Agenda item

Regional Inward Investment Website

Minutes:

The Committee received a presentation on the development of the Regional Inward Investment website.

It was noted that alongside the regional strategy, Officers were developing a website which reflects the opportunities across the region; this was a collaborative effort between colleagues in each of the four Local Authorities to put forward a number of opportunities which can be presented to investors.

Officers shared the current visuals of the website; the features included background of the region and key indicators, information regarding talent and skills, the connectivity in terms of the rail and road networks and an opportunities map.

Members were informed that there were a number of sectors that Officers were targeting, all of which align with the work being undertaken on the Regional Economic Delivery Plan; Officers had worked in partnership with all four Local Authorities and SQW to come up with a list of priorities. Examples were provided which included life science and well-being, energy, smart manufacturing, digital and creative industries and leisure and hospitality.

The presentation of the website included an overview of the range of investment opportunities which had been included to display the different projects that were either ongoing, available or in development; Officers had uploaded a total of 29 different opportunities across the region. It was noted that those who visit the website will be able to find out further detail on the project including an overview, what was trying to be achieved and how the project will improve the area. Officers also demonstrated how to use the opportunities map, which was a geographical way to view the various investment sites across the region.

It was explained that the website was set up in a way that if a developer or interested party wanted to obtain further information in regard to one of the projects, the request would be sent to the relevant Local Authority to be dealt with by those who had the knowledge and understanding of that project; the Local Authority would then be required to take forward the interest generated from the website.

The Committee was informed that the site was currently still in development, and Officers were working with partners to update the site further; the work had been driven by the regional leads group across the region, which consisted of Heads of Services in economic development. Officers highlighted that the website was a platform developed for displaying the good work being undertaken, or about to be undertaken, within the region.

A discussion took place in regard to the various websites that were active within the region, and the need to ensure that whichever route was utilised, that the user would be taken to the correct webpage and get the information they need.

Members queried why certain projects weren’t listed on the website. It was noted that the site was a working progress; if there were sectors missing or areas that needed to be developed, Officers could add them onto the website as and when required.

In terms of timescales, it was highlighted that the website would be launched in the upcoming weeks.

Officers were asked about the entry level point for the projects listed on the website, to which it was explained that each Local Authority were responsible for putting forward the projects and priorities in which they feel was of regional significance. It was mentioned that Officers hold discussions at their regional leads meetings and work together to ensure there was consistency across the local authority area and projects were pitched at a certain level; it was acknowledged that not every project could be included on the website.

 

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