SlideShare uma empresa Scribd logo
1 de 18
Baixar para ler offline
Leeds City
Region
A Force for Growth




In association with:
Foreword:                                                          Contents
     Leeds City                                                         Foreword: Leeds City Region..................P2

     Region                                                             Foreword: Sarah Day - Managing Partner
                                                                        Leeds Office, DLA Piper......................... P3
                                      The Leeds City
                                      Region stands at
                                      a pivotal point.                  Foreword: Neil Williams - Regional Director
                                    It is emerging from a               Leeds Corporate Banking Centre,
                                    recession that
                                    threatened the financial            Santander............................................... P4
                                    and professional
                                    services that had fuelled
                                    growth in the region and
                                                                        City Region Interview
                                    put swathes of                      - David Parkin interviews LEP Chairman
                                    development on hold,                Neil McLean .........................................P5-7
                                    while the abolition of
           Ian Briggs - Editor      regional development
        TheBusinessDesk.com         agency Yorkshire                    Growing Optimism on City Region’s
                                    Forward and move to
     local enterprise partnerships has put a new emphasis               Economic Future ................................P9-11
     on the City Region and, more fundamentally, its business
     community, to set the area’s own direction.
                                                                        Building for the Future......................P13-15

      ‘...critical choices will have to be                              Round Table - Singing off the
      made that will dictate how the Leeds                              Same Hymn Sheet ...........................P16-18
      City Region fairs for years to come’

     In the next few months, critical choices will have to
     be made that will dictate how the Leeds City Region
     fairs for years to come. What sectors can the City                 TheBusinessDesk.com
     Region lead the world in? How can it transform the                 Round Foundry Media Centre,
     cutting edge research of its universities into major
                                                                        Foundry Street,
     businesses? Where should scarce public money be
     spent to have maximum impact? How can the Leeds                    Leeds LS11 5QP
     City Region become a brand that stands out in a
     crowded global marketplace for inward investment?                  Managing Director:
     What role will physical regeneration have in the new               David Parkin e: david.parkin@thebusinessdesk.com
     economic landscape?
     This supplement seeks to kickstart some of those                   Editor:
     important conversations. Over the next few pages,                  Ian Briggs e: ian.briggs@thebusinessdesk.com
     leading figures from the region offer their views on the
     future of the City Region and the steps that are needed            Deputy Editor:
     to ensure that we build on the tremendous advances                 James Reed e: james.reed@thebusinessdesk.com
     that have been made in the last decade.
     Both DLA Piper and Santander Corporate Banking
     are each playing important roles in the growth of the
     regional economy, making them ideal partners for                   Business Development Manager:
     this supplement.                                                   Aimee Willow e: aimee.willow@thebusinessdesk.com
     Despite the slow pace of economic recovery, there are
     genuine signs of optimism emerging for the economic                t: 0113 394 4541
     future of the Leeds City Region. Exciting times lie ahead.         f: 0113 394 4322



     Ian Briggs
     Editor


                                                                     In association with:

P2   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
Unified approach attract
     opportunities
                               The last few years                    opportunities for the City Region to emerge as a
                               brought challenging                   national and international contender in other sectors.
                               times for businesses                  One area is the waste and renewables industry - already,
                               operating in                          Yorkshire's private sector waste companies are
                               Yorkshire. But where                  delivering cutting edge technology and services. In addition,
                               there are challenges,                 there is the potential to position the City Region as a
                               lie opportunities.                    world-class centre for green energy and low-carbon
                                                                     industries, creating thousands of jobs.
                               The Leeds City
                               Region has
                               emerged from the
                               recession in a strong                    ‘The Leeds City Region has
                               position, ready to                       emerged from the recession in a
            Sarah Day
         Managing Partner,     capitalise on growth                     strong position’
      DLA Piper - Leeds Office prospects and
                               build on solid
     commercial foundations that have been rocked,
     but not broken.                                                 Technology is also a significant growth market which
                                                                     generates new ideas, enterprises and challenges on a
     The way we operate as a business community is evolving.         constant basis. A focus here will ensure that our region
     This change is being driven largely by a shift on the           grasps and exploits the huge opportunities that the sector,
     public-private sector axis; a deeper integration of the         which includes biotech and biomedical, brings with it.
     private sector into the public realm is creating a stronger
                                                                     Combined with added strengths in advanced manufacturing
     and more necessary partnership between the two than
                                                                     and the creative industries, the Leeds City Region is one
     we've seen historically.
                                                                     of the UK's most diverse economies. We can provide a
     Successful collaboration here is key to achieving more.         world-class offering in a wide range of sectors and
     Done well, both sectors will work in synergy to fulfil their    specialisms and it is crucial that we set our sights on
     individual needs whilst realizing the goals of the wider        international markets to promote these services.
     region. Thanks to its professional capabilities and the
                                                                     Whilst we remain committed to the local and national
     presence of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise
                                                                     markets in which we operate, DLA Piper Leeds also sees
     Partnership (LEP), Leeds is perfectly placed to exploit the
                                                                     opportunities from international markets and so aims to
     benefits this will bring.
                                                                     get closer to these. We have identified specific foreign
     Made up of 11 local authorities, the Leeds City Region          territories as being key to our growth aspirations and are
     LEP is the largest outside London. It represents one of the     working more closely with our colleagues in Europe, the
     UK's largest economies - worth £52bn - and is an alliance       west coast of the USA, China and Australia.
     which will encourage future growth and inward investment.
                                                                     Visibility in these markets will reap many benefits.
     The recently announced co-ordinated approach of the
                                                                     Businesses across the region should be encouraged to
     three LEPs for York & North Yorkshire, Leeds and Sheffield
                                                                     develop and nurture their links overseas, not only to
     means that we are now in an even better position to develop
                                                                     fulfil their export and manufacturing objectives, but
     and compete with other national and international cities in
                                                                     also to encourage inward investment from these
     the commercial arena.
                                                                     countries in return.
     This unified approach will undoubtedly attract new
                                                                     This approach will ensure the Leeds City Region achieves
     opportunities to Yorkshire, helping to shrink the long          the recognition it deserves as a thriving and attractive
     perceived North-South divide and to promote the region          place to do business. Actively encouraging innovation and
     on the international stage. Improved, positive relationships    growth and setting its sights on a positioning beyond its
     will not only encourage business growth, but will work          existing local and national capabilities is key - if successful,
     hand in hand to bring an improved social provision.             the region has the potential to become an international
     A number of sectors and geographies have emerged as             centre fit to rival major commercial hubs across the globe.
     fundamental to our region's prosperity. Leeds is already
     renowned for the strength of its professional and financial
     services and encouraging continued growth here should           Sarah Day - Managing Partner - Leeds Office,
     undoubtedly remain a key focus. But there remain significant    DLA Piper




                                                                     In association with:

P3   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
Proud to be committed to
     Leeds City Region
                                    At Santander                     conditions. But for Santander Corporate Banking, it is
                                    Corporate Banking,               not all about price.
                                    we are committed                 As a sustainable lender, we focus on getting to know
                                    to supporting                    your business and understanding your potential. By
                                                                     developing better relationships with our customers
                                    SMEs - not just                  we are able to provide sustainable funding solutions
                                    by providing the                 that focus on the long-term viability of a business
                                    finance they need                rather than short-term volatility.
                                    to expand, but                   Unlocking other finance
                                    also through
                                    developing true                  Our Relationship Directors and product specialists are
                                                                     experts in all the sources of finance available to support
                                    partnerships                     business growth.
            Neil Williams           - working with
     Regional Director - Yorkshire, them to achieve
              Santander
                                    their goals;
     understanding their challenges and helping                         ‘We have a strong track record
     them grow and be more successful.                                  on lending and have made a firm
     Our Corporate Banking Centre in the centre of Leeds                commitment to provide new
     is an ideal base for our teams to support businesses in
     the local area and this central location is replicated in
                                                                        finance for SMEs.’
     Hull & Sheffield. Our Relationship Directors are experts
     in helping businesses grow and will use their local
     market experience to work with you to find the right            This includes the government's Enterprise Finance
     funding solutions for your business.                            Guarantee Scheme, offering finance to higher-risk
     We can help you access direct investment, additional            businesses, and specialist support for exporters. We’ll
     sources of finance, and provide solutions to help you           advise you whether you qualify, and help you to apply.
     invest in equipment or pay suppliers more efficiently.
                                                                     Asset finance is also available to help you invest in
     Most importantly, we work with our customers as                 new property, plant and equipment, and invoice
     business partners and aim to give them the long-term,           finance, which lets you unlock cash flow from invoices.
     hands-on local support they need to develop their               There are many ways to manage both - we’ll help find
     business to its full potential.                                 the right ones for you.
     New lending: a £4bn pledge                                      Reaching your full potential
     Firstly, we can help businesses access finance. We              There is no doubt that Santander Corporate Banking
     have a strong track record on lending and have made             remains committed to the SME market. We pride
     a firm commitment to provide new finance for SMEs.              ourselves on building long term relationships with
     In 2010, while overall bank lending fell by 20%, our            businesses in the region which can only be done by
     lending to SMEs rose by 26%. This year, we have                 taking the time to truly understand how your business
     committed, as part of the government’s ‘Project Merlin’,        works, its aims and objectives.
     to increase lending to SMEs by another 25% and first            If your business could benefit from this personal
     quarter results show we are ahead of target.                    approach to corporate banking, we’d be delighted to
     We’re the only bank that has revealed firm targets for          speak to you.
     lending in 2011 and have pledged £6.7bn in new finance,
     with £4bn of this directed to SMEs.
     We want to maintain competitive terms for our funding,          Neil Williams - Regional Director - Yorkshire
     in a responsible manner, without unreasonable                   Leeds Corporate Banking Centre, Santander




                                                                     In association with:

P4   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
Chairman offers
     LEP vision
                                                                                      Focus can help City
                                                                                      Region punch above
                                                                                      it’s weight
     Neil McLean is a man on a
     mission. David Parkin
     speaks to the Leeds City
     Region LEP chairman.
     IT is early days in the life of the
     Leeds City Region Local Enterprise
     Partnership (LEP) but its chairman
     Neil McLean says he is greatly
     enthused by his new role.
     There is no room for negativity
     from McLean, a no-nonsense
     property lawyer by background,
     who recently stepped down as
     the long-serving Leeds office head
     of DLA Piper, one of the world’s
     largest law firms.

                                                  LEP chairman Neil McLean
      ‘People say that the
                                                  “If you can start by creating a real        suggest he will have to use his
      LEP will sort                               environment for growth and bring            casting vote anytime soon.
      everything out - well it                    investment into the region then
                                                  even on a small scale you are               When it is pointed out that 17
      won’t. We need to be                        making a difference.                        people makes a big board of
      a facilitator to help                                                                   directors, he smiles and points
                                                  “We have to be sensible here.               out that he currently chairs a
      people work together...’                    People say that the LEP will sort           larger one. “Leeds City College
                                                  everything out - well it won’t. We          was 20 members on the board
                                                  need to be a facilitator to help            and it is now 22.”
     Not even a seemingly unwieldy                people work together and to make
     board finely balanced with eight             it easy to do business.
     public sector and eight private                                                           ‘...there is a real
     sector representatives can dampen            “We can’t do it for people, we
     his enthusiasm for a role that gives         can support and help and direct              hunger to get on and
                                                  but whether it works or not
     him a crucial position driving the
                                                  depends on how the private sector
                                                                                               make progress...’
     economic recovery across the City
     Region, a huge area stretching               views the opportunities for business
     from Barnsley in the south to rural          in the region.
                                                                                              “I was very pleased with the first
     North Yorkshire.                             “How easy it is to come here to do          board meeting. The attitude of
     McLean has now chaired two board             business, to find a skilled                 everybody, there is a real hunger
     meetings of Leeds City Region LEP.           workforce? Are we a supportive              to get on and make progress
     While he says he is paid a “nominal”         business community? And that is             and identify our investment and
     sum as non-executive chairman,               what have to convince people of.”           growth strategy.
     he has effectively been doing
                                                  The board is made up of eight public
     the job on an executive basis                                                            He is acutely aware that the LEP
                                                  sector members, eight private sector
     since he took the role.                                                                  can help provide the focus to
                                                  members “and me” says McLean,
     I point out that his enthusiasm is           who adds that the accord at the             help the City Region punch above
     clearly visible.                             first board meeting does not                its weight.


                                                                       In association with:

P5   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
“The City Region has an economy              “We don’t want to make it too
     worth £52bn and is larger than that          complicated but you get some form               ‘We want to get people
     of nine European countries. People           of structure.”
     are surprised at that.”                                                                      in developing quality
                                                  Big decisions are needed early
                                                  on from the LEP, the key one
                                                                                                  and generating
      ‘...there are two things                    being the location of an                        business rates and we
                                                  enterprise zone, the Government
      that need identifying                       initiative introduced in the Budget
                                                                                                  can use it to pump
      first: what local                           in March.                                       prime development’
      authorities can deliver                     “The enterprise zone is of benefit
                                                  to the region because the new                 The Manchester LEP decided last
      and what the private                        business rates that are generated             month that it was to site its
      sector can deliver’                         can be kept and recirculated within           enterprise zone at Manchester
                                                  the region.                                   Airport.

