Worcestershire Economic Recovery Plan for COVID-19

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Worcestershire s Economic Recovery Plan Action Plan and Ambitions

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Analyse Economic Shocks The Economic Recovery Plan Economic Resilience in Future Strategy Define the new normal and what it means locally Understand the duration of the Covid-19 shock and likely recovery scenarios. Identify critical local economy receptors Opportunity Threats: Define responses: Survival- stability Emerging 7 calls for action High Streets Find where impact is felt in the economy (transmission mechanisms): Commercial Property Markets (offices) Transport Sectors and supply chains Tourism and Entertainment Labour markets and communities Prioritise Interventions Business and investment Plan for Economic Resilience Local exposure and sensitivity e.g. Wyre Forest, Vale of Evesham Define, manage and deliver actions Feedback to inform wider strategy Long Term (Next Two Years?) Cover Immediate (March- May) Short Term (May- September)

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Action: Business Intelligence/Evidence Base Action: Business Intelligence/Evidence Base Business as usual: Produce economic evidence base drawn from national/regional and local data from trusted sources. Secure local data and information through regular business survey and in-depth discussions with target cohort of businesses. We have had survey in the market for last 7 weeks that provide regular updates that underpin WBC weekly report to HMG, and local reporting across platforms. Reshape: Launch next week a re-boot of local business survey across all business support channels - focus on how companies return to the workplace and the likely impacts over the next 3-6 months. As part of this work we are establishing virtual round table discussions with representatives from key sectors; Manufacturing, Construction, IT and Cyber, Health and Care, Town Centres, Tourism Continue to monitor other sources of data such as administrative data from HMG support schemes and information on business making redundancies (HR1 process) from databases of businesses. Continue to report regularly to the business support networks, business and Local Authorities

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Latest Unemployment Figures April 2020 (Issued -19th May) The claimant count increased by 7,480 in April to 15,785. The claimant count rate increased to 4.5%, the highest rate since 1995. The data relates to claims that were live on 9 April and reflects the increase in claims as a result of coronavirus social distancing measures that peaked at the end of March. April 2020 Change on last month Change on last year Claimant Count Number Proportion Number Proportion Number Proportion Bromsgrove Malvern Hills Redditch Worcester Wychavon Wyre Forest Worcestershire 2,320 1,760 2,615 3,115 2,985 2,990 15,785 217,725 1,768,540 4.0% 4.0% 5.0% 4.7% 4.0% 5.1% 4.5% 6.0% 5.0% 1,155 835 1,080 1,335 1,665 1,410 7,480 73,375 705,035 2.0% 1.9% 2.1% 2.0% 2.2% 2.4% 2.2% 2.0% 2.0% 1,280 1,035 1,065 1,600 1,965 1,730 8,675 95,445 853,300 2.2% 2.3% 2.1% 2.4% 2.6% 3.0% 2.5% 2.7% 2.4% West Midlands England

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Latest Unemployment Figures Youth Unemployment The claimant count for those aged 18-24 increased by 1,195 in April to 2,790. The claimant count rate for those aged 18-24 increased to 6.5%, the highest rate since 2013. April 2020 Change on last month Change on last year Claimant Count (18- 24) Number Proportion Number Proportion Number Proportion Bromsgrove Malvern Hills Redditch Worcester Wychavon Wyre Forest Worcestershire 415 305 460 530 550 525 2,790 40,855 313,155 6.7% 6.5% 7.6% 4.7% 7.1% 7.8% 6.5% 7.6% 6.5% 200 125 150 210 290 215 1,195 12,950 115,425 3.2% 2.6% 2.5% 1.9% 3.7% 3.2% 2.8% 2.4% 2.4% 220 160 125 225 365 285 1,390 17,435 143,090 3.5% 3.4% 2.1% 2.0% 4.7% 4.2% 3.3% 3.3% 3.0% West Midlands England

