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?