7/18 ANNUAL 201 REPORT - teesvalley-ca.gov.uk · goal is to drive economic growth and realise the enormous potential for our region. The Combined Authority's Strategic Economic Plan,

ANNUAL REPORT20

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2 Annual Report 2017/18 | Tees Valley Combined Authority Tees Valley Combined Authority | Annual Report 2017/18 3

As Chair of the Tees Valley Combined Authority, my goal is to drive economic growth and realise the enormous potential for our region. The Combined Authority's Strategic Economic Plan, which is our

local industrial strategy, aims to deliver 25,000 new jobs and 23,000 new homes between 2016 and 2026. It is at the heart of our plans to transform Tees Valley into a thriving and prosperous place to invest, work, live and visit.

Tees Valley continues to play a significant role in the development of the Northern Powerhouse economy, and the election of a Mayor in May 2017 means that we are now one of only eight parts of the country to have a Metro Mayor. This puts us at the top table with big city regions such as Manchester, Liverpool and the West Midlands – and helps us to continue to punch above our weight. With devolved powers on key issues such as employment and skills, transport, culture, planning and investment we now get to decide how we deal with the matters that are important to us – and I will continue to make the case for Tees Valley to the decision-makers in Whitehall to ensure we get the best for our region.

I am committed to delivering Government’s Industrial Strategy, as I plan to create an economy that boosts productivity and earning power in Tees Valley, demonstrates clear growth and improves consumer and business confidence. There are fantastic opportunities and a growing optimism and buzz around the region.

Not only do we have the biggest development opportunity in the UK with the Mayoral Development Corporation at South Tees, these are also exciting times for our culture and tourism, transport and education sectors.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many groups, committees and panels as, without all of their hard work and commitment, none of this would be possible – a full listing of these can be found on the inside back page.

Big things are happening in Tees Valley and this report demonstrates how ambitious plans can turn into reality when Government, Local Authorities and the private sector work together towards a common goal. It shows how we are building a stronger economy and making things better for Tees Valley businesses and residents.

Tees Valley Combined Authority was created in April 2016 with the aim of driving economic growth and increasing investment and job creation in the area. It is a partnership of the five local authorities — Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees — working closely with the local business community and partners to make local decisions that support the growth of our economy.

Tees Valley is at the forefront of northern economic growth and a flagship for successful devolution. Tees Valley Combined Authority has big ambitions for our area, and our Strategic Economic Plan aims to create 25,000 new jobs and deliver an additional £2.8billion into the Tees Valley economy by 2026. The plan sets out the main priorities of the Combined Authority and the Local Enterprise Partnership, and outlines how we will drive investment and opportunity in the area.

Together with the Local Enterprise Partnership, we ensure that locally led decision-making serves our businesses and residents. We are working to improve transport links that will better connect residents and businesses; housing, to ensure we provide affordable, quality homes that meet the needs of a growing Tees Valley; skills and education, to make sure everyone has the same opportunities to access work; and tourism and culture, so that we can all have an area we are proud to call home and that others want to visit.

Tees Valley’s Local Authorities and Local Enterprise Partnership agreed legislation with Government to create an election for the area’s first mayor. The election of Ben Houchen in May 2017 was a significant milestone for the Tees Valley where powers previously held by Whitehall, on such matters as transport, planning, investment, skills, homes and communities and culture, were transferred to the area.

Foreword

“A fantastic example of public-private sector partnership - the strongest and most ambitious in the country.”

In 2017-18 we have:

■ Invested a total of £51million on programmes, projects, grant schemes and development funding

■ Supported the creation of 4,000 new jobs through making or attracting investment into the region

In 2018-19 we plan to:

■ Invest at least £104million as we continue to prioritise attracting inward investment and jobs to the region

■ Continue to work collaboratively with our partners to improve the quality of life of residents

■ Continue to talk up Tees Valley and the many benefits of working, living, visiting and investing in our fantastic region

Paul Drechsler, President of the Confederation of British Industry and Chancellor of Teesside University

Left to right: Cllr Bill Dixon, Leader of Darlington Borough Council; Dave Budd, Mayor of Middlesbrough; Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor; Cllr Sue Jeffrey, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council; Cllr Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council; Cllr Christopher Akers-Belcher, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council

INTRODUCTION

"The Local Enterprise Partnership is fully integrated into the Combined Authority. We are working to deliver the objectives of our Strategic Economic Plan, driving economic growth, creating jobs and promoting opportunities for the people and businesses of the Tees Valley."

PAUL BOOTH CHAIR OF TEES VALLEY LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

Ben Houchen Tees Valley Mayor

Ben Houchen (above), Tees Valley Mayor and Chair of Tees Valley Combined Authority


The Tees Valley Mayor and the Combined Authority are committed to creating the high growth, high wage, low welfare economy that the area needs and, as such, we have invested in projects on infrastructure, housing, culture and tourism, transport, innovation, and energy and business that will see us achieve our goals. These are just some of the major highlights since May 2017.

Business Growth

■ £5.2million of direct grant support for capital investment provided to business, which will create and safeguard 700 jobs

■ A pipeline of new private sector investment of more than £3.5billion, with the potential to create and safeguard more than 9,700 jobs

■ £13million of additional funding secured to help Tees Valley’s small and medium-sized companies to grow

For more information on Business Growth in the area see page 10

Culture and Tourism

■ Launched Tees Valley's first destination marketing service for seven years with Enjoy Tees Valley

For more information on our Culture and Tourism projects see page 14

Transport

■ Secured an additional £67million for investment in our transport infrastructure

For more information on transport projects see page 16

Investment

■ Made £23million of firm commitments to a number of projects that will deliver more than 1,000 jobs, including Salters Lane/Ingenium Parc Infrastructure and Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park

■ Committed £7million to develop strategic projects such as Darlington Station, Feethams Grade A Office Accommodation, Hartlepool Waterfront, Kirkleatham Estate Redevelopment, Boho Next Generation and Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park

■ Worked with Teesside Pension Fund to secure £200million investment to support local projects

■ Accelerated delivery of the existing investment commitments. Currently forecast to spend 100% more on projects than in the last financial year

