Economic Development and Investment (Open for Growth) Peer
Challenge
Rob Cottrill
Chief Executive
Eastbourne Borough Council
Rupert Clubb
Director of Communities, Economy & Transport
East Sussex County Council
Peer Challenge
• The East Sussex ‘Open for Growth’ Peer Challenge took place in March 2014. A peer challenge team comprising 12 Members, officers and business partners met with over 250 key stakeholders within the local economy.
• Pilot challenge – first ever two-tier Peer Challenge (District/Borough and County Councils)
Thank you
“We would like to thank the partners and stakeholders in the local economy from the public, private and third sector that the peer team met during the process. Thank you for your time and contribution.”
Contents
1. Context
2. Main areas of focus and key findings
3. Next steps & how you can participate
Context
• Why did we participate in a Peer Challenge? – Impartial (Peer Challenge team comprised 12
independent Members, officers and business partners)
– Open to learning– Checks and Balances– Economic Development is prioritised by all
East Sussex Councils
Seven areas of Focus
Ambition and Corporate and
Political Leadership
Strategic Planning and Partnership
Working
Economic Growth and Supporting
Business
Role of Planning in Economic Growth
Housing and Infrastructure
Education and Training Procurement
Successes so far…
• The East Sussex Economic Development Strategy means East Sussex is already ahead of the curve: – concerted, coordinated effort with partners– Infrastructure projects – BHLR, high-speed
broadband
Ambition and Corporate and Political Leadership
Build consensus and develop a common and
consistent approach
There’s a strong sense of ambition supported by committed leadership (despite political complexities) and examples of brave decisions
Strategic Planning and Partnership Working
“Punching above our weight” in terms of securing resources in certain funding streams
Senior management increasingly aware of the social value of working in partnership with the voluntary sector
Economic Growth and Supporting Business
Excellent delivery vehicle in Sea Change – lengthy pipeline of investment sites and clear leverage model
Businesses perceive some local authorities as difficult to access, and responses/support are too variable
Role of Planning in Economic Growth
Good progress in developing the Local Plan framework for the ES area. Evidence of working together – and a realisation of the importance of cooperation
The Duty to Cooperate will become even more important and needs both resourcing and strong political partnership
Housing
Economic growth should be a key priority in deciding on infrastructure and housing investment
Infrastructure
The Bexhill Hastings Link Roadis an example of strong partnership and political working, similarly Newhaven Port
Education and Training
Lack of pre-apprenticeship 'work ready' training both in and out of school
Sussex Coastal College is aligning a number of courses to local job demand e.g. vacuum technology
There are two employment hubs developing: Own Grown and the Eastbourne Employability Hub
Too many NEETS, both 16-18 and 19-24, are falling through the net
Procurement (in relation to support for the local economy)
Better coordinate the provision of procurement training and support for local SMEs to improve accessibility and make the best use of the available resources
Some excellent procurement initiatives supporting the growth agenda
How does the Peer Challenge fit into existing strategy?
• Role of the LEP
• East Sussex Economic Development Strategy– Emerging growth deal for the South East
• Accessible summary of the Strategic Economic Plan & we’re working on a more punchy document
Next Steps
• Agreement across the board is difficult! The report needs to undergo: – LGA moderation; then – Report will be circulated & available in public
domain
• Participation in action plan
Thank you for listening
The final report will be available in Autumn 2014.
Peer Challenge Report is on the agenda for the ESSP Board meeting on 30 October.
Any questions?
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