     He says there are two things that            “We want to get people in                     “If you look at the Manchester
     need identifying first: what local           developing quality and generating             area they have a successful
     authorities can deliver and what the         business rates and we can use it              international airport and it is pretty
     private sector can deliver.                  to pump prime development.                    obvious. In Nottingham, with the
                                                                                                Boots campus, pharma is a growing
     “We will have delivery arms through          McLean admits that choosing the               part of the economy.
     the public and private sector.               location of the EZ as a “difficult job”.
                                                                                                “For us it’s a bit difficult, it’s a diverse
                                                                                                economy, we don’t have one key
                                                                                                business area that gives you that
      Tackling the scale of the                                                                 obvious lead.

      Leeds City Region                                                                         “Sheffield has steel - but we don’t
                                                                                                have one readily identifiable
                                                                                                business area.
      THE breadth and scale of                   “If you put it in the wrong place
      the Leeds City Region,                     and it fails then you are                      “It makes decision-making more
                                                 benefiting nobody.                             difficult,” says McLean, but he has
      presents both challenges
                                                                                                already done plenty of work to
      and opportunities,                         “The far reaches of the City Region            identify the key sectors that the City
      according to Neil McLean.                  will also work with other regions.             Region should look to focus on to
                                                 People should not feel that they               provide it with national and
      On the positive side he says:              are on the geographical                        international investment
      “Ninety five percent of the working                                                       opportunities.
                                                 outreaches.
      population live and work in the
      region. If you can generate growth
      in the region the wider benefit will
                                                                                                  ‘Sheffield has steel
                                                  ‘..everybody can benefit
      be to the whole region.                                                                     - but we don’t have
                                                  within the City Region
      “It’s very much trying to convince
                                                                                                  one readily identifiable
                                                  wherever the pockets
      people that everybody                                                                       business area’
                                                  of real growth are’
      can benefit within the City Region
      wherever the pockets of real
                                                                                                “Everybody is making a lot of noise
      growth are.                                “We will work with other LEPs.                 about the enterprise zone but they
                                                 I have met the chairs of the                   are part of a much bigger jigsaw.
      “You have to accept that
                                                 LEPs in Yorkshire and I hope to                We need to look at other areas
      investment should go to where
                                                                                                where there are maybe ERDF
      the best return can be because             meet the chair of Manchester
                                                                                                support and the TIFs.”
      the best return will service the           because there are areas we will
      whole of the region.                       work together on.”                             Tax increment financing (TIF) is a
                                                                                                public financing method which is


                                                                         In association with:

P6   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
used as a subsidy for                        “Let’s be realistic, some of the
     redevelopment and community                  stuff we are talking about is 10, 15,
     improvement projects and McLean,             20 years ahead.”                             What lies
     highly experienced in property
     and development projects,                    He says “two to three years would            ahead for
     believes they should be a key area
     of focus for the LEP.
                                                  seem sensible” for his tenure.
                                                                                               the LEP
                                                                                               NEIL McLean is
     He describes the recent                       ‘One of the issues                          realistic when he
     announcement of the first
     successful bids for the Regional              we are talking about                        surveys the challenges
     Growth Fund as “confused and                                                              ahead for the LEP. He
                                                   is a change of                              says the City Region
     confusing”.
                                                   mindset. We have to                         has been “going along
     “There did seem to be a bit of a              get people thinking                         nicely” for years but
     random selection, both in Yorkshire                                                       must up its game.
     and beyond.                                   in different ways’                          “It won’t be easy. Leeds has
                                                                                               in some ways talked about its
     “We had hoped that the first round                                                        position for years and years
     decisions and more importantly the           McLean says that the early days              but has performed
     explanation of them would be out             of the LEP are crucial, to get it            economically below that.
     before the round two process                 “set up well with clear objectives
     opened. But there has been very              and clear deliverables”.
     little feedback.”                                                                          ‘Other cities have
                                                  When asked what he would like to
     McLean says that Government                                                                made it easier to
                                                  achieve in his time as chairman, he
     involvement is “improving”.                  says: “Not in specific terms, in              do business’
     “There is a more concerted
                                                  simplistic terms what you have got
     approach from Government, they
                                                  to see is the area working closely
     clearly want to make it work and                                                          “Leeds has done well legally
                                                  together to deliver economic growth          and financially but relied too
     have to make it work.
                                                  and employment growth.                       much on that and not focused
                                                                                               on other sectors enough.
                                                  “We have had a far too fragmented
                                                                                               “We have had trams,
      ‘...what you have got                       economy and far too fragmented
                                                                                               economic districts [haven’t
                                                  approach in the past.”                       happened]. Real economic
      to see is the area                                                                       progress - can you remember
      working closely                             He feels the relatively new team             a lot? Not really.
                                                  at the top of Leeds City Council,
      together to deliver                                                                      “We have been going
                                                  leader, Labour councillor Keith
                                                                                               along nicely but we have been
      economic growth and                         Wakefield and chief executive                telling ourselves that we are
                                                  Tom Riordan, is a benefit.                   a great international city. We
      employment growth’                                                                       have to be harshly realistic.
                                                  “I think it’s a help they are both open
                                                                                               “The job is to get public
                                                  to change. One of the issues we              and private sectors working
     “There is a cross department                 are talking about is a change of             together.”
     group to talk to to get speedy               mindset. We have to get people
                                                                                               Part of it has been
     decisions. They have said they want          thinking in different ways.
                                                                                               complacency and I don’t think
     to listen to business and put flesh                                                       we have had the dynamic civic
                                                  “We have got to have some                    leadership with clear aims
     on the bones.”
                                                  radical ideas. I think Tom going into        and ambitions that have
     He says he has not put a time limit          the authority, he knows the region,          convinced the private sector.
     on his involvement with the LEP.             is well connected, Keith is                  Other cities have made it
                                                  supportive of change.                        easier to do business, that has
     “My agreement is that we will review                                                      put people off.
     it after a year. We didn’t know              “And neither do I have any                   “I don’t really think we have
     whether this would work out and              concerns about any of the other              been hungry for business,”
     whether I was right for the councils         leaders,” he adds quickly, showing           he adds starkly.
     and they are right for me.                   his skill for diplomacy.


                                                                        In association with:

P7   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
In association with:

P8   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
Growing optimism on City
     Region’s economic future                                                                                     - by James Reed

     BEFORE the global
     economic landscape
     changed three years ago,
     the Leeds City Region
     was flying high.

     Development was widespread,
     Leeds itself had successfully
     positioned itself as one of the
     leading financial centres outside
     of London, and the local
     economy was thriving and given
     an additional boost by a
     prolonged dose of significant public
     sector spending.
                                                  Bridgewater Place has helped boost the image of the Leeds City Region
     The credit crunch threatened to
     turn all that upside down. Iconic
                                                                         “But the                “We talk about the rebalancing away
     projects such as the “kissing
                                                                         doom and                from financial services but if you
     towers” went on hold, suddenly
                                                                         gloom of                look closely at what is said by
     out of tune with the rising mood of
                                                                         January                 Government, they are not talking
     austerity, and grim predictions
                                                                         2009, after             about downsizing financial services,
     surfaced that this would be a                                       the autumn              they are talking about greater
     recession that targeted the white                                   and winter of           growth in other areas.
     collar industries.                                                  discontent,
                                                       Howard Kew
                                                      Chief Executive,   didn’t come to
     A new Government dramatically                    Financial Leeds    pass. Over                ‘...we outperformed
     cutting public spending and                                         the course of
     committed to ‘rebalancing’ the               the financial crisis and immediate
                                                                                                   the rest of the UK
     economy away from financial                  aftermath we outperformed the rest               and particularly
     services posed a further threat.             of the UK and particularly
                                                  outperformed London.”
                                                                                                   outperformed London’
     The reality of the last three years,
     however, has not been anywhere               That gap in performance was the
     near as grim as the doom                     difference between losing 17,000               “For all the emphasis on
     merchants suggested, according to            jobs in the regional economy.                  engineering, manufacturing, low
                                                  According to Kew, the diversity of             carbon - all of which are
     Howard Kew, chief executive of
                                                  the financial and professional                 important - the biggest engine for
     Financial Leeds.
                                                  services and a creative approach               growth remains financial and
                                                  taken by firms - cutting hours                 professional services.”
     “During the healthy phase of the
                                                  rather than jobs and seeking new
     economy in the first eight years of                                                         That optimism is echoed by
                                                  markets - helped the City Region’s
     the century we saw compound                  resilience.                                    Sarah Day, new managing partner
     growth in the sector of around 6 or                                                         at DLA Piper’s Leeds office.
     7% over that period. Then we hit             But with a Government intent on
     the buffers and I think there was a          reducing the economy’s reliance on             “What we have seen over the last
     lot of concern that having achieved          financial services, doesn’t that pose          18 months is a lot of corporate
     above average growth that that               a real problem for an area that has            activity. In the last five or six
     could get reversed very quickly.             put itself in that space?                      months we have seen an upturn


                                                                         In association with:

P9   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
in people
                             going to the
                             debt
                             markets
                             again.

                           “There’s still a
           Sarah Day       nervousness
        Managing Partner,  around. Our
            DLA Piper
                           litigation and
      restructuring teams are very busy
      but there is much more optimism,
      albeit cautious.”

      Looking ahead, Day says the                  Leeds: an example for others of future growth in the UK
      firm is expecting to see growth in
      sectors such as waste                        business in the region as the public            know the new local enterprise
      management and energy as well                sector withdraws from direct                    partnership will be looking at is the
      as financial services.                       provision of services. “Where                   public-private axis and we think
                                                   there are challenges there are                  Leeds is very well placed to make
      She also forecasts opportunities for         opportunities and one of things we              the most of that.”



       Historic company looks                                                                        ‘...we expect to see
       to the future                                                                                 growth in sectors
                                                                                                     such as waste
       For more than 150 years,                   and upgrading gears in existing
                                                                                                     management and
       David Brown Gear                           wind turbines, the company has
       Systems has been                           also started developing its own                    energy as well as
                                                  products in the field targeting the
       adapting its gear expertise                growing offshore market.
                                                                                                     financial services’
       to the demands of new
       technology.
                                                    ‘Turbines are typically                        While the creation of local
       And as the green energy
       revolution begins to pick up pace                                                           enterprise partnerships has put a
                                                    justified on the
       it is doing so again with a new                                                             new emphasis on local
       focus on wind turbines.                      basis that they will                           economies, Day is keen to see
       “If you had to characterise what             last for 20 years...’                          the City Region continue to project
       the core of our gear making it is                                                           itself as part of a much broader
       that we specialise in supplying                                                             area, particularly in the inward
                                                  It has also worked with the Leeds
       customers who need an absolute                                                              investment context.
                                                  City Region Local Enterprise
       assurance against failure. They
       need to know that once we have             Partnership and Kirklees Council
       installed our gearing it is not            to successfully bid for £2m of                   “If you are looking at inward
       coming out again,” says Ian                Government funding to help                       investment Leeds is tiny on a
       Farquhar, managing director for            establish a new research and                     global scale but as soon as you
       wind energy.                               innovation centre that will help                 expand that you have got a very
                                                  demonstrate the company’s                        attractive proposition. When you
       “Turbines are typically justified on
                                                  expertise to potential clients and
       the basis that they will last for 20                                                        are trying to compete with China
       years and yet their gear boxes             foster collaborations with
                                                  academics from the University of                 they are not going to be looking
       typically need repairing after six                                                          at 1.1m people but they are going
       to 10 years. But we know that our          Huddersfield.
       gear boxes for other applications                                                           to be interested in a wider area
                                                  “We see this as a new growing
       might last for 40 to 50 years.”                                                             that has great manufacturing,
                                                  market where we can set new
                                                                                                   professional services, energy,
       Initially focusing on overhauling          standards,” says Farquhar.
                                                                                                   expertise and so on.”