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Action: Information for Business Action: Information for Business Business as usual: One source of truth across digital platforms with Worcestershire Business Central (WBC) as county s growth hub providing open access contact and referral point. Working closely with GBSLEP growth hub - there is no wrong front door for a local businesses. Over 11,000 plus cv-19 related hits. WBC and Chamber have begun a call campaign to understand key business issues. To date there has been approx. 1,015 calls made. A major focus ensuring awareness of HMG support schemes to address access to finance identified through schemes such as CBILS and Bounce Back Loans , in addition to signposting to The Job Retention Scheme and the Business Support Grants administered by district councils. Digital Platform: Ongoing active programme of e-shots and webinars covering specific and generic issues. Over 60 events planned/delivered to date Reshape: Additional funding expected into WBC from BEIS, will increase the ability of WBC to reach a wider business audience, including targeted engagement on specific sectors, larger employers, scale up and SME s. Here2Help and WBC will work together to reinforce no wrong front door approach for residents and business, a clear referral mechanism will be implemented between the hubs.

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Action: Business Support Action: Business Support Business as usual: Continue to deliver business support programmes jointly funded by LA s, up to 9m to 2023 for: Grants from 1,000 to 100k providing finance for companies to continue with investment/development projects, Bespokeconsultancy support and events which are beginning to move online. The schemes we have in place support; self employment, business growth, innovation, resource efficiency and sustainability. Demand continues for these programmes and have already supported projects such as the development of and anti-body testing kit. Direct support for Innovation and R and D through the WINN programme activity and proof of concept (POC) funding Specific support for energy efficiency, green tech, and future proofing public and private sector employment buildings and manufacturing processes Similar schemes are also operated by GBSLEP covering North Worcestershire District Councils continue administer the business support grant schemes directly for HMG, targeted to address immediate access to finance issues being faced by businesses.

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Action: Business Support Action: Business Support Reshape: We are developing a suite of programmes based around our core offer but respond to the current situation, these new services will be launched at the end of June and include: A new Innovation Platform, providing and ask, search, find facility, collaboration space and advice from experts Elevate technology - digital adoption (supporting the implementation of new technology and applications), Elevate Growth focus on recovery and resilience support and grant support ( WCC OfB programme extension) Enterprising Worcestershire (support for start-ups and early stage businesses). Online webinars series of workshops and digital based support and learning targeted at recovery and transformation GBSLEP are also in the process of launching a new suite of new programmes that will be available to businesses in the North of Worcestershire which include: Digital Now to enable SME digital adaptation Apprenticeship Triage & Support working directly with employers Pivot & Prosper to assist SMEs transform their business model West Mids Business Survival Grant through the WMCA but covering 3 LEP geography

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Action: Business Support Action: Business Support Ambition: National reserve opportunity with approx. 100m ERDF funding available as part of a national call expected in June. Funding through current programmes is limited, potential to top up and support more diversification and investment activity. Further HMG support may emerge, plus more limited local sources Scope and detail emerging from sector based engagement, Key areas include, : Manufacturing onshoring of operations/supply chains New Technology Artificial Intelligence/Digital Business Tools and Solutions (linked to skills needs) Encouraging investment into Worcestershire extending Local Development Orders, establishing Enterprise Zones Investment in new infrastructure 5G Graduate Employment Leadership and Management Opportunities in the health and Care sector and the demand for increased technological solutions New service and Product Development to support diversification and identify new markets

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Action: Transport and Infrastructure Action: Transport and Infrastructure Business as usual Public Transport operating to emergency timetable; will gear back up to new safe operating occupancy. HMG will continue to take revenue risk on rail, ongoing discussion on bus. Limited local input, continue to influence through WM Trains and bus operators. Major constrictions sites gear back up through May / June Business case development of priority schemes continues where possible Reshape Accelerate construction activity on major schemes financial priming, fast track regulation / planning Bring forward major scheme investment around priority projects, land and buildings Ambition Compensate for lack of Public Transport enhanced travel to work schemes; use of WCC bus fleet; park, bike, walk schemes; rural bike rental / hire

