent to all standing candidates of the main parties across the Midlands. The infographic sent with the letter is included on the following page. This has been designed to build on key messaging and partnership priority areas.

Post‐election / pre budget communication activity

A detailed plan was developed, working together across the communications teams of Midlands Connect, Hanover and Midlands Engine to enable maximum political engagement. Work to implement is ongoing. This involves:

1. Direct correspondence with all MPs – using infographic (see overleaf) and meetings2. Programme of one‐to‐one meetings between influential MPs and Chairman / Programme

Directors (ME/MC) / other Board Members where appropriate3. Parliamentary reception to be hosted by Midlands Engine (requested by Communities

Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick)4. Launch of a new Midlands Engine APPG which has been brought forward by regional MP’s5. A proactive plan for visits – using key sites in the region for Midlands Engine for Ministerial

visits across Government6. Parliamentary agenda – supporting the future of HS2, providing material for new MP

speeches, targeted PQs (many have now been successfully tabled), parliamentary debates,researcher drop in

7. Political engagement for key event attendance including (to be rescheduled)RegionalLeaders Summit, MIPIM (associated events) and our plan for a Midlands Engine Summit in2020

Other work areas

In addition to the above, work is also underway in a variety of other areas to improve partner interface and support / shared media and social media (for instance) around events which the Chairman attends together with partners, and development of a robust reactive media pathway.

Progress is also being made with ‘core business’ functions – for instance including preparation and publication of a high profile Diwali magazine article (West Midlands), Chairman’s opening speech to the World China Entrepreneurs Conference (London) and Biobanking conference (Nottingham) and ongoing press work such as contributions to the Midlands Health Innovation study launch, Chairman’s Keynote for Nottingham Trent University event for National Apprenticeships Week, Keynote speech at the December launch of the National Forest consultation event, held at the National Arboretum, and press pack with partners for the MOU signing with Zhejiang province.


MHCLG and Cabinet Office Communications – Midlands Engine Campaign 2020/21

Regional organisations including the Midlands Engine are being supported once again with funding from Government (MHCLG) to grow awareness, raise profile and increase brand penetration across targeted audiences. Lessons have been drawn from earlier campaigns and work is underway focused on the campaign specification/brief and the mapping of audiences to be targeted.

The Midlands Engine Executive team is already working with colleagues from Government communications teams to guide and help shape the scope, reach and design of the campaign. It is hoped that linked work to fully update the Midlands Engine website and grow comms assets (with longevity) will result as some of the wider tangible benefits from this campaign. Board Members will be kept informed as work progresses.

Midlands Engine Parliamentary Reception and APPG – Spring 2020

A parliamentary reception which originated in discussion with Rt Hon Robert Jenrick and Sir John Peace is planned for spring 2020. It is an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the wide ranging achievements of our Midlands Engine partnership and is a timely point at which to formally launch the Midlands Engine Independent Economic Review.

We hope to be joined by many Midlands MP’s and House of Lords representatives, a number of whom are in the process of establishing a Midlands Engine APPG.

Acknowledging partner support

During this development period for Midlands Engine in‐house communications, a number of partners have offered and given significant support. This support is drawn to the attention of Executive Board members, as it has been invaluable.

2. Updating our Midlands Engine narrative – early thoughts

Early work to advance a narrative for Midland Engine was undertaken over the summer 2019. As work on both the Strategy Refresh and Independent Economic Review have progressed, it is increasingly clear that an opportunity exists to develop a evidence‐led Midlands Engine narrative which draws on the attributes, achievements and strengths of our region – helping to both galvanise understanding and de‐bunk now outdated, narrow perceptions of the Midlands.

A workshop was held in January 2020 at the Midlands Engine Operating Board and an early narrative from this is emerging, linked to regional positive characteristics, exemplar sectors, activity, communities and other key strengths. The aim of the output is a strengthened, revised regional narrative which can be used to measurably enhance understanding of the Midlands Engine geography, economy and our many strengths ‐ developing an updated, extended narrative for our region. This will add value as we work to bring evidence to bear, underpinning the recognised need to ‘level up’ the Midlands Engine with the rest of the UK.

The draft narrative, very much under development, is shared below and Executive Board Member comments are invited.

