Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO
Firstly, congratulations to Torquay for securing some £21.9m to support their Town Deal. Our Towns and High Streets have been hit hard in recent times. Town Deals and High Street Funding should help – particularly when reinforced by strong local leadership – enabling places to develop a better future.
This is a challenging time for us all; not least our economy. Without question, we are facing additional restrictions sooner rather than later. At a minimum, parts of our area – and possibly nationally – are likely to move into higher tier response.
Therefore the LEP’s focus is on minimising these impacts by supporting businesses that are struggling and individuals that are at risk of unemployment.
Not all places and business sectors are impacted equally; not all businesses can survive and we will need to be increasingly fleet-of-foot to minimise the health impacts and the impact of further restrictions on the economy.
Areas receive differential levels of funding from Government depending on which tier they are in, but across HotSW there are places and sectors with increased vulnerability, a disproportionate reliance on furlough, high numbers of small businesses and vulnerable demography.
There are three tests that determine lockdown restrictions: Transmission rates – whilst we are currently in Tier 1 some of our rates are higher than some areas already in Tier 2; Demography – with a more elderly population we have higher risk; NHS capacity. These situational challenges and vulnerability of specifics in our business sectors are likely to provide greater economic impact that the infection figures alone suggest.
The main threat to both the economy and health is non-compliance. So it’s imperative that businesses and individuals follow the safety advice. Increasingly, it is recognised that it is social distance that is the most significant transfer risk – however this is also the one that has greatest impact on our economy.
Our partners in Public Health and Local Authorities are working at full capacity on community messaging; The LEPs Growth Hub continues to provide up to date guidance for businesses as well as the nationally-acclaimed BBFA (Better Business for All) Toolkit which has the latest advice on how to operate safely for all aspects of business operations.
Earlier this year we published our Route Map to Recovery, and now we’re continuing to develop the Recovery Plan. Some of these opportunities can be seen on our website now, and the others are being worked on by our specialist leads.
As part of our recovery planning, we have agreed with Government to publish our Local Industrial Strategy. The pillars that the LIS and its commitment to increase prosperity through clean and inclusive growth speak directly to the Building Back Better creating a more resilient, stronger and prosperous area.
In the immediate challenge, we’re already supporting businesses and individuals through The Growth Hub, Kickstart Funding and our new Skills Launchpad which can help people find information about skills, careers, training and jobs and working with Government to implement nationally programmes and restrictions at a local level.
Details of the initiatives in place currently are:
Kickstart for Jobs and Retraining Pilot – in his recent visit to the Exeter, the Prime Minister confirmed support for the HotSW Retraining Pilot (1 of 3 nationally) to provide retraining bootcamps between now and next March – we are awaiting confirmation.
The LEP Network, on behalf of all LEPs, has set out detailed proposals to the Government on the role and asks for LEPs in recovery https://www.lepnetwork.net/media/ms4gi0or/csr-proposals-2020.pdf
Peer to Peer Funding and Back to Basics – we have secured some additional business support funding to provide peer to peer support and also additional digital training for the Tourism sector.
HotSW Digital Skills Partnership is currently running its 3rd programme of Bounce Back Digital skills support; and has also been leading on the retraining pilot bootcamps and a Coursera sponsored training package for individuals on universal credit.
Smart Aviation – we are working with Exeter Airport together with other partners including Newquay airport on a collaborative smart aviation project; and have recently secured support from the DIT sponsored High Potential Opportunities programme.
Maritime UK South West – have recently published a video setting out their core maritime autonomy-based proposition (alongside Floating Offshore Wind and Aquaculture) Maritime UK SW have also secured support from the DIT sponsored High Potential Opportunities Programme.
Getting Building Fund – Our Strategic Investment Panel (SIP) has reviewed all the businesses cases and allocated £34m of the £35.4m programme to support Smarter Carbon delivery; Work Hubs and fit-outs and eight individual projects. SIP will be reviewing the reserve projects at the start of November and it is intended that all projects will be contracted before Christmas. Delivery must be completed by March 2022. We will publish a full list of contracted activities once signed-off.
Export Growth Plan – The Government has announced a £38 million Internationalisation Fund for small businesses, which will help up to 7,600 SMEs in England grow their overseas trading and strengthen their business, and HotSW is one of three areas identified as most in need, along with the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine.
HotSW Board – we are currently recruiting for Board members and have received 93 applications. Interviews are due to take place in early November. Our next Board meeting is likely to focus on our recovery plan and particularly Building Back Better as well as our Science and Innovation priorities.
EXPORT GROWTH PLAN IN HOTSW - NEW INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADVISORS AND FREE EXPORT ACADEMY WEBINARS
A package of measures from the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) targets the South West as one of the specific regions that are most in need. The South West is one of three areas to be awarded the Export Growth Plan funding, alongside the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine.
Three sector specific International Trade Advisors will be provided for Great South West businesses (i.e. those in the Heart of the South West, Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly and Dorset LEP areas) and an new pilot Export Academy will deliver a series of webinars that cover the export journey and tackle the main barriers to export.
