Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Allan Oldfield, Chief Executive Fylde Council and Katherine O’Connor, Senior Policy Manager, Cities and Local Growth Unit – North West.

Members will disclose any pecuniary and any other significant interests they may have in relation to the matters to be considered at this meeting.

None.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting.

Minutes of the meeting held on 4 June 2019 were confirmed as a correct record.

None.

Report of the Growth and Prosperity Programme Director, Blackpool Council.

Nicole Billington provided an update of the Business Investment Marketing strategy.She showed examples of additional content added to the website since the last meeting.

There was a lengthy discussion about previous concerns regarding the focus on Blackpool, which did not appear to have been addressed.  The Board acknowledged that whilst the decision to use Blackpool as the main brand was correct, it felt like a missed opportunity not to use the website to articulate the offer of the wider area, and the nuances of the area.

In discussion it was agreed that it was not about breaking the Blackpool brand.  It was acknowledged that Blackpool was well known, but once into the website, not to provide clarity regarding the three different areas and what these could offer, was potentially misleading and detrimental.

It was agreed that Nick and Nicole would speak to the marketing consultants and look to correcting or providing clarification to the content, where possible.

It was discussed that as the campaign came to an end in December, a review should take place with a view to build on the work already undertaken.  The idea of closer collaboration between the three councils in regards to economic development was also mooted.

Decision: The Board noted the update and Nick and Nicole to speak to the marketing consultants regarding the content of the website.

Report of the Growth and Prosperity Programme Director, Blackpool Council.

Nick Gerrard provided an update on the Local Industrial Strategy (LIS).  He advised that each local authority was asked to provide propositions regarding future plans, to feed into the LIS.  A joint submission from the three councils had put forward the tram loop and development of the town centres, through the Future High Street Fund.

Discussion turned to the Tram Loop and how to further develop the idea to unlock future funding.  It was discussed that a feasibility study would be the way forward.  As Blackpool had refurbished and modernized the tramway, the authority could evidence the increased numbers of passengers and wider economic benefits.

It was discussed that collaboration, cooperation and innovation from the three councils in regards to the tramway loop with the benefits of improved connectivity and infrastructure, would fit with the Future High Street funding and wider government agenda, and would give future bids for funding the edge. 

Decision: The Board noted the report and it was agreed for Nick, Steve and Andrea to meet to discuss a joint feasibility study bid.

If the discussion during items 10 and 11 of this agenda involves the disclosure of "exempt information", as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and the board wishes to move to confidential session, it may at any point pass the following resolution: "That the public and press be excluded from the meeting whilst the agenda item(s) is/are considered, on the grounds that their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, including the authority holding that information) of Part 1 of Schedule 12(a) of the Local Government Act, 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Variation Order 2006 and, that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information".

The Board decided that the public and press should be excluded for the remaining items on the agenda and passed the following resolution; “that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the remainder of the meeting, on the grounds that their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) of Part 1 of Schedule 12(a) of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Variation Order 2006 and, that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information”.

Report of the Head of Enterprise Zones, Blackpool Council.

The Head of Enterprise Zones, Blackpool Council submitted a progress report on the Blackpool Enterprise Zone and provided a verbal update of additional information not contained within the report.

Decision: The Board noted the report.

Report of the Senior Economic Development Officer, Wyre Council.

The Senior Economic Development Officer, Wyre Council submitted a progress report on the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone.

Decision: The Board noted the report.

Tuesday 7 January 2020 – Reception Room, Town Hall, St Annes

Tuesday 7 April 2020 – Reception Room, Town Hall, St Annes

Tuesday 7 January 2020

Tuesday 7 April 2020

All meetings would be held in the Reception Room, St Annes Town Hall, to commence at 2pm.