The Midlands was the indisputable birthplace of the industrial revolution and home to some of the leading thinkers of the day. Today, this pioneering spirit continues in the region’s 20 world-leading universities

which, along with major centres of private sector R&D, are crucial drivers of growth through innovation. Midlands Engine is creating solutions to many of the world’s most urgent challenges such as food scarcity and security, mental health and rehabilitation, future mobility and autonomous vehicles, cyber security, healthcare and diagnostics, clean energy and energy storage.In fact, perhaps nothing symbolises the Midlands’ past, present and future more than the repurposing of the region’s brownfield sites. Decommissioned power stations signal the switch from fossil fuels and a past characterised by heavy industry, to become centres for zero carbon – a beacon of innovation and clean energy in a region which is already home to one in three UK energy sector jobs.

Innovation alone does not lead to change and prosperity. Practical application is crucial and this is where the Midlands Engine excels. Our ability to translate and make keeps us centre stage and

ensures our growing attractiveness to national and international investors who see billions of pounds worth of opportunities here - in sectors as diverse as space, med-tech and life sciences, agri-tech, food processing, logistics, automotive, clean energy, financial services, creative and digital, and more.It also results in high demand for the goods we produce. In 2018, we were responsible for 22% of England’s exports and a contribution of more than £90 billion to the UK economy through international trade; a figure we are ambitious to increase by a further £26 billion.But our region’s success is not solely about global brands and international trade. A major strength is our 816,000-strong business community, a majority of which are SMEs creating jobs in our cities, building vital skills and generating a dynamic culture of creativity. Midlands Engine is a region of entrepreneurs and by focusing that spirit through the lens of our partnership, we can truly maximise its value on a regional scale.

To achieve this and more, the Midlands Engine partnership has a huge role to play in connecting ideas and innovation with

application and investment. This means championing physical connectivity; the transport and digital infrastructures that underpins growth, enables collaboration, learning, knowledge sharing, access to skills and the sustainable movement of goods.Phase two of HS2 is coming – and it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The impact on the Midlands will be transformational, improving journey times and reliability, opening up new areas for development and creating tens of thousands of jobs. Tackling the issue of east-west road and rail connectivity and investing in digital deployment, including open data and 5G, are also crucial steps to unlock access for trade and communities everywhere.

A thriving region is economically prosperous; attractive due to its plentiful, well-paid jobs; short, affordable commutes; excellent

healthcare and fabulous schools; and high quality, affordable housing. The Midlands has all of this in abundance making it a desirable location for young professionals and families; for those who seek a better work/life balance. It also makes the region attractive for growing and relocating organisations for whom these components are essential if they are to attract and retain talent, at the same time as benefiting from reduced overheads and extra space.And space is what the Midlands has; space to breath, relax and enjoy. Home to inspiring natural landscapes such as the National Forest and Peak District, vibrant cities and picturesque villages, exceptionally fine stately homes and world-class sports and exhibition venues. Proud hosts to such significant events as the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 and Coventry City of Culture in 2021 – and more besides. All of this underpins our region as an attractive place to visit, live, learn, work and invest.

The Midlands is a region of pioneering minds, thriving industry, great beauty, inspiring heritage and incredible people.From Shropshire in the west to Lincolnshire in the east, from Derbyshire in the north to Herefordshire in the south, we are the beating heart of the UK. A place that connects all other places in our country, and one with an economy that is growing faster than every other region outside the capital. Our region is driving around a quarter of England’s exports and contributing nearly £250 billion to the UK economy, and we’re a place that one sixth of the nation’s population calls home.The Midlands Engine partnership brings voice and vision to the Midlands. Right now across the region, remarkable things are happening. Small businesses are acting as creative disruptors and hotbeds of entrepreneurial spirit; global multinationals are rapidly growing, and new and existing sectors building strength and skills; universities are powering societal change through cutting-edge research and civic commitment; and public sector bodies, in concert with Government, are working to drive economic prosperity for the nation and our region’s communities.Together we know we are stronger still. And so the Midlands Engine partnership exists to convene and connect; to act as a focal point and unifying force for all of this incredible activity in order to amplify and accelerate its value for the greater benefit of our region’s places, people and future.

Our Midlands Engine partnership brings these strengths together, so that in partnership we can accelerate our capacity and enhance our capabilities – and together create huge added-value for our region.