Registration for these free events is at: www.events.great.gov.uk/ExportAcademy Each session is one hour, with a 40 minute webinar followed by a 20 minute Q and A session. Dates and times are:
- Understanding the Benefits & Barriers of Export – Tuesday 03/11/2020 – 15:00-16:00
- Steps to Export Tuesday 10/11/2020 – 15:00-16:00
- International Market Research – Friday 13/11/2020 – 10:00-11:00
- Pricing Strategy and Route to Market – Tuesday 17/11/2020 – 15:00-16:00
- Understanding Customs Procedures and Tariffs – Friday 20/11/2020 – 10:00-11:00
- Understanding International Commercial Terms – Tuesday 24/11/2020 – 15:00-16:00
- Export Controls – Tuesday 01/12/2020 – 14:00-15:00
- Movement of Money (Getting Paid) – Friday 11/12/2020 – 14:00-15:00
LEP Chair Karl Tucker said: “We welcome all the support available to help our businesses re-start, revitalise and grow; as the economy in the South West has been amongst the hardest-hit due to the impact on vulnerable sectors such as hospitality and tourism which play a significant role in our local economyâ€.
“We know that the Heart of the South West area has high growth potential for export, and it’s believed the greatest barrier is lack of knowledge, so we welcome the new on-line Export Academy and encourage HotSW businesses to take part in these valuable webinars.â€
“We are also pleased to see the Government recognising our area as having specific need; and will continue to drive home this message to secure the necessary levels of funding in future rounds of investment.â€
The LEP has also launched a new £900,000 grant scheme for foreign-owned companies investing in the area to create jobs in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
The Heart of the South West Inward Investment Support Project grant scheme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Funding is available to companies that are newly landed and existing, foreign-owned SMEs that are based in the Heart of the South West.
To discuss the grant scheme and your eligibility in more detail please contact the LEP’s Inward Investment Manager Carla Modley at carla.modley@heartofswlep.co.uk
TORQUAY GATEWAY GROWTH DEAL PROGRESS
Work to widen the A3022 Newton Road in Torquay, between Shiphay Lane and Lowes Bridge has started. The scheme will see Newton Road widened to create an additional lane for traffic heading towards Riviera Way. The £1.7m scheme is being funded by the part of the LEP’s Growth Deal grant of £2.8m allocated to the full Torquay Gateway £3.4m, along with funding from Torbay Council. The scheme is due to be completed in autumn 2021.
Advanced works commenced on 5 October to replace the life expired traffic signals at Shiphay Lane, as well as minor improvements to the pedestrian crossings at the junction. The carriageway will also be widened and resurfaced between Shiphay Lane and Regents Close. These works are due to be completed early in the new year.
“The end result will be a positive effect to journey times along this route, linking to the benefits we already have from the South Devon Highway.â€
LEP chair Karl Tucker said: “This is the final phase of the Torquay Gateway scheme, which opens up key sites in Torbay for existing and planned employment, while reducing journey times and increasing journey time reliability. The Growth Deal funding invested in this project is anticipated to generate 720 new jobs 734 new homes. The works will also provide more confidence to inward investors, aid existing businesses and encourage new investment in new commercial and housing schemes.â€
Cllr Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture for Torbay Council, said, ‘The implementation of this highway scheme is a major investment into one of our main traffic routes in and out of Torbay. The Torquay Gateway Scheme is a series of transport improvements, which have included investment into walking and cycling facilities in the area, as well as traffic improvements, such as this one and I am pleased to see this important final phase of the project get underway.
“The end result will be a positive effect to journey times along this route, linking to the benefits we already have from the South Devon Highway.â€
NEWSLETTER ROUND-UP
MUKSW newsletter, the Growth Hub newsletter, Nuclear South West newsletter and Careers Hub newsletters can all be seen at these links.
ADA LOVELACE BUILDING TOPPING-OUT
A topping-out ceremony at the Ada Lovelace Building on Exeter Science Park has marked another significant milestone in the development of the South West’s leading centre for science, technology, engineering maths and medical (STEMM) businesses.
Due for completion in February 2021, the building will bring 150 jobs to the region when its tenants move in from Spring 2021. This is in addition to sustaining hundreds of jobs during the construction phase.
The Ada Lovelace Building is partly funded by £5.5 million from the LEP’s Growth Deal Fund.
The speculative development of 20,000 square feet over three floors will be net-zero-carbon for operational energy as a result of innovative design features including 44kw solar voltaic roof panels. Its internal spaces can be configured to suit tenants’ requirements, with workspaces ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 square feet available on each of three floors.
Dr Sally Basker, CEO of Exeter Science Park, said: “Our mission is to help innovative STEMM companies deliver extraordinary growth and Exeter Science Park is a prime location for knowledge-based companies to achieve great success, thanks to the location, the environment and the collaboration opportunities.
“In an uncertain economic climate and despite the COVID-19 restrictions, we are extremely proud to have reached this impressive milestone and to be delivering a building that will help to drive productivity and economic growth for our region, create new jobs and retain local talent.
