Nottingham event demonstrates authorities' commitment to growth
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Delegates from local authorities, higher education, construction and property were able to learn about the capital investment plans of local authorities and the potential opportunities that they may bring at an event held at Nottingham Council House.
The event was co-hosted by Built Environment Networking Limited, which deals with networking events for professionals in the property and construction sectors, and Scape, a local authority-controlled organisation which specialises in design, procurement and consultation for public sector construction programmes.
Held at the city’s Council House, speakers from five local authorities – Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council, Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council – all discussed their investment plans for the future.
The event was attended by more than 100 delegates from local authorities, higher education, construction and property. Following the presentations, delegates were able to ask a panel of local authority representatives questions about the capital and investment plans within their local authority in the next 2-3 years.
Alan Coole, development director at Scape, was one of the speakers at the event.
Alan explained that Scape is currently managing the re procurement process of the empa (East Midlands Property Alliance) regional frameworks. Empa is a body of East Midlands local authorities whose collaborative procurement arrangements enable them to obtain greater savings while delivering the same excellent public sector projects with a heavy investment in local supply chains.
The empa Intermediate and Minor Works Frameworks are coming to the end of their four-year life and the re-procurement process is currently at the evaluation stage. Alan said he was delighted with how the event went and the turnout from delegates.
“The event was a tremendous success with a high attendance figure,” Alan said. “It gave delegates the opportunity to hear all about local authorities’ investment plans, the context of the capital and infrastructure projects and gain an insight into potential business opportunities.
“Scape sees itself in a place between the public and private sectors, trying to help the public sector to get the best out of the private sector and we believe we can do that by working collaboratively with both sectors,” Alan added.
At the event, David Bishop, corporate director of development at Nottingham City Council emphasised the city’s commitment to infrastructure development as evidenced by the widespread transport work which is currently visible in the city.
Further capital investment plans were outlined by Tim Gregory, corporate director at Nottinghamshire County Council, who described the work the authority has been doing with local schools - a £10 million refurbishment programme that focuses on local spend to support the local economy.
Adam Wilkinson, chief executive at Derby City Council, discussed the £260 million earmarked by the council for infrastructure investment across Derby, including support for new projects that promote growth and engagement with local investors and property developers.
Andy Robinson, assistant chief executive at Leicestershire County Council, spoke about the local authority’s help to fund the Loughborough University Science Park and how it is looking to fund major employment sites in Leicester as well as key growth areas.
Frank Jordan, strategic director at Leicester City Council outlined the heavy investment made by the council into the refurbishment of Leicester schools. The council is also funding the positioning of Leicester as an investment opportunity and attractive visitor destination.
Feedback from those attending was tremendously positive. Small contractors felt the discussion of local supply chain investment was valuable and the overall plans made by the three separate areas were reassuringly strong and compatible.
Alan Coole added: “Many key topics were discussed at the event and it was an excellent opportunity for representatives from the public sector to talk about their plans and how they can work together with private sector partners. The event was also an important opportunity to discuss the goals and ambitions we have for the future direction of the region.”