For more information on some of our major investment projects see page 8

Innovation and Energy

■ Through the Teesside Collective, Energy Minister Claire Perry recognised Tees Valley as the leading area for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage

■ Led the development of a £40million flagship district heating scheme to deliver energy savings to public sector businesses in Middlesbrough

For more information on Innovation and Energy projects see page 22

South Tees Development Corporation

■ Launched the South Tees Development Corporation, the single biggest development opportunity in the UK, securing £123million for the site and the Corporation

For more information see page 26

Education, Employment and Skills

■ Launched a new Education, Employment and Skills Strategy, Inspiring our Future, to ensure everyone has the same opportunities to access work

■ New apprenticeship grant to support SMEs to take on apprentices

■ Launched TeesValleyCareers.com, a new £3million careers service that will engage more than 1,000 businesses with over 100,000 young people

■ £7.5million for a new Routes to Work scheme to help 2,500 long-term unemployed back to work

For more information on our Education, Employment and Skills plans see page 20

The Year in HighlightsTheresa May MP, Prime Minister; Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; Jake Berry MP, Northern Powerhouse Minister and South Tees Development Corporation Board Members at their offices in Redcar


With a Mayoral Combined Authority and a fully integrated Local Enterprise Partnership, Tees Valley now has a stronger and more co-ordinated voice. We use this to promote our area to investors, as well as communicate our challenges and opportunities to Government. We are, more than ever, talking up our priorities and strengths to secure high-level recognition for our achievements.

Some high-profile guests have visited the region to see our work:

■ Prime Minister Theresa May officially launched the South Tees Development Corporation in August 2017. On her visit to the region she noted that the new Corporation will be a crucial part of Tees Valley’s economic growth and regeneration

■ Former Brexit Secretary David Davis chose Tees Valley to deliver his landmark EU transition speech in January 2018, during which he discussed the implications of Brexit for Tees Valley. Following this, Mayor Houchen gave evidence at the Government's Inquiry into Brexit and Local Government, setting out the unique set of challenges and opportunities Brexit presents for the region

■ In February 2018, Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry visited Tees Valley to reaffirm Government’s commitment to clean growth. On a tour of the South Tees Development Corporation, she stated that she had seen exciting opportunities to regenerate the area and bring skilled jobs and clean growth to the region

■ In March 2018, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen accompanied International Trade Secretary Liam Fox and Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry on a Northern Powerhouse visit to Hong Kong. During the visit, Mayor Houchen met high-profile Hong Kong investors to deliver the message that Tees Valley is “open for business” and provide details of investment opportunities at the South Tees Development Corporation

■ The Adult Education Budget: Devolved funds of £30.5million which will be managed and delivered in Tees Valley from 2019

■ The Great Place programme, which aims to develop the cultural capacity of the region and has launched a £1.5million investment programme

We are at the forefront of devolution and one of only seven Mayoral Combined Authorities in the country and, as such, Tees Valley has been able to set new national and local policy agendas. These are key to delivering our economic growth ambitions. Notable successes in influencing the national debate and getting more services delivered locally include:

Talking up Tees Valley

We speak with one strong voice for Tees Valley to represent the needs and interests of the businesses and communities in our region. There has been extensive engagement to ensure that our priorities and key messages reflect that of our people, which enable us to take the right approach for investment and delivery:

■ Working with Local Authorities and stakeholders we have developed a new Tees Valley narrative to deliver on soundbites and messaging for the key themes; invest, work, live and visit

■ Launched in March, Enjoy Tees Valley is a new destination marketing service which was delivered with strong support from the Local Authorities

■ A new SME advisory group was established in 2017 to ensure that the needs and experiences of small businesses are heard

■ More than 850 businesses attended our annual Business Summit in 2017 which helped influence our priorities and approach for the year ahead

■ Businesses informed the development of Sector Action Plans for our priority sectors, and Sector Champions have been identified to drive activity forward

■ We have consulted widely on the development of two new strategies: the Tees Valley Strategic Transport Plan and Inspiring our Future – the Education, Employment & Skills Strategy for Tees Valley

■ Mayor Houchen has continued to lobby the Department for Exiting the European Union on vital Tees Valley issues, meeting Ministers from the department in London and former Brexit Secretary David Davis in York, alongside other northern mayors

■ In May 2018, the Tees Valley Mayor embarked upon the first ever international trade mission. The mission visited businesses in Japan, Thailand and South Korea to highlight investment opportunities in the Tees Valley

Cllr Bill Dixon at Darlington Station for the national launch of the Transport for the North Strategic Plan

Mayor Dave Budd during the launch of the new destination marketing service, Enjoy Tees Valley

■ Launched the South Tees Development Corporation, the single biggest development opportunity in the UK, securing £123million for the site and the corporation

Tees Valley and Free Zone Status

In January 2017, a letter from the Tees Valley Mayor, including 50 local signatories from public and private sectors, was addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, seeking Treasury’s engagement to explore the merits of establishing Free Zone status at Teesport after Brexit. The letter has been met with support from Government, which is also keen to understand the potential benefits of a Free Zone to Tees Valley. A Free Zone provides exemptions from taxes and duties, meaning goods can be imported, manufactured and then re-exported within the Free Zone without incurring UK customs duties. It can only occur outside of a customs union.

Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park


Investing in Tees Valley

Tees Valley Combined Authority continues to work collaboratively with partners to develop investment proposals, in line with our Investment Plan, that will deliver our Strategic Economic Plan.

April 2017 Cabinet formally agreed the first Investment Plan, running from 2016/17-2020/21, with a total investment fund of £464million.

May 2017 Combined Authority received the first round of proposals for 31 investment projects across Tees Valley with a total funding requirement of £139million.

June 2017 The proposal to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation on the South Tees industrial site was formally approved by the new Tees Valley Mayor and unanimously by Cabinet. The only Mayoral Development Corporation outside of Greater London,

the South Tees Development Corporation has significant powers to promote economic regeneration.

July 2017 Combined Authority committed £6million of investment to support the development of a range of projects. Work also started on construction of a new bridge at Middlehaven in Middlesbrough.

August 2017 Combined Authority secured the largest ‘Routes to Work’ pilot scheme in the country with £6million committed from the Department for Work and Pensions, alongside £1.5million from the Combined Authority.

