LOCAL ECONOMIC FORUM LOCAL ECONOMIC FORUM FOR EDINBURGH AND LOTHIANFOR EDINBURGH AND LOTHIAN

A Brief History……..A Brief History……..

Established in 2000, one for each LEC area Charged with removing duplication in business

services Development of economic development

strategies

LEF MembershipLEF Membership

Chamber of Commerce Federation of Small Businesses 4 Councils SE Edinburgh and Lothian Communities Scotland Area Tourist Board Homes for Scotland BAA Edinburgh Edinburgh Trades Council Job Centre Plus Higher Education Further Education

LEF ModelLEF Model

Strengths brings key stakeholders together shared, positive agenda can drive and demonstrate

“joined up thinking” can provide common set of data

re Region’s current assets and growth forecasts for use by all partners

neutral respected body to champion economic development

Weaknesses no dedicated resources responsibility without power area of influence does not

necessarily match area of economic activity

public/private sector balance

Achievements to DateAchievements to Date

Services to business Development of Strategy Action Plan Feeding into long-term scenario planning Influencing policy?

The LEF StrategyThe LEF Strategy

First regional strategy for Edinburgh and Lothian/ a medium-term strategy to achieve the positive scenario

Based on robust analysis of issues and strengths Networks and new alliances as per the positive

scenario

Local Economic forum for Edinburgh and Local Economic forum for Edinburgh and LothianLothian a medium-term strategy – focus on high impact/ LEF

leverage

a medium-term strategy to deliver the positive scenario for the city region

focused on education, research, innovation and knowledge

strengths in key sectors

the hard and soft infrastructure to support a range of sectors and attract/retain talent

increased diversity through collaboration.

What does the private sector add to the work of the LEF? What does the private sector add to the work of the LEF? – some thoughts– some thoughts

Ongoing dialogue between the public sector and key private sector organisations

Keen interest in the Scottish picture and Edinburgh’s major contribution to it.

The LEF provides an opportunity for the private sector to raise key issues of concern

Can be strategic– focus on the needs of the economy not lines on maps

Lends weight to policy debate/ advocacy

The LEF and Community Planning ProcessThe LEF and Community Planning Process

LEF

Economic Forecast/ background input(macro-level)

Partner contribution (including private sector) to local initiatives(micro-level)

CPP

Key Issues Regeneration Social Inclusion Opportunities for young

people Co-location of services Educational attainment Health inequalities Engaging communities

LEF - Monitoring the EconomyLEF - Monitoring the Economy

An improvement on: GVA per head, productivity, commercialisation, fast growth

technology companies, growth in SMEs, tourism trips, household and business connectivity

Relative jobs growth, qualifications, on the job training, 16-19 year olds in training or education

Population growth, transport/freight activity and use of vacant/derelict land

LEF - Monitoring the Economy LEF - Monitoring the Economy (Contd.)(Contd.)

But weaker performance on: Business start-ups and stock, and inward investment, exports

(we anticipate) Employment and productivity in some key sectors and

unemployment Weekly earnings and low earners

European benchmarks: Strong performance on jobs, output and other indicators in

2003

LEF - Monitoring the Economy LEF - Monitoring the Economy (Contd.)(Contd.)

Pace of growth accelerating slightly in 2003 and little sign as yet of easing on people and place constraints

Issues to consider Recovery in key sectors and meeting demands from the

current labour force to upskill Meeting the infrastructure needs of a rising commuting

workforce and increased population Raising the quality of the labour force across the board to

attract talent and spur long-term growth