                                                                           In association with:

P10   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
Nicola Spence sees that ability to
      work across the City Region and
                          beyond in                   The economic outlook
                          order to
                          appeal to the               - an SME perspective
                          wider world as
                          critical to the                                           Companies in the Leeds City Region
                          success of the                                            are working harder each year to
                          local                                                     generate the same level of business.
                          economy.                                                  But it’s tough out there.
        Nicola Spence
        Chief Executive,
       Science City, York     As chief                                              The economy is unlikely to bounce back to pre
                              executive of                                          2008 levels in the near future so businesses
      Science City York she is well-placed                                          need to react accordingly.
      to identify the sectors where the                   Jonathan Hirst    A major impact for business owners is that,
      Leeds City Region could lead in the                Partner, ITogether
                                                                            more than ever, they scrutinise all spend,
      UK and even the world. She points
                                                      particularly that which doesn’t directly generate revenue. That puts
      to healthcare, digital technology and
                                                      particular pressure on areas like IT.
      bioscience as just some of the
      areas where the City Region boasts              The challenge for companies like ours is to turn these threats into
      cutting edge expertise.                         opportunities. In our case we’ve reshaped the firm to enable businesses
                                                      to harness the benefits of technology without drawing their
                                                      attention away from the front line and rebranded from Network
                                                      Integration to ITogether to better
       ‘We need more inward                           explain how we work.
       investment, to attract
                                                      It is the regional firms that can              ‘...we’ve reshaped
       businesses that others                         demonstrate that ability to
       can cluster around’                            change quickly to meet new                     the firm to enable
                                                      expectations that will continue                businesses to
                                                      to thrive even in the challenging
                                                      times ahead.                                   harness the benefits
      But she argues, important
      building blocks need to be put in               Jonathan Hirst, partner,                       of technology...’
      place if the area is to achieve its             ITogether.
      potential.

      “We need more inward investment,                                                                For Spence, these issues are
      to attract some major businesses                                                                crystalised in the debate about
                                                     ‘...what are the roads
      that others can cluster around.                                                                 the location of the enterprise
      We have to work much harder at                 and the other forms of                           zone earmarked for the City
      showing business it is easy to come            transport we need to                             Region.
      and work with us, it is easy to
      access the knowledge we have.                  make it easy to do                               “We need to decide how we are
      We need to make it as easy as                  business across the                              going to make the most of this
      possible to have the conversations                                                              exciting opportunity - not, as
      that produce ideas that turn into
                                                     City Region?’                                    perhaps we might have done in
      businesses or collaboration.                                                                    the past, looking at somewhere
                                                                                                      that’s really not doing very well
      “We have got eight universities in           “We also need to ask what are                      and needs something . Let’s
      the Leeds City Region and three              the pieces of infrastructure                       focus our efforts where we can
      of the top 10 in the UK so we have           missing, what are the roads and                    put an enterprise zone that can
      to ask why we are not doing as well          the other forms of transport we need               really accelerate the economy
      on inward investment as other                to make it easy to do business                     and attract businesses, start-ups
      parts of the country?                        across the City Region?”                           and spinouts.”


                                                                              In association with:

P11   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
In association with:

P12   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
Building for the
      future
      Property development and
                                                      Physical regeneration can
                                                      drive the recovery - by Ian Briggs

      construction may have
      been hit hard by the
      economic downturn but the
      role of physical
      regeneration to drive the
      economy cannot be
      underestimated.
      Take a look today around the Leeds
      City Region’s towns and cities and
      for many observers the perspectives
      may appear bleak.
      At many sites work has stopped, or
      in some cases never started, as the          Bradford’s key regeneration project, the six-acre City Park
      effects of public sector spending
      cuts, bank financing restrictions and        gallery and centre for creative arts,             comes from physical work going
      a loss of confidence in the sector           The Hepworth Wakefield, as well                   on,” says Jennings. “It’s quite
      are all too visible.                         as new space for cafes, bars                      easy to say what you’re going to
                                                   and restaurants.                                  do in terms of ambitions, but it’s
                                                                                                     different to do it.
                                                   Also in the West Yorkshire city,
       ‘Cranes can once                            the £140m Merchant Gate                           “But when you see something
                                                   development’s second phase is                     being constructed it gives reality
       again be spotted on the                     underway.                                         to these visions and people do then
                                                                                                     believe it. The consequence of
       horizon and scaffolding                     Developer Hammerson recently
                                                                                                     this is that when people see
                                                   announced the submission of
       is a familiar sight...’                                                                       someone else getting on with it
                                                   new plans for its major 1m sq ft
                                                                                                     they think ‘perhaps we ought to
                                                   Eastgate Quarters retail scheme,
                                                                                                     start doing it’.”
                                                   and construction work is on
      But despite national headlines               schedule at the 13,500 capacity
      painting a bleak picture of                                       Leeds Arena.
      development, there are signs in this                                                             ‘...other schemes are
                                                                               Across the
      region that things are picking up.                                                               now coming out of the
                                                                               city, a major
      Cranes can once again be spotted                                         sign that
      on the horizon and scaffolding is a                                      confidence is           ground as a direct
      familiar sight at many sites which                                       returning to            result of Trinity Leeds’
      have sat idle since the peak of the                                      the market is
      property boom came to a                                                  showcased
      shuddering halt in 2008.                                                 at Land
                                                                                                     Jennings believes other schemes
                                                      Gerald Jennings          Securities’
      Work has commenced on one of                 Portfolio Director - North,                       are now coming out of the ground
                                                                               Trinity Leeds
      Bradford’s key regeneration
                                                        Land Securities                              as a direct result of Trinity Leeds.
                                                                               development,
      projects, the six-acre City Park,            where work is on schedule for                     “You’re creating a virtuous circle
      giving the city a boost as Australian        completion in spring 2013.                        and the circle gets bigger. It really
      developer Westfield’s proposed                                                                 does come down to people seeing
      Broadway development in the city             Gerald Jennings, Land Securities’                 physical work come on.”
      centre continues to falter.                  portfolio director for the North, says
                                                   the morale-boosting effect of                     Guy Barlow, head of the Leeds
      In Wakefield, the £100m Waterfront           physical regeneration cannot be                   office of architects The Manser
      Wakefield project features a mix             underestimated.                                   Practice, also believes that physical
      of high-quality offices and                                                                    regeneration can act as a catalyst
      residential buildings and a £26m             “There’s a certain confidence that                to help drive economic recovery,


                                                                           In association with:

P13   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
but only when it is “approached in                                  City Region is
      the right way”.                                                     well placed.          Pin factory
      “It is not a panacea, but it can
      generate employment in
                                                                         Ripley has             tower points
                                                                         acted for a            ahead
      construction in the short term, then
                                                                         number of
      create jobs in the longer term and
                                                                         investment             Tower Works is a
      help stimulate growth,” he argues.
                                                                         funds which
                                                                         have
                                                                                                property steeped in the
      Tim Field, who leads DLA Piper’s                Nikolaj Dockree
                                                                         acquired               past but its role today is
      Leeds property team, sounds a note               Ripley Capital
                                                                         property in            very much looking to
      of caution: “It’s very fragile out there;    the region and Dockree believes              the future.
      there’s no getting away from that.           deals will continue because of the
      However, we are seeing some uplift                                                        Work has commenced to create
                                                   amount of “high quality kit” available       18,000 sq ft of commercial
      and signs of activity. We’ve been            and the good value they represent.
      doing some interesting work and                                                           space at the historic former
      banks are looking at doing                   “The Leeds City Region has offered           pin factory, dating from 1864,
      transactions.                                rental growth prospects and good             in Leeds.
                                                   opportunities for money coming into          The current phase of work at
      “However, those doing deals have             the region as well as secure income          Tower Works involves the
      got to be certain that every                 streams,” he says.                           stabilisation of one of the three
      conceivable angle has been                                                                listed chimneys and restoration
      covered. That fragility is there but
      a lot of people are trying to work            ‘The Leeds City
      through these issues to get these
      deals done.”                                  Region has offered
      Field said active sectors looking for
                                                    rental growth
      property are healthcare, energy               prospects and good
      from waste plants and transport and
      added that he is seeing an upturn             opportunities...’
      in activity for new developments
      and also SMEs moving into existing                                                        Tower Works: future development
      premises as business improves.               “This all does position the Leeds            restoration project for Leeds
                                                   City Region very well going forward.
      Nikolaj Dockree, of Ripley Capital,          From an occupational point of view           and conversion of two listed
      a Yorkshire-based business which             the region is in a good position to          buildings with new build
      works with investors and partners            cope. Private sector investment will         elements, which will provide
      on the acquisition and ongoing               continue to drive the region.”               serviced office accommodation
      asset management of commercial                                                            and community space.
      property and development sites,              Funding for key infrastructure               The redevelopment will create
      says that despite some “inertia” in          projects, such as a southern                 office accommodation to
      the investment market, the Leeds             entrance to Leeds railway station,           complement the Round
                                                                                                Foundry Media Centre at
                                                                                                Holbeck Urban Village.
                                                                                                The future of the mixed-use
                                                                                                Tower Works scheme had
                                                                                                been cast into doubt because
                                                                                                of cuts to public sector
                                                                                                spending and as a Yorkshire
                                                                                                Forward asset the regional
                                                                                                development agency has
                                                                                                stated it would like the site to
                                                                                                be transferred to council control
                                                                                                - a move refused by Ministers.
                                                                                                However, despite ongoing
                                                                                                worries about its future
                                                                                                ownership, development work
                                                                                                at the historic complex is
                                                                                                welcome and is a confident sign
                                                                                                that the Leeds City Region is
                                                                                                investing in projects that will
                                                                                                drive economic growth.
      Trinity Walk - Wakefield



                                                                         In association with:

P14   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
have been given the green light and          regeneration projects to get started.       “There’s huge benefits of these
      commentators believe schemes                                                             towns and cities approaching it in
      such as this, and transport                  However, the timetable for the              a more collegiate way and they do
      improvements, can drive physical             Government’s planned introduction           have to appreciate that Leeds is
      regeneration and vice-versa.                 of TIF legislation, which is already        the predominant commercial
                                                   available in Scotland, remains              location in the City Region.”
      Jennings believes a number of                uncertain and question marks
      conditions have to be in place to            remain about how it will work.
      create successful developments.
                                                   Martin Farrington, director of city          ‘...superfast broadband
      He says: “There’s been a school              development at Leeds City Council,
      of thought that providing a building         says: “A new funding mechanism               and business rate
      is the be all and end all. We’ve             like TIF is important. The private           discounts are located
      built buildings and thought it’s             sector is still risk averse and the
      been a regenerative force for good           banking sector still hasn’t fully            in the Leeds City
      but some high profile structures             recovered. The public sector doesn’t
      have remained empty.                         have the funds it once could                 Region...’
                                                   generate to make things happen.
      “The location has to be right; the
      infrastructure has to be right; there        “A mechanism like TIF is an                 Pearey, who has called for a
      has to be a supportive planning              example of where cash could be              ‘Greater Leeds’ brand to be created,
      regime and a demand for the project          brought forward to invest in the            adds: “Collaboration is a really big
      being produced. The key                      infrastructure challenge.”                  discussion point because there’s a
      fundamentals need to still exist.”                                                       strong view that we would do better
                                                                           Jeff Pearey,        as a region if there was an
                                                                           head of the         acceptance that Leeds is the
                                                                           Leeds office        heartbeat and everything else within
       ‘Collaboration is the                                               of property         the City Region will grow and
       watchword for many                                                  agent Jones         flourish as a consequence of
                                                                           Lang LaSalle,       Leeds’s improving economy.”
       members of the                                                      who believes
                                                                           emphasis will                             Alex Munro,
       region’s property                                                   be put on
                                                         Jeff Pearey                                                 the head of
       community’                                   Head of Leeds Office,  new property                              commercial
                                                      Jones Lang LaSalle   development                               agency
                                                                           because of a                              development
      Asked which factors would help               recent “stasis” in the market, adds:                              at Knight
      the property sector recover and              “I think TIF could help to a degree                               Frank in
      drive regeneration in the Leeds              but I think traditional finance                                   Leeds, said:
      City Region, Field said there                methods will come back. And we’re                                 “There has
                                                                                                    Alex Munroe
      would need to be a combination               on the eve of them coming back. It            Head of Commercial  been strong
      coming together.                             only needs one or two funds coming           Agency Development,  leadership
                                                   back in for it to get going.”                    Knight Frank
                                                                                                                     from officers
      These include banks increasing                                                           within the local authorities and the
      lending, the return of consumer              Collaboration is the watchword for          leaders and we need them to be
      confidence, the slowdown of                  many members of the region’s                bold and lead from the front.”
      companies facing restructuring or            property community, who want to
      collapse, a number of National               see towns and cities work more
      Asset Management Agency                                                                  The Government’s decision for
                                                   closely together to boost the City
      properties coming onto the market                                                        an enterprise zone, offering
                                                   Region’s property prospects.
      following the collapse of the Irish                                                      relaxed planning rules, superfast
      property sector, the creation of an          Jennings points across the                  broadband access and business
      enterprise zone in the City Region,          Pennines to Manchester where a              rate discounts, to be located in
      and the use of Tax Increment                                                             the Leeds City Region gives the
                                                   number of towns have been happy
      Financing (TIF).                                                                         potential for a major boost to the
                                                   to align themselves together to
                                                   create a powerful brand for potential       property sector.
      How regeneration schemes are to
      be financed is currently a hot topic         property investors.
      and TIF - through which the                                                              Farrington suggests that the
      Government will lend to councils             “There is perhaps a bit more of a           Leeds City Region enterprise zone
      against the promise of increased             parochial manner in the Leeds City          could generate more benefits if it is
      revenue from future business                 Region and independence can be              sector specific, potentially focusing
      rates - is being seen as a vital             positive but it doesn’t help the            on green sustainable or health
      way for property and                         collective,” he says.                       medical markets.