The scheme will provide a wrap-around service to create a joined-up approach to help those furthest away from the labour market into work.

September 2017 Combined Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Teesside Pension Fund to work together on investment proposals and make available up to 5% of its funds to support projects that promote economic development in Tees Valley.

October 2017 The 25-year master plan for the South Tees Development Corporation was launched. It aims to convert assets in

the South Tees area into industrial opportunities for business investment. Once fully developed the vision will create 20,000 jobs and add £1billion per annum to the local economy.

November 2017 Cabinet approved a £3.9million Combined Authority investment into Ingenium Parc Infrastructure at Darlington. This is on a shared risk and reward basis with return through future sales of the development plots. It will unlock 11.5ha of employment land and will directly address the challenge of providing industrial sites and premises for business growth.

The Autumn Budget statement announced £59million of further investment into Tees Valley as part of the new Transforming Cities Fund, with a key focus on improving public and sustainable transport.

December 2017 Cabinet approved a £7.65million investment in the Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park in Middlesbrough to remediate and develop the Enterprise Zone site. This will be fully repaid through the rate receipts and is part of a joint investment with Middlesbrough Council of a total investment of £22.46million. It will deliver 180,000ft² of advanced

manufacturing space which can host around 385 direct skilled jobs.

January 2018 Work started on the Innovation & Skills Quarter in Hartlepool, an £8.2million project, with £5.5million of Combined Authority investment. It will deliver 1,608sqm of high quality, affordable studio and workspace for up to 88 start-up businesses and deliver a range of streetscape and connectivity improvements to connect the Innovation & Skills Quarter to Northern School of Art and the Waterfront. The project aims to encourage the growth of a creative industries cluster.

February 2018 Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry formally launched construction of the new Teesside University National Horizons Centre on Central Park Enterprise Zone site in Darlington. The £17.5million investment from the Combined Authority will drive growth in the bioscience industries.

Cabinet also approved an investment of £3.23million to deliver top-quality office accommodation at Feethams in Darlington Town Centre. This is on a shared risk and reward basis with a potential return from rental income.

These are the highlights for the past year from April 2017 – March 2018

March 2018 Over the year, the Combined Authority has secured £200million from central Government funding sources and Cabinet has committed £146million to specific investment projects. The Combined Authority has significantly accelerated delivery of the investment programme delivering around £51million this year.


Supporting Business Growth in Tees Valley

Advanced Manufacturing Chemicals & Process Logistics Health & Biologics Digital & Creative Business & Pro Services Culture & Leisure

Case Study FUJIFILM Diosynth Technologies is a world-leading contract development and manufacturing organisation in the biopharmaceutical industry. The company specialises in helping with the development and production of biologic, vaccine and advanced healthcare therapies. With headquarters at Belasis Business Park in Billingham, Fujifilm has recently opened a £7million state-of-the-art biotech facility at Wilton, Redcar. The 10,000ft² cell culture Process Development Laboratory demonstrates the strength of the UK’s life sciences sector and represents the continued confidence international-scale companies have investing in Tees Valley. The expansion was assisted with grant support to secure the investment from the company’s Japanese parent company and will create new, sustainable high-tech jobs in the region.

The Strategic Economic Plan, along with Government's Industrial Strategy, has established an ambition for Tees Valley to create 25,000 net additional jobs and £2.8billion of additional Gross Value Added by 2026.

The plan called for detailed sector action plans to identify specific activities needed in seven priority sectors to enable delivery of our targets and support business growth. Our key sectors for growth are:

Private sector businesses are crucial to our economy and, as such, we aim to ensure that all businesses get the support that they need to set up, grow and succeed.

■ More than 1,000 businesses have engaged with Business Compass this year, with 672 companies electing to receive intensive face-to-face support

■ £5.2million of direct grant support for capital investment provided to businesses which will create and safeguard 700 jobs

■ More than £32million of private sector capital investment supported

■ A pipeline of new private sector investment of more than £3.5billion, with the potential to create and safeguard more than 9,700 jobs

■ £13million of additional funding secured to help Tees Valley’s small and medium-sized companies to grow

■ A new service will be launched, in partnership with Teesside University and Virgin Money, to support high-growth businesses

Tees Valley Business Compass, the growth hub for Tees Valley, was launched in July 2014 to provide a highly visible central point for companies to access business support across Tees Valley. The Business Compass brand is now used for publically funded local support services including Business Compass Start-Up.

In 2017 the Combined Authority secured just under £13million of additional funding to increase delivery capacity of this service. This also provides a grant funding programme which supports companies in accessing external business support to unlock growth, utilising enhanced broadband, accessing specialist innovation support and assisting with capital investment in energy efficiency measures.

The Combined Authority has been working with Teesside University and Virgin Money to design a service to support the region’s high-growth businesses, with a specific element focused on digital companies. This will be piloted in 2018.


March 2018 Stockton-on-Tees

Dutch multinational transport and lifting firm Mammoet have moved into a new £7million, six-acre plant in Thornaby. The workforce includes the 140 employees who currently work in the firm’s old Billingham site and 36 additional Leeds staff.

April 2017Darlington

Mobile phone operator and Darlington’s largest private employer EE announced plans to take on 150 staff, adding to the firm’s existing workforce of more than 2,000 in the town.

May 2017 Redcar & Cleveland

Redcar-based car parts manufacturer ElringKlinger (GB) started work on a £12million-a-year deal making heat shield and gasket components for Jaguar Land Rover. The project followed a recent announcement that the firm plans to double the size of the company in five years, including proposals to take on 30 staff and modernise tool store and materials storage facilities.

August 2017Middlesbrough

QA Weld Tech, the Middlesbrough-based engineering firm, announced that it had secured a rigorous world-leading quality standard. It will allow the company to remain at the forefront of the industry and means a significant investment in staff training.

September 2017 Redcar & Cleveland

Redcar-based energy storage system manufacturer CRESS Systems secured a £400,000 equity investment from Mercia Fund Managers, part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). In addition to enabling product production, the investment will provide additional employment opportunities at a new Darlington premises.

