Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Reynolds.

There were no declarations of interest declared at the meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 3 April 2018 were confirmed.

The Committee considered the Forward Plan for the Economic Development Committee.

Councillor Wainwright made reference to the Forward Plan and commented that the Forward Plan seemed light and it appeared that not many items were due to come forward to the Committee. The Chairman agreed with the comments made and stated that he would have further discussions with the Development Director in order to ensure further items were brought forward for consideration.

The Committee received and considered the Development Director's report which provided Members with an overview of the energy related economic development activity in the South Denes peninsular of Great Yarmouth.

The Development Director reported that Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Norfolk County Council play a leading role in developing and promoting the South Denes area as a nationally significant asset that contributes to the local, regional and national UK economy. Supporting this ambition is the targeted regeneration and development of the Energy Park, Enterprise Zone and Outer Harbour.

Members received a presentation from the Economic Development Manager which highlighted the overall picture of the Energy Sector and its Developments.

In discussing the report and presentation the following points/issues were raised :-

• Reference was made to the A47 Highway investments and when works were to be completed at the Vauxhall and Gapton Hall roundabouts - the Development Director advised that this was the responsibility of Highways England and that he contact them direct to seek detail and updated timescales on these projects.
• Clarification was sought in respect of jobs created in the South Denes and whether these has been new jobs created or relocations. It was advised that these were new jobs and that this had been audited.
• A question was raised in respect of whether it was thought Brexit would have an impact on the works carried out, it was advised that the majority of companies based at Great Yarmouth already operated globally.
• Concern was raised in relation to the transport links into the the town.
• Skills and Learning opportunities were discussed and it was suggested that Jan Feeney (NCC) Skills Co-Ordinator be invited to attend a future meeting to discuss available opportunities.
• Schools involvement - this was confirmed and it was advised that Vattenfall and others are engaging.

RESOLVED :

That the Committee note the contents of the Development Directors report.

The Committee received and considered the Development Director's report for the revised Great Yarmouth Business Directory which will be published and distributed in June 2018. This will be distributed to B2B (Business to Business) companies throughout the Borough, and will be available online and to companies interested in working with the supply chains present in Great Yarmouth. The Directory includes brief overviews of the main sectors within Great Yarmouth and presents the geographic and commercial context of the Borough in a welcoming and accessible format.

In discussing the Directory the following issues were raised :-

• Whether a replacement had been appointed following the retirement of the Economic Development Officer, it was advised that Inward Investment Manager and Regeneration Development posts were being recruited to.
• Reference was made to page 11 of the Directory (Port benefits), where it was felt that some rephrasing was required.

There was no other business as determined by the Chairman of the meeting as being of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration.