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Coast to Capital Newsletter - September 2020

Economy and skills plans set out at virtual AGM

We recently held our virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Plus X Brighton in partnership with Platf9rm, with over 200 guests attending the interactive event from home.
Guests heard that our ambition is to build back stronger, smarter and greener. To build back stronger, we will support Crawley with a plan to grow and evolve the UK's most COVID-19 impacted town into a more economically diverse and dynamic place. To build back smarter, we will build upon the knowledge and innovation community which already exists in Brighton. To build back greener, we will draw on the talented workforce and local business specialisms, to lead a green recovery across the whole region.
The full AGM is available to watch on our YouTube Channel with subtitles available. 

Our ask to Government

To strengthen our aim to be a strong and effective partner to the Government in building our recovery we recently wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to introduce our plan alongside a copy of our build back stronger, smarter, greener presentation. Over the coming weeks and months we will be working closely with our public, private and third sector partners to further raise awareness and set about delivery of key asks. 

Coast to Capital Chair - A new direction

Our newly appointed Chair, Julie Kapsalis, sets out her goal to achieve sustainable and diverse growth for the local economy in a recent interview. 
"I'd like to place an even greater focus on social mobility and a really strong commitment to equality and diversity. It's a huge privilege to be chair of Coast to Capital and I want to thank our outgoing chair Tim Wates for his outstanding leadership. I remain committed to ensuring the sustainable economic recovery of our region and to driving forwards our vision to build back stronger, smarter and greener - working with our partners to make a difference to people and places and ensuring that our region is a fantastic place to live, grow and succeed."
Read the full interview here

Skills Strategy and Action Plan

Our new 'Skills Strategy and Action Plan' sets out the skills strategy to support the recovery and future resilience of the people, businesses and places in the local economy. It has been produced by the Skills 360 Board, the Skills Advisory Panel for our area and is the result of significant research, analysis, engagement and consultation. We have also carried out a Skills and Labour Market Impact Assessment to gain valuable intelligence on how COVID-19 has impacted on the labour market, the availability of jobs and the skills needs in the Coast to Capital area. Watch this space for future updates including a formal launch event in the winter. 

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Provisional funding award for hydrogen engine development facility

The potential for hydrogen-fuelled engines as an alternative clean technology where batteries are not suitable, is gaining momentum with vehicle manufacturers across mainland Europe and the UK. Unlike current fossil fuels, hydrogen combustion does not generate any tailpipe CO2. To enable the development a planned new hydrogen engine development facility, Ricardo applied for funding from our new Getting Building Fund. Subject to the formal award of funding, the project will provide a hydrogen generation, storage and transmission infrastructure designed to supply pressurised gas to an enhanced engine development test facility which can be used for research and development tests on hydrogen-fuelled engines and powertrains.

Business Recovery Grants paused

Due to the unprecedented level of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for funding we have received we will be pausing our Business Recovery Grants scheme on Friday 9 October. 

  • If you would like to apply for a grant, please submit an EOI before the deadline.
  • Once you have submitted an EOI, our team will process this as soon as possible
  • If successful, you will be invited to complete a full application. We will continue to process existing EOIs and also full applications beyond the deadline.

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Joint working to regenerate Caterham Valley town centre

We are pleased to support Tandridge District Council with an ambitious project to help regenerate Caterham Valley's town centre, supporting local businesses and economic growth in the area, to create a sustainable place for residents and local businesses. The Council will receive £4.9 million in Local Growth Funding for investment in projects that benefit local areas and economies. This funding is in addition to the £225,000 previously awarded to the Council. Both sets of funding will help the Council transform Quadrant House in Caterham Valley town centre, helping generate growth in the area.

Case Study: Lorama Foods

Our Growth Hub recently published a case study showcasing support provided to Lorama Foods. 
Rachel Lavelle, director of Lorama Foods said:

"There's no way we'd be as far along today as we are without the Coast to Capital Growth Hub. I wouldn't have had time to even think about where else I could go. The Growth Hub found me and took me under their wing, helping and guiding me to so many different sources of information."

Read the full case study here

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