June 2017Stockton-on-Tees

Wilton Engineering secured an £11million contract to work on the Hornsea Project One offshore windfarm, having been backed by a performance bond loan from the Tees Valley Catalyst Fund managed by FW Capital. The firm is planning for 60 new jobs by summer 2018.

July 2017Stockton-on-Tees

Quorn revealed a £150million ten-year expansion plan. The move will create and support around 300 jobs at its Billingham factory.

"Big businesses continue to invest money and resources here. It is a huge vote of confidence for the area and drives home the message that Tees Valley is open for business and ripe for major investment."

October 2017 Darlington

Care provider HC-One announced the creation of 130 jobs at its Darlington support office following its purchase of 122 BUPA care homes.

November 2017 Middlesbrough

MB Distribution, a family-run supplier to the home improvement industry, created 25 new jobs after receiving £247,000 from the SSI Task Force Tees Valley Capital Grant. The firm added to its team following the completion of its £2million premises in Middlesbrough.

December 2017 Hartlepool

EDF Energy’s Hartlepool Power Station announced a two-month planned shutdown of one of its nuclear reactors. The £60million project meant a doubling of its existing workforce of 750 during the duration of the work.

January 2018 Hartlepool

Hartlepool’s CFB Risk Management secured a multimillion-pound contract to protect the £2.9billion Sirius Minerals Mine project in North Yorkshire.

February 2018 Middlesbrough

The Combined Authority has invested £250,000 into the development of a £30million indoor snow centre in Middlesbrough. Work is set to start on the venue in autumn 2018. The venue is expected to attract more than two million visitors per year and could create around 350 jobs.

Business Highlights

CLLR SUE JEFFREY PORTFOLIO LEAD FOR INVESTMENT & BUSINESS GROWTH

"Our Culture and Tourism sector is a key part of our plans to create a better Tees Valley. Not only does this sphere bring jobs and investment to the area, it also makes the region a better place for visitors and residents."


City of Culture 2025 We are working together with the five Local Authorities to put together our bid to be named the 2025 City of Culture.

We will engage with the public in schools, the workplace and out and about around Tees Valley to reach as many people and businesses as possible to get behind our bid. The ideas, skills and support of our businesses and residents will play a critical role in both the bidding process and a successful outcome. We are actively encouraging as many people and organisations as possible to participate in the bid.

The economic benefits of a City of Culture designation are significant. Early analysis indicates that Hull, the current City of Culture title holder, has seen an extra £11million to £17million injected into the local economy.

Enjoy Tees Valley Enjoy Tees Valley was launched in March 2018 and is the first destination marketing service in years. Made up of a destination brand, website and service, it aims to boost the Tees Valley visitor economy and help tourists and residents experience the best the region has to offer.

Tees Valley attracts as many day visitors as Newcastle and Gateshead, but doesn’t attract the overnight stays and national profile. Enjoy Tees Valley is working to address this. It is attempting to attract more than 20million people to the region and add £1billion per year to the local economy by 2021. This could create around 3,000 jobs.

The website brings together many attractions, accommodation, cultural venues, exhibitions and events from across Tees Valley. Local Authority areas, business owners and event managers have the opportunity to maintain their own product records and to add relevant events into the platform.

Enjoying Tees Valley Hartlepool Waterfront With Hartlepool Borough Council, we are working to develop the town’s Waterfront as a landmark destination with a mix of civic, cultural and leisure uses, including events and visitor attractions. We have committed £680,000 towards developing a multimillion-pound Hartlepool Waterfront Master Plan, pictured above, which will build upon the opportunities provided by the National Museum of the Royal Navy, with the creation of an on-water activity centre and event space to accommodate the 2018 Waterfront Festival.

MAYOR DAVE BUDD PORTFOLIO LEAD FOR CULTURE & TOURISM Railway Heritage

It is nearly 200 years since the first passenger train travelled from Stockton to Darlington and, in December 2017, Heritage Action Zone status was awarded to the Stockton and Darlington Railway by Historic England. This will support research and conservation of the rail assets as part of a larger development project. The project’s three main strands are:

■ To preserve the 26-mile track bed from Witton to Darlington to Stockton and create a heritage and nature walking and cycling route

■ To create a major attraction, with an outstanding centre from which to tell the story of the railway, including Locomotion No.1, pictured right

■ To create an exceptional 200th anniversary celebration event in 2025. A Festival Development Organisation has just been appointed to scope initial plans and contract trains

Great Place programme - Greater TeesThe Greater Tees Project was established following £1.35million of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Arts Council and Historic England. A further commitment from the five Local Authorities and Combined Authority brought the total to £1.5million. This will fund community and creative industry activity, inspired by the 19th-Century settlement movement, with ten diverse community-based projects over three years. Activities include:

■ Artists' training programmes. Led by ARC Stockton

■ A community carnival programme, led by Stockton International Riverside Festival/ Stockton Borough Council

■ Engagement programmes focused on young people and riverside communities, led by Tees Valley Arts

■ Family, early years and schools drama and storytelling, led by Theatre Hullabaloo

CLLR BILL DIXON PORTFOLIO LEAD FOR TRANSPORT


The six themes are:

■ National Rail

■ Major Roads

■ Connecting Centres

■ Supporting Economic Growth

■ Local Journeys

■ Protecting and Enhancing the Local Environment

■ £59million funding secured from Government for the Transforming Cities Fund to deliver transport schemes across the region

■ The expansion of the PD Ports container handling capabilities, resulting in an increase in the throughput of containers

■ Redcar Bulk Terminal gaining additional rail and sea traffic, securing it as a key freight handling asset in the UK

■ The delivery of a number of walking and cycling schemes through the Local Growth Fund Sustainable Access to Employment Programme, providing healthier travel alternatives, reducing congestion and the impact of transport on the environment, and improving access for those without alternative travel options

■ £2million funding secured for A171 Swans Corner to Flatts Lane highways improvements, reducing congestion for existing traffic and providing capacity for future housing growth

■ £3.37million funding secured for Darlington Growth and Enterprise Zone Connectivity, improving the Tees Valley Key Route Network from the A66 to Central Park Enterprise Zone to help unlock growth sites

There have been many improvements made to our transport and infrastructure over the past year. Here are some of the highlights:

■ £2.95million funding secured for the A66/A171 Cargo Fleet Roundabout improvement scheme, introducing a pedestrian/cycle crossing plus a through-about to improve capacity

■ Funding secured for the delivery of Middlehaven Dock Bridge to open up and improve accessibility into and across the Middlehaven regeneration development site. This will enable brownfield land sites to be developed

■ Funding secured for the delivery of improved access to South Tees Development Corporation land

■ £2million funding secured towards the delivery of a £4.5million Middlesbrough Station master plan, a series of major improvements at the station to allow more efficient use by existing and planned future local and long-distance rail services

■ £3million funding committed to progress the case for the regeneration of Darlington railway station and take the proposals from a plan to a fully developed design case for submission to Government

Tees Valley Combined Authority has developed a draft Strategic Transport Plan in partnership with the five Local Authorities. It has strong links to our Strategic Economic Plan and our Investment Plan. The draft proposals address issues such as the area’s strategy for cycling, walking, bus, rail and road networks and has a vision for the future of transport in Tees Valley:

"To provide a high-quality, quick, affordable, reliable and safe transport network for people and freight to move within, to and from Tees Valley."

At the heart of the strategy are six closely linked themes for transport, including what the challenges are and how we are planning to make improvements to them.

A framework document underwent a period of consultation during early 2017. This received generally positive support but highlighted a number of areas where the strategy would need further strengthening.

Consultation will begin on the draft Strategic Transport Plan in autumn 2018. Informed by these findings, the final Strategic Transport Plan will be published before the end of 2018.

TEES VALLEY PROGRESS

"A first-class infrastructure and transport network is key to economic growth. By continuing to improve transport links we better enable the movement of people and freight across the north of England, allowing greater access to jobs and services, thereby increasing capacity for housing and economic growth."

Connecting Tees Valley


1. Increase the pace at which we build new homes: We must build 25% more homes each year compared to the past ten years, taking the average rate from around 1,700 to 2,300 homes pa. Actions:

■ Working with Homes England, we have identified opportunities to increase the supply of affordable homes. This will be delivered through a joint housing delivery plan, with a focus on around 80 identified sites

■ We have also successfully secured £12.8million through the Housing Infrastructure Fund to allow us to unlock sites and accelerate the delivery of homes

2. Diversify the nature of supply: Across Tees Valley almost 40% of people rent and almost one in ten homes are built for sale. We need to ensure that there is access and choice across the housing market, making good-quality homes, whether to rent or buy, within the reach of everyone. Actions:

■ Through the joint housing delivery plan we have identified significant opportunities to increase the development of good-quality affordable homes to rent or buy

■ The findings of a study into a garden village development in Tees Valley, recognised as delivering sustainable communities, are also being considered by Local Authorities

To meet these ambitions, we have identified six areas of priority for change, and the actions we are taking.

Living in Tees Valley 3. Rebalance the location of supply: Tees Valley is a relatively affordable place to live but this impacts on financial viability of homebuilding. Costs in Tees Valley are equal to other locations but the end values of any development are lower. The financial return on sites such as less viable brownfield areas does not justify investment, leaving many potential sites undeveloped. Actions:

■ We have established a Land Commission. Chaired by the Mayor, and with representation from Councillors from each of the five Local Authorities and Homes England, it has a direct remit to identify and unlock the more difficult brownfield and publicly owned land for development

■ We have also joined the Cabinet Office and Local Government Association-led One Public Estate, which offers support and funding to councils to deliver property-focused programmes. More than £750,000 in funding is supporting a variety of projects across the Tees Valley

4. Expand the source of supply: Currently fewer than 12 companies build more than 70% of England’s homes. SME builders have seen their share of the market drop to just 12%. We need to ensure a diverse supply of homes, encouraging SMEs to build a wide range of homes. Actions:

■ A review of access to finance for SME developers has been undertaken with actions identified to help assist the growth of SME homebuilding activity across Tees Valley

■ We have also opened a dialogue with institutional investors and developers in the private build-to-rent housing market to establish the opportunities to stimulate investment and development activity across Tees Valley

5. Improving the quality of supply: We still have areas of poor-quality homes, where investment needs to be matched by community intervention to tackle the long-standing challenges of social exclusion, poor public health outcomes and deprivation. Actions:

■ Working with the Northern Housing Consortium, the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University and Registered Providers, we are examining the scale of the issue, its impact, solutions from elsewhere and what our options are for intervention and investment

■ We have been engaging with community-led housing organisations, groups and charities to explore how we may work collectively, with a joint strategy and action plan in development

6. Innovation in the method of supply: Accelerating housebuilding and revitalising existing stock cannot be delivered without increased workforce capacity. Construction skills capacity is already identified as a national issue. Actions:

■ We have conducted research with the Construction Industry Training Board that will evaluate the skills availability and future requirements in Tees Valley. Working with key partners, including employers and training providers, we will establish a plan of action to address the identified skills gaps

■ We are working with the Ministry of Building Innovation and Education (MOBIE), led by architect George Clarke, to secure an innovative approach to the development of modular house building in Tees Valley. Comprising of opportunities for education, research and development, manufacture and build, Teesside University has established innovative undergraduate and postgraduate courses with MOBIE, the first of their kind in the UK

"Providing the right number of homes, of the right types and in the right places is essential to grow Tees Valley’s economy and become a successful area where people, businesses and wellbeing thrives and prospers."

CLLR BOB COOK PORTFOLIO LEAD FOR HOUSING & REGENERATION


"For our future success, it is essential to raise educational attainment, skills levels and aspirations. This will attract new businesses to Tees Valley and increase the quantity and quality of jobs, opening up access and allowing local people to realise their full potential."

Education, Employment & Skills

Routes to Work The Combined Authority secured £7.5million for our innovative Routes to Work initiative. This offers a new multi-agency approach to removing barriers to work for people facing the most complex social, personal and economic issues. Key workers will mentor individuals for holistic and tailored support and we will ensure direct access to multi-agency services at community hubs such as Hartlepool's Enterprise Centre, pictured.

CLLR CHRISTOPHER AKERS-BELCHER PORTFOLIO LEAD FOR EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT & SKILLS

Inspiring our Future In April 2018 we launched the Education, Employment and Skills Strategy, Inspiring our Future, a three-year plan to build the skills needed for a modern economy. Developed with our partners, stakeholders and individuals, the strategy takes a whole system, all-ages approach to address key challenges. Six priorities for action are:

■ Supporting education collaboration and innovation

■ Developing a skills system for business growth

■ Addressing long-term unemployment

■ Transforming careers and enterprise education

■ Challenging and supporting businesses as an integral element to achieving success

■ Enhancing the Higher Education role in driving economic growth

Apprenticeship Grant for Employers In 2016 the Combined Authority received devolved funding for one year of £1.5million to support employers that created new apprentice opportunities. More than 1,000 grants were approved between August 2016 and July 2017. A new grant for employers, linked to priority sectors, was launched in August 2017 from our Investment Fund, and a full evaluation of apprenticeship support is under way to inform future actions.

Key Achievements

■ £6million was secured from the Department for Work and Pensions to support more than 2,500 long-term unemployed people who face multiple barriers to securing work

■ In September we hosted the annual schools skills event, attended by more than 2,000 year 9-13 pupils. It allowed young people to engage with employers, talk to employees about their experiences and speak to training providers for information on skill routeways

■ The Combined Authority hosted the annual Big Bang Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics event at Teesside University to raise awareness of STEM-related careers, with 3,000 children attending

The high level aims will be to:

■ Support 1,000 businesses to engage with schools

■ Establish the Education Collaboration and Innovation Fund

■ Assist 2,500 long-term unemployed people to gain work

■ Increase the number of adults qualified to Level 2 to 80%

■ Increase the number of secondary schools achieving Ofsted Good and Outstanding in line with national average

■ Engage every school and college in our careers initiative, TeesValleyCareers.com

■ Begin delivery of the strategy in the next 12 months

Adult Education Budget We are working closely with the Department for Education to prepare for devolution of the £30.5million Adult Education Budget. Intensive work will continue to ensure we are prepared and ready for this. We will be working closely with skills providers in the coming months to ensure the new skills offer for adults addresses current business skills gaps and prepares for new demands.


Innovation and Energy

"Building a greener economy is a top priority for Government and Tees Valley is looking to establish itself at the forefront of a sector that offers a huge amount of potential."

Hydrogen Tees Valley produces more than half of the UK’s hydrogen. This is stored in caverns, transported across Tees Valley via 17km of pipes and supplied to the rest of the country. By removing CO2 from hydrogen production via a CCUS network we can cost-effectively be the main supplier of low-carbon fuel to the UK. This can be used to power cars, buses, trucks and trains, in place of natural gas to heat our homes, and by industry to create new products. We have agreed a pilot of the UK’s first hydrogen train with Northern Rail and Network Rail, and submitted a bid to be the UK’s hydrogen capital.

District heating The Combined Authority has led the development of a Middlesbrough District Energy Network. This £40million scheme will deliver energy savings to businesses and public-sector buildings in Middlesbrough and, when developed, could reduce residents’ energy costs. Seen as a flagship scheme by Government, it will provide financial benefits to business, returns to investors and significant carbon savings by utilising waste industrial heat generated in the region.

We have a financially advantageous business case and will procure a company to build and operate the scheme, which could see pipes in the ground in the next two years.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Through the Teesside Collective, Energy Minister Claire Perry recognised Tees Valley as the UK's leading area for industrial Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage could significantly decarbonise industry by capturing carbon, normally released into the atmosphere via chimney flues, and transporting and storing it permanently in rocks under the North Sea.

We have shown this project would be an extremely cost-effective way to decarbonise the UK economy and convinced the European Union to adopt the project as a strategic European project, creating the possibility for millions of pounds of funding. The ambition is for Tees Valley to have the UK’s first CCUS network operating by the mid-2020s, helping decarbonise industry while using the strategic infrastructure to attract new carbon-intensive companies. The carbon which has been collected could then create innovative products.

Northern Powerhouse Chemicals and Process Sector Innovation Audit (SIA) In partnership with Durham University, Tees Valley Combined Authority is leading the delivery of a Northern Powerhouse Chemicals and Process Sector Innovation Audit.

The aim of the audit is to assess the chemical and processing sector innovation ecosystem across the Northern Powerhouse, focusing on the economic corridor between Tees Valley, Humberside and the North West Cluster around Liverpool which, between them, contribute £32billion of GVA (2013) and support 520,000 jobs.

The audit will be delivered through a core project delivery group led by the Combined Authority, along with representatives from Durham and Teesside Universities, North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC), Chemicals North West, Humber Chemical Focus, and Yorkshire Chemical Focus.

The audit will identify networks, skills, capabilities and facilities needed for continued global competitiveness, actions the consortium can take and establish where investment is needed.

MAYOR DAVE BUDD PORTFOLIO LEAD FOR INNOVATION


Rugby League World Cup 2021 Bid Could Bring Up To £8Million Boost to Tees Valley

APRIL 2018

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS OF TEES VALLEY

£7.5Million Routes to Work Scheme Launched

AUGUST 2017

Tees Valley Secures £182Million in Autumn Budget

NOVEMBER 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May Launches the South Tees Development Corporation

AUGUST 2017

South Tees Development Corporation Master Plan Unveiled

OCTOBER 2017

Launch of Research Facility Backed By £17.5Million Combined Authority Funding

FEBRUARY 2018

The Election of the Tees Valley Mayor

MAY 2017

Tees Valley Mayor Begins Far East Trade Mission

MAY 2018

Enjoy Tees Valley: New Destination Tourism Service Launched

MARCH 2018

Education, Employment and Skills Strategy Launched

APRIL 2018

JANUARY 2018

These are some of the highlights over the past year that have attracted the positive news we want for our area:

Tees Valley has long struggled to attract national media attention, and the coverage that has been generated in recent years has often reinforced negative stereotypes of the area. To enable to us to attract major national and international investment and interest it’s vital that we turn around these perceptions and show the world what Tees Valley has to offer.

JULY 2017

Ambitious Plans to Transform Road Network launched

JULY 2017

Multimodal ■ NEC Birmingham ■ Largest freight, transport, logistics and supply chain exhibition in the UK

■ Led a delegation of seven companies

■ 300 exhibitors, 10,000 visitors

JEC World Composites ■ Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre

■ Leading trade show for the composite industry

■ 1,300 exhibitors, 40,000 visitors

Offshore Europe

■ AECC Aberdeen ■ UK’s largest offshore event for the Oil & Gas industry


Outsourcing Summit & Expo

■ London Excel ■ One of the leading events for sourcing and professional services


Advanced Engineering

■ NEC Birmingham ■ Largest event for engineering supply chain professionals


Tees Valley Business Summit

■ Teesside University ■ Largest networking event in Tees Valley

■ More than 100 exhibitors and over 850 delegates attended

MIPIM London

■ Olympia London ■ UK’s largest property event

■ 3,000 delegates

MIPIM Cannes ■ Palais des Festivals et Congrès

■ One of the world’s leading property events

■ 24,000 delegates

OVER THE PAST YEAR WE HAVE ATTENDED SEVEN EVENTS WITH 140K VISITORS IN ATTENDANCE

Tees Valley Boosts Apprenticeships Through New Scheme

AUGUST 2017

Mayor Wins Business Backing for Free Zone Pilot Project as David Davis Delivers Keynote Brexit Speech in the Region

Local Pension Fund to Invest £200Million to Boost the Tees Valley Economy

Tees Valley In The Running To Become Logistics Hub To Heathrow

DECEMBER 2017Bold Proposal For Darlington Station


GOVERNMENT SUPPORT:

The South Tees Development Corporation has a strong alignment with Government’s Industrial Strategy and has significant levels of support and backing from Government.

■ Officially launched by Prime Minister Theresa May in August 2017

■ £123million secured from Government for keep safe activity and remediation works

■ Devolved powers from Government on infrastructure, financial incentives, regeneration and land acquisition

SECURING THE FUTURE OF THE SITE

In May 2018 discussions were hosted at the British Embassy in Thailand between a delegation from the South Tees Development Corporation and the three Thai banks; Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, The Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited and TISCO Bank Public Company Limited. The delegation was led by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, Chair of the Development Corporation, and supported by Vice Chairs Cllr Sue Jeffrey and Steve Gibson, board member and LEP Chair Paul Booth, and Jonathan Bretherton, CEO of the Corporation.

An agreement in principle has now been reached subject to contract approval for the transfer of SSI assets and land to the South Tees Development Corporation. A final agreement will need to be agreed with the official receiver and the board of the three Thai banks. Subject to contract, this will be completed later this year.

SOUTH TEES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The South Tees Development Corporation is the first Mayoral Development Corporation outside of Greater London. Chaired by the Tees Valley Mayor, it is the single biggest development opportunity in the UK today.

It is a 4,500-acre area south of the River Tees in the heart of Tees Valley’s Industrial Zone and incorporates the site of the former SSI steelworks. Linked to national and international markets through river and port access, strategic road and rail networks and an international airport, it provides an international-level opportunity for large-scale business investment and job creation.

It was created by Government in shadow form in February 2016 in response to the SSI Steelworks closure and subsequently launched in August 2017 by the Prime Minister.

Already the site is creating jobs and attracting investment. MGT is constructing a £650million power station and Sirius Minerals has purchased the Bran Sands site, which will be home to its harbour facilities and a conveyor system.

It is attracting significant global interest and has generated more than 100 serious enquires, with a potential first-phase investment pipeline of over £10billion.

Jonathan Bretherton (left), CEO of the South Tees Development Corporation, and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, Chair of the Development Corporation

The delegation from the South Tees Development Corporation with representatives from the three Thai banks during their meeting

THE VISION

■ To create 20,000 new jobs in Tees Valley

■ To realise a world-class industrial business park that will ensure sustained economic growth for Tees Valley

■ To contribute an additional £1billion per annum into the Tees Valley economy

■ To use powers transferred from Whitehall to transform the area into a global industrial hotspot


WHAT’S NEXT – LOOKING AHEAD TO 2018/2019

As we look to follow up on the successes of the past year we have already set out and defined some of our strategic activities for 2018/2019. We will continue to deliver the main objectives of our Strategic Economic Plan, to create 25,000 new jobs and drive an extra £2.8billion into the Tees Valley economy and deliver the Tees Valley Investment Plan.

Here are a list of key priorities for the year ahead by sector, which will help us deliver these objectives:

BUSINESS

■ Increase targeted marketing promoting Tees Valley’s key sectors to new investors

■ Support the South Tees Development Corporation in securing new investment in line with the master plan to create a world-class industrial park

■ In collaboration with Teesside University, launch a pilot programme to support existing businesses with high growth potential

■ Increase the take-up of business support for SMEs through Tees Valley Business Compass

■ Work with existing private sector pipeline enquiries to maximise capital investment and new job creation in Tees Valley

■ New Mayor’s Challenge Fund to inspire innovation and change

TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE

■ Progress our case for funding of Darlington Station 2025 master plan, a proposal for new platforms and buildings at the station to allow more long-distance and local rail services to stop at Darlington

■ Develop the case for Northallerton-Middlesbrough gauge enhancement, to support the ongoing development of Teesport

■ Develop the case for Tees Valley’s bid to be a Heathrow Logistics Hub

■ Launch a business case for a new Tees Crossing to address current issues with journey times and delays and unlock access to new housing sites and employment opportunities

■ Develop a business case for improved East-West links along the A66 corridor to provide a consistent standard of route to Teesport and the South Tees Development Corporation

PROMOTE GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN THE TEES VALLEY

■ Develop a robust identity for Tees Valley as a brand which represents the region

■ Deliver multi-channel campaigns and activities to promote Tees Valley and the benefits of living, working and investing in the region

■ Support the development of a new team of ambassadors to promote Tees Valley inside and outside the region

■ Launch new digital channels, including websites and an online image and information portal about Tees Valley

■ Support inward investment marketing, including through trade missions, exhibitions and conferences

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, INNOVATION & ENERGY

■ Select a company to design, build, operate and maintain the Middlesbrough District Energy Network

