DORSET LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP BOARD MEETING

26 MAY 2020 FROM 1.30 PM TO 4.00 PM

AT ARTS UNIVERSITY BOURNEMOUTH

AGENDA

Time Item Subject/ Title Presenter Recommendation

1.30 1. Apologies and declarations of interest Jim Stewart

2. Guest Presentations

1.35 2.1 Presentation from Blue Abyss John Vickers Peter de la Parrelle

2.10 3. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising and Forward Plan

Jim Stewart

2.20 4. Director’s Update Lorna Carver

5. Governance

2.40 5.1 Budget Update Lorna Carver 2.55 5.2 Comms Update Lorna Carver For information 3.00 5.3 Performance and Investment Committee Martina Hanulova

6. Strategy

6.1 Business Growth and Inward Investment Committee

Finn Morgan For information

6.2 Skills Advisory Panel and Board David Lawrence To note progress

7. Advisory Groups

7.1 Advisory Group Updates: Dorset Tourism Association

Papers to note

8. Any Other Business

Note: Date of Next Meeting - 23 July 2020 at Kingston Maurward College

The papers for agenda Item 2 are not included as they are Commercially Sensitive

DRAFT MINUTES DORSET LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP BOARD 2 APRIL 2020 FROM 2.00 PM TO 3.30 PM CONFERENCE CALL MINUTES Board Attendees: Andrew Wickham (AW) Arabella Lewis-Smith (AL) Diane Grannell (DG) Cllr Gary Suttle (GS) Ian Girling (IG) Jim Andrews (JA) Jim Stewart (JS) (Chair) John Sutcliffe (JSu) Cllr Mark Howell (MH) Nick Brook (NB) Nick Gaines (NG) Nicola Newman (NN) Paul Read (PR) Phil Richardson (PRi) Richard Smith (RS) Sara Uzzell (SU) Sophia Story (SS) Cllr Spencer Flower (SF) Cllr Vikki Slade (VS) Also Present: Aidan Dunn (AD) (Dorset Council) Amy Blackham (AB) (Dorset LEP) Bill Cotton (BC) (BCP Council) David Walsh (DW) (Dorset Council) Graham Farrant (GF) (BCP Council) John Sellgren (JS) (Dorset Council) Kathryn Hill (KH) (Dorset LEP) Lorna Carver (LC) (Dorset LEP) Martina Hanulova (MH) (Dorset LEP) Matt Prosser (MP) Dorset Council) Oliver Rooke (OR) (BEIS) Apologies: Emma Hunt (EH) Luke Rake (LR)

DRAFT MINUTES

Item Notes and Decisions Action

1. Apologies were received for: Emma Hunt and Luke Rake Declarations of Interest: IG declared an interest in Dorset Gateway, BCP Council declared an interest in item 4.2 and Project Pipeline, Dorset Council declared an interest in item 4.2 and Project Pipeline.

2. The Minutes were agreed as an accurate reflection of the last meeting. There were no matters arising.

3 Director’s Update JS informed the Board that he had been part of a number of national meetings with the LEP Network and Government Ministers to get clarity on a number of issues related to COVID 19 impacts. Hopeful for responses early next week. LC gave the Board an update on her paper. She informed the Board the LEP Team were working from home and getting on with things. There is some additional funding coming down for business support but we have no details on that yet. LC assured the Board that the Programme team is working with partners of the Growth Deal projects and it was a little too early at the moment to have certainty on risks to delivery linked to Covid 19.

4. Delivery

4.1 Communications Update Amy Blackham gave an update on Comms and the campaigns that have been running. We will shortly be in touch will all Dorset MPs are part of our ongoing engagement. We are launching a Business Impact Survey regarding COVID-19 to gather information that can be input to Government and to help us to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on Dorset businesses as well as inform possible local responses. IG mentioned that DCCI was promoting the Gateway every opportunity they can along with the support that is available from the Councils. JS mentioned to the Board that if anyone had any messages that they wanted him to relay to Government to please contact him. Oliver Rooke (OR) confirmed that they support feeding back information through different channels and they are in the process of feeding back on delivery and pushing what support in in place.

