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Welcome to our 2014 – 2015 Annual Review

Over the last twelve months we’ve seen real change happening in the North East. With record employment levels – now at 70.2% – and the largest employment rate increase in the country at 3.2%, we are rapidly closing the gap and realising the North East’s potential.

During this period the North East LEP has also evolved – moving from a focus on strategic leadership to delivering an ambitious plan for long term and sustainable economic growth.

A defining moment in this journey was the publication of our Strategic Economic Plan. The plan articulates with clarity and purpose how we will meet the challenges set out in Lord Adonis’s Independent Economic Review, and focussing on six themes, innovation; business support and access to finance; skills; economic assets and infrastructure; employability and inclusion; and transport and connectivity, it sets out plans to realise a common ambition of growth.

Since its launch in March 2014 the Economic Plan has become the core of our work, attracting £330m in funding from Government as part of the North East Growth Deal. Through it we secured the fourth highest Growth Deal in the country – endorsing our approach and enabling us to secure substantial private and public investment and deliver up to 5,000 jobs.

The North East innovation story is also gaining momentum – including the appointment of our first Innovation Director – Hans Möller, and the £460m European funding programme will bring great opportunities in the next year. We will also be launching JEREMIE 2 and the North East Growth Hub.

We have achieved a lot – through our small, dedicated and talented executive team and alongside our board members and partners, – the challenges and opportunities of the last 12 months have been met with enthusiasm and commitment. The next year looks extremely busy and we will continue to build the momentum and deliver more and better jobs for the North East.

Please read the full review.

Paul Woolston Helen Golightly
Chair Chief Operating Officer

I would like to update you with the latest news about the recruitment of a Chief Executive to lead the North East LEP.

Making sure that we have the right person for this important and demanding job has always been our priority. The role requires a person of considerable experience, expertise and ambition to drive forward our plans for economic growth.

Early this month the permanent chief executive post was formally offered to an outstanding international candidate. However, we have been informed that reluctantly after much consideration and thought, they are unable to take up the job for personal reasons.

It is critical that our chief executive role is filled as soon as possible and we share your frustrations and disappointment that we have not been able to make the appointment we wished to make. We will now continue with the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive and will be re-advertising the post in the expectation of making an appointment within the next six months. To cover this period we will also be appointing an interim chief executive within the month.

It is essential that we continue to build on the momentum and achievements that the LEP has achieved over the past 12 months, led by Chief Operating Officer Helen Golightly. We are confident that we will continue to deliver our ambitious plans for economic growth and with the support of all our partners we will achieve a stronger, sustainable and more prosperous economy for the North East.

An interim chief executive will be appointed within the next month to lead the North East LEP as the recruitment of a permanent appointment continues.

The North East LEP and North East Combined Authority (neca) have taken the decision to put a temporary chief executive in place to lead the LEP through the next six months to continue its work investing in economic growth.

The permanent chief executive post was offered to an outstanding international candidate – but she informed the LEP this week that reluctantly she cannot take up the job for personal reasons.

The recruitment process for a new permanent chief executive is continuing to find an exceptional leader to head up the important agenda of delivering more and better jobs for the North East.

Paul Woolston, North East LEP Chair, said: “It is important that we make an interim appointment now to lead the LEP forward, at a crucial time for the local economy and following the General Election.

“It is frustrating and disappointing that we haven’t been able to make the permanent appointment we wished to make and that this process has taken so long.

“We understand the frustration that businesses must feel about the appointment process and we share those.

“We are working hard to secure the very best possible chief executive for the North East LEP, one with the proven leadership qualities, drive and passion that this post requires.

“This has taken far longer than we all had hoped but we will find and appoint the leader our region deserves as quickly as we can.”

Simon Henig, Chair of North East Combined Authority and Vice Chair of North East LEP, said: “We are all clear in our determination to appoint an outstanding chief executive, one that can take forward our bold economic agenda. Clearly, we all hoped that person would be in place now.

