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.
Supporting documents: