Swansea Bay City Region Board Meeting
Thursday 10th September 2015, 10.45am
Venue: University of Wales Trinity St. David (Carmarthen Campus)
MINUTES OF MEETING
Present:
Board members:
Sir Terry Matthews (Chair)
Meryl Gravell
Rosemary Morgan
Juliet Luporini
Keith Baker
Paul Greenwood
Nick Revell
Mark Bowen
Andrew Evans
Richard Davies
Jane Davidson
Andy Richards
Dave Gilbert
Wesley Clover
Carmarthenshire CC
Morgan La Roche Ltd
Swansea BID
Pure Wafer Ltd
Teddington Engineered Solutions Ltd
Ledwood Mech Eng Ltd
Andrew Scott Ltd
St Brides Hotel
Swansea University
UWTSD
UNITE Wales
Advisor
TM
MG
RM
JL
KB
PG
NR
MB
AEv
RD
JD
AR
DG
Secretariat:
Steven Phillips
Arthur Emyr
Lisa Willis
Neath Port Talbot CBC
Welsh Government
Neath Port Talbot CBC
SP
AEm
LW
In Attendance:
Simon Gibson
Cllr Robert Francis-Davies
Cllr Emlyn Dole
Phil Roberts
Steven Jones
Wendy Walters
Gary Thompson
Wesley Clover Wales
City & County of Swansea
Carmarthenshire CC
City & County of Swansea
Pembrokeshire CC
Carmarthenshire CC
Consultant
SGi
RFD
ED
PR
SJ
WW
GT
Apologies:
Steve Penny
Barry Liles
Prof Medwin Hughes
Cllr Ali Thomas
Cllr Rob Stewart
Cllr Jamie Adams
SCFC
Coleg Sir Gar / RLP
UWTSD
Leader, Neath Port Talbot CBC
Leader, City & County of Swansea
Leader, Pembrokeshire CC
SPe
BL
MH
AT
RS
JA
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Following a live web stream with schools and colleges in the region
from 9.30 – 10.30, the Board meeting started at 10.45am.
1
Agenda Item 1: Chair’s update (TM)
Sir Terry Matthews welcomed the Board members and apologies were
noted as above.
Action
TM provided an update on key developments in the region, including:
Tidal Lagoon
Update from Tidal Lagoon circulated in advance of the meeting.
ACTION: SPh /NR to meet to discuss next steps.
SPh /
NR
SGi mentioned that the Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China was
due to visit the Celtic Manor on 18th September. Discussion re: raising the
profile of the Tidal Lagoon and SBCR during the visit. .
ACTION: AEm to feedback to Mark Shorrock re: the importance of
including wider regional impact in all narrative.
Broadband
ACTION: Secretariat to circulate update on Swansea G.Fast Technical
Trial from BT.
AEm provided an overview of BT’s briefing / update.
TM mentioned potential of start-up linked to the BT test bed.
TM to meet with new BT Chief Executive.
ACTION: SPh/AEm to forward new BT Wales Director contact to TM
AEm suggested that the BT tower (Swansea) could potentially host startups.
ACTION: AEm to approach BT for in principle view.
PR mentioned the highway network was prepared.
SPh stated that BT needs to carry out an assessment of the impact of the
trial i.e. increase in GVA.
Discussion re: potential public funding to support the set up of start-ups at
the BT Tower.
Discussed the Business Wales EU funded programme of business support.
It was noted that Business Wales are due to meet with Board members in
October to outline how the business support schemes impact on the region.
ACTION: LW to confirm date with WG and circulate date.
Confirmed 7th October
AEm
LW
AEm
AEm
LW
Discussion re: private sector involvement in European funding programmes
and complexities in applying for funding.
SGi commented that Innovation Point (Newport) notifies the private sector
of funding opportunities and supports the private sector with bid writing.
ACTION: Secretariat / Pillar 3 to investigate funding opportunities for
space for start-ups (existing schemes, EU funded schemes, other
AEm /
SPe
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schemes).
Action
TM suggested Board members review the ‘opensignal’ (opensignal.com)
website to review which company owns which mobile sites.
Discussion re: Computational Foundry project.
TM highlighted that the Computational Foundry would complement the BT
Test Bed and the need to exploit the bandwidth of the test bed e.g. video
etc.