“We remain focussed on working together to complete the recruitment process and appoint a permanent chief executive of the calibre that the post requires to build on the momentum achieved to date to deliver long term economic growth.”

Newcastle-based Horizonworks develops new website and creative design work for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP) has taken its brand and digital presence to new heights – with support from full service strategic marketing agency Horizonworks.

As part of its commitment to improving communications, the North East LEP commissioned Newcastle-headquartered Horizonworks to refresh its brand and creative design work and develop a new responsive website that will be a platform to promote and support the delivery of its strategic economic plan.

The North East Strategic Economic Plan is the core of the North East LEP’s work. It sets out a clear strategy for a stronger North East economy and Horizonworks has played a key part in strengthening the communications and marketing activity to support its delivery.

The work included working with local SMEs and key stakeholders to develop a better understanding of the issues and potential of LEP communications activity, and using this research to create a stronger and more holistic brand and visual identity for the North East LEP.

Central to this was working with the North East LEP to design and build a new website to champion the North East to national and global audiences and convey the LEP’s strategic objectives, capabilities and support for businesses. The website creates a clear, accessible and comprehensive view of the breadth of work that the North East LEP is working on to improve skills, encourage innovation, support business growth and better infrastructure, helping to build the profile of this work with local businesses and organisations.

Horizonworks has also designed a portfolio of visuals that support and amplify the LEP’s messages focusing on the ambition of delivering more and better jobs for the region, and delivering the North East Strategic Economic Plan.
Horizonworks is also developing one of the projects included in the economic plan – an online Apprenticeship Hub for the North East LEP – which will act as a focal point for employers, with information on apprenticeship schemes and support.

Helen Golightly, Chief Operating Officer at the North East LEP, said: “Our mission is to create strong, long term growth for the North East economy. Building up strong relationships and networks across sectors and industries is essential to achieving this – so, it’s vital that our messages are communicated clearly and consistently to all our partners. With the new website and creative work, Horizonworks has helped us to achieve this aim.

“Working with Horizonworks is helping to support our delivery of The North East Strategic Economic Plan and the new website forms a core communication tool for stakeholders, investors and potential investors based around the world: through better communications we can continue to strengthen our partnerships and deliver the Economic Plan Together we can achieve a stronger future for the North East.”

Samantha Davidson, managing director of Horizonworks, said: “We share the North East LEP’s vision of building a stronger economic landscape in the North East and we have developed a visual style, website and creative campaign which will help to communicate the organisation’s role, activities and objectives.

“With our roots firmly based in the North East and a proven track record for delivering results and maximising return on investment for our clients, it is a privilege to be using our marketing strengths and experience in both the public and private sectors to promote both the work of the North East LEP and the region as a whole.”

Horizonworks offers strategic marketing, public relations, design, brand development and digital marketing, and works with both the public and private sectors. It has key specialisms in the healthcare, biomedical, technology, manufacturing, engineering, education and renewable technology sectors.

Clients include the N8 Research Partnership (a collaboration between the eight most research intensive universities in the north), Durham County Cricket Club, Newcastle Science City, national water industry membership organisation the Institute of Water, Billingham-based pump distributor and manufacturer Tomlinson Hall, Washington-based engineering training provider Seta, national accountancy software provider Solutions For Accounting and Parker domnick hunter.

The North East LEP today welcomed the latest labour market statistics which revealed a record number of people in work in the region.

Statistics released by the ONS today showed that more people are employed in the region than ever before, just shy of 1.2m. The North East is now enjoying its highest recorded employment rate at 70%.

The North East also witnessed the greatest employment rate increase in the UK over the past year as well as the largest decline in the rate of economic inactivity.

Unemployment now stands at 8% – down from 9.9% at this time last year – and the lowest rate since June 2008.

North East LEP Chief Economist Chris Milne said: “These latest statistics show that the North East economic recovery is quickening and being sustained.