                                                                        In association with:

P15   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
Singing off the same
                                                                                   Collective voice and achievable
      hymn sheet                                                                   aims needed for City Region’s
                                                                                   success - by Ian Briggs


      Attendees:
      David Parkin
      - Managing Director,
      TheBusinessDesk.com

      Neil Williams
      - Regional Director for
      Yorkshire, Santander
      Corporate Banking

      Nick Machugh
      - Relationship Director,
                                                   Round Table: Wednesday 18th May 2011
      Santander Corporate Banking
                                                   THE Leeds City Region                        within the City Region to work
      Sarah Day                                    must establish a “script”
                                                                                                more closely together, as, it was
      - Leeds office Managing                      that can be backed by
      Partner, DLA Piper                           business and set realistic
                                                   targets if it wants to be
                                                                                                 ‘There is lots of
      Neil McLean                                  seen as a leading                             dynamism but I think
      - Chairman of the Leeds City                 economic player across                        the image from the south
      Region Local Enterprise                      the globe.
      Partnership                                  That was the key message to
                                                                                                 is anything but that’
                                                   emerge from a Round Table
      Nikolaj Dockree                              discussion of leading advisers,
                                                   financiers and business people               argued, is the case with Manchester
      - Director of property asset                 who debated the future of the                and its neighbouring towns.
      manager Ripley Capital                       Leeds City Region. The event                 Neil McLean, chairman of the
                                                   was held at the Leeds offices of             Leeds City Region Local Enterprise
      Jeff Pearey                                  law firm DLA Piper.                          Partnership, described the City
                                                                                                Region as a “very entrepreneurial
      - Director and Head of Leeds                 With the abolition of regional               area”, with a strong business
      office, Jones Lang LaSalle                   development agency Yorkshire                 start-up agenda.
                                                   Forward and the creation of a local
                                                                                                However, McLean said more
                                                   enterprise partnership in the City           needed to be done to promote the
      David McNicholas                             Region, panellists called on the             City Region’s brand and image, both
      - Financial Director, AFI-Uplift             business community to set the                in the UK and overseas, to help
                                                   area’s own direction.                        attract inward investment, and he
      Roger Marsh                                  How to make the best of the City             called for more focus to be given to
                                                   Region’s world leading attributes,           identifying the “key priorities” to
      - Senior Partner, PwC                                                                     achieve this.
                                                   such as the cutting edge reserach
      Leeds office                                 coming out of its universities, was          “There is lots of dynamism but I
                                                   discussed, as were sectors including         think the image from the south is
      Gerald Jennings                              manufacturing and professional and           anything but that,” he said. “But what
                                                   financial services.                          do people want to know that will
      - Portfolio Director,                                                                     attract them here? Could we attract
      Land Securities, Leeds                       There was also a collective call             a Microsoft, Apple or Sun
                                                   for the different local authorities          Microsystems?


                                                                         In association with:

P16   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
“Everyone is on the same page
                                                                                                about what we need to do. The LEP
                                                                                                is the co-ordinator to bring things
                                                                                                together. We’ve got a real
                                                                                                opportunity. Be it the public or
                                                                                                private sector side everyone wants
                                                                                                to pull in the right direction.
                                                                                                “Customers at present are saying
                                                                                                what’s needed of me, can I
                                                                                                contribute and what are the
                                                                                                benefits of the LEP? It’s in
                                                                                                everyone’s interests to get the
                                                                                                City Region going.”


      TheBusinessDesk.com’s David Parkin                                                          ‘...a key role for the
      “We need something to hang the               spent a lot of money doing it.”                board of the LEP is
      message on. The potential is huge.
      We need to package it and we                 David McNicholas, financial                    to work closely with
      need to sell it.”                            director at Wakefield-based lift
                                                   and safety equipment business                  the private sector’
      There was agreement around the               AFI-Uplift, agreed but said more
      table that clear targets had to be           needed to be done to engage with
      set for the Leeds City Region to be          small businesses.
      successful.                                                                               McLean, who described the Leeds
                                                   “I agree there needs to be a script.         City Region as a “world stage
      Roger Marsh, senior partner in the           We need to be clear on it and sell           economy”, added that a key role for
      Leeds office of PwC, argued that             it. For many SMEs this is going to           the board of the LEP was to work
      under Yorkshire Forward, the                 be a massive engagement job and              closely with the private sector.
      regional development agency that             if you have the script for these small
      has been scrapped, too many goals            businesses it’s what they’re after. If       “The key job (for the LEP) is to
      were set that weren’t achievable.            you can’t explain it in 30 seconds           start pulling all these themes
                                                   you’re in trouble.                           together, selling it and promoting it
      He said: “We ought to be saying the                                                       better - upskilling it more. We also
      economy in the Leeds City Region             “We’re a £36m turnover business              need to get the private sector back
      is going to go from £52bn to £65bn           and it’s about how the LEP will              to investing.”
      or whatever.                                 engage with us. For example we’re
                                                   struggling to recruit young people.”         McLean said he had been
                                                                                                impressed by the “dynamism” of the
                                                   Neil Williams, Yorkshire regional            private sector in the North West and
       ‘If you can set realistic                   director for Santander Corporate             asked if there was the same buy-in
       objectives and a                            Banking called for “output targets”          in the Leeds City Region.
                                                   and “priority sectors” to be set in the
       small number you can                        City Region.                                 “The private sector has been asking
                                                                                                what is the LEP going to do for us?
       achieve them’                               “Let’s take an aggressive agenda             And that’s the wrong question. The
                                                   to government and tell them about            LEPs have been set up in a blaze
                                                   the toolset we need,” Williams said.         of publicity but with no structure.
      “Manchester has a hymn sheet and
      is singing from it. We need to do the
      same to bring together the powers
      of this region. If you can set realistic
      objectives and a small number you
      can achieve them. The Leeds City
      Region has 143 initiatives and that
      is not very prioritised.
      “For example we could say let’s put
      LCR on the BRIC map. That’s pretty
      powerful and better than saying let’s
      build something in Heckmondwike.
      “We should be saying to people
      in London come up and see the
      LCR. And when they do, let’s have
      the script we have been talking
      about. The RDAs tried to do
      everything but did nothing and               Sarah Day - DLA Piper Leeds office Managing Partner



                                                                         In association with:

P17   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
And there’s a level of
      misunderstanding (about the LEP).
      “The right question should be
      ‘what can we do together to
      revitalise the economy?’. It’s
      absolutely a partnership.”
      Marsh said the LEP could
      become “a lubricant” to help the
      City Region achieve its goals when
      they are drawn up.
      “On a national level we need to see
      that Britain is open for business and
      then what needs to happen is for
      this region to come out and say
      these are the kinds of business we              Gerald Jennings - Portfolio Director, Land Securities, Leeds (left), Nikola Dockree
      want to attract here,” he said.                 - Director of property asset manager Ripley Capital (right)

      “If you look at Yorkshire there                 location as an office. I can very much            which are both set to open in 2013.
      are some unique facets; let’s see               see us working together as a region
      them as a core from which to                    and I think we can only benefit.”                 He said: “It’s about harnessing that
      achieve things.”                                                                                  willingness of having a partnership
                                                      She cited the opportunities that wind             and then delivering it because talk
                                                      energy will provide across the City               is cheap. We have a mind-set that
       ‘I can very much see                           Region and called on the media to                 says ‘why not’ rather than ‘why’.”
                                                      be positive about its prospects.
       us working together                                                                              Jeff Pearey, head of the Leeds office
                                                      Nikolaj Dockree, of Yorkshire-based               of commercial property agent Jones
       as a region and I think                        property asset manager Ripley                     Lang LaSalle, said he had helped
                                                      Capital, said the LCR was a “poor                 to produce a ‘top 10 facts’
       we can only benefit’                           cousin” to other areas in terms of                promotional pack about the Leeds
                                                      infrastructure and said this was a                office market and a similar
                                                      vital area for improvement. He also               approach would be welcomed for
      Sarah Day, who has taken over from              said corporation tax rates were                   the City Region.
      McLean as the new managing                      putting busineses off from locating
      partner in the Leeds office of DLA              to the region.
      Piper in Leeds, said that instead of
      competing with Manchester, the                  He said: “Infrastructure needs to                   ‘it’s so important to
      Leeds City Region should take                   be driven by the LEP as Leeds
      advantage of its benefits and Day               hasn’t achieved in this field                       get the key focus
      called on businesses to make more               previously. Someone really needs                    started and the right
      use of its infrastructure benefits,             to drive this forward.”
      such as its airport.
                                                      Gerald Jennings, Land Securities’
                                                                                                          messages for the LCR’
      “We’re a bit behind the game in                 portfolio director who heads the
      terms of this region thinking as a              company’s Leeds office, suggested
      region,” she said. “At DLA Piper,               the City Region should harness the                Pearey said although the office
      local business is important to us               delivery of the Trinity Leeds                     market in the City Region was
      and it’s important we have a local              shopping centre and Leeds Arena,                  largely flat, there had been an
                                                                                                        increase in demand from recruitment
                                                                                                        and training providers, which he
                                                                                                        said was a positive sign for the
                                                                                                        regional economy.
                                                                                                        “I’m delighted about the
                                                                                                        conversation around the table
                                                                                                        because it’s so important to get
                                                                                                        the key focus started and the
                                                                                                        right messages for the LCR.
                                                                                                        Let’s keep developing that script
                                                                                                        as it’s so essential.”
                                                                                                        McLean added: “If you can show
                                                                                                        things are being delivered then
                                                                                                        people will stay enthused. This is a
                                                                                                        20 year project or so at least and
      Neil Williams - Regional Director for Yorkshire, Santander Corporate Banking explains             could potentially have no end.”


                                                                               In association with:

P18   TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Semelhante a May11 leeds city region supplement

Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011
Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011
Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011joregan
 
Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011
Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011
Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011pmitchell6763
 
Naiop Article
Naiop ArticleNaiop Article
Naiop Articlealorius
 
InterTradeIreland - Design Services Sector
InterTradeIreland  - Design Services SectorInterTradeIreland  - Design Services Sector
InterTradeIreland - Design Services SectorChris Gawley
 
Breakout 5: Tools for Implementation
Breakout 5: Tools for ImplementationBreakout 5: Tools for Implementation
Breakout 5: Tools for Implementationgrplanning
 
Powering up business: Five years of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership
Powering up business: Five years of the D2N2 Local Enterprise PartnershipPowering up business: Five years of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership
Powering up business: Five years of the D2N2 Local Enterprise PartnershipD2N2lep
 
MK tees-valley-unlimited-inward
MK tees-valley-unlimited-inwardMK tees-valley-unlimited-inward
MK tees-valley-unlimited-inwardMichael Kendall
 
Hills Business PSI (Performance Sentiment Index) McCrindle 2016
Hills Business PSI (Performance Sentiment Index) McCrindle 2016Hills Business PSI (Performance Sentiment Index) McCrindle 2016
Hills Business PSI (Performance Sentiment Index) McCrindle 2016Mark McCrindle
 
14-10-06 Building future growth FINAL
14-10-06 Building future growth FINAL14-10-06 Building future growth FINAL
14-10-06 Building future growth FINALKully Bargota
 
IPF Newsletter - June 2018
IPF Newsletter - June 2018IPF Newsletter - June 2018
IPF Newsletter - June 2018AndrewBrazier5
 
IPF Newsletter - June 2018
IPF Newsletter - June 2018 IPF Newsletter - June 2018
IPF Newsletter - June 2018 Kirsty Gallagher
 
Latin Infrastructure Quarterly Issue 1
Latin Infrastructure Quarterly Issue 1Latin Infrastructure Quarterly Issue 1
Latin Infrastructure Quarterly Issue 1patricioabal
 
Vacant Land Memorandum to Department of Finance; Proposed Vacant Land Levy fo...
Vacant Land Memorandum to Department of Finance; Proposed Vacant Land Levy fo...Vacant Land Memorandum to Department of Finance; Proposed Vacant Land Levy fo...
Vacant Land Memorandum to Department of Finance; Proposed Vacant Land Levy fo...kieran rose
 

Semelhante a May11 leeds city region supplement (20)

Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011
Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011
Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011
 
Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011
Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011
Davis Langdon Ireland Review 2011
 
Naiop Article
Naiop ArticleNaiop Article
Naiop Article
 
Redict Report
Redict ReportRedict Report
Redict Report
 
InterTradeIreland - Design Services Sector
InterTradeIreland  - Design Services SectorInterTradeIreland  - Design Services Sector
InterTradeIreland - Design Services Sector
 
