Agenda item

Daniel Shamplin-Hall introduced the item, provided members with an update on the LGAs recent work on trade, inward investment and international engagement and proposed the next steps. Daniel Shamplin-Hall divided the item into three sections.

Daniel recapped and explained that the first area of work conducted by this board was a survey of all councils to gain a better understanding of trade and investment activity going on in the sector. Research commissioned by this Board last year explored the current trade and investment support in local areas on business to encourage investment, the research found a complex landscape regarding support for businesses and investors. As a result, the research recommended that there should be a greater role for councils in producing more bespoke support at a local level, as although there is some activity, it is not sector wide.

The recommendations going forward is that future merging of sectorial strategies had clear elements of investment and trade work streams, role of local areas to support businesses and that much of the work undertaken is EU funded. This gives this Board a steer when it comes to the role of UKSPF in the absence of EU funding.

The paper set out recommendations to the Board that the LGA conduct a full analysis of the survey completed to help develop a set of policy proposals for this Board to consider in January 2019. With the local and combined authority contacts established through this survey, the LGA will establish a sounding board in order to develop this work in a sector-led environment.

It was also recommended to the Board to invite an official from DIT to a future Board meeting to discuss policy developments and establish an opportunity for bilateral cooperation with localities which includes a potential summit between French and UK leaders in early 2019.

The third section of the report outlined raising the profile of councils in national government and internationally. Daniel updated members on the progress to date, which included work related to DIT and the work established between the UK LGA and the French LGA.

The Chair stated that in some parts of the UK, particularly regions within the remit of the Northern Powerhouse, trade and inward investment links have already been established and have developed good relationships with DIT. In light of the recommendations, there is already work on the ground taking place.

Daniel Shamplin-Hall also stated that the LGA are working with DIT to commission improvement work that focusses on good sectoral practice and investment portfolios that are attractive to international investors. Members were asked to consider any cases member’s areas which demonstrated best practice for attracting local investments or examples where areas may need support.

Decision

The following decisions were made:

-       Members agreed with the recommendations set out in paragraph 23.1- 23.4 of the report.