“There are 40,000 more full-time workers in the North East than there were a year ago and 22,800 fewer people claiming out of work benefits.

“Our analysis shows that the record North East employment rate can be partly attributed to more women entering the labour market and getting work – and fewer out of work.

“The employment rate increase for women is larger than for men in the last quarter and over the past year.

“It now stands at 66.8%, up from 64% this time last year. There’s also a greater decline in the unemployment rate for women than for men. Female labour market inactivity has also declined at a faster rate over the past year.

“There’s also been a rise in employment across most age bands, the biggest increase being in the 50-64 year-old age group with 6,000 more people employed than in the previous quarter.

“Over the past year, the greatest employment increase has been among younger people.

“Our analysis also shows that the automotive, service, health, professional, scientific and technical sectors have driven the increase in workforce jobs in the North East over the past year.”

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed Sarah Hall Consulting Ltd to provide PR and social media support.

The consultancy is tasked with raising the LEP’s profile internationally, nationally and within the North East, showcasing the work it is doing to deliver the North East’s economic plan for growth, create jobs, increase investment and improve the region’s infrastructure.

The contract is for two years with the option to extend for another 12 months and was awarded after a competitive pitch.

Kate Hargreaves, communication manager for the North East LEP, said: “The organisation has been in place for three years now and in that time has reached some key milestones.

“We are now moving forward with the next phase of the LEP’s development. This is to highlight our investments into growing North East business and how we are helping create new and better jobs for everyone. We also want to communicate the opportunities and challenges our economy faces.

“One of our priorities is to work even more closely with partners and businesses as the greatest success will only come with a collaborative approach.

“The team at Sarah Hall Consulting will be working closely with us on stakeholder comm’s, media relations, social media and issues management.”

Sarah Hall, managing director of Sarah Hall Consulting, commented: “The LEP is ideally placed to tell the region’s economic story and our role is to ensure it becomes the first port of call for those looking for information.

“We’re looking forward to raising the LEP’s profile and to ensuring it has all the tools it needs to engage fully and appropriately with its stakeholders.”

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is set to link up with the Scottish Government on schemes to boost economic growth on both sides of the Border.

North East LEP chair Paul Woolston and the Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing, have met to identify projects where the North East and Scotland can work together for mutual gain.

Paul Woolston said: “We are working on a number of key areas where we both have a common interest.

“Ultimately, we intend to approach the UK Government with our proposals which we believe will achieve economic growth for the North East and Scotland, and create growth for UK plc.

“This is about two key economic regions working together to improve the economic growth prospects for its people.

Mr Woolston has been meeting regularly with Mr Ewing since becoming North East LEP chairman, as part of the organisation’s outward looking approach and efforts to develop relationships with neighbouring areas.

The enterprise partnership is keen to work with the right partners on initiatives that will pay dividends for the North East economy, whether they are physical neighbours such as Scotland, or trading partners further afield in Europe, the US or China.

However, the common border, cultural ties and areas of mutual economic benefit mean Scotland is the ideal partner to work with on the first such alliance for the North East LEP.

Once a strategy for the first two areas for co-operation has been formulated, it is hoped the alliance approach can be extended to other sectors of mutual economic benefit for the region and Scotland.

Paul Woolston said: “We have significant common interests, but we have been realistic by looking at a small number of areas initially where we could potentially link-up in the future.

“This is absolutely consistent with our economic strategy around trading with partners, about smart specialisation and improving skills. As we operate as a LEP, everything should be like a golden thread linking into our strategic plan to create more and better jobs for the North East.”

Fergus Ewing said: “We are excited about the work of the North East LEP and through our meetings we have discussed a number of possible areas where we could work together for the benefit of both the Scottish and North East economies.

“I look forward to continuing to build on these connections with partners and businesses in the North East.”

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership has appointed a new chief economist. Chris Milne joins the enterprise partnership in September from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in London where he worked as an economic adviser.