Breakout 5: Tools for Implementation
Breakout 5: Tools for ImplementationBreakout 5: Tools for Implementation
Breakout 5: Tools for Implementation
 
Powering up business: Five years of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership
Powering up business: Five years of the D2N2 Local Enterprise PartnershipPowering up business: Five years of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership
Powering up business: Five years of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership
 
MK tees-valley-unlimited-inward
MK tees-valley-unlimited-inwardMK tees-valley-unlimited-inward
MK tees-valley-unlimited-inward
 
CTU Renewal Proposal 2011-16
CTU Renewal Proposal 2011-16CTU Renewal Proposal 2011-16
CTU Renewal Proposal 2011-16
 
Hills Business PSI (Performance Sentiment Index) McCrindle 2016
Hills Business PSI (Performance Sentiment Index) McCrindle 2016Hills Business PSI (Performance Sentiment Index) McCrindle 2016
Hills Business PSI (Performance Sentiment Index) McCrindle 2016
 
14-10-06 Building future growth FINAL
14-10-06 Building future growth FINAL14-10-06 Building future growth FINAL
14-10-06 Building future growth FINAL
 
Lloyd's Annual Report 2005
Lloyd's Annual Report 2005Lloyd's Annual Report 2005
Lloyd's Annual Report 2005
 
IPF Newsletter - June 2018
IPF Newsletter - June 2018IPF Newsletter - June 2018
IPF Newsletter - June 2018
 
IPF Newsletter - June 2018
IPF Newsletter - June 2018 IPF Newsletter - June 2018
IPF Newsletter - June 2018
 
Latin Infrastructure Quarterly Issue 1
Latin Infrastructure Quarterly Issue 1Latin Infrastructure Quarterly Issue 1
Latin Infrastructure Quarterly Issue 1
 
St. Lawrence Corridor Annual Report 2020
St. Lawrence Corridor Annual Report 2020St. Lawrence Corridor Annual Report 2020
St. Lawrence Corridor Annual Report 2020
 
Vacant Land Memorandum to Department of Finance; Proposed Vacant Land Levy fo...
Vacant Land Memorandum to Department of Finance; Proposed Vacant Land Levy fo...Vacant Land Memorandum to Department of Finance; Proposed Vacant Land Levy fo...
Vacant Land Memorandum to Department of Finance; Proposed Vacant Land Levy fo...
 
Ocba presentation 11262019
Ocba presentation 11262019Ocba presentation 11262019
Ocba presentation 11262019
 
Rydalmere masterplan
Rydalmere masterplanRydalmere masterplan
Rydalmere masterplan
 
DSLBD SmallBiz Quarterly / 4th Quarter - Fiscal Year 2019
DSLBD SmallBiz Quarterly / 4th Quarter - Fiscal Year 2019DSLBD SmallBiz Quarterly / 4th Quarter - Fiscal Year 2019
DSLBD SmallBiz Quarterly / 4th Quarter - Fiscal Year 2019
 

Último

NewBase 25 March 2024 Energy News issue - 1710 by Khaled Al Awadi_compress...
NewBase  25 March  2024  Energy News issue - 1710 by Khaled Al Awadi_compress...NewBase  25 March  2024  Energy News issue - 1710 by Khaled Al Awadi_compress...
NewBase 25 March 2024 Energy News issue - 1710 by Khaled Al Awadi_compress...Khaled Al Awadi
 
Project Brief & Information Architecture Report
Project Brief & Information Architecture ReportProject Brief & Information Architecture Report
Project Brief & Information Architecture Reportamberjiles31
 
BCE24 | Virtual Brand Ambassadors: Making Brands Personal - John Meulemans
BCE24 | Virtual Brand Ambassadors: Making Brands Personal - John MeulemansBCE24 | Virtual Brand Ambassadors: Making Brands Personal - John Meulemans
BCE24 | Virtual Brand Ambassadors: Making Brands Personal - John MeulemansBBPMedia1
 
Borderless Access - Global Panel book-unlock 2024
Borderless Access - Global Panel book-unlock 2024Borderless Access - Global Panel book-unlock 2024
Borderless Access - Global Panel book-unlock 2024Borderless Access
 
Fabric RFID Wristbands in Ireland for Events and Festivals
Fabric RFID Wristbands in Ireland for Events and FestivalsFabric RFID Wristbands in Ireland for Events and Festivals
Fabric RFID Wristbands in Ireland for Events and FestivalsWristbands Ireland
 
Mihir Menda - Member of Supervisory Board at RMZ
Mihir Menda - Member of Supervisory Board at RMZMihir Menda - Member of Supervisory Board at RMZ
Mihir Menda - Member of Supervisory Board at RMZKanakChauhan5
 
Q2 2024 APCO Geopolitical Radar - The Global Operating Environment for Business
Q2 2024 APCO Geopolitical Radar - The Global Operating Environment for BusinessQ2 2024 APCO Geopolitical Radar - The Global Operating Environment for Business
Q2 2024 APCO Geopolitical Radar - The Global Operating Environment for BusinessAPCO
 
Developing Coaching Skills: Mine, Yours, Ours
Developing Coaching Skills: Mine, Yours, OursDeveloping Coaching Skills: Mine, Yours, Ours
Developing Coaching Skills: Mine, Yours, OursKaiNexus
 
Michael Vidyakin: Introduction to PMO (UA)
Michael Vidyakin: Introduction to PMO (UA)Michael Vidyakin: Introduction to PMO (UA)
Michael Vidyakin: Introduction to PMO (UA)Lviv Startup Club
 
Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn - Expert Planet- 2024
 Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn - Expert Planet-  2024 Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn - Expert Planet-  2024
Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn - Expert Planet- 2024Stephan Koning
 
The Vietnam Believer Newsletter_MARCH 25, 2024_EN_Vol. 003
The Vietnam Believer Newsletter_MARCH 25, 2024_EN_Vol. 003The Vietnam Believer Newsletter_MARCH 25, 2024_EN_Vol. 003
The Vietnam Believer Newsletter_MARCH 25, 2024_EN_Vol. 003believeminhh
 
IIBA® Melbourne - Navigating Business Analysis - Excellence for Career Growth...
IIBA® Melbourne - Navigating Business Analysis - Excellence for Career Growth...IIBA® Melbourne - Navigating Business Analysis - Excellence for Career Growth...
IIBA® Melbourne - Navigating Business Analysis - Excellence for Career Growth...AustraliaChapterIIBA
 
Data skills for Agile Teams- Killing story points
Data skills for Agile Teams- Killing story pointsData skills for Agile Teams- Killing story points
Data skills for Agile Teams- Killing story pointsyasinnathani
 
Graham and Doddsville - Issue 1 - Winter 2006 (1).pdf
Graham and Doddsville - Issue 1 - Winter 2006 (1).pdfGraham and Doddsville - Issue 1 - Winter 2006 (1).pdf
Graham and Doddsville - Issue 1 - Winter 2006 (1).pdfAnhNguyen97152
 
PDT 88 - 4 million seed - Seed - Protecto.pdf
PDT 88 - 4 million seed - Seed - Protecto.pdfPDT 88 - 4 million seed - Seed - Protecto.pdf
PDT 88 - 4 million seed - Seed - Protecto.pdfHajeJanKamps
 
AMAZON SELLER VIRTUAL ASSISTANT PRODUCT RESEARCH .pdf
AMAZON SELLER VIRTUAL ASSISTANT PRODUCT RESEARCH .pdfAMAZON SELLER VIRTUAL ASSISTANT PRODUCT RESEARCH .pdf
AMAZON SELLER VIRTUAL ASSISTANT PRODUCT RESEARCH .pdfJohnCarloValencia4
 
NASA CoCEI Scaling Strategy - November 2023
NASA CoCEI Scaling Strategy - November 2023NASA CoCEI Scaling Strategy - November 2023
NASA CoCEI Scaling Strategy - November 2023Steve Rader
 
Borderless Access - Global B2B Panel book-unlock 2024
Borderless Access - Global B2B Panel book-unlock 2024Borderless Access - Global B2B Panel book-unlock 2024
Borderless Access - Global B2B Panel book-unlock 2024Borderless Access
 
Upgrade Your Banking Experience with Advanced Core Banking Applications
Upgrade Your Banking Experience with Advanced Core Banking ApplicationsUpgrade Your Banking Experience with Advanced Core Banking Applications
Upgrade Your Banking Experience with Advanced Core Banking ApplicationsIntellect Design Arena Ltd
 

Último (20)

NewBase 25 March 2024 Energy News issue - 1710 by Khaled Al Awadi_compress...
NewBase  25 March  2024  Energy News issue - 1710 by Khaled Al Awadi_compress...NewBase  25 March  2024  Energy News issue - 1710 by Khaled Al Awadi_compress...
NewBase 25 March 2024 Energy News issue - 1710 by Khaled Al Awadi_compress...
 
Project Brief & Information Architecture Report
Project Brief & Information Architecture ReportProject Brief & Information Architecture Report
Project Brief & Information Architecture Report
 
WAM Corporate Presentation Mar 25 2024.pdf
WAM Corporate Presentation Mar 25 2024.pdfWAM Corporate Presentation Mar 25 2024.pdf
WAM Corporate Presentation Mar 25 2024.pdf
 
BCE24 | Virtual Brand Ambassadors: Making Brands Personal - John Meulemans
BCE24 | Virtual Brand Ambassadors: Making Brands Personal - John MeulemansBCE24 | Virtual Brand Ambassadors: Making Brands Personal - John Meulemans
BCE24 | Virtual Brand Ambassadors: Making Brands Personal - John Meulemans
 
Borderless Access - Global Panel book-unlock 2024
Borderless Access - Global Panel book-unlock 2024Borderless Access - Global Panel book-unlock 2024
Borderless Access - Global Panel book-unlock 2024
 
Fabric RFID Wristbands in Ireland for Events and Festivals
Fabric RFID Wristbands in Ireland for Events and FestivalsFabric RFID Wristbands in Ireland for Events and Festivals
Fabric RFID Wristbands in Ireland for Events and Festivals
 
Mihir Menda - Member of Supervisory Board at RMZ
Mihir Menda - Member of Supervisory Board at RMZMihir Menda - Member of Supervisory Board at RMZ
Mihir Menda - Member of Supervisory Board at RMZ
 
Q2 2024 APCO Geopolitical Radar - The Global Operating Environment for Business
Q2 2024 APCO Geopolitical Radar - The Global Operating Environment for BusinessQ2 2024 APCO Geopolitical Radar - The Global Operating Environment for Business
Q2 2024 APCO Geopolitical Radar - The Global Operating Environment for Business
 
Developing Coaching Skills: Mine, Yours, Ours
Developing Coaching Skills: Mine, Yours, OursDeveloping Coaching Skills: Mine, Yours, Ours
Developing Coaching Skills: Mine, Yours, Ours
 
Michael Vidyakin: Introduction to PMO (UA)
Michael Vidyakin: Introduction to PMO (UA)Michael Vidyakin: Introduction to PMO (UA)
Michael Vidyakin: Introduction to PMO (UA)
 
Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn - Expert Planet- 2024
 Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn - Expert Planet-  2024 Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn - Expert Planet-  2024
Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn - Expert Planet- 2024
 
The Vietnam Believer Newsletter_MARCH 25, 2024_EN_Vol. 003
The Vietnam Believer Newsletter_MARCH 25, 2024_EN_Vol. 003The Vietnam Believer Newsletter_MARCH 25, 2024_EN_Vol. 003
The Vietnam Believer Newsletter_MARCH 25, 2024_EN_Vol. 003
 
IIBA® Melbourne - Navigating Business Analysis - Excellence for Career Growth...
IIBA® Melbourne - Navigating Business Analysis - Excellence for Career Growth...IIBA® Melbourne - Navigating Business Analysis - Excellence for Career Growth...
IIBA® Melbourne - Navigating Business Analysis - Excellence for Career Growth...
 