RD commented that this facility will encourage students to work in a
commercially focused area. But this will not come on stream in the
immediate short term. The construction is due to start in April 2016
(pending positive WEFO funding decision).
SGi mentioned his forthcoming visit to European Commission Head of
Cabinet & Regional Policy Mikel Landabaso (DG Regio). SGi due to
present on innovation and incubation.
Discussion re: €40bn funding available for innovation and incubation but
Wales does not maximise this opportunity.
SGi challenged Innovate UK re: the lack of Catapults in Wales
ACTION: MG to discuss Wales involvement in Europe with WLGA and
Minister.
MG
TM commented on the discussions with Amazon re: cluster of data
services.
Discussion re: £1.6bn Structural Fund programme for West Wales and the
Valleys.
ACTION: To discuss potential for SBCR indicative allocation of
funding to support specific projects and how the SBCR Board can
influence the programmes.
SPh /
DG /
SPe /
AEm
SPh suggested identifying those companies seeking funding and supporting
them through the application process via a team approach.
TM suggested a ‘dragon’s den’ proposal and support those selected.
TM made reference to ‘L-spark’ (l-spark.com)(Leo Lax).
Discussion re: Alacrity and potential to establish the model in South West
Wales.
ACTION/FUTURE AGENDA ITEM: SGi to present on Alacrity at the
next Board meeting.
ACTION: SGi/RD to develop proposal further (Alacrity / Computational
Foundry / BT Tower / Start-ups)
JD commented that an independent Alacrity proposal supported by the two
Universities would be a preferred model and of benefit to the region.
SGi
SGi /
RD
SGi highlighted a positive case study with British Columbia Innovation
Council (BCIC) where the final decision on awarding investment was at the
Board (which included senior industrialists)
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Action
RD highlighted the European Investment Bank (EIB) as a source of finance.
ACTION: RD to forward EIB contact to TM
RD
RM suggested promoting key messages to businesses e.g. EIB, BT Test
Bed.
RD provided an overview of the SPECIFIC project.
Innovate UK have committed development funding for an additional 5 years
meaning there is potential to scale up rapidly, with 40 early adopters signed
up and an increase in supply chain manufacturing jobs over the next 5
years.
Potential for a cluster effect to be established in Baglan.
ACTION: RD to provide high level (bullet point) written progress
reports every 2 months.
RD commented that Swansea University would host the 2016 British
Science Fair. As part of a legacy for hosting the event, Swansea University
are committed to providing an annual week long programme of events.
RD stated that Pillar 2 sub group was responsible for raising aspirations
and the annual events would promote science and technology in the region.
MG suggested a communication from the Board congratulating Swansea
University.
MG suggested a monthly newsletter celebrating success of the region.
ACTION: RD to prepare a note of the event for TM.
City Deal
Working draft paper circulated in advance of meeting.
SPh provided an overview of the discussions held at the dinner on the
previous evening.
The Board AGREED to support the SBCR City Deal outline proposal and
the scoping paper.
The proposal is to focus on 3 – 5 key issues.
ACTION: SPh to establish a working group to develop the proposal, to
engage with the WG and UK Government and present a detailed paper
for the November SBCR Board meeting.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEM: City Deal
RD
RD
SPh
TM advised the Board that Sir Michael Bear would visit Swansea on 27th
October 2015 to discuss Sovereign Funds opportunities.
TM updated the Board on the Hibernia optical link in the Bristol Channel,
and the Jupiter cable project via Oxwich Bay.
2
Agenda Item 2: Secretariat’s update (SPh/AEm)
SPh provided an overview on the grant offer letter from WG and the
Minister’s funding commitment to the SBCR Board.
The Board pronounced themselves content with the paper and with the
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plans to open the marketing suite.
Action
SPh advised the Board that NPTCBC would administer the funding on
behalf of the SBCR Board, and would request match funding from partners.
The grant would part finance the marketing suite at the Bay Campus.
AEm provided an overview of the marketing suite.
TM to provide Magor technology.
MK2AV had been appointed as Project Manager.
Intend to procure the equipment from suppliers within the region.
The ‘content’ development will be overseen by the Board and managed by
the Support Unit working with stakeholders regionally.
JL commented that it is intended that businesses will provide a revenue
stream to support the marketing suite. There is a need to outline the offer to
businesses.
ACTION: All to feed in to Pillar 4 with marketing suite content
suggestions.