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Action: Employment and Action: Employment and Skills Business as usual: Skills Helplines started in March/April in response to Covid 19 Worcestershire Careers Worcestershire Jobs Match. All helplines ideally to be continued until December 2020 , resources will be impacted post September 2020 should academic year restart and back fill will be required to support. Current ESF delivery includes support for redundancy, NEETs, Skills for the Unemployed and community grants. Reshape: Working closely with DWP to provide skills and training support to redundancy announcements utilising current ESF Work under way to consider impact on year 11 and year 13 students/ support required to prevent NEET/future impact of decisions Delivery of WCC Adult Learning Provision to be focused around wellbeing, mental health and to have a virtual offer from September including a virtual jobs club offer working with libraries. Worcestershire Apprenticeships to focus on messaging around future workforce gains and recruiting in Autumn, facilitating virtual events for employers .

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Action: Employment and Skills Action: Employment and Skills Ambition: Wage support for apprenticeships to offer as incentive for organisations not to make apprentices redundant. Leadership and Management/HR practical seminar programme for employers to cover basic skills needed in workforces to support staff during the recovery phase. Unemployment support programme scaled up. Digital Skills Strategy which includes programmes to support employers with challenge of virtual working and preparation of existing and future workforce for the digital economy.

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Action: Town Centres Action: Town Centres Open for Business Healthy and Safe Open for Business Healthy and Safe Business as Usual: Maintain support and contact with businesses, including take up of Covid-19 funding support Working on funding programmes Future High Streets Fund & Towns Fund Bring Street Scene services back to operation within safe operating procedures. Reshape: Using MHCLG & Institute of Place Management published guidance to Develop a plan for each town centre Promote town centres with safe and appropriate access Adapt regulation and provide support to reopening businesses Promote access to open spaces to support healthy living and exercise Enhanced messaging and support for active travel including safety at pinch points Supporting BIDs

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Acton: Town Centres Acton: Town Centres Open for Business Healthy and Safe Open for Business Healthy and Safe Ambition Promote Worcestershire s tourism and visitor offer Promote Worcestershire as Open, Healthy and Safe Accelerate plans for healthy and sustainable town centres Promote and attract new investment

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Action: Tourism Action: Tourism Since 1st April Visit Worcestershire has been transferred to WCC, the county and district councils are now working together on how we can support the sector moving forward So Business as usual: As local authorities we continue to provide resources, websites, newsletters and forums to support the industry increasingly under the One Worcestershire branding. Reshape: to ensure out messages are consistent and currently operating under a stay more local message, while promoting local walks, local food producers etc and with the wider audience keeping Worcestershire in peoples minds by developing online content , images, virtual visits to favourite places/attractions. Relaunch the Visit Worcestershire Website by end of June20 To ensure that it promotes Worcestershire as a destination. With the focus for the short/medium term being domestic visitors A series of local campaigns to promote Worcestershire as destination, linked to primary destinations, local producers and activities

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Action: Tourism Action: Tourism Ambition: Development of regional and national campaigns to attract visitors back to the county as soon as it is safe to do so. Reinforcing the safe messaging. To include themes such as: Great outdoors (linked to well being) Historical Worcestershire Musical Worcestershire Family Destination Build relationships with DCMS and role of Destination Management activity Visit England Support for the Tourism Sector to: Accommodate changes to operations Implementing new policies and procedures Increase and improve marketing activity To support diversification

Worcestershire COVID-19 Recovery Plan Conclusion Conclusion This is an emerging 7 calls for action . In response to unprecedented potential impact confident that we have responded with a co-ordinated activity delivered through established business channels and with one version of the truth Continue to Horizon scan for national and regional activity Need in due course to consider long term resilience piece high streets, commercial property, transport and tourism / hospitality industry in more detail SO immediate way forward: 1. Accelerate investment in major schemes; 2. Deliver co-ordination and timely, accurate information on national programmes to business; 3. Pivot and enhance current business support programmes to support recovery; 4. Use direct resources to support specific demands and opportunities Here 2 Help etc; 5. Ensure we have the best information we can national analysis and local data.