SOUTH WEST OF ENGLAND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY 
MINUTES OF THE 89th BOARD MEETING 16 JULY 2007 
LANHYDROCK HOTEL & GOLF CLUB, CORNWALL 
 
Present: 
Juliet Williams - Chairman  
Nick Buckland - Deputy Chairman  
Cathy Bakewell - Board Member 
Christine Channon - Board Member 
Nigel Costley - Board Member (items 9-20) 
Alan Courts - Board Member 
Duncan Hames - Board Member 
Jonathon Porritt - Board Member (items 5-20) 
Christine Reid - Board Member  
John Savage - Board Member 
Colin Skellett - Board Member  
Harry Studholme - Board Member 
Kelvyn Derrick - Board Member 
Judith Reynolds - Board Member 
 
In attendance: 
Jane Henderson - Chief Executive 
Suzanne Bond - Executive Director People and Skills 
Nick Lewis - Executive Director Resources 
Colin Molton - Executive Director Operations and Development 
Stephen Peacock - Executive Director Enterprise and Innovation 
Richard Thomas - Director of Marketing and Communications 
Jeff Chinnock - Head of Corporate and Government Affairs  
Kate Billinge - Manager Chief Executive/Chairman's Office 
 
For specific items: 
Chris Garcia External Consultant - Creative Industries (item 4) 
Kay Homer - Director of Operations (South) (item 5) 
Simon Hooton - Director of Policy and Strategy (items 5-20) 
Nigel Jump - Chief Economist (items 5-13) 
Sandra Rothwell - Head of Renaissance & Renewal (item 9) 
Rosemary Wells - Director of Enterprise (item 12) 
Claire Gibson - Director of Planning, Transport & Environment (item 13) 
Stephen Bohane - Head of Operations (Cornwall & Isles of Scilly) (items 14-20) 
Phil McVey - Head of European Programmes (items 14-20) 
Sue Brownlow - Head of Operations (Devon, Plymouth & Torbay) (items 14-20) 
 
Visitors: 
Richard Sheard - Interim Regional Director, Government Office South West 
Stephen Speed - Deputy Director General - Regions, BERR (items 10-20) 
Mark Kleinman - Director of Regional & Economic Performance, DCLG (items 10-20) 
Nigel Tipple - CEO Camborne, Poole and Redruth, URC (items 14-20) 
 
Apologies: 
Eric Thomas - Board Member 
 
 
1.MINUTES FROM 88th MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING 
 
The minutes of the meeting were agreed as a correct record.  
 
Matters arising: 
 
Temple Quay 3 - Colin Molton confirmed that the CPRG decision on remediation was awaited. GOSW had made representations for a timely decision. The Board congratulated Colin Molton and Richard Thomas and his team on the handling of the press conference that followed the last Board meeting. The Board noted the commitment to the scheme by Bristol City Council's new Leader.  
 
Eden - Nick Lewis gave an update on the latest known position regarding Eden's future initiatives. It was noted that representatives from Eden would be joining the evening Board dinner and that a meeting at Eden was planned for 23rd July at which various issues would be talked through in more detail. Colin Skellett asked for further information to be provided to Board Members in advance of the next Eden Board Sub-group meeting. 
 
St Austell - Jane Henderson advised that approval had been received from DTi (now the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform BERR) for increased investment for St Austell town centre regeneration. 
 
 
2. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 
 
The Chairman referred to the written report provided and commented on: 
- achievements that had raised the Agency's profile regionally and nationally, including the recent Beyond Best Practice event, Creative Economy Summit and Partners for England event.  
- an expectation that the Agency's lead role for DCMS would remain. 
- work underway within the skills agenda, including the work of the LSC and the development of the Project Dawn Business Plan. 
 
Christine Channon commented on the Chair's considerable input to the RSP. 
 