4.2 Performance and Investment Committee (Confidential - Commercially Sensitive) MH spoke to ther paper. Action: The Board agreed all the recommendations in the report: Dorset LEP Board notes the submission of the Growth Deal Q3 return to BEIS and its green RAG rating. AL left the meeting at 3.00 pm

All agreed

DRAFT MINUTES Item Notes and Decisions Action

5. Governance

5.1 Budget (Confidential - Commercially Sensitive) LC gave an update on the financial report, the closing down of this year’s accounts and then the paper to agree next year’s budget. Action: The Board approved the 2020/21 budget. AD left the meeting 3.07 pm

6. Strategy

6.1 Business Plan Update LC spoke to the paper and explained that due to recent events the business plan will paper will need to include an additional paragraph to reflect that the LEP would be working to support local businesses etc in relation to COVID-19. LC explained that we have to submit our Business Plan to Government by 1 May. The report should provide clarity to the Board on we are focussing on but it will need to be updated in regards to COVID-19 and the time and work being put in from the Gateway. LC explained that this document covers the working being undertaken with regards to the core budget and that it is an operations plan in regards our operational budget, not to do with future funding. Action: The Board approved the recommendations in the report: 1. That the LEP Board notes the content of this report.

2. That the LEP Board approves the 2019/20 End of Year Summary Report, subject to Accountable Body sign-off at financial year end.

3. That the LEP Board approves priorities across the 2020/21 Business Plan. Action: The LEP Board gives delegated authority to the Chair to approve the additional paragraph relating to COVID-19. The business plan will then be submitted to government.

All approved All agreed

6.2 Business Growth and Inward Investment Committee IG explained that this group was going to spend some time to enhance the ToR.

6.3 Skills Advisory Panel and Board The Board noted the paper.

Note: Date of Next Meeting - 26 May at 1.30 pm

FORWARD PLAN

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership Board Meetings

2020

Date and Time Location Items for Agenda

28 January 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm

Tank Museum, Bovington

• Delivery Update • Governance Update • Committee Updates • Communications Update • Launch LIS and review first draft of

implementation plan 26 March 10.00 am to 12.30 pm

Zoom Meeting • Delivery Update • Governance Update • Committee Updates • Communications Update • Delivery Plan Update

26 May 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm

Zoom Meeting • Delivery Update • Governance Update • Committee Updates • Communications Update • Presentation from Blue Abyss

23 July 10.00 am to 12.30 pm

Kingston Maurward • Delivery Update • Governance Update • Committee Updates • Communications Update

22 September 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm

Bournemouth University

• Delivery Update • Governance Update • Committee Updates • Communications Update

26 November 10.00 am to 12.30 pm

Tank Museum, Bovington

• Delivery Update • Governance Update • Committee Updates • Communications Update

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DORSET LEP BOARD MEETING COVER SHEET

Meeting Date

26 May 2020 Item Number 4

Security Level: Confidential ☐ Commercially Sensitive ☐

Unclassified ☒

Paper Title

Directors update

Recommendation

For information

Papers are provided for:

Decision ☐ Discussion ☐ Information ☒

1. PURPOSE

Information regarding ‘business as usual’ alongside a brief to the board on what has been put in place at a national and local level to help businesses manage the impacts of COVID-19 on their operations.

2. SUMMARY/BACKGROUND

Annual Performance Review Some positive news. As set out in the 2019-20 Annual Performance Review Guidance (November 2019), following the Annual Performance Review meeting, officials in the Cities and Local Growth Unit undertook a review to look at the performance of each LEP across the three themes: governance, delivery and strategic impact.  I can confirm the outcome for Dorset for the three themes are: Governance: Good Delivery: Good Strategic Impact: Requirements Met This is incredibly positive and captures the efforts of the Board Members over the year(s). Growth Deal Funding Cities and local growth unit have provide further information on how they are managing the Local Growth Fund programme this year in light of the disruption caused by Covid-19. In summary 2/3 of our 2020-2021 allocation will be paid now and 1/3 following review and joint working over the summer. Here is a section of the letter to explain further: In confirming LGF allocations this year, we are looking to balance a wider set of issues than previously. Clearly timely and impactful investment decisions are crucial to stimulating local economies, creating jobs and setting your areas up for the best possible re-start and recovery from the Covid 19 crisis. We have also heard from you on the disruption and slippage to some LGF capital programmes, and concern that some LEPs might be unable to spend before March 2021. We recognise that this is not a uniform picture, depending on how you have previously managed the pipeline, the nature of the

