Agenda and minutes

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests.

(a)  To agree the Minutes of the meeting held on 4^th November 2020

(b)  Matters arising

The minutes of the meeting held on 4th November 2020 were agreed as a true record.

Further to minutes 10/20 headed ‘Very Light Rail Progress Update’ and minute 11/20 headed ‘Coventry Local Air Quality Action Plan’, the Chair indicated that she had received positive feedback from 4^th November 2020 meeting on both of these agenda items. She thanked the Light Rail Manager for making her aware of a Broadcast on Very Light Rail.

Further to minute 11/20 headed ‘Coventry Local Air Quality Action Plan’, Members had requested that the Cabinet Report ‘Coventry Local Air Quality Action Plan – Full Business Case’ be circulated to the Board once it had been published and this was sent to Members on 25th November 2020.

The Chair thanked Councillor L Bigham for her contributions to the Business, Economy and Enterprise Board (3) during her time as a Member of the Board and wished her well in her new role as Chair of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Board (4).

Briefing Note of the Director of Business, Investment and Culture

The Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board (3) received a Briefing Note and Presentation of the Director of Business, Investment and Culture which provided an update on international investment, trade and overseas markets. The Constitution required the consideration of overseas reports (attached as Appendices 1 & 2 to the report) by Scrutiny.

The following points were raised in the presentation:

•  Germany Thuringia Visit Report

o  It was a partnership visit which took place in September 2019.

o  The area was identified for relationship building as it was an area where automotive was a priority sector, had a mixture of Original Equipment Manufacturers and a long tail of SME suppliers and focussed on innovation.

o  They had recently secured a successful investment from a Chinese Battery Manufacture

o  A return delegation came to Coventry and discussions had continued virtually during COVID-19

•  MIPIM Asia / China Visit Report

o  This was a partnership visit and took place during November 2019.

o  Programme allowed exploration across a range of sectors.

o  Follow up activities had taken place including virtually during the pandemic.

o  The Visit provided the first opportunity to engage with a market leader to secure information on a Gigafactory

•  General update

o  Foreign direct investment success includes the creation of around 13,000 new jobs

o  Inward investment attraction is a key activity that sits within the Economic Development Service of Coventry City Council. 

o  International activity and representation, either direct or through working with partners is a key tool when promoting the City as an investment destination and generating inward investment leads.

o  The Department of International Trade (DIT) secures UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment and championing free trade

o  There were several challenges and considerations that will be monitored and influence international engagement activity in the short to medium term. These included: Coronavirus; Brexit/EU Transition and the US election outcome

•  Update from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

o  Export support and advice is provided to Coventry businesses in partnership through DIT advisors based at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

o  ‘Levelling up’ was new support available from DIT

o  The new Export Academy from the Department for International Trade (DIT) gave small and micro-businesses the chance to learn how to sell to customers around the world with confidence

o  A number of new sector and specialist advisers had been recruited for the West Midlands region to assist businesses on critical issues in 2020 and beyond.

o  DIT continued to work to raise awareness of the changes to be expected at the end of the Transition period in January 2021. Locally, Chamber of Commerce were actively engaging with businesses to help them prepare for whatever outcome faced in January.

o  Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce had launched its new Customs Declaration Service. This was in anticipation of an expected increase in demand for customs declarations when the UK left the Single Market and Customs Union in January 2021  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

Report of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

RESOLVED that the Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board (3) noted the Board’s Work Programme for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2020/2021.

1)  The Board requests that the following items be considered for future meetings:

•  Two Friargate.

•  The item on support for small businesses be broadened to include support to community interest companies and community centres, and to also include information on the level of wraparound support and nurture available for SMEs.

•  Cycle Lanes - update.

•  City Centre South – to include a focus on the retail crisis

•  The Comprehensive Spending Review including changes to the Apprenticeship Levy.

•  The ‘Levelling Up’ agenda.

•  The Development of Civic Agreements by Coventry and Warwick Universities.

•  An update on Gigafactories.

•  City of Culture job creation.

2)  Recommends that an additional meeting of the Board be scheduled during the Municipal Year. 

There were no other items on public business.