“We’ve had significant interest from a wide range of STEMM companies interested in taking space at the Ada Lovelace Building, both businesses that started life in the South West and others which are looking to relocate here.â€
There are currently around 500 people employed by the tenant businesses at Exeter Science Park and projections forecast a seven-fold growth over the next 15 years, taking employee numbers to 3,500 by 2035.
The Ada Lovelace Building is partly funded by £5.5 million from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s (HotSW LEP) Growth Deal Funding.
LEP Chair Karl Tucker said: “We’re delighted to see yet another milestone in our Growth Deal programme; the Ada Lovelace Building provides innovation space for STEMM businesses to create high-value jobs. As we work towards our Recovery Plan, we need to focus on these sectors as we build back better with a cleaner and more inclusive economy.â€
East Devon District Council’s Cabinet has invested £1.1m in the development of the building in conjunction with Devon County Council as part of the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone programme.
Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council and Chair of Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone Board said: “Our district is very fortunate at this time to have a new building with outstanding green credentials focussing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine. The skills and knowledge facilitated there will play a key role in the future economy and wellbeing of East Devon.â€
The Ada Lovelace Building, named after the 19th Century mathematician and computer scientist, is the fifth purpose-built unit to be delivered by Exeter Science Park Limited, providing office and laboratory space on the specialist campus which opened its iconic white Exeter Science Park Centre in 2015.
To find out more about Exeter Science Park, visit www.exetersciencepark.co.uk.
GREAT SOUTH WEST TOURISM PARTNERSHIP
Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and the South West Tourism Alliance (SWTA) have come together across the Great South West region, forming a new collaborative group the Great South West Tourism Partnership (GSWTP).
The GSWTP is an inclusive, equitable alliance that brings together the strength, knowledge and expertise of the leading tourism organisations across the Great South West area of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset (including unitary authorities Plymouth, Torbay, Exeter, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole). The lead organisations in the GSWTP are: Visit Cornwall; Visit Devon; Destination Plymouth; English Riviera BID Company; Visit Somerset; Visit Exmoor; Visit Dorset and the South West Tourism Alliance.
Tourism and hospitality is one of the UK’s largest, most diverse and interconnected sectors of the UK economy, generating high levels of revenue and employment across all parts of the country.
The South West visitor economy in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Somerset and Dorset is the largest single visitor region outside of London in the UK, attracting 17 million staying visitors, with an estimated economic impact of £11.3 billion, with direct employment of 210,000 people.
The Great South West COVID-19 impact survey shows for the period January-July 2020:
- The average change in business turnover is 56% and as a consequence, it is estimated that approx £2.2 billion of anticipated tourism business turnover will be lost in the Great South West region (Jan-July 2020).
- If the supply chain is also considered, it is estimated a further loss of £486m is lost to the GSW economy.
- 5% of businesses remain closed; 33% of businesses are now open, but are actually operating at 75% capacity or less (including 15% operating at 50% capacity or less).
- Only 30% of businesses anticipate they will survive beyond summer 2021.
(Source: South West Research Company Sept 2020)
Therefore the Great South West Partnership’s key asks to Government are:
- Allow October half term holidays to take place, do not instigate a ‘national circuit breaker’ at this time.
- Extend the Job Support Scheme to also cover businesses that are not able to open due to Government Guidelines, not just those closed due to legal restrictions and also to those businesses whose customers are unable to travel due to local/ international lockdowns.
- Support to be offered to businesses who have suffered direct cancellations as a result of last-minute lockdown restrictions
- Review the Rule of Six in England to exclude children.
- Review the 10pm closure for hospitality venues in Tier 1 areas.
- Maintain the 5% VAT reduction rate and business rates relief to Sept 2021
- The Government reviews the structure and funding of all DMO’s nationally for the long term and in conjunction with Tourism Sector Deal ambitions.
The GSWTP is pleased that October half term holidays were allowed to take place, and awaits further correspondence with Government on the other outstanding matters.
A382 IMPROVEMENTS BETWEEN DRUMBRIDGES AND NEWTON ABBOT PROGRESSING WELL
Traffic has now been switched onto sections of the newly-constructed road so that the existing route can be altered where necessary.Temporary traffic lights will be in place to ensure this work can be undertaken safely. The lights will be manually operated to reduce queuing, and they will be removed when not in use.
Recent work on the scheme has included the installation of kerbstones, along the northside of the road, as well work being carried out on culverts. Landscaping has been carried out around the sustainable drainage ponds, and other associated drainage work. A number of utility services and chambers have also been installed and diverted.
Resurfacing will be carried out on the route in October and November. The road will be closed between Ringslade and Whitehills from Monday 2 November to Sunday 15 November. It will then close between Ringslade and Forches Cross from Monday 16 November until Sunday 29 November.
This first phase of the A382 widening scheme, which aims to improve safety and unlock economic growth, is being funded by Devon County Council, the LEP’s Growth Deal Fund and Teignbridge District Council.
LEP Chair, Karl Tucker said: “It is great to see this important project making progress. The alterations will improve safety and journey times to Newton Abbot and enable people at the new housing development to cycle and walk the route as well as drive. We’ve invested £6.5m of our Growth Deal funding into the scheme, which is anticipated to generate 1000 jobs and 1200 new homes by 2021.â€