■ Secure funds to build Tees Valley’s first hydrogen refuelling point for cars, buses, vans, and bin lorries

■ Publish a business case for the UK’s first hydrogen train to operate in Tees Valley

■ Secure Tees Valley as the location for the UK’s national hydrogen innovation and demonstration centre

■ Progress our work towards Tees Valley having the UK’s first CCUS network operating by the mid-2020s


WHAT’S NEXT – LOOKING AHEAD TO 2018/2019

EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT & SKILLS

■ Work with businesses and schools to launch a new careers programme

■ Support schools to raise performance of pupils by funding collaboration and innovation projects

■ Prepare for the devolution of the Adult Education Budget

■ Deliver the Routes to Work programme

■ Work with Government departments to maximise the opportunity for further devolution

HOMES AND COMMUNITIES

■ Develop a Joint Housing Delivery Plan with Homes England to unlock housing sites, accelerate development and increase the number of affordable homes

■ Secure a housing deal with Government to provide additional resources and powers, to include a ring-fenced approach to national funding programmes

■ Take forward garden village proposals to ensure a sustainable approach to housing growth

■ Evaluate the issues and opportunities in addressing low demand, poor quality housing in deprived areas

■ Increase construction skills and build sector capacity to enable accelerated house building

CULTURE AND TOURISM

■ Develop the ‘Big Conversation’ with our communities, gathering people’s thoughts and ideas on the heritage, identity and culture of Tees Valley in preparation for our City of Culture bid

■ Develop our Great Place – Greater Tees project with partners across Tees Valley

■ Progress heritage capital investment projects to delivery stage; invest in the inspiring narratives and interpretation of Tees Valley history and the roles our region has played in influencing the world through maritime, military, steel, railway and iron ore

■ Establish Enjoy Tees Valley, the destination brand and website, building destination profile to attract national and international visitors and boost the visitor economy

■ Attract many more sporting and cultural events to Tees Valley and develop our offerings, beginning with the bid for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 and City Games


Financial Report 2017-2018

In the past year significant progress has been made towards delivering our investment plan. The chart below represents the current position of projects within our investment programme. It includes all investment where the Combined Authority can make local decisions on where they wish to invest, to realise the Strategic Economic vision for the area and the best value for money for our residents.

Complete, £6.3m, 5%

In Delivery, £72.1m, 58%

In Due Diligence, £38.1m, 30%

In Development, £8.5m, 7%

Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement for the year ended 31 March 2018

£000s £000s £000s

Expenditure Income Net

Business Growth 3,130 (1,541) 1,589

Research Development Innovation & Energy 3,937 (67) 3,870

Education Employment & Skills 6,382 (1,216) 5,166

Culture 685 (474) 211

Transport 23,338 (19,361) 3,977

Enabling Infrastructure 10,706 (3,593) 7,113

Project Development 1,006 (1,176) (170)

Core Running Costs 4,492 (5,583) (1,091)

Concessionary Fares 16,628 (16,628) -

SSI Related Schemes Not in the Investment Plan 5,152 50 5,202

Not Directly Attributable to Themes 1,411 (9,898) (8,487)

Cost Of Services 76,867 (59,487) 17,380

Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure:

Net interest on the net defined benefit liability/asset 176 (136) 40

Interest receivable and similar income (462) (462)

Taxation and Non-Specific Grant Income:

Non-ringfenced government grants - - -

Capital grants and contributions - (27,989) (27,989)

(Surplus) or Deficit on Provision of Services 77,043 (88,074) (11,031)

Re-measurements of the defined benefit liability (48)

Other (gains) and losses -

Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure (48)

Total Comprehensive Income and Expenditure (11,079)


Financial Report 2017-2018

We would like to thank all the committees and groups who work with Tees Valley Combined Authority to deliver our objectives. These include:

■ Audit and Governance Committee ■ Overview and Scrutiny Committee ■ Transport Committee ■ Local Enterprise Partnership Board ■ And the other panels, officer and advisory groups

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2018 The Balance Sheet shows the value as at the Balance Sheet date of the assets and liabilities recognised by the Group. The net assets of the Group (assets less liabilities) are matched by the reserves held by the Group. Reserves are reported in two categories. The first category of reserves are usable reserves, i.e. those reserves that the Group may use to provide services, subject to the need to maintain a prudent level of reserves and any statutory limitations on their use. The second category of reserves are those that the Group is not able to use to provide services.This category of reserves includes reserves that hold unrealised gains and losses and reserves that hold timing differences shown in the Movement in Reserves Statement line “Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations”.

Group TVCA TVCA & Group

31 March 2018 £000s

31 March 2018 £000s

31 March 2017 £000s

Non-current assetsLong Term Debtors 6,448 6,448 5,013 Total non-current assets 6,448 6,448 5,013 Current assetsShort term investments 65,000 65,000 50,056 Debtors 10 5,060 5,282 5,966 Cash and Cash Equivalents 11 30,074 26,000 28,002 Total current assets 100,134 96,282 84,024 Current liabilitiesCash and Cash Equivalents 11 (2,648) (2,648)Short Term Creditors 12 (5,378) (5,375) (1,897)Total current liabilities (8,026) (8,023) (1,897)Long term liabilitiesLong Term Creditors - - Other Long Term Liabilities 13 & 20 (2,051) (2,051) (1,714)Total long term liabilities (2,051) (2,051) (1,714)

Net Assets: 96,505 92,656 85,426

Reserves Usable reserves:

General Fund Balance 1 1,033 961 668 Earmarked General Fund Reserves 6 50,313 47,458 46,078 Capital Grants Unapplied 47,432 46,507 40,570

98,778 94,926 87,316 Unusable Reserves:

Pensions Reserve 13 & 20 (2,051) (2,051) (1,714)Accumulated Absences Account 5 (222) (219) (176)

(2,273) (2,270) (1,890)Total Reserves: 96,505 92,656 85,426

www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk [email protected]

@TeesValleyCA

Documents

7/18 ANNUAL 201 REPORT - teesvalley-ca.gov.uk · goal is to drive economic growth and realise the enormous potential for our region. The Combined Authority's Strategic Economic Plan,