Data skills for Agile Teams- Killing story points
Data skills for Agile Teams- Killing story pointsData skills for Agile Teams- Killing story points
Data skills for Agile Teams- Killing story points
 
Graham and Doddsville - Issue 1 - Winter 2006 (1).pdf
Graham and Doddsville - Issue 1 - Winter 2006 (1).pdfGraham and Doddsville - Issue 1 - Winter 2006 (1).pdf
Graham and Doddsville - Issue 1 - Winter 2006 (1).pdf
 
PDT 88 - 4 million seed - Seed - Protecto.pdf
PDT 88 - 4 million seed - Seed - Protecto.pdfPDT 88 - 4 million seed - Seed - Protecto.pdf
PDT 88 - 4 million seed - Seed - Protecto.pdf
 
AMAZON SELLER VIRTUAL ASSISTANT PRODUCT RESEARCH .pdf
AMAZON SELLER VIRTUAL ASSISTANT PRODUCT RESEARCH .pdfAMAZON SELLER VIRTUAL ASSISTANT PRODUCT RESEARCH .pdf
AMAZON SELLER VIRTUAL ASSISTANT PRODUCT RESEARCH .pdf
 
NASA CoCEI Scaling Strategy - November 2023
NASA CoCEI Scaling Strategy - November 2023NASA CoCEI Scaling Strategy - November 2023
NASA CoCEI Scaling Strategy - November 2023
 
Borderless Access - Global B2B Panel book-unlock 2024
Borderless Access - Global B2B Panel book-unlock 2024Borderless Access - Global B2B Panel book-unlock 2024
Borderless Access - Global B2B Panel book-unlock 2024
 
Upgrade Your Banking Experience with Advanced Core Banking Applications
Upgrade Your Banking Experience with Advanced Core Banking ApplicationsUpgrade Your Banking Experience with Advanced Core Banking Applications
Upgrade Your Banking Experience with Advanced Core Banking Applications
 

