Presentation by Louise Adam (Programme Delivery Manager), Fiona Henderson (Clean Maritime and Green Energy Officer) and Sarah Colquhoun (Agricultural Business Advisor)

Council received a presentation regarding North Devon+.

Louise Adam, Programme Delivery Manager outlined the background of North Devon+, the structure of the Board, objectives of North Devon+ and what had been delivered since 2016.

Sarah Colquhoun, Agricultural Business Advisor outlined the agricultural support and programmes that North Devon+ had provided to support local farmers to date.

Fiona Henderson, Clean Maritime and Green Energy Advisor outlined the work and programmes that were being delivered by North Devon+ to be ready for the future in terms of what growth sectors there were and what businesses and jobs would be required.  They were also looking at sustainability and supporting decarbonisation and reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions.  She outlined North Devon+ role in the key growth area for providing technologies and solutions for the future and provided an updated on Clean Maritime and Green Energy in terms of business development and skills. She advised that the next North Devon and Torridge Maritime Network was due to take place on Thursday 15 February 2025 at North Devon Yacht Club, Instow.

RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned for a short period due to a medical incident.

RESOLVED that it being 6.59 p.m. that the meeting be reconvened.

There then following a question and answer session.

In response to questions, Louise Adam advised the following:

·       In relation to future funding of North Devon+ post 31 March 2025, that discussions were taking place with North Devon and Torridge District Councils regarding the continuation of funding for some projects and use of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

·       Of the 478 farming businesses that were being provided with support in Devon, that she would find out the number of businesses being provided with support in North Devon and Torridge and report back. Farming businesses were finding it incredibly complex in terms of applying for funding.  As part of the Future Farm Resilience project, advisors have visited a number of businesses on site to go through the documents with farmers and provided advice on how to maximise funding applications. It was incredibly difficult for farming businesses to keep up to date and understand how to claim for funding and their role was to help and support them.

In response to questions, the Chief Executive advised the following:

·       That discussions had taken place regarding the use of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to fund the work of North Devon+.  There was a further allocation for 2025/26 which would be awarded to the County Combined Authority.  The arrangements for the allocation and use of this fund would be subject to further consideration by Council following further discussions with the County Combined Authority and whether there were any constraints on the use of this fund.

·       Green hydrogen would be taken into account as part of the Local Plans process.  There was close co-operation between the Local Plans team and Fiona Henderson.

·       As the Chief Executive of the company, North Devon+ consisted of a small team which did a fantastic job in supporting businesses. He saw the positive feedback that was received from businesses and there was no negative feedback. They also provided support to help businesses start up. Both North Devon and Torridge District Councils owned North Devon+, which was unique as no other District Councils had done this.