THINK

MAKE

CONNECT

PROSPER

HS2 PHASE 1

HS2PHASE 2A

HS2PHASE 2B

M50

M5

M42

M40

M1M69

M6

M6

M42

A42

A50

A500

A5

A5

A5 A49

A49

A46

A46

A40

M6 TOLLM54

WORCESTER

LEICESTER

DERBY

STOKE-ON-TRENT

BIRMINGHAM

WOLVERHAMPTON

HEREFORD

LINCOLN

GRIMSBY

SKEGNESS

BOSTON

GRANTHAM

NEWARK

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

STAFFORD

SHREWSBURY

TELFORD

WARWICK

NUNEATON

SOLIHULL

COVENTRY

SANDWELL/DUDLEY

LOUGHBOROUGH

A1HOLBEACH

IMMINGHAM

NOTTINGHAM

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Meeting & Date: Midlands Engine Executive Board – 26 February 2020

Subject: Midlands Engine Economic Observatory update and the Independent Economic Review

Attachments: January – Quarterly Economic Commentary

Midlands Engine Independent Economic Review Summary Report

Author: Midlands Engine Executive Team Total no of sheets: (inc cover sheet)

4

Papers are provided for: Approval Discussion Information


Summary

This report provides an update on the work of the Midlands Engine Economic Observatory (MEEO). It provides a summary of the latest economic performance data, details the findings of the Independent Economic Review (IER), outlines plans for publishing the IER, and seeks agreement for the Executive Team to work on proposals for the future shape of the MEEO, with delegation for consideration at the next Operating Board.

Recommendation

Summary of recommended actions

To note the latest economic performance data in the Quarterly Economic Review

To note the final draft of the Midlands Engine Independent Economic Review, proposed now for sign off

To note plans to launch and publish the Independent Economic Review, linked to the planned parliamentary reception on 4 March 2020

To note the intention to additionally hold one or more in‐region events to disseminate the IER, in conjunction with partners to include:

o The creation of a media friendly, summary IER document o Press pack with release and further communications (interviews etc.) o All IER and supporting reports available via the Midlands Engine website

of 4 MEEO Update and IER EB02.20.5

For the Midlands Engine Executive Team, in collaboration with the current MEEO team and wider partners, to provide recommendations on the future shape, functions and full budget for MEEO, for decision at the Midlands Engine Operating Board in March 2020.

Background

The Midlands Engine Economic Observatory

The Midlands Engine Economic Observatory (MEEO) is a partnership of leading researchers from Midlands Universities and private sector research specialists. The MEEO has rapidly become a critical component of the Midlands Engine partnership, providing evidence and intelligence that helps shape both partnership and organisational policy, strategy and delivery plans.

A consortium led by City‐Redi (University of Birmingham) and Nottingham Trent University won a competitive tender to deliver MEEO services from October 2018 for two years. This work package involved: establishing the MEEO, undertaking Quarterly Economic Commentaries, completing the first Midlands Engine Independent Economic Review and other ad‐hoc research.

Quarterly Economic Commentary

The MEEO produces a Quarterly Economic Commentary (QEC) which can be downloaded via www.midlandsengine.org. The QEC is a summary of the latest regional economic performance data and what it means for the Midlands Engine, our partners, our residents and our business community.

Underpinning the QEC is a downloadable database of the latest economic statistics and information for the Midlands including dedicated analyses of each of our nine Local Enterprise Partnership geographies.

Indicators from the January 2020 Quarterly Economic Commentary and the underpinning data, show our region growing GVA in total and per employee, faster than the UK as a whole between 2017‐2018. Growth was particularly strong in the creative, design and digital industries, with data showing R&D expenditure and business births growing faster in the Midlands, than the rest of the UK.

A significant lag in statistics means that, although the news seems generally good, we cannot be complacent, as qualitative analysis also points to tricky trading conditions for some key industries in the Midlands. And despite these improvements, the Midlands still lags behind the UK in many measurements related to productivity (as highlighted in the IER), with the gap not closing at a speed which would help us achieve our ambitions.

Independent Economic Review

The MEEO has compiled the first ever Independent Economic Review (IER) for the Midlands Engine. This has involved an extensive investigation into the economic characteristics of our region and offers a valuable picture of our regional economic performance, highlighting key gaps, challenges and opportunities.