SJ queried a satellite facility in Pembrokeshire to ensure wider accessibility.
AEv advised that the suite would be a physical and virtual facility.
All
AEm advised that a digital communications and marketing team has been
established managed by Huw Parsons and supported by Sylvia Griffiths.
The aim is to add one or more interns to the team. SGi suggested an
Alacrity intern.
AEm advised that the website was improving and with more capacity now
engaged there would be proactive communications and marketing activity.
JL requested a dedicated website page for Board members to access
information on key developments between meetings.
ACTION: Sylvia Griffiths to prepare a regular Board member update
with information on key developments in the region.
SG
Minutes of the previous meeting (09/07/15) were circulated and
amendments received – AGREED.
3
Agenda Item 3: Pillar sub group update (Pillar Chairs)
Pillar 1
Report circulated in advance of meeting - noted.
Pillar 2
No report received.
Pillar 3
Report circulated in advance of meeting.
LW provided an overview of the work of the Pillar 3 ‘Capital’ sub group on
behalf of Steve Penny.
Regional proofing
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FLEXIS (Flexible Integrated Systems)
The Board AGREED to support the Pillar 3 recommendation that the region
supports the FLEXIS (Flexible Integrated Systems) project subject to the
following conditions:
1. The Flexis project agrees to provide a long term commitment to the
region in terms of research and tangible activities;
2. The project aligns to the Horizon 2020 programme and maximises the
opportunity for the region;
3. The project adds value to existing developments e.g. SPECIFIC, gas
turbine research centre, hydrogen developments, Pembrokeshire energy
developments;
4. Even though the ERDF priority does not stipulate commercialisation as
an output, the Flexis project should focus on specific R&D activities with
future potential for commercialisation within the region as a priority.
Action
ACTION: Secretariat to write to the project outlining the Board’s
recommendation to support the project including the 4 conditions of
endorsement.
Secreta
riat
Discussion re: commercialisation of R&D.
ACTION: TM to write to Flexis re: commercialisation of R&D to inform
them that the Board intends to evaluate the project post approval in
terms of commercialisation of R&D.
TM
Creative Skillset Cymru Wales – Developing the Skills of the Creative
Industries Workforce
The Board AGREED to support the Pillar 3 recommendation that the region
supports the Creative Skillset Cymru Wales project subject to the following
conditions:
1. That the training provided is sustainable and there are sufficient
companies in the region to employ those who will receive training;
2. The group requested feedback on the outcome of previous investments
and requested evaluation documents;
3. The RLP to advise if there is anything similar in the pipeline.
ACTION: Secretariat to write to the project outlining the Board’s
recommendation to support the project including the 3 conditions of
endorsement.
Secreta
riat
LW provided an update on the region’s proposal to develop ERDF funding
applications to WEFO (as agreed at the July 2015 meeting).
LW updated the Board on the meeting with WEFO on 21st August and the
Board noted that discussions were progressing in relation to Swansea City
Centre (The Kingsway) and strategic employment sites. The Board were
concerned about the lack of regional engagement with the Property
Development Fund and would wish to see SBCR regional priorities included
in the development and delivery of this fund. It was noted that infrastructure
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discussions would take place at a later date following discussions between
WEFO and the European Commission.
Action
It was noted that the Building for the Future project was due for approval at
the end of 2015.
Pillar 4
Report circulated in advance of meeting - noted.
Marketing Officer JD / PS circulated at meeting.
Action: Board members to feedback comments on JD and PS to
Andrew Evans.
All
Pillar 5
Report circulated in advance of meeting - noted.
4
Agenda Item 4: ARCH (A Regional Collaboration for Health
Programme) – Andrew Davies, Chair ABMUHB
Marc Clement - Swansea University
Hamish Laing - Medical Director, ABMUHB
Philip Kloer - Medical Director, Hywel Dda UHB
Peter Mannion - ARCH Programme Manager, ABMUHB
Attended with Andrew Davies to present the ARCH programme – ‘Creating
Wealth for the Region’.
The presentation was well received.
Key areas to note:
- The strategic priorities of ARCH are: jobs, business growth and skills
development and alignment with the strategic aims of the SBCR
Economic Regeneration Strategy;
- ARCH seeks to harness inward investment for clinical research and
development;
- ARCH is seeking innovative forms of finance to support its
infrastructure developments;
Following the presentation there was a positive discussion including:
- Delivering services differently;
- Technological advancements linked to patient diagnosis;
- Innovative funding approaches;
- Opportunity to be innovative in rural areas.
