The South West RDA today (Friday 21 May 2010) published headline results from research on the views of the region’s businesses, local authorities and other stakeholders on the future of economic development and the performance of the South West RDA.
71% of businesses agreed that “There are economic development issues that are better addressed between national and local level”
Three quarters of all stakeholders agreed that “There are benefits of scale and integration to be secured through working at a regional level”
87% of businesses agreed that “It is important that the South West can present a coherent and unified voice to Government (and the EU) on economic issues
Commenting on the research, Jane Henderson, South West RDA Chief Executive said: “In looking at new models for economic development, Ministers have said they want evidence of what works and what is popular.
“It is pleasing, therefore, that this survey – carried out over the last three months – indicates a widespread view across local authorities and the business community that the South West RDA is well regarded and continues to improve its performance.
“Whatever the future holds, and whether there are RDAs or not, those same businesses and local authorities are also confirming there remains an important role for economic development at this ‘intermediate’ level; that is, large enough to bring shared interests together but small enough to really know the patch and understand what makes the South West different.
“The main challenge for all of us, right now, is to back the best way of supporting a private sector recovery within the inevitable context of a smaller public purse.”
These survey findings are echoed by a range of comments from business partners across the region on the role and performance of the South West RDA:
Viv Rayner, the South West Area Policy Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), believes many of the functions the RDA delivers have a vital role to play in helping the region’s businesses return to growth.
“The achievements of the past ten years across the South West have shown that there is a real need for a regional structure to aid economic development,” said Ms Rayner. “Many parts of the South West are relatively isolated, and in the past that’s meant that we tended to get left out of the big investments because their wider benefits weren’t clear. Having a regional voice over the past decade has done wonders in making sure our needs are addressed at national level and someone is prepared to fight our corner. The proof of that is in the variety of RDA-supported projects such as the Wave Hub in Cornwall and the Bristol and Bath science park. They needed the clout of the RDA to get them off the ground.
Patrick Kearon, Director of Public Affairs, Bristol Port, said: ”We interact regularly with government and regulatory agencies. Much of the machinery of government can appear to be designed to impede progress and competitiveness. The starting point is seldom ‘how can we help you achieve this objective which will improve the nation’s transport infrastructure and stimulate the national and regional economy?’ “The one consistent exception has been the South West Regional Development Agency; they start with “how can we help” and then go on to provide assistance. That said, we have neither sought, nor received, RDA funding. It is simply refreshing to have an arm of government which is not putting barriers in the way.”
Ian Granville, Financial Director, Pendennis Shipyards, said: “In 2004 the RDA supported an application for SFI funding for the refurbishment and covering of the dry dock and construction of new offices at our Falmouth site.
“Although the work involved to obtain financial assistance for the project was extensive at no time was the feedback from the RDA negative. It was always supportive and their staff and advisers took the time to understand the project fully before investing public money. Indeed, on their recommendation the project was split into two manageable phases to ensure the company did not overstretch itself was with hindsight the correct advice. Today, six years later, Pendennis has a permanent staff of around 280.”
Jim French CBE, Chairman/CEO of Flybe, writing to the Secretary of State in August 2009, said: “I believe that Flybe, working with South West regional public sector organisations, is a shining example of successful joint working between public and private enterprise, in delivering the Government’s skills agenda in the West Country.
“I am delighted to advise you that construction of the Flybe Training Academy, in Exeter, is due to start in October this year…We have already gained RDA support alongside a substantial RDA investment. This is a good example of the private and public sector working together, on a project that will benefit the region as a whole.
“You will not be aware, that on a previous project the RDA was very supportive in our development of new aircraft maintenance facilities at Exeter in 2006…this facility has now grown to being one of the largest Maintenance Repair Overhaul hangars for regional aviation in Europe…This development has created a large number of additional engineering jobs in the South West…”
Dick Penny, Managing Director of Watershed Media Centre, Bristol, said: “Watershed’s role as a leading creative economy network hub is underpinned by the relationship with the South West RDA. The trust and understanding which has built up enables Watershed to promote creative risk in the new markets emerging through the convergence of creative content and technology. The capability to develop world class innovation through the Pervasive Media Studio has been enabled through the long term investment relationship and is creating the conditions for Bristol to become a world leader in creative technology.”
Robin Gallimore, Chair of South West Science and Industry Council, said:
“The South West RDA has consistently prioritised the enablement of regional economic growth from innovation and technology. It has, through its SW Science and Industry Council, established a Technology Strategy framework for the region, which takes into account innovation-led companies operating in global markets, skills and capabilities in the region and the world class excellence and research capabilities offered by our regional Universities and Further Education Institutes.
“The RDA is tenacious in encouraging start-up and SME participation in programs such as a Grant for R&D, TSB competitions, framework programmes etc., especially in relation to new technologies.”
