Agenda and minutes

Apologies for non-attendance were submitted on behalf of Cllrs Val Evans, Welcome Koussoukama, Daniel Warren and Jonathon Yardley.

Cllr Phil Bateman declared a non-pecuniary interest in items 5 and 6 on the agenda relating to public transport.

Resolved

That the minutes of the previous meeting be approved and signed as a correct record subject to an amendment to paragraph four on page three, delete Cllr Bates and replace with Cllr Bateman.

There were no matters arising.

Keren Jones, Service Director, City Economy to provide an overview of developments and achievements in the City  

Keren Jones, Service Director City Economy provided a presentation detailing ‘A Stronger City Economy for the City – City Development, Enterprise, Skills and Employment’.  The Service Director advised that the presentation captures many of the issues considered by the Panel during the year and should be considered in conjunction with item 6 on the agenda relating to the Review of the Year 2015/16.

The presentation detailed the key points as follows:

·         City Economy corporate plan priorities

Ø  A Vibrant City

Ø  Business, Enterprise and Inward Investment

Ø  Skills and Employment

·         The City Economy Team – There have been changes to the team, new appointments have been made to form a new team.

·         Vibrant City Priority special areas

Ø  15/16 Northern Growth Corridor key achievements (i54); a hotel study has been commissioned as there is real market demand for hospitality and a quality hotel in a stimulating market.

Ø  City Centre key achievements - Wolverhampton Interchange; i10; The Way Youth Zone; Sunbeam (excellent residential development) ; Civic Halls Scheme; Grand Theatre Improvements

Ø  Bilston Centre key achievements

·         Vibrant City 2016 highlights/ priorities 16/17

Ø  Northern Growth Corridor - On-going work with i54, college and schools; Enterprise Zone

Ø  City centre - Wolverhampton Interchange; Westside; Southside; Royal hospital site

Ø  Connected places

Ø  Highlights - One public estate

Ø  Improved retail offer

Ø  Bilston Centre

·         Business and Enterprise

Ø  Key achievements 15/16 - Wiggle, Business Improvement District; Business week; Wolverhampton leading on the redesign of the Black Country Growth Hub

Ø  Priorities 16/17 – Establish area based approach; Economic Growth Board Priorities; Gain increased traction with local business; invest website and city branding launched; 2016-7 City Board Conference

·         Skills and employability

Ø  Key achievements 2015-16:

o   Launched JLR Education Centre

o   1811 young people supported work placements

o   5334 young people engaged with 144 local companies for employment and enterprise activities

o   Over 6000 young people engaged with STEM Ambassadors across 126 events

o   Partner in European Social Funded and Youth Employment Initiative impact Project worth £51 million

o   Continues reduction in the NEET 16-18 figure for the City

o   Completed Employability and Skills Review

o   Skills pathways developed for warehouse, logistics and care sectors

o   Skills for Growth recruitment support

o   Two job fairs attracted over 100 employers and 3500 residents

o   9 planning applications with S106 resulting in 16 apprenticeships and 15 work placements

Ø  Priorities 2016/17

Ø  Highlights - £15 million  University Technical College at Springfield Campus ; £11 million Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills

·         Marketing the City

Ø  Marketing strategy – our approach

Ø  Marketing framework – our strategic objectives

Ø  Marketing framework – Key audiences and messages

The Service Director and Heather Clark, Service Development Manager responded to questions and requests for further clarification from the Panel.  The following comments were highlighted during the discussion:

·         The Council is approving its approach to account management in relation to inward investment and is working closely with colleges and schools. 

• The JLR educational facility is a fantastic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider progress to deliver key actions raised at previous meetings and consider ideas for a forward plan for 2016/17

The report was considered in conjunction with the presentation at item 5 on this agenda.

Termination of meeting

19:15