The Chair welcomed members to the meeting and noted apologies as above.

Members agreed that item 7 of the agenda, Environmental Sustainability Plan, be deferred to allow for further engagement with LEP members.

·         In relation to any agenda item

·         In relation to any activity since the last formal meeting

·         In relation to any forthcoming activity

None.

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the previous meeting held on 12 May 2022 were agreed to be an accurate record.

Findings from the Health and Wellbeing Asset Review were presented to the board.  It was stated that this work focussed on creating local interventions which aligned with national and international medical technology innovation markets to benefit local citizens.

Communication across the region was a priority; it was noted that there was a strong innovation ecosystem in South Yorkshire but a lack of capacity to respond to investment opportunities.

L Shillaw noted the parallels with the work of the Innovation Board and said that defining the narrative for the region would be critical for innovation.

It was explained that 40 stakeholders were consulted, as well as undertaking extensive data analysis.  

ACTION:   P Johnson to share the review’s methodology paper and technical annex with the Board.

The use of South Yorkshire based consultants was welcomed and queries were raised regarding the nature of the businesses consulted.  The board were informed that a very broad sector was consulted, and a number of subsectors identified - outlined in the technical annex.

The board asked about the national challenges impacting health and wellbeing assets and whether any funding had been identified which would address these.  It was explained that public seed funding would be key and that other items on the agenda would link to private funding available.

The Chair asked that this work continue to be brought back to the LEP Board. 

RESOLVED:  To note the paper and research report findings

L Shillaw presented an update on the formation of the South Yorkshire Innovation Board. It was explained that the board would: 

·         identify ongoing innovation work and establish mechanisms to capitalise on it.

·         be a long-term project.

·         consist of approximately 9 members, with a mix of individuals from different sized organisations and government.

·         be supported by external experts

·         report into the LEP board.

The need for five theme groupings had been identified including Finance and Funding, Infrastructure, Business and Ecosystems, and Skills. Each to be co-ordinated by a member of the board.

The scope of the Board’s work would be broad and include finding solutions and frameworks to fund and establish innovation in the region.   Members were informed that extensive stakeholder mapping work would need to be undertaken.

Members encouraged a greater focus on support for SMEs in the region and involvement of Local Authorities. 

RESOLVED:  to note the progress made towards the formation of the South Yorkshire Innovation Board and to endorse the work underway by the Innovation Board Chair.

A report seeking approval to undertake a review of Destination Management and Marketing (DMO) in South Yorkshire was presented to the board.   

Recommendations in the report seek to address the lack of a collective evidence base regarding how to promote South Yorkshire as a destination by undertaking analysis of opportunities and research of what has worked elsewhere.

The board welcomed the focus on private sector involvement in the report and also asked about when the de Bois review could be expected. The board were informed that an exact date was not known but it was expected to be published soon.

It was noted that the discussions among Yorkshire leaders regarding the future of the Welcome to Yorkshire campaign could feed into this work.

RESOLVED:  to approve the recommendations of the report.

This item was deferred.

A report was presented to the board regarding the launch of a Data and Intelligence Hub platform which aims to support intelligent decision making and enhance transparency, accessibility, and equality.

The board were informed that a soft launch of the platform would take place on 11 July 2022 (with a view to a full launch in September) and that Members could access the test site using the link on the board papers – feedback would be appreciated.

The board welcomed this initiative. 

RESOLVED:  To note the report and the progress made on the Data and Intelligence Hub.

The Annual Report and Delivery Plan was presented to the board.  It was noted that the report and plan were a legal requirement, but that it also demonstrated the value of the activity that had taken place in the region.   The board were thanked for their participation and work outside of LEP Board meetings.

Feedback was given on the report, and members suggested that international work such as meetings with the High Commission for India should be included asked that more emphasis on external engagement, ie, healthcare, climate change, APPGs and ministers be given.

ACTION:   A Gates to make the above amendments to the report and share the final report with the Board.  

RESOLVED:  to note and endorse the content of the LEP Annual Report 2021-22 with the above feedback.

The Chief Executive gave an update to the board which included:

·         the shortlisting of Doncaster as a possible location for the Head Quarters of Great British Rail – work was ongoing work with Government Ministers on this.

·         the ongoing  LEP review which include a recent  workshop which had been very positive.  The review to be returned to Government.

The board encouraged votes for Doncaster in the ongoing public vote. 

RESOLVED:  to note the verbal update.