Issue - meetings

(Lead Member: Cllr S. Pandor, Director: Brian Archer)

Resolved: That the Combined Authority approves the priorities and approach set out by the West Yorkshire Trade Strategy and that the Combined Authority adopts it as part of the Strategic Economic Framework, subject to the consideration of ethical concerns being added to the report as was discussed.  

The Combined Authority considered the West Yorkshire Trade Strategy, which sets out the Combined Authority’s mission to provide access for small to medium-sized businesses to international markets. The Strategy is the region’s response to the UK export strategy ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ that was published in November 2021, and recognises that West Yorkshire has a diversity of world-leading manufacturing and service businesses which offer fantastic opportunities for quality jobs, productivity and innovation that will increase living standards for people in the region. The strategy will be adopted within the Strategic Economic Framework and sets out how the region can contribute to the Global Britain agenda for post-pandemic recovery. 

Officers noted that the strategy examines the challenges and opportunities; identifies key sectors and markets especially where there are existing free trade agreements or where agreements are in development; and addresses how to increase access to those opportunities. The strategy sets out the direction of travel for the region, and was developed in partnership with public and private sector organisations including the Department of International Trade, Chambers of Commerce, and regional universities, among others.

The Combined Authority is consulting with Leeds business school to establish metrics to track delivery of the strategy, and progress will be reported to the Business, Economy and Innovation Committee.

It was questioned how, considering recent global events, trade deals would be avoided with businesses that could be perceived as unethical. Officers responded that due diligence is carried out for all potential partnerships and most of the partnerships within the Trade Strategy are with organisations in the region that are already known. Due diligence for any new partnerships is not specifically mentioned as a part of the strategy, however it would always be undertaken and can be added to the strategy to provide reassurance.

Resolved: That the Combined Authority approves the priorities and approach set out by the West Yorkshire Trade Strategy and that the Combined Authority adopts it as part of the Strategic Economic Framework, subject to the consideration of ethical concerns being added to the report as was discussed.