Agenda item

A report and presentation was delivered to provide the Board with outline plans for the development of the AMRC. 

The Board was reminded that the University of Sheffield had been a key stakeholder in the development of the SEP, especially around the focus on innovation. Through analysing the evidence for the SEP, it was clear that the LEP needed to ensure that a much wider set of businesses, supply chains and SMEs benefit from innovation. To boost productivity and accelerate the pace of growth, a greater focus on translational research is required. The benefits of this approach will only be realised if all partners work together to foster a culture of innovation, at scale, across the city region.

The Board noted that the MCA/LEP was working with MIT to develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem in South Yorkshire to enable the growth that the economy needs. The collaboration and focus of the MIT approach had been incorporated into the AMRC’s new strategy.

Steve Foxley, Director of the AMRC delivered a presentation which provided background information and achievements made during Chapter 1 of the AMRC (2000 – 2019) where the AMRC’s main purpose had been to “create sustainable wealth for all”. 

In developing an updated Strategy for the AMRC (Chapter 2, 2020-2030),   the Board were provided details of the inclusive and transparent consultation process which had been undertaken to develop the updated Strategy.

The purpose of Chapter 2, would be focused upon we “make” things better:

·           By creating sustainable wealth for all;

·           By always looking ahead;

·           By leading manufacturing towards a smart, sustainable and resilient future; and

·           By being disruptive.

The Board were provided with details of the AMRC’s unique selling points, which included its proven track record of regeneration, creating eco systems and communities, taking a lead, taking a risk and by seeing things others don’t. 

The goals of AMRC in Chapter 2 were presented and noted as follows:

1.      To become the UK’s first fully connected, open access digital manufacturing testbed for any sector. 

2.      Create a world leading UK Circular Factory Demonstrator and Testbed.

3.      Support global zero carbon goals – develop whole product lifecycle capabilities for future propulsion systems (hydrogen, high power density battery, bio-fuels.

4.      Deliver a step change in productivity:

i)   By ensuring collectively with our partners that 75% of MRLG projects make tangible impact to production.  

ii)  By levelling up the productivity in the North; regenerating other forgotten northern towns.

iii)By improving UK manufacturing resilience and thereby also improving productivity. 

The Board were provided with the Strategy Focus Areas to be included in AMRC Chapter 2.  This included details of work post Covid-19, the Core Strategy (where the AMRC assign 70% of its resources, efforts, funding and management time) and details on the Adjacent / Transformational Strategy.

The Chair asked if a summary note could be produced and circulated to the Board after today’s meeting setting out how high value manufacturing catapult systems work in the UK.  ACTION: D Smith  

D Fell noted that aviation was a key focus for the AMRC.  He asked if there would be further opportunities for the AMRC to collaborate with Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), who’s future growth was a key priority contained in the SEP. 

S Foxley replied that there were natural links between DSA and the AMRC in relation to key manufacturing, engineering and its work on bio-fuels.

The Board discussed SME engagement and how the City Region could help

AMRC businesses access consultancy services and business support.  It was noted that there needed to be a joined-up approach for this area of work to be successful. 

Councillor Iqbal asked if a briefing note could be produced and circulated to the Board with regards to how supply chain SME engagement will work.

The Board discussed transport connectivity issues to the AMRC site.  It was highlighted this was a particular issue for young people living in Barnsley who were currently unable to access training and employment opportunities at the AMRC, due to poor transport links. 

S Foxley replied that a 5G bid would be a fundamental enabler for improving transport connectivity in the City Region.  

D Petley provided assurances that the University of Sheffield was fully committed to the AMRC and its training centre.  The University of Sheffield were fully aware of trickle-down, which had been considered and discussed at the University of Sheffield’s Executive Board. 

The Board agreed that further discussions were needed with AMRC to addressed LEP resources which would enable the AMRC to make a footprint across the City Region. 

The Board suggested that, to make the AMRC more visible, representatives from the AMRC should arrange to visit the four local authorities.  Councillor Iqbal stated that AMRC representatives would be more than welcome to attend Sheffield’s Business Recovery Group.  

The Board received assurances from S Foxley that a Strategy was currently being developed which looked at succession planning, gender, equality and diversity and leadership opportunities for female employees at the AMRC. 

The Chair thanked Steve Foxley for delivering an interesting and informative presentation.  He asked that Steve be invited to a future LEP Board meeting to update Members on Chapter 2 progress. 

The Board also requested that the Head of Training at the AMRC be invited to attend a future meeting. 

The Board further agreed that it would be helpful to have a discussion at a later date around the AWRC.

RESOLVED – That the Board noted and discussed the progress made in developing the direction of the AMRC and its relationship with the SEP priorities.