 
3. CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT 
 
Jane Henderson referred to the written report provided and commented on: 
- Government changes, including the change of Sponsor Minister (now Stephen Timms), government leads for regional issues (Hazel Blears and John Healey) and BERR's single lead role for the REPSA PSA. 
- a meeting with Ben Bradshaw at the Department of Health and the Minister's visit to Sterling House on 6th July.  
- expectations regarding Sub National Review (SNR) themes and implications for the region, particular in relation to possible expanded roles, scrutiny and sign off. 
- expectations regarding CSR and on-going efficiency requirements.  
 
Richard Sheard commented that he hoped changes brought about as a result of SNR would lead to even closer working between the GO and RDA.  
 
 
4. CREATIVE INDUSTRIES 
 
The Board considered the proposed framework programme for the Creative Industries sector. The Board noted the importance of the services provided by this sector, for example design, for the competitiveness of the region overall.  
 
The Chairman asked for a progress report to be brought back to the Board in January 2008. 
 
Board decision 
The Board agreed to the appointment process, via OJEU advertisement and selection process, of a lead contractor to commence in July/August 2007. The contractor would take forward activities leading the development of the sector by managing the progress of the Creative Industries Sector Development Programme, which the Board approved in principle, subject to the framework being amended to clearly define its focus. The approval was subject to confirmation that the focus of the Programme was on Creative Service and Creative Content businesses within the sector. 
 
 
5. TOURISM: VISITOR ATTRACTIONS 
 
The paper provided for this item followed a draft discussion paper on investment in visitor attractions, considered in February 2007 and at meetings of the Visitor Attractions Board Sub-group.  
 
Kay Homer presented a proposed policy framework within which the appraisal and evaluation of proposals could be considered and parameters of support defined. The following points were raised: 
- the use of the word "iconic" was questioned and it was thought that "exceptional" might be a more useful term in identifying attractions which helped to change the perception of the region.  
- it was noted that monitoring and evaluation had previously been weak in this area, possibly due to the number of projects the Agency had in the past been involved with, and that external professional advice may be required in certain cases in the future.  
- the Agency could add value in this area by sharing best practice.  
 
Board decision 
The Board approved the paper in principle, as a future approach, and asked for the emerging criteria to be worked up into a template to be shared with partners.  
 
 
6. TAMAR SCIENCE PARK 
 
Nick Buckland declared a conflict of interest and withdrew from the meeting, prior to the Board's decision. He was conflicted as Chairman of Tamar Science Park. 
 
The Board considered a late paper regarding delivery of Stage 1 of Tamar Science Park's Phase 4 development  
 
Board decision 
 
The Board approved increased funding of Phase 4 subject to certain conditions.  
 
 
7. TOURISM: TOWARDS 2015 REVIEW  
 
John Savage and Colin Skellett declared a conflict of interest in this item. Jane Henderson declared an interest as a member of the South West Tourism Board. 
 
Following the Board's agreement to the key principles emerging from the mid-term review of the delivery of the regional tourism strategy, Towards 2015, in May 2007, the detail of the respective roles and identification of resources had been further considered with discussions taking place involving the RDA, South West Tourism and Destination Management Organisations.  
 
Following a discussion concerning the proposals, membership and financial implications, it was agreed that Simon Hooton would bring a progress report and framework agreement back to the Board in October 2007. 
 
Board decision 
The Agency to continue to invest £1.5m per annum from 2008-2011 in support of Towards 2015, but that this investment should be realigned to support the evolution of South West Tourism. 
 
 
8. DEVELOPING THE 2008-11 CORPORATE PLAN  
 
The Board noted the financial perspective presented by Nick Lewis and the timetable for producing the Agency's next Corporate Plan. It was agreed that the plan should be a concise document, setting out the Agency's plans and core strategy, with further context/delivery information, such as financial information and maps contained within the document's annexes. 
 
Board decision 
The Board noted the timetable and dependencies. 
 
 
9. CORPORATE PLAN POLICY PAPER - ECONOMIC INCLUSION 
 
The Board agreed the policy position on economic inclusion and the proposed draft framework set out within the paper, subject to comments made regarding the need for a partnership approach (supported by local area agreements), the role of other local bodies, including voluntary and community sector organisations, procurement and monitoring and appraisal requirements. The Board also noted that reference should be made to the available resources.  
 
