Issue - meetings

That the Quarter 4 Performance Report and the Portfolio Management Office Annual Report for 2020-21 be noted.

The Chief Executive introduced a report to present the Quarter 4 (January – March) Growth Deal report, updated Portfolio Risk Register, and the Portfolio Management Office Annual Report for 2020-21 for the North Wales Economic Ambition Board. He provided background information and reminded Members that the North Wales Growth Deal was a medium to long term set of interventions which linked to North Wales’ strengths, citing in particular Green and Inclusive Economy and core progressive industries.  He said it was a regional programme  and gave a balance of West/Central East. 

The Chief Officer (Planning, Economy & Environment) introduced Alwen Williams, Portfolio Director, and Hedd Vaughan-Evans, Operations Manager, and invited them to give a joint presentation to the Committee on the North Wales Growth Deal which covered the following main points:

• Growth Deal portfolio:
• the 5 Programmes:
  • Digital Programme
  • Land and Property Programme
  • Energy Programme
  • Innovation in High Value Manufacturing Programme
  • Agri-food and Tourism Programme
• North Wales Growth Deal 2020-21 Quarter 4 (January- March 2021) Performance Report
• North Wales Economic Ambition Board 2020-21 Annual Report

Councillor Paul Shotton referred to the easing of Covid restrictions and asked if any of the projects could be brought forward before 2023.  He also asked for an update on the upskilling project.  The Operations Manager advised that work on delivery was progressing as fast as possible, however, the projects were medium/long term complex capital projects which would take time to develop and construct.  He advised that the first operational projects were likely to deliver benefits from 2023 onwards, however, the construction phases were expected to start end of 2021/beginning 2022.  The Portfolio Director advised that all of the capital investment would require the right skills and people to service the investment and commented on work with the Regional Skills partnership, industries, colleges and schools, concerning the skills and employment opportunities required to keep value in local economy. 

Councillor Andy Hughes asked what strategies were in place to promote the Growth Deal to the general public.  The Portfolio Director explained that a website was being developed and was due to be launched in the next few months which would provide comprehensive information and contact details about all the projects. In addition to the website there would be a launch of a brand identity.  She commented on the need to influence and inspire young people about the opportunities and high value jobs which would be created by the Growth Deal. 

The Chief Executive explained that the Economic Ambition Board  would be expanding its role in the future to have a greater impact beyond the Growth Deal.  He commented that in terms of public awareness of the Growth Deal interest in specific projects would be high and said engagement with the business and academic sector had been significant and would filter through.  He said North Wales was recognised as a coherent and ambitious region by both the UK government and WG and said there was a need to build up stakeholder interest and promote local projects when going  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14