SPh suggested that the Board includes the ARCH programme as a
component part in the City Deal proposal.
It was AGREED to develop the City Deal proposal incorporating ARCH.
ACTION: SPh to set up a follow up meeting to develop the City Deal
proposal with ARCH included as a component.
ACTION: SPh to include ARCH in discussions with Sir Michael Bear
re: Sovereign Funds opportunities.
SPh
SPh
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TM thanked Andrew Davies and his colleagues for presenting to the SBCR
Board.
5
Agenda Item 5: AOB, summary of agreed actions, date of next
meetings (TM).
JL provided an overview of key stats for Swansea City Centre.
June:
Sales up by 4.5% (1.8% nationally)
Footfall down in Swansea and nationally
July:
Sales up by 2%
Footfall up by 3.5%
BID members increased from 842 to 863 members
7 new businesses due to open.
84% of businesses in favour to progress with BID for third term.
ACTION: MG to provide stats for Carmarthenshire at next Board
meeting.
Action
MG
JD commented that the proposed S4C ‘Yr Egin’ proposed HQ building had
22 confirmed media/creative industry tenants (with a waiting list)
SUMMARY OF AGREED ACTIONS:
1) SPh /NR to meet to discuss next steps (Tidal Lagoon).
2) AEm to feedback to Mark Shorrock re: the importance of including wider
regional impact in all narrative.
3) Secretariat to circulate update on Swansea G.Fast Technical Trial from
BT.
4) SPh/AEm to forward new BT Wales Director contact to TM.
5) AEm to approach BT for in principle view (Potential to host start ups in
BT Tower).
6) LW to confirm date with WG and circulate date (Business Wales
presentation / discussion).
7) Secretariat / Pillar 3 to investigate funding opportunities for space for
start-ups (existing schemes, EU funded schemes, other schemes).
8) MG to discuss Wales’ involvement in Europe with WLGA and Minister.
9) To discuss potential for SBCR indicative allocation of funding to support
specific projects and how the SBCR Board can influence the programmes.
10) SGi to present on Alacrity at the next Board meeting.
11) SGi/RD to develop proposal further (Alacrity / Computational Foundry /
BT Tower / Start-ups).
12) RD to forward EIB contact to TM.
13) RD to provide high level (bullet point) written progress reports every 2
months (SPECIFIC).
14) RD to prepare a note of the event for TM (2016 British Science Fair).
15) SPh to establish a working group to develop the (City Deal) proposal, to
engage with the WG and UK Government and present a detailed paper for
the November SBCR Board meeting.
SPh
AEm
LW
AEm
AEm
LW
AEm/S
Pe
MG
SPh/D
G/SPe
SGi
SGi/RD
RD
RD
RD
SPh
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Item
16) All to feed in to Pillar 4 with marketing suite content suggestions.
17) Sylvia Griffiths to prepare a regular Board member update with
information on key developments in the region.
18) Secretariat to write to the project (FLEXIS) outlining the Board’s
recommendation to support the project including the 4 conditions of
endorsement.
19) TM to write to FLEXIS re: commercialisation of R&D to inform them that
the Board intends to evaluate the project post approval in terms of
commercialisation of R&D.
20) Secretariat to write to the project (Developing the skills of the Creative
Industries Workforce) outlining the Board’s recommendation to support the
project including the 3 conditions of endorsement.
21) Board members to feedback comments on JD and PS (Marketing
Officer) to Andrew Evans.
22) SPh to set up a follow up meeting to develop the City Deal proposal
with ARCH included as a component.
23) SPh to include ARCH in discussions with Sir Michael Bear re:
Sovereign Funds opportunities.
24) MG to provide stats for Carmarthenshire (footfall etc) at next Board
meeting.
Action
All
SGr
Secreta
riat
TM
Secreta
riat
All
SPh
SPh
MG
RECOMMENDATIONS:
None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
- SGi to present on Alacrity at the next Board meeting.
- City Deal
DATES OF NEXT MEETINGS:
18th Nov – Informal dinner 8.30/9pm (The Bluebell Hotel, Neath)
19th Nov – SBCR Board meeting 9.30am (Ethos building, Swansea SA1)
Meeting closed at 14.10pm
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