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projects and interdependence with private sector funding. The risks that we are looking to manage extend across all capital programmes and not just LGF, which is why Government is having to review programme payments in light of COVID and the effect it will have on some delivery plans. Given this uncertainty we therefore need to take a more active role in understanding the contractual status of projects, what the risk of slippage is, and to work with you individually on the best way of managing that. Meanwhile I am happy to confirm again where there are contractual commitments in place, with plans to manage spend of that allocation across the programme in year, we will ensure that the balance of LGF is paid in full. It is on this basis we will initially pay 2/3 of your LGF allocations for FY2020-21 in May followed by a period of joint working and review over the Summer on contractual commitments and likely spend over the remainder of the year. This will then unlock Ministerial confirmation on the final 1/3 to be paid after the review. We have a strong pipeline, excellent programme management and contracts in place but it is important to note the change of tone. COVID19 The team is working relentlessly to ensure businesses are supported. Here are a few highlights in addition to what has already been circulated to the Board.: Through Dorset LEP’s fully-funded bid writing support service – part of Dorset Gateway - we have supported 7 businesses apply for in excess of £300k of grant funding aimed at new service and product innovation to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst the information is currently embargoed, so far one of these businesses has been advised that they have been successful with their grant funding application (out of 8,600 submissions) and we hope that others will follow. A total of three nominations were submitted to DIT’s second round of High Potential Opportunities (HPOs) at the beginning of May; two individual LEP nominations for Commercial Cyber and Digital Health & Care, and one multi-LEP nomination with the Great South West partnership for Marin Autonomy. Nominations will now be considered and we will be advised of the outcomes sometime in July. N.b. We managed to secure two individual nominations through discussions with DIT – when initially we were told we could only submit one so that was a bonus. We have now launched a £50k match-funded scheme via Crowdfunder to helps support micro and small businesses to bounce-back from COVID-19 by stimulating cash-flow. The scheme will offer match-funded grants of between £2k and £5k to those businesses that meet the published criteria (not too onerous but rigorous enough to help us ensure we are supporting the right businesses) https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/crowdfund-dorset-business We are awaiting confirmation of uplift funding to be provided to the LEP via Dorset Gateway to provide additional resources and support for local businesses during the rest of the financial year. Whilst there will be stipulations regarding what the funds can be spent on, it will allow us to ensure we can offer additional support to businesses during the recovery phase of the current pandemic. We provide detailed weekly report to government on the local situation to ensure that our business needs are heard and understood. Recovery conversations are happening and joined up via the local resilience forum.

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Great South West and other regional grouping The team and various Board members have been involved in a number of ministerial briefings in support of places and business. The Dorset LEP Chair has been front and centre in these conversations.

We are also part of detailed conversations around the subnational transport body and Continuous Modular Strategic Planning for rail.

3. RECOMMENDATION For information.

Papers for agenda Item 5.1 are not included as they are Commercially Sensitive

DORSET LEP BOARD MEETING COVER SHEET

Meeting Date

26 May 2020 Item Number 5.2

Security Level: Confidential ☐ Commercially Sensitive ☐

Unclassified ☒

Paper Title

PR & Communications Activity – March and April 2020

Recommendation

Papers are provided for:

Decision ☐ Discussion ☐ Information ☒

1. PURPOSE

To update the board on strategic PR and communications activity during March and April.

2. SUMMARY

COVID-19 response coverage

We responded quickly to the crisis, working closely with the business engagement department to establish brand web pages and a range of content to share both government messages, promoting Dorset Gateway and launching the Dorset COVID-19 Business Impact Survey (which has now received over 300 responses via organic comms only).

A new LinkedIn account was also established for Dorset Gateway to compliement the exisiting Twitter accout and better coordinate messages.

In addition to providing business support, fresh careers-focused content was generated and shared with schools, colleges and young people so that they were able to access careers education resources from home.

Newsletter frequency has been increased, along with updtes to MPs and this will remain while the pace of change and demand for sharing and the need for new information continues.

Additonal value-added content such as case studies of those organisations adapting/responsing to the crisis and ‘working from home tips’ were alsp well received.

OH2020: Aquaculture Expo

Pre COVID-19, on 4 March we hosted the One Health Aquaculture Expo held at Kingston Maurwood College. The expo was the first UK event on aquaculture to discuss the concept of ‘One Health, the interrelation between plant, animal and human health, and the critical importance to sustainable protein production in aquaculture.