Chris Milne, originally from Hexham, has recently been leading the evaluation of major government programmes including The Manufacturing Advisory Service, The Aerospace Technology Institute and the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative.

He has also acted as economic advisor to some high profile enquiries, independent of government: these include the Kay Review of UK Equity Markets and Long-Term Decision Making, which explored the inner workings of the UK’s financial markets, and the Buncefield investigation, put in place following the explosions at Buncefield Oil Storage Depot.

Paul Woolston, chair of the North East LEP said: “Chris’ strengths, experience and contacts will be extremely valuable for the LEP. His track record of working on major projects involving many partners, and his understanding of government programmes is a great fit for the enterprise partnership’s approach and priorities.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris at a busy time for the enterprise partnership, as we put in place the LEP’s long-term strategic economic plan. His input will be an important aspect of the LEP’s core work.”

Chris Milne said: “This is a fantastic move for me. The breadth of the North East LEP remit means that my work will have more of a macro-economic focus than most of my previous governmental roles. I’m excited about starting at the enterprise partnership and looking forward to meeting with its partners, regional businesses and public sector organisations. It also means I’m able to move back home to the North East, which is great for me and my family.”

Chris has worked across a range of Whitehall departments since joining the Government Economic Service as part of the economist fast-stream from university in 2005. These include the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, the Health and Safety Executive and the Department for Work and Pensions.

He takes over the role of chief economist at the enterprise partnership from Mauricio Armellini who is now agent for North East England at the Bank of England. Chris was born in Sunderland and grew up in Hexham, Northumberland.

The search has started for an experienced and ambitious leader to deliver the North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s plans to create more and better jobs for the region.

The new chief executive will have a strong track record in collaborative working to bring together the public, private and voluntary sectors and further and higher education stakeholders working to deliver the North East LEP’s strategic economic plan (SEP) for the North East.

The main responsibility of the post will be driving forward the economic plan, the keystone in the enterprise partnnership’s vision for sustainable economic growth in the region based on ‘more and better jobs’. At the heart of the plan are a range of projects to boost innovation, skills, business support, transport, develop the region’s economic assets and support growth.

Rockpools recruitment agency has been appointed to lead the search on behalf of the North East LEP’s board and the North East Combined Authority.

North East LEP chairman, Paul Woolston, said: “It’s good news that the recruitment process has started for a new chief executive. We are seeking a talented individual to take charge of the integrated team delivering the SEP and build on the LEP’s achievements to date.

“Last month we successfully secured £290 million from the Government’s Growth Deal to take forward our plans. The money – which will help create more than 4,000 jobs and attract an additional £90 million in public and private sector investment – puts us in the top three LEPs for local growth, as we are for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) investment. That is a clear endorsement of national and European confidence in our plans.

“The region is also one of three LEP areas chosen to run a skills pilot, which will play a vital role in creating the more and better jobs pledged in the SEP.

“We are a proactive LEP: we commissioned Lord Adonis to carry out his independent review into how we could create sustained economic growth for the region, and the SEP sets out the nitty-gritty of how we will achieve this, but we need an experienced and inspirational chief executive to knit all the strands together.”

Coun Simon Henig, leader of the North East Combined Authority, said: “We are working in partnership with the LEP board to find the right person to take on this challenge and help us to move forward our plans for the region’s economic development.

“And this will be a very challenging, but ultimately highly-rewarding role. The successful candidate will be someone able to understand the bigger vision and manage the teams working to achieve our aims. I am looking forward to the appointment as the next stage in the North East’s continued journey towards a strong and sustainable economy for everyone in the region.”

Candidates with substantial leadership experience and with proven successes working with both the public and private sectors should contact Rockpools recruitment in the first instance.

For more details, please visit here or contact consultant Balvinder Sangha, who is leading the chief executive search, on 07739 508312.

Category: Uncategorized

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North East LEP to work with Scotland to boost economy

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