About This Project

Working with Black Country LEP

Si has undertaken a number of assignments with the Black Country LEP. We supported a refresh of the SEP, which considered performance over the preceding years, reviewed the Growth Deal programmes and their range of metrics, and explored how the area fitted within the wider geography. Previous assignments included: supporting the drafting of the original SEP by drawing on an extensive evidence base through literature (such as visioning strategies) and data metrics (from a range of existing and new data), supporting the city deal negotiations, drafting the Growth Deal 3 submission, and developing a skills and employment strategy.

The nature of our work with the BC LEP involved data collection and analysis provided by the Black Country Consortium’s economic intelligence unit. Our role focused on facilitating workshops and stakeholder events, developing the narrative, and drafting the strategy or submission.

Particular lessons included:

• Recognising the robustness of an evidence base underpinned by deep sector knowledge and sound spatial analysis, both of which were informed by the best possible data analysis and intelligence;
• The importance of developing the evidence in an iterative way, sharing and receiving quick feedback on early drafts to ensure the correct lines of enquiry;
• The importance of facilitated discussions at key stages involving different combinations of stakeholders to understand the requirements of the ‘digital library’;
• The value of a vision underpinned by measurable objectives that could form the core of a performance management process.