The IER is now complete and is planned to be launched in spring 2020. The IER will be published as a summary report supplemented by several stand‐alone pieces of research, including:

An economic profile for each of the nine Midlands Engine LEP areas

An estimate of economic growth scenarios for the Midlands

An analysis of public sector funding across the Midlands

A summary of the forecast impact of Brexit on the Midlands

A summary of interviews with Midlands Engine based businesses on economic growth barriers and opportunities


The rationale for pan‐Midlands interventions, referring to UK and international comparators

The summary report is provided to the Executive Board for their review and approval. All of the underpinning reports listed above can be requested from the Midlands Engine Executive Team.

Findings

The IER is an in‐depth and vast body of research. The summary findings are provided to the Executive Board for review and approval. It demonstrates:

Productivity in the Midlands Engine remains stubbornly behind the UK average

A key driver of the productivity gap is the productivity within sectors, as opposed to the composition of the economy by sector

There is divergence in productivity between areas within the Midlands

There are only a few sectors that perform better than the UK average in terms of productivity with automotive being a notable ‘star‐performer’

Worryingly manufacturing beyond automotive, suffers from lower productivity than the UK average

Non‐manufacturing industries employ the vast majority of employees and lag behind the UK average in terms of productivity.

Barriers to improving productivity cited include:

Skills

Transport connectivity (particularly east‐west connections)

Under‐provision of key infrastructure in certain areas (water, energy, broadband)

Accessing innovation expertise, and innovation spend

Business finance

Government funding in the Midlands is below the UK average with a particularly acute relative underfunding in ‘Economic affairs’ and in particular transport (we receive less than the Northern Powerhouse per head)

Encouragingly the IER provides a coherent evidence base outlining the need for intervention across the themes outlined in the proposed Strategy Refresh sent to HMG.

Plans for publication

In order to improve the accessibility and impact of the IER the Team will produce a glossy and visually impactful four sided summary.

It was previously agreed that the IER will have greatest impact if it was published in parallel with the Strategy Refresh. However the uncertainty in the Strategy Refresh process means that the IER is in danger of becoming out of date, and losing its impact, should the publication be delayed significantly. It is proposed that if the Strategy Refresh is delayed beyond April 2020, to publish and launch the IER, in collaboration with HMG departments. The launch will consist of:

A planned Midlands Engine parliamentary reception on 4 March 2020, including a Westminster Parliamentary Briefing

Additionally holding one or more in‐region events to disseminate the IER, in conjunction with partners to include:

The creation of a media friendly, summary IER document

Press pack with release and further communications (interviews etc.)


All IER and supporting reports available via the Midlands Engine website

Further publicising the findings through the Strategy Refresh launch (when scheduled) and the Midlands Engine summit which is proposed.

Future shape of the Midlands Engine Economic Observatory

As the outputs from the first MEEO contract draw to a close it is important that plans are in place for the future of this work. Feedback from partners is that the MEEO has been a highly valued resource and that they would welcome its continuation. All be it, now is a time for reflection on what has worked well, where it could improve and what function it would most usefully play moving forward.

The recent funding award for the Midlands Engine from MHCLG has potential provision for funding MEEO continuation, dependent on both future MEEO scope and partner contributions.

The Midlands Engine Executive Team will consult extensively with the users of the MEEO and its contributors (LA’s, LEPs, Universities, Industry, HMG) to seek back from the existing work and shape its future.

A strategy and delivery plan is required, all informed by partner’s needs, for a renewed MEEO that will cover:

Renewed agreed objectives for the MEEO

The most efficient delivery structures

Key areas of activity

Communications

Agreed budget

Future activity is likely to include as a minimum

Establishing a framework and metrics for monitoring the Midlands Engine economy and the success in delivering the refreshed Midlands Engine Strategy

The continued production of Quarterly Economic Commentaries

Potentially providing updated LEP area profiles

Undertaking targeted research in areas where further intelligence will help delivery against the Midlands Engine priorities (examples of research themes could be: supply chain mapping, digital industrialisation, inclusive growth, clean growth, graduate retention, non‐manufacturing exports)

The Midlands Engine Executive Team will work with the existing MEEO lead partners (NTU and City‐Redi) to develop detailed proposals for the future shape of the MEEO beyond the original contract, and a detailed activity plan for 2020/21. This will be presented to the Midlands Engine Operating Board in March 2020 and subsequently this Board will be updated.

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