Issue - meetings

Alwen Williams (Portfolio Director) to present the report.

1.     To note the Annual Report for 2023/24.

2.     To approve the submission of the Annual Report 2023/24 to the Welsh Government and UK Government as well as the local authorities' scrutiny committees.

The report was presented by the Portfolio Director with support from Ambition North Wales officers.

RESOLVED

Noted and accepted:

1.     To note the Annual Report for 2023/24.

2.     To approve the submission of the Annual Report for 2023/24 to the Welsh Government and UK Government, as well as the local authorities' scrutiny committees.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

⁠Quarterly and annual reporting on progress against the North Wales Growth Deal is one of the requirements of the Final Growth Deal Agreement. Following consideration from the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, the reports would be shared with the Welsh Government, UK Government and the local authorities' scrutiny committees.

DISCUSSION

It was explained that the report provided an overview of the Growth Deal and the progress that had been made when fulfilling projects, expressing thanks to the Ambition North Wales officers for their quality work throughout the year.

The Members were guided through the Report's main points, drawing specific attention to:

·       2023/24 Highlights - It was acknowledged that challenges had prevented Outline and Full Business Cases from being approved during the first half of the year and the officers were thanked for their work to ensure that those business cases developed in a timely manner to be considered later in the year. Additionally, it was confirmed that they were working on alternative projects such as the Hydrogen Sponsor challenge and they had managed to introduce five new projects to join the Growth Deal. It was emphasised that many Outline Business Cases, such as the Tourism Talent Network and Former North Wales Hospital, and Full Business Cases, such as the Deeside Anaerobic Digestion Work had been approved by the Board during the second half of the year. It was elaborated that the Former North Wales Hospital Full Business Plan had now been approved by the Board.

·       Digital Signals Processing Centre (DSP) - It was confirmed that this was the first project to reach the aim of fulfilment and that 2023/24 was its second year doing so. They were proud that the project had led to creating 13 jobs and had produced an additional GVA of £1.275m. It was elaborated that the project had now secured additional funding of £1.5m. It was noted that the project continued to collaborate with 18 partners and that 53 people had attended the skills and training sessions during the year.

·       Enterprise Engineering & Optics Centre - Pride was expressed that the work of building the centre had commenced since February 2024 and that the work continued to develop ahead of schedule. They were reminded that the centre was an innovative building to develop business cooperation and develop skills in optics, photonics and composites, as light alternative choices for manufacturing. It was also noted that the development would integrate hydrogen as an alternative fuel source, contributing to sustainable practices in industry by reducing the carbon emissions of regional companies. It was emphasised that a key part of the project was attracting investment to north Wales and creating local employment, emphasising that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7