May11 leeds city region supplement

  • 1. Leeds City Region A Force for Growth In association with:
  • 2. Foreword: Contents Leeds City Foreword: Leeds City Region..................P2 Region Foreword: Sarah Day - Managing Partner Leeds Office, DLA Piper......................... P3 The Leeds City Region stands at a pivotal point. Foreword: Neil Williams - Regional Director It is emerging from a Leeds Corporate Banking Centre, recession that threatened the financial Santander............................................... P4 and professional services that had fuelled growth in the region and City Region Interview put swathes of - David Parkin interviews LEP Chairman development on hold, Neil McLean .........................................P5-7 while the abolition of Ian Briggs - Editor regional development TheBusinessDesk.com agency Yorkshire Growing Optimism on City Region’s Forward and move to local enterprise partnerships has put a new emphasis Economic Future ................................P9-11 on the City Region and, more fundamentally, its business community, to set the area’s own direction. Building for the Future......................P13-15 ‘...critical choices will have to be Round Table - Singing off the made that will dictate how the Leeds Same Hymn Sheet ...........................P16-18 City Region fairs for years to come’ In the next few months, critical choices will have to be made that will dictate how the Leeds City Region fairs for years to come. What sectors can the City TheBusinessDesk.com Region lead the world in? How can it transform the Round Foundry Media Centre, cutting edge research of its universities into major Foundry Street, businesses? Where should scarce public money be spent to have maximum impact? How can the Leeds Leeds LS11 5QP City Region become a brand that stands out in a crowded global marketplace for inward investment? Managing Director: What role will physical regeneration have in the new David Parkin e: david.parkin@thebusinessdesk.com economic landscape? This supplement seeks to kickstart some of those Editor: important conversations. Over the next few pages, Ian Briggs e: ian.briggs@thebusinessdesk.com leading figures from the region offer their views on the future of the City Region and the steps that are needed Deputy Editor: to ensure that we build on the tremendous advances James Reed e: james.reed@thebusinessdesk.com that have been made in the last decade. Both DLA Piper and Santander Corporate Banking are each playing important roles in the growth of the regional economy, making them ideal partners for Business Development Manager: this supplement. Aimee Willow e: aimee.willow@thebusinessdesk.com Despite the slow pace of economic recovery, there are genuine signs of optimism emerging for the economic t: 0113 394 4541 future of the Leeds City Region. Exciting times lie ahead. f: 0113 394 4322 Ian Briggs Editor In association with: P2 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 3. Unified approach attract opportunities The last few years opportunities for the City Region to emerge as a brought challenging national and international contender in other sectors. times for businesses One area is the waste and renewables industry - already, operating in Yorkshire's private sector waste companies are Yorkshire. But where delivering cutting edge technology and services. In addition, there are challenges, there is the potential to position the City Region as a lie opportunities. world-class centre for green energy and low-carbon industries, creating thousands of jobs. The Leeds City Region has emerged from the recession in a strong ‘The Leeds City Region has position, ready to emerged from the recession in a Sarah Day Managing Partner, capitalise on growth strong position’ DLA Piper - Leeds Office prospects and build on solid commercial foundations that have been rocked, but not broken. Technology is also a significant growth market which generates new ideas, enterprises and challenges on a The way we operate as a business community is evolving. constant basis. A focus here will ensure that our region This change is being driven largely by a shift on the grasps and exploits the huge opportunities that the sector, public-private sector axis; a deeper integration of the which includes biotech and biomedical, brings with it. private sector into the public realm is creating a stronger Combined with added strengths in advanced manufacturing and more necessary partnership between the two than and the creative industries, the Leeds City Region is one we've seen historically. of the UK's most diverse economies. We can provide a Successful collaboration here is key to achieving more. world-class offering in a wide range of sectors and Done well, both sectors will work in synergy to fulfil their specialisms and it is crucial that we set our sights on individual needs whilst realizing the goals of the wider international markets to promote these services. region. Thanks to its professional capabilities and the Whilst we remain committed to the local and national presence of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise markets in which we operate, DLA Piper Leeds also sees Partnership (LEP), Leeds is perfectly placed to exploit the opportunities from international markets and so aims to benefits this will bring. get closer to these. We have identified specific foreign Made up of 11 local authorities, the Leeds City Region territories as being key to our growth aspirations and are LEP is the largest outside London. It represents one of the working more closely with our colleagues in Europe, the UK's largest economies - worth £52bn - and is an alliance west coast of the USA, China and Australia. which will encourage future growth and inward investment. Visibility in these markets will reap many benefits. The recently announced co-ordinated approach of the Businesses across the region should be encouraged to three LEPs for York & North Yorkshire, Leeds and Sheffield develop and nurture their links overseas, not only to means that we are now in an even better position to develop fulfil their export and manufacturing objectives, but and compete with other national and international cities in also to encourage inward investment from these the commercial arena. countries in return. This unified approach will undoubtedly attract new This approach will ensure the Leeds City Region achieves opportunities to Yorkshire, helping to shrink the long the recognition it deserves as a thriving and attractive perceived North-South divide and to promote the region place to do business. Actively encouraging innovation and on the international stage. Improved, positive relationships growth and setting its sights on a positioning beyond its will not only encourage business growth, but will work existing local and national capabilities is key - if successful, hand in hand to bring an improved social provision. the region has the potential to become an international A number of sectors and geographies have emerged as centre fit to rival major commercial hubs across the globe. fundamental to our region's prosperity. Leeds is already renowned for the strength of its professional and financial services and encouraging continued growth here should Sarah Day - Managing Partner - Leeds Office, undoubtedly remain a key focus. But there remain significant DLA Piper In association with: P3 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 4. Proud to be committed to Leeds City Region At Santander conditions. But for Santander Corporate Banking, it is Corporate Banking, not all about price. we are committed As a sustainable lender, we focus on getting to know to supporting your business and understanding your potential. By developing better relationships with our customers SMEs - not just we are able to provide sustainable funding solutions by providing the that focus on the long-term viability of a business finance they need rather than short-term volatility. to expand, but Unlocking other finance also through developing true Our Relationship Directors and product specialists are experts in all the sources of finance available to support partnerships business growth. Neil Williams - working with Regional Director - Yorkshire, them to achieve Santander their goals; understanding their challenges and helping ‘We have a strong track record them grow and be more successful. on lending and have made a firm Our Corporate Banking Centre in the centre of Leeds commitment to provide new is an ideal base for our teams to support businesses in the local area and this central location is replicated in finance for SMEs.’ Hull & Sheffield. Our Relationship Directors are experts in helping businesses grow and will use their local market experience to work with you to find the right This includes the government's Enterprise Finance funding solutions for your business. Guarantee Scheme, offering finance to higher-risk We can help you access direct investment, additional businesses, and specialist support for exporters. We’ll sources of finance, and provide solutions to help you advise you whether you qualify, and help you to apply. invest in equipment or pay suppliers more efficiently. Asset finance is also available to help you invest in Most importantly, we work with our customers as new property, plant and equipment, and invoice business partners and aim to give them the long-term, finance, which lets you unlock cash flow from invoices. hands-on local support they need to develop their There are many ways to manage both - we’ll help find business to its full potential. the right ones for you. New lending: a £4bn pledge Reaching your full potential Firstly, we can help businesses access finance. We There is no doubt that Santander Corporate Banking have a strong track record on lending and have made remains committed to the SME market. We pride a firm commitment to provide new finance for SMEs. ourselves on building long term relationships with In 2010, while overall bank lending fell by 20%, our businesses in the region which can only be done by lending to SMEs rose by 26%. This year, we have taking the time to truly understand how your business committed, as part of the government’s ‘Project Merlin’, works, its aims and objectives. to increase lending to SMEs by another 25% and first If your business could benefit from this personal quarter results show we are ahead of target. approach to corporate banking, we’d be delighted to We’re the only bank that has revealed firm targets for speak to you. lending in 2011 and have pledged £6.7bn in new finance, with £4bn of this directed to SMEs. We want to maintain competitive terms for our funding, Neil Williams - Regional Director - Yorkshire in a responsible manner, without unreasonable Leeds Corporate Banking Centre, Santander In association with: P4 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 5. Chairman offers LEP vision Focus can help City Region punch above it’s weight Neil McLean is a man on a mission. David Parkin speaks to the Leeds City Region LEP chairman. IT is early days in the life of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) but its chairman Neil McLean says he is greatly enthused by his new role. There is no room for negativity from McLean, a no-nonsense property lawyer by background, who recently stepped down as the long-serving Leeds office head of DLA Piper, one of the world’s largest law firms. LEP chairman Neil McLean ‘People say that the “If you can start by creating a real suggest he will have to use his LEP will sort environment for growth and bring casting vote anytime soon. everything out - well it investment into the region then even on a small scale you are When it is pointed out that 17 won’t. We need to be making a difference. people makes a big board of a facilitator to help directors, he smiles and points “We have to be sensible here. out that he currently chairs a people work together...’ People say that the LEP will sort larger one. “Leeds City College everything out - well it won’t. We was 20 members on the board need to be a facilitator to help and it is now 22.” Not even a seemingly unwieldy people work together and to make board finely balanced with eight it easy to do business. public sector and eight private ‘...there is a real sector representatives can dampen “We can’t do it for people, we his enthusiasm for a role that gives can support and help and direct hunger to get on and but whether it works or not him a crucial position driving the depends on how the private sector make progress...’ economic recovery across the City Region, a huge area stretching views the opportunities for business from Barnsley in the south to rural in the region. “I was very pleased with the first North Yorkshire. “How easy it is to come here to do board meeting. The attitude of McLean has now chaired two board business, to find a skilled everybody, there is a real hunger meetings of Leeds City Region LEP. workforce? Are we a supportive to get on and make progress While he says he is paid a “nominal” business community? And that is and identify our investment and sum as non-executive chairman, what have to convince people of.” growth strategy. he has effectively been doing The board is made up of eight public the job on an executive basis He is acutely aware that the LEP sector members, eight private sector since he took the role. can help provide the focus to members “and me” says McLean, I point out that his enthusiasm is who adds that the accord at the help the City Region punch above clearly visible. first board meeting does not its weight. In association with: P5 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 6. “The City Region has an economy “We don’t want to make it too worth £52bn and is larger than that complicated but you get some form ‘We want to get people of nine European countries. People of structure.” are surprised at that.” in developing quality Big decisions are needed early on from the LEP, the key one and generating ‘...there are two things being the location of an business rates and we enterprise zone, the Government that need identifying initiative introduced in the Budget can use it to pump first: what local in March. prime development’ authorities can deliver “The enterprise zone is of benefit to the region because the new The Manchester LEP decided last and what the private business rates that are generated month that it was to site its sector can deliver’ can be kept and recirculated within enterprise zone at Manchester the region. Airport. He says there are two things that “We want to get people in “If you look at the Manchester need identifying first: what local developing quality and generating area they have a successful authorities can deliver and what the business rates and we can use it international airport and it is pretty private sector can deliver. to pump prime development. obvious. In Nottingham, with the Boots campus, pharma is a growing “We will have delivery arms through McLean admits that choosing the part of the economy. the public and private sector. location of the EZ as a “difficult job”. “For us it’s a bit difficult, it’s a diverse economy, we don’t have one key business area that gives you that Tackling the scale of the obvious lead. Leeds City Region “Sheffield has steel - but we don’t have one readily identifiable business area. THE breadth and scale of “If you put it in the wrong place the Leeds City Region, and it fails then you are “It makes decision-making more benefiting nobody. difficult,” says McLean, but he has presents both challenges already done plenty of work to and opportunities, “The far reaches of the City Region identify the key sectors that the City according to Neil McLean. will also work with other regions. Region should look to focus on to People should not feel that they provide it with national and On the positive side he says: are on the geographical international investment “Ninety five percent of the working opportunities. outreaches. population live and work in the region. If you can generate growth in the region the wider benefit will ‘Sheffield has steel ‘..everybody can benefit be to the whole region. - but we don’t have within the City Region “It’s very much trying to convince one readily identifiable wherever the pockets people that everybody business area’ of real growth are’ can benefit within the City Region wherever the pockets of real “Everybody is making a lot of noise growth are. “We will work with other LEPs. about the enterprise zone but they I have met the chairs of the are part of a much bigger jigsaw. “You have to accept that LEPs in Yorkshire and I hope to We need to look at other areas investment should go to where where there are maybe ERDF the best return can be because meet the chair of Manchester support and the TIFs.” the best return will service the because there are areas we will whole of the region. work together on.” Tax increment financing (TIF) is a public financing method which is In association with: P6 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 7. used as a subsidy for “Let’s be realistic, some of the redevelopment and community stuff we are talking about is 10, 15, improvement projects and McLean, 20 years ahead.” What lies highly experienced in property and development projects, He says “two to three years would ahead for believes they should be a key area of focus for the LEP. seem sensible” for his tenure. the LEP NEIL McLean is He describes the recent ‘One of the issues realistic when he announcement of the first successful bids for the Regional we are talking about surveys the challenges Growth Fund as “confused and ahead for the LEP. He is a change of says the City Region confusing”. mindset. We have to has been “going along “There did seem to be a bit of a get people thinking nicely” for years but random selection, both in Yorkshire must up its game. and beyond. in different ways’ “It won’t be easy. Leeds has in some ways talked about its “We had hoped that the first round position for years and years decisions and more importantly the McLean says that the early days but has performed explanation of them would be out of the LEP are crucial, to get it economically below that. before the round two process “set up well with clear objectives opened. But there has been very and clear deliverables”. little feedback.” ‘Other cities have When asked what he would like to McLean says that Government made it easier to achieve in his time as chairman, he involvement is “improving”. says: “Not in specific terms, in do business’ “There is a more concerted simplistic terms what you have got approach from Government, they to see is the area working closely clearly want to make it work and “Leeds has done well legally together to deliver economic growth and financially but relied too have to make it work. and employment growth. much on that and not focused on other sectors enough. “We have had a far too fragmented “We have had trams, ‘...what you have got economy and far too fragmented economic districts [haven’t approach in the past.” happened]. Real economic to see is the area progress - can you remember working closely He feels the relatively new team a lot? Not really. at the top of Leeds City Council, together to deliver “We have been going leader, Labour councillor Keith along nicely but we have been economic growth and Wakefield and chief executive telling ourselves that we are Tom Riordan, is a benefit. a great international city. We employment growth’ have to be harshly realistic. “I think it’s a help they are both open “The job is to get public to change. One of the issues we and private sectors working “There is a cross department are talking about is a change of together.” group to talk to to get speedy mindset. We have to get people Part of it has been decisions. They have said they want thinking in different ways. complacency and I don’t think to listen to business and put flesh we have had the dynamic civic “We have got to have some leadership with clear aims on the bones.” radical ideas. I think Tom going into and ambitions that have He says he has not put a time limit the authority, he knows the region, convinced the private sector. on his involvement with the LEP. is well connected, Keith is Other cities have made it supportive of change. easier to do business, that has “My agreement is that we will review put people off. it after a year. We didn’t know “And neither do I have any “I don’t really think we have whether this would work out and concerns about any of the other been hungry for business,” whether I was right for the councils leaders,” he adds quickly, showing he adds starkly. and they are right for me. his skill for diplomacy. In association with: P7 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 8. In association with: P8 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 9. Growing optimism on City Region’s economic future - by James Reed BEFORE the global economic landscape changed three years ago, the Leeds City Region was flying high. Development was widespread, Leeds itself had successfully positioned itself as one of the leading financial centres outside of London, and the local economy was thriving and given an additional boost by a prolonged dose of significant public sector spending. Bridgewater Place has helped boost the image of the Leeds City Region The credit crunch threatened to turn all that upside down. Iconic “But the “We talk about the rebalancing away projects such as the “kissing doom and from financial services but if you towers” went on hold, suddenly gloom of look closely at what is said by out of tune with the rising mood of January Government, they are not talking austerity, and grim predictions 2009, after about downsizing financial services, surfaced that this would be a the autumn they are talking about greater recession that targeted the white and winter of growth in other areas. collar industries. discontent, Howard Kew Chief Executive, didn’t come to A new Government dramatically Financial Leeds pass. Over ‘...we outperformed cutting public spending and the course of committed to ‘rebalancing’ the the financial crisis and immediate the rest of the UK economy away from financial aftermath we outperformed the rest and particularly services posed a further threat. of the UK and particularly outperformed London.” outperformed London’ The reality of the last three years, however, has not been anywhere That gap in performance was the near as grim as the doom difference between losing 17,000 “For all the emphasis on merchants suggested, according to jobs in the regional economy. engineering, manufacturing, low According to Kew, the diversity of carbon - all of which are Howard Kew, chief executive of the financial and professional important - the biggest engine for Financial Leeds. services and a creative approach growth remains financial and taken by firms - cutting hours professional services.” “During the healthy phase of the rather than jobs and seeking new economy in the first eight years of That optimism is echoed by markets - helped the City Region’s the century we saw compound resilience. Sarah Day, new managing partner growth in the sector of around 6 or at DLA Piper’s Leeds office. 7% over that period. Then we hit But with a Government intent on the buffers and I think there was a reducing the economy’s reliance on “What we have seen over the last lot of concern that having achieved financial services, doesn’t that pose 18 months is a lot of corporate above average growth that that a real problem for an area that has activity. In the last five or six could get reversed very quickly. put itself in that space? months we have seen an upturn In association with: P9 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 10. in people going to the debt markets again. “There’s still a Sarah Day nervousness Managing Partner, around. Our DLA Piper litigation and restructuring teams are very busy but there is much more optimism, albeit cautious.” Looking ahead, Day says the Leeds: an example for others of future growth in the UK firm is expecting to see growth in sectors such as waste business in the region as the public know the new local enterprise management and energy as well sector withdraws from direct partnership will be looking at is the as financial services. provision of services. “Where public-private axis and we think there are challenges there are Leeds is very well placed to make She also forecasts opportunities for opportunities and one of things we the most of that.” Historic company looks ‘...we expect to see to the future growth in sectors such as waste For more than 150 years, and upgrading gears in existing management and David Brown Gear wind turbines, the company has Systems has been also started developing its own energy as well as products in the field targeting the adapting its gear expertise growing offshore market. financial services’ to the demands of new technology. ‘Turbines are typically While the creation of local And as the green energy revolution begins to pick up pace enterprise partnerships has put a justified on the it is doing so again with a new new emphasis on local focus on wind turbines. basis that they will economies, Day is keen to see “If you had to characterise what last for 20 years...’ the City Region continue to project the core of our gear making it is itself as part of a much broader that we specialise in supplying area, particularly in the inward It has also worked with the Leeds customers who need an absolute investment context. City Region Local Enterprise assurance against failure. They need to know that once we have Partnership and Kirklees Council installed our gearing it is not to successfully bid for £2m of “If you are looking at inward coming out again,” says Ian Government funding to help investment Leeds is tiny on a Farquhar, managing director for establish a new research and global scale but as soon as you wind energy. innovation centre that will help expand that you have got a very demonstrate the company’s attractive proposition. When you “Turbines are typically justified on expertise to potential clients and the basis that they will last for 20 are trying to compete with China years and yet their gear boxes foster collaborations with academics from the University of they are not going to be looking typically need repairing after six at 1.1m people but they are going to 10 years. But we know that our Huddersfield. gear boxes for other applications to be interested in a wider area “We see this as a new growing might last for 40 to 50 years.” that has great manufacturing, market where we can set new professional services, energy, Initially focusing on overhauling standards,” says Farquhar. expertise and so on.” In association with: P10 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 11. Nicola Spence sees that ability to work across the City Region and beyond in The economic outlook order to appeal to the - an SME perspective wider world as critical to the Companies in the Leeds City Region success of the are working harder each year to local generate the same level of business. economy. But it’s tough out there. Nicola Spence Chief Executive, Science City, York As chief The economy is unlikely to bounce back to pre executive of 2008 levels in the near future so businesses Science City York she is well-placed need to react accordingly. to identify the sectors where the Jonathan Hirst A major impact for business owners is that, Leeds City Region could lead in the Partner, ITogether more than ever, they scrutinise all spend, UK and even the world. She points particularly that which doesn’t directly generate revenue. That puts to healthcare, digital technology and particular pressure on areas like IT. bioscience as just some of the areas where the City Region boasts The challenge for companies like ours is to turn these threats into cutting edge expertise. opportunities. In our case we’ve reshaped the firm to enable businesses to harness the benefits of technology without drawing their attention away from the front line and rebranded from Network Integration to ITogether to better ‘We need more inward explain how we work. investment, to attract It is the regional firms that can ‘...we’ve reshaped businesses that others demonstrate that ability to can cluster around’ change quickly to meet new the firm to enable expectations that will continue businesses to to thrive even in the challenging times ahead. harness the benefits But she argues, important building blocks need to be put in Jonathan Hirst, partner, of technology...’ place if the area is to achieve its ITogether. potential. “We need more inward investment, For Spence, these issues are to attract some major businesses crystalised in the debate about ‘...what are the roads that others can cluster around. the location of the enterprise We have to work much harder at and the other forms of zone earmarked for the City showing business it is easy to come transport we need to Region. and work with us, it is easy to access the knowledge we have. make it easy to do “We need to decide how we are We need to make it as easy as business across the going to make the most of this possible to have the conversations exciting opportunity - not, as that produce ideas that turn into City Region?’ perhaps we might have done in businesses or collaboration. the past, looking at somewhere that’s really not doing very well “We have got eight universities in “We also need to ask what are and needs something . Let’s the Leeds City Region and three the pieces of infrastructure focus our efforts where we can of the top 10 in the UK so we have missing, what are the roads and put an enterprise zone that can to ask why we are not doing as well the other forms of transport we need really accelerate the economy on inward investment as other to make it easy to do business and attract businesses, start-ups parts of the country? across the City Region?” and spinouts.” In association with: P11 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 12. In association with: P12 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 13. Building for the future Property development and Physical regeneration can drive the recovery - by Ian Briggs construction may have been hit hard by the economic downturn but the role of physical regeneration to drive the economy cannot be underestimated. Take a look today around the Leeds City Region’s towns and cities and for many observers the perspectives may appear bleak. At many sites work has stopped, or in some cases never started, as the Bradford’s key regeneration project, the six-acre City Park effects of public sector spending cuts, bank financing restrictions and gallery and centre for creative arts, comes from physical work going a loss of confidence in the sector The Hepworth Wakefield, as well on,” says Jennings. “It’s quite are all too visible. as new space for cafes, bars easy to say what you’re going to and restaurants. do in terms of ambitions, but it’s different to do it. Also in the West Yorkshire city, ‘Cranes can once the £140m Merchant Gate “But when you see something development’s second phase is being constructed it gives reality again be spotted on the underway. to these visions and people do then believe it. The consequence of horizon and scaffolding Developer Hammerson recently this is that when people see announced the submission of is a familiar sight...’ someone else getting on with it new plans for its major 1m sq ft they think ‘perhaps we ought to Eastgate Quarters retail scheme, start doing it’.” and construction work is on But despite national headlines schedule at the 13,500 capacity painting a bleak picture of Leeds Arena. development, there are signs in this ‘...other schemes are Across the region that things are picking up. now coming out of the city, a major Cranes can once again be spotted sign that on the horizon and scaffolding is a confidence is ground as a direct familiar sight at many sites which returning to result of Trinity Leeds’ have sat idle since the peak of the the market is property boom came to a showcased shuddering halt in 2008. at Land Jennings believes other schemes Gerald Jennings Securities’ Work has commenced on one of Portfolio Director - North, are now coming out of the ground Trinity Leeds Bradford’s key regeneration Land Securities as a direct result of Trinity Leeds. development, projects, the six-acre City Park, where work is on schedule for “You’re creating a virtuous circle giving the city a boost as Australian completion in spring 2013. and the circle gets bigger. It really developer Westfield’s proposed does come down to people seeing Broadway development in the city Gerald Jennings, Land Securities’ physical work come on.” centre continues to falter. portfolio director for the North, says the morale-boosting effect of Guy Barlow, head of the Leeds In Wakefield, the £100m Waterfront physical regeneration cannot be office of architects The Manser Wakefield project features a mix underestimated. Practice, also believes that physical of high-quality offices and regeneration can act as a catalyst residential buildings and a £26m “There’s a certain confidence that to help drive economic recovery, In association with: P13 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 14. but only when it is “approached in City Region is the right way”. well placed. Pin factory “It is not a panacea, but it can generate employment in Ripley has tower points acted for a ahead construction in the short term, then number of create jobs in the longer term and investment Tower Works is a help stimulate growth,” he argues. funds which have property steeped in the Tim Field, who leads DLA Piper’s Nikolaj Dockree acquired past but its role today is Leeds property team, sounds a note Ripley Capital property in very much looking to of caution: “It’s very fragile out there; the region and Dockree believes the future. there’s no getting away from that. deals will continue because of the However, we are seeing some uplift Work has commenced to create amount of “high quality kit” available 18,000 sq ft of commercial and signs of activity. We’ve been and the good value they represent. doing some interesting work and space at the historic former banks are looking at doing “The Leeds City Region has offered pin factory, dating from 1864, transactions. rental growth prospects and good in Leeds. opportunities for money coming into The current phase of work at “However, those doing deals have the region as well as secure income Tower Works involves the got to be certain that every streams,” he says. stabilisation of one of the three conceivable angle has been listed chimneys and restoration covered. That fragility is there but a lot of people are trying to work ‘The Leeds City through these issues to get these deals done.” Region has offered Field said active sectors looking for rental growth property are healthcare, energy prospects and good from waste plants and transport and added that he is seeing an upturn opportunities...’ in activity for new developments and also SMEs moving into existing Tower Works: future development premises as business improves. “This all does position the Leeds restoration project for Leeds City Region very well going forward. Nikolaj Dockree, of Ripley Capital, From an occupational point of view and conversion of two listed a Yorkshire-based business which the region is in a good position to buildings with new build works with investors and partners cope. Private sector investment will elements, which will provide on the acquisition and ongoing continue to drive the region.” serviced office accommodation asset management of commercial and community space. property and development sites, Funding for key infrastructure The redevelopment will create says that despite some “inertia” in projects, such as a southern office accommodation to the investment market, the Leeds entrance to Leeds railway station, complement the Round Foundry Media Centre at Holbeck Urban Village. The future of the mixed-use Tower Works scheme had been cast into doubt because of cuts to public sector spending and as a Yorkshire Forward asset the regional development agency has stated it would like the site to be transferred to council control - a move refused by Ministers. However, despite ongoing worries about its future ownership, development work at the historic complex is welcome and is a confident sign that the Leeds City Region is investing in projects that will drive economic growth. Trinity Walk - Wakefield In association with: P14 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 15. have been given the green light and regeneration projects to get started. “There’s huge benefits of these commentators believe schemes towns and cities approaching it in such as this, and transport However, the timetable for the a more collegiate way and they do improvements, can drive physical Government’s planned introduction have to appreciate that Leeds is regeneration and vice-versa. of TIF legislation, which is already the predominant commercial available in Scotland, remains location in the City Region.” Jennings believes a number of uncertain and question marks conditions have to be in place to remain about how it will work. create successful developments. Martin Farrington, director of city ‘...superfast broadband He says: “There’s been a school development at Leeds City Council, of thought that providing a building says: “A new funding mechanism and business rate is the be all and end all. We’ve like TIF is important. The private discounts are located built buildings and thought it’s sector is still risk averse and the been a regenerative force for good banking sector still hasn’t fully in the Leeds City but some high profile structures recovered. The public sector doesn’t have remained empty. have the funds it once could Region...’ generate to make things happen. “The location has to be right; the infrastructure has to be right; there “A mechanism like TIF is an Pearey, who has called for a has to be a supportive planning example of where cash could be ‘Greater Leeds’ brand to be created, regime and a demand for the project brought forward to invest in the adds: “Collaboration is a really big being produced. The key infrastructure challenge.” discussion point because there’s a fundamentals need to still exist.” strong view that we would do better Jeff Pearey, as a region if there was an head of the acceptance that Leeds is the Leeds office heartbeat and everything else within ‘Collaboration is the of property the City Region will grow and watchword for many agent Jones flourish as a consequence of Lang LaSalle, Leeds’s improving economy.” members of the who believes emphasis will Alex Munro, region’s property be put on Jeff Pearey the head of community’ Head of Leeds Office, new property commercial Jones Lang LaSalle development agency because of a development Asked which factors would help recent “stasis” in the market, adds: at Knight the property sector recover and “I think TIF could help to a degree Frank in drive regeneration in the Leeds but I think traditional finance Leeds, said: City Region, Field said there methods will come back. And we’re “There has Alex Munroe would need to be a combination on the eve of them coming back. It Head of Commercial been strong coming together. only needs one or two funds coming Agency Development, leadership back in for it to get going.” Knight Frank from officers These include banks increasing within the local authorities and the lending, the return of consumer Collaboration is the watchword for leaders and we need them to be confidence, the slowdown of many members of the region’s bold and lead from the front.” companies facing restructuring or property community, who want to collapse, a number of National see towns and cities work more Asset Management Agency The Government’s decision for closely together to boost the City properties coming onto the market an enterprise zone, offering Region’s property prospects. following the collapse of the Irish relaxed planning rules, superfast property sector, the creation of an Jennings points across the broadband access and business enterprise zone in the City Region, Pennines to Manchester where a rate discounts, to be located in and the use of Tax Increment the Leeds City Region gives the number of towns have been happy Financing (TIF). potential for a major boost to the to align themselves together to create a powerful brand for potential property sector. How regeneration schemes are to be financed is currently a hot topic property investors. and TIF - through which the Farrington suggests that the Government will lend to councils “There is perhaps a bit more of a Leeds City Region enterprise zone against the promise of increased parochial manner in the Leeds City could generate more benefits if it is revenue from future business Region and independence can be sector specific, potentially focusing rates - is being seen as a vital positive but it doesn’t help the on green sustainable or health way for property and collective,” he says. medical markets. In association with: P15 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 16. Singing off the same Collective voice and achievable hymn sheet aims needed for City Region’s success - by Ian Briggs Attendees: David Parkin - Managing Director, TheBusinessDesk.com Neil Williams - Regional Director for Yorkshire, Santander Corporate Banking Nick Machugh - Relationship Director, Round Table: Wednesday 18th May 2011 Santander Corporate Banking THE Leeds City Region within the City Region to work Sarah Day must establish a “script” more closely together, as, it was - Leeds office Managing that can be backed by Partner, DLA Piper business and set realistic targets if it wants to be ‘There is lots of Neil McLean seen as a leading dynamism but I think - Chairman of the Leeds City economic player across the image from the south Region Local Enterprise the globe. Partnership That was the key message to is anything but that’ emerge from a Round Table Nikolaj Dockree discussion of leading advisers, financiers and business people argued, is the case with Manchester - Director of property asset who debated the future of the and its neighbouring towns. manager Ripley Capital Leeds City Region. The event Neil McLean, chairman of the was held at the Leeds offices of Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Jeff Pearey law firm DLA Piper. Partnership, described the City Region as a “very entrepreneurial - Director and Head of Leeds With the abolition of regional area”, with a strong business office, Jones Lang LaSalle development agency Yorkshire start-up agenda. Forward and the creation of a local However, McLean said more enterprise partnership in the City needed to be done to promote the David McNicholas Region, panellists called on the City Region’s brand and image, both - Financial Director, AFI-Uplift business community to set the in the UK and overseas, to help area’s own direction. attract inward investment, and he Roger Marsh How to make the best of the City called for more focus to be given to Region’s world leading attributes, identifying the “key priorities” to - Senior Partner, PwC achieve this. such as the cutting edge reserach Leeds office coming out of its universities, was “There is lots of dynamism but I discussed, as were sectors including think the image from the south is Gerald Jennings manufacturing and professional and anything but that,” he said. “But what financial services. do people want to know that will - Portfolio Director, attract them here? Could we attract Land Securities, Leeds There was also a collective call a Microsoft, Apple or Sun for the different local authorities Microsystems? In association with: P16 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 17. “Everyone is on the same page about what we need to do. The LEP is the co-ordinator to bring things together. We’ve got a real opportunity. Be it the public or private sector side everyone wants to pull in the right direction. “Customers at present are saying what’s needed of me, can I contribute and what are the benefits of the LEP? It’s in everyone’s interests to get the City Region going.” TheBusinessDesk.com’s David Parkin ‘...a key role for the “We need something to hang the spent a lot of money doing it.” board of the LEP is message on. The potential is huge. We need to package it and we David McNicholas, financial to work closely with need to sell it.” director at Wakefield-based lift and safety equipment business the private sector’ There was agreement around the AFI-Uplift, agreed but said more table that clear targets had to be needed to be done to engage with set for the Leeds City Region to be small businesses. successful. McLean, who described the Leeds “I agree there needs to be a script. City Region as a “world stage Roger Marsh, senior partner in the We need to be clear on it and sell economy”, added that a key role for Leeds office of PwC, argued that it. For many SMEs this is going to the board of the LEP was to work under Yorkshire Forward, the be a massive engagement job and closely with the private sector. regional development agency that if you have the script for these small has been scrapped, too many goals businesses it’s what they’re after. If “The key job (for the LEP) is to were set that weren’t achievable. you can’t explain it in 30 seconds start pulling all these themes you’re in trouble. together, selling it and promoting it He said: “We ought to be saying the better - upskilling it more. We also economy in the Leeds City Region “We’re a £36m turnover business need to get the private sector back is going to go from £52bn to £65bn and it’s about how the LEP will to investing.” or whatever. engage with us. For example we’re struggling to recruit young people.” McLean said he had been impressed by the “dynamism” of the Neil Williams, Yorkshire regional private sector in the North West and ‘If you can set realistic director for Santander Corporate asked if there was the same buy-in objectives and a Banking called for “output targets” in the Leeds City Region. and “priority sectors” to be set in the small number you can City Region. “The private sector has been asking what is the LEP going to do for us? achieve them’ “Let’s take an aggressive agenda And that’s the wrong question. The to government and tell them about LEPs have been set up in a blaze the toolset we need,” Williams said. of publicity but with no structure. “Manchester has a hymn sheet and is singing from it. We need to do the same to bring together the powers of this region. If you can set realistic objectives and a small number you can achieve them. The Leeds City Region has 143 initiatives and that is not very prioritised. “For example we could say let’s put LCR on the BRIC map. That’s pretty powerful and better than saying let’s build something in Heckmondwike. “We should be saying to people in London come up and see the LCR. And when they do, let’s have the script we have been talking about. The RDAs tried to do everything but did nothing and Sarah Day - DLA Piper Leeds office Managing Partner In association with: P17 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011
  • 18. And there’s a level of misunderstanding (about the LEP). “The right question should be ‘what can we do together to revitalise the economy?’. It’s absolutely a partnership.” Marsh said the LEP could become “a lubricant” to help the City Region achieve its goals when they are drawn up. “On a national level we need to see that Britain is open for business and then what needs to happen is for this region to come out and say these are the kinds of business we Gerald Jennings - Portfolio Director, Land Securities, Leeds (left), Nikola Dockree want to attract here,” he said. - Director of property asset manager Ripley Capital (right) “If you look at Yorkshire there location as an office. I can very much which are both set to open in 2013. are some unique facets; let’s see see us working together as a region them as a core from which to and I think we can only benefit.” He said: “It’s about harnessing that achieve things.” willingness of having a partnership She cited the opportunities that wind and then delivering it because talk energy will provide across the City is cheap. We have a mind-set that ‘I can very much see Region and called on the media to says ‘why not’ rather than ‘why’.” be positive about its prospects. us working together Jeff Pearey, head of the Leeds office Nikolaj Dockree, of Yorkshire-based of commercial property agent Jones as a region and I think property asset manager Ripley Lang LaSalle, said he had helped Capital, said the LCR was a “poor to produce a ‘top 10 facts’ we can only benefit’ cousin” to other areas in terms of promotional pack about the Leeds infrastructure and said this was a office market and a similar vital area for improvement. He also approach would be welcomed for Sarah Day, who has taken over from said corporation tax rates were the City Region. McLean as the new managing putting busineses off from locating partner in the Leeds office of DLA to the region. Piper in Leeds, said that instead of competing with Manchester, the He said: “Infrastructure needs to ‘it’s so important to Leeds City Region should take be driven by the LEP as Leeds advantage of its benefits and Day hasn’t achieved in this field get the key focus called on businesses to make more previously. Someone really needs started and the right use of its infrastructure benefits, to drive this forward.” such as its airport. Gerald Jennings, Land Securities’ messages for the LCR’ “We’re a bit behind the game in portfolio director who heads the terms of this region thinking as a company’s Leeds office, suggested region,” she said. “At DLA Piper, the City Region should harness the Pearey said although the office local business is important to us delivery of the Trinity Leeds market in the City Region was and it’s important we have a local shopping centre and Leeds Arena, largely flat, there had been an increase in demand from recruitment and training providers, which he said was a positive sign for the regional economy. “I’m delighted about the conversation around the table because it’s so important to get the key focus started and the right messages for the LCR. Let’s keep developing that script as it’s so essential.” McLean added: “If you can show things are being delivered then people will stay enthused. This is a 20 year project or so at least and Neil Williams - Regional Director for Yorkshire, Santander Corporate Banking explains could potentially have no end.” In association with: P18 TheBusinessDesk.com - Leeds City Region supplement - May 2011