South West Regional Development Agency

SOUTH WEST OF ENGLAND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY 
MINUTES OF THE 47TH BOARD MEETING 13 OCTOBER 2003 
Senate House, University of Bristol

Present:

• Juliet Williams - Chairman
• Nick Buckland - Board Member
• Nigel Costley - Board Member
• Brian Kemp - Board Member (until item 5)
• Helen Holland - Board Member
• Mike Leece - Board Member
• Robin Nicoll - Board Member
• Jonathon Porritt - Board Member
• Judith Reynolds - Board Member
• Harry Studholme - Board Member
• Eric Thomas - Board Member (until item 5)
• Geoffrey Wilkinson - Chief Executive
• Suzanne Bond - Director of Strategy and Communications
• Caroline Bull - Director of Enterprise and Innovation
• Nick Lewis - Director of Corporate Services
• Anne Bulleid - Executive Office
• Caroline Bloodworth - Executive Office
• Mark Gibson - Director General, Business Group, DTI
• Jane Henderson - Regional Director, GOSW
• Neil Bradshaw - University of Bristol (items 1 and 2 only)
• Sue Baker - Business Link, Devon and Cornwall (item 4 only)

Apologies

Doris Ansari - Board Member 
Peter Chalke - Board Member 
Jeremy Pope - Deputy Chairman 
Colin Skellett - Board Member 
Colin Molton - Director of Development and Operations

1. BRISTOL ENTERPRISE CENTRE

Eric Thomas welcomed the Board to Bristol University and showed a video outlining the work of the Bristol Enterprise Centre. He then gave a presentation on the University of Bristol, highlighting the impact of the University on the local economy and using the University as an example of how business typically links with a Higher Education Institution.

2. THE CONTRIBUTION OF HIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEIs and FEIs) TO BUSINESS GROWTH

Caroline Bull gave a presentation summarising the economic background and strategic context for HE/FE contribution to business growth. 
 
Discussion was focussed around five specific issues:-

• Further actions the RDA might take to encourage knowledge transfer between HEIs/FEIs and businesses
• What the RDA can do, with partners, to retain graduates in the South West
• How the demand for management development within business can be raised
• How the RDA can help HEIs and FEIs to draw in private sector funding
• How the RDA can work through its partners more effectively to encourage foresight in business

The Board identified the Teaching Company Scheme as a way to link universities and businesses and create a common platform for networking. It was agreed that some innovators and academics might benefit from support interim managers, rather than direct entrepreneurship training. A proof of concept fund could help refine raw I.P. into practical business propositions.

3. SOUTH WEST BUSINESS SUPPORT REVIEW and INTEGRATING SWRDA AND BUSINESS LINKS

Caroline Bull presented key issues and solutions from the Review. 
 
The Board noted the plethora of business support agencies and the need to ensure better market segmentation and clear regional leadership.  
 
It was agreed that the region's priority sectors should be the focus for business support. 
 
A common client database across agencies would reduce confusion and improve customer service, though data protection issues would have to be overcome. The proposed new RDA/Business Link relationship offered an opportunity for a joint strategic approach to a better business support infrastructure centred on demand and growth, improving the focus and delivery of support. 
 
Mark Gibson explained the DTI's product rationalisation and emphasised the RDA's leadership rôle in business support. No firm date had been set for the Business Link transition and DTI would be happy to consider a proposal from the South West to take account of the region's specific characteristics.

4. SW BEACONS FOR GROWTH

Caroline Bull outlined the concept and objectives. The principle was to showcase South West "Beacon" businesses, and offer aspiring companies the opportunity to network and learn through planned and themed activity. Caroline introduced Sue Baker of Business Link Devon and Cornwall who had organised the pilot event at Moretonhampstead, attended by 50 businesses.  
 
Sue Baker outlined the very positive response from businesses to the event. A large proportion of those targeted were able to attend and she had received much positive feedback since. The Chairman attended the event and was able to confirm the enthusiasm of the businesses on the day. 
 
The Board raised a number of points:-

• Not all companies involved will be excellent in everything they do - the idea is to exchange good practice and to be mutually supportive;
• There must be an enthusiastic and effective convenor centrally and in each sub-region for the process to work properly;
• The correct criteria for beacons must be identified together with suitable outputs and outcomes for effective monitoring and evaluation.

The Chairman invited more input and involvement from the Board as the programme unfolds and develops.

5. BRISTOL SCIENCE PARK

Commercial in Confidence