Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report from the Executive Director – Environment and Regeneration, which provided an update on the delivery of Sci-Tech Daresbury’s Talent and Skills Action Plan.

The Board welcomed Mr John Leake, the Business Growth Director for Sci-Tech Daresbury.  He advised that the Sci-Tech Daresbury site was one of only 6 science and technology campuses in the UK and this was the only one in the North of England. 

Sci-Tech Daresbury Talent and Skills Strategy was developed in 2021.  It was a key component of the Sci-Tech Daresbury Strategy for Science, Innovation and Growth.  The Strategy focussed on attracting, developing and retaining the wide range of skills and expertise essential to establishing Sci-Tech Daresbury as a global beacon of science and technology, focussed innovation and entrepreneurship.

The presentation outlined some of the key activities and recent successes, as well provided a summary of the priorities of the 2025 Action Plan.

Following the presentation, the Members received the following additional information in response to their questions:

·       Public transport services were available to the site, with 3 bus services in operation;

·       Although work experience take up for students was low to start with, in 2024, 12 places were awarded to students from Halton;

·       There was collaboration with local companies and with schools but it was difficult to get into secondary schools due to their tight curriculums;

·       John’s team did have contact with the Lead Officer in the Council’s 14-19 team, who assisted them with contacting secondary schools;

·       It was challenging to get companies to adopt apprentices as a route to securing talent;

·       Employees at the site came from a broad area, including Cheshire, Liverpool, Manchester and Wales, with some from Halton;

·       A skills shortage existed in the whole of the UK not just in Halton; and

·       Regarding future development of the site, it was felt that another access road would be needed.  Members were advised that a mapping assessment had been undertaken and professional advice stated that this was not needed.

Members comments on the future expansion of Sci-Tech Daresbury and the amount of additional infrastructure that would be needed to accommodate more companies and employees were noted.

Mr Leake was thanked for his informative presentation.

RESOLVED:  That the report and comments made be noted.