The South West RDA, working with our partners, has a strategic role in the inclusion agenda in order to fulfil our commitment to lead the development of a sustainable economy. In particular, we will intervene and invest in the economic inclusion agenda where this helps to unlock the region's business potential. We will do this by building on economic potential and by building in economic opportunity in deprived areas and with excluded/disadvantaged groups.  
 
 
10. ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 
Nigel Jump presented on regional, national and global risks and economic trends to the Board. The Board agreed that the Agency should pursue a productivity-led approach.  
 
 
11. SUB NATIONAL REVIEW - WHITEHALL PERSPECTIVE 
 
Stephen Speed confirmed the anticipated arrangements for publication of the Review of Sub National Economic Development and Regeneration. Mark Kleinman said that he hoped the review would offer clarity on the RDAs' role. 
 
 
12. CORPORATE PLAN POLICY PAPER - BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT 
 
The Board approved the Agency's proposed new approach to work with business, which was designed to generate greater impact on the region's economy and improve business understanding of the Agency's work. A focus on three segments (SMEs, growth and strategic businesses) was agreed. The Board asked for progress reports to be provided at future meetings. 
 
 
13. CORPORATE PLAN POLICY PAPER - CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY 
 
The Board noted the paper, which built on the initial discussion at the Board meeting in April 2007, about incorporating climate change and energy into the next Corporate Plan 20008/11. The Board endorsed the proposed phased approach towards achieving a zero carbon Corporate Plan, noting that a clear methodology was needed. The Board recommended that the Agency undertake an initial pilot exercise in year one of the Corporate Plan. The Board endorsed the Agency's leadership role driving the region's transformation towards a low carbon, resource efficient economy and approved the proposed list of priority activities for inclusion in the Corporate Plan. It was agreed that regular performance reports should be reported to the Board.  
 
 
14. FOCUS ON CORNWALL: INTRODUCTION 
 
Stephen Bohane provided an overview of economic and demographic trends. The Board noted both the challenges and opportunities faced by the county.  
 
 
15. EU STRUCTURAL FUNDS: GOVERNANCE AND COMMISSIONING 
 
Phil McVey provided an overview of how the Agency intended to deliver European Programmes and meet audit requirements in respect of governance arrangements. It was requested that Programme Monitoring Committee membership be considered, for example to include Trades Union representation. The Board noted that the Agency was seen within Europe as an exemplar of partnership working and approved the Agency's approach to commissioning. The Chairman congratulated the European Programmes team for their work in this area.  
 
 
16. COMBINED UNIVERSITIES IN CORNWALL (CUC) 
 
Stephen Peacock summarised the current position regarding CUC and the work that was underway with the relevant partners. Jane Henderson agreed to provide the Board with further updates, as required, at future meetings.  
 
 
17. CAMBORNE, POOLE AND REDRUTH (CPR) URBAN REGENERATION COMPANY (URC)  
 
Nigel Tipple provided a summary of the economic development factors facing CPR and an overview of partnership activity underway in this area. The Chairman commended the URC's achievements to date.  
 
 
18. HAYLE 
 
The Board noted the Agency's activities in Hayle, which included Wave Hub.  
 
 
19. BOARD FORWARD PLANNER 
 
Noted. The Chairman provided Board members with 2008 meeting dates.  
 
20. STANDING ITEMS 
 
a. Projects Approved 
None  
 
b. Policy Consultation Reponses 
Noted. Also that Jonathan Porritt had expressed concern regarding the RDA's joint response to the SNR/Core Cities paper. The Chairman would respond to Jonathan Porritt on this point.  
 
c. Summary of Board Advisory Group minutes 
None. 
 
d. Decisions taken using Urgency Procedures 
Noted. 
 
e. Documents Sealed 
Noted. 
 
f. Loan Write Offs 
None. 
 
g. Audit Committee minutes 
None. 
 
h. Remuneration Committee minutes 
None. 
 
i. Board Sub-group minutes 
Noted.