Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jane Scullion, Simon Wright, Jonathan King and Colin Glass.

Michael Allen disclosed a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to Business Growth Programme Item 6, Exempt Appendices 1 & 2.

1.    To highlight Appendix 1 to Agenda Item 5 and Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4 to Agenda Item 6 which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemptions outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2.    To consider whether or not to accept the officers’ recommendation in respect of the above information as set out in paragraph 5.1 of Agenda Item 5 and 8.1 of Agenda Item 6.

3.    If the recommendation is accepted, to formally pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED – That in accordance with paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Appendix 1 to Agenda Item 5 and Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4 to Agenda Item 6 on the grounds that they are likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information and for the reasons set out in the report that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Resolved – That in accordance with paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Appendices 1 and 2 to Agenda Item 6 on the grounds that they are likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information and for the reasons set out in the report that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Business Investment Panel held on 5 September 2019 be approved and signed by the Chair.

Led by: Lorna Holroyd

The Panel considered a report which outlined the current position regarding progress in committing grants through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP) Strategic Inward Investment Fund (SIIF).

Members attention was drawn to Table 2.1 and the foreign versus UK business data, which was a new addition.

It was noted that there were no new grant applications. There had previously been an exempt Appendix 1 detailing an upcoming applicant, however this had subsequently been withdrawn due to the application not progressing.

Members discussed the State Aid routes used to support projects and whether any other State Aid options could be considered for future projects. Members asked for a more detailed paper to be brought to the next meeting for consideration.

Resolved:

(i)            That the Panel noted the SIIF progress report.

Led by: Neill Fishman

To include Warwick Economics presentation

The Panel considered a report to outline the current position regarding progress in committing grants through the Leeds City Enterprise (the LEP) Business Growth Programme (BGP).

The Panel noted the update on the Productivity Pilot and that round two was due to launch in a few weeks, as per the timetable provided in paragraph 3.2. 

Panel members considered the grant application outlined in paragraph 4.1 and detailed in exempt Appendices 1 and 2. Michael Allen left the room for this discussion.

It was noted that the previously provided exempt Appendices 3 and 4 had subsequently been withdrawn due to the application not progressing.

A presentation was given to members by Warwick Economics and Development Limited (WEDL) on an evaluation of the BGP that WEDL is currently undertaking. Members were invited to consider slide 4 regarding Early Feedback and Guidance.

The following comments were made:

·                Could the BGP expand beyond the capital grant focus.

·                A number of districts viewed the programme as being good, simple and straight forward and one of the best they had access to.

·                The Business Investment Panel was provided with sound in-depth information which enabled much valuable discussion.

·                Promotion of the programme could be improved to encourage a broader range of applicants.

The Panel felt that it would benefit from seeing case studies of previously supported projects.

WEDL confirmed that it will review comparative schemes delivered in other parts of the country to consider best practice examples.

Resolved:

(i)            That the Panel noted the progress report.

(ii)          That the Panel noted the update on the Productivity Pilot, as detailed in section 3.

(iii)         That the Panel considered and recommended for approval the grant application detailed in 4.1 and attached at exempt Appendices 1 and 2.

(iv)         That the Panel considered the forthcoming BGP evaluation as given in the presentation and provided input, as appropriate.

The next meeting will be on 7 November at 2pm, in Committee Room A, Wellington House Leeds

The date of the next meeting will be on 7 November 2019 at 2pm, in Committee Room A, Wellington House Leeds.