Over 90 people attended the expo, including representatives from the Department for International Trade (DIT), Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), aquaculture businesses, researchers and investors. All attendees benefitted from industry showcases, business/funding advice and networking.

Our #DorsetAquaBites video content has been praised by DIT reps and we hope to work closely with them to develop content hey can use in the future. Watch the event wrap video on YouTube. We are now looking at how to keep up the momentum of this activity as part of Dorset’s COVID-19 recovery plan.

3. COVERAGE AND ANALYTICS

During this reporting period we have recorded 20 pieces of COVID-19 related media coverage mentioning both Dorset LEP and Dorset Gateway, thanks in part to our excellent partnership with Dorset Chamber.

Overall, there has been a postivie increase in engagement across all Dorset LEP channels and platforms, demonstrating the trustworthiness of our information and content and profile of Dorset LEP.

Dorset LEP website - key statistics

March/April January/February November/ December

September / October

July/August

Number of sessions

11,010 8,114 5,019 7,519 8,361

Number of page views

26,360 21,970 25,036 21,209 38,330

Users 8,051 5,366 5,019 5,238 5,514

New users 7,723 4,927 4,591 4,624 5,034

Most popular pages visited in March & April (page views): • News Article Stewarts Garden Centres (4,133 views) • Dorset LEP Homepage (2,603) • COVID-19 Page (1,050) • Dorset CEC Virtual Learning Resources (862) • Dorset Gateway Page (604)

Upward trend in website visits March/April

Dorset LEP Newsletters

Date sent Successful deliveries

Unique opens

% clicks per unique open

Top three unique links clicked

Number of unquie clicks/percentage of unique clicks

18 March 476 129 17.8% covid-19 webpage

Dorset Gateway Contact Page

Paying HMRC

17 – 53%

5 – 16%

4 – 13%

31 March 476 177 19.8% COVID-19 Business Impact Survey

Aqua Expo 20

WFH tips

13 – 28%

11 – 23%

7 – 15%

22 April 493 184 16.8% Board papers and

minutes

Coronavirus support for businesses

COVID-19 Business Impact Survey

10 – 29%

9 – 26%

6 – 17%

Press releases, statements and announcements

Bournemouth Airport’s Thermal Cameras (30 April) Blog: How new technology can drive Dorset’s agriculture sector (30 April) Skills survey prize winner announced (29 April) Dorset Gateway funding blog: April 2020 (28 April) Dorset-based digital company supports charities during coronavirus pandemic (24 April) Online careers resources launched for the future talent of Dorset (21 April) Dorset LEP invests in the region’s COVID-19 response and recovery (17 April) BOFA Maintains Extraction Supplies for 3D Printing Community (17 April) Quadrant2Design celebrates 20 years of success (9 April) Reducing Unwanted Fire Signals in Commercial Business (7 April) Dorset LEP launches COVID-19 Business Impact Survey (3 April) #AquaExpo20 inspires Dorset aquaculture (31 March) Dorset Gateway Funding Blog (30 March) Companies House Accounts Extension (25 March) Dorset Gateway #BidBites Series (25 March) Top tips for working from home (24 March) Stewarts Garden Centres deliver during social distancing (20 March) Production and supply of ventilator components – call to action (18 March) COVID-19 Business Support (18 March) A vision for Dorset (10 March) Government Urged to Back the South West with Budget Commitment to Level-Up UK (9 March) Meet our OH20: Aquaculture Expo keynote speakers (3 March)

Media /stakeholder coverage

Date Outlet Tone Title and link

02/03/2020 05/03/2020 09/03/2020 24/03/2020

FEnews.co.uk Bournemouth Echo Plymouth Live Dorset Echo

Positive Neutral Positive Neutral

Good management and leadership skills are vital for the success of both employers and employees Poole Bridge to close at same time as Townside roadworks Boris Johnson, it's time for you to honour your promises and invest in the Great South West Businesses urged to 'prepare for worst' as coronavirus spreads

24/03/2020 Wessex FM Neutral Coronavirus: Dorset's business warned of tough new measures

02/04/2020 Bridport & Lyme Regis News Positive

Businesses should 'seize opportunity of assistance' during pandemic

03/04/2020 Dorset Echo Positive Dorset aquaculture showcase at milestone conference

01/04/2020 Mags 4 Dorset Positive Dorset Chamber urges businesses to seize lifeline

07/04/2020 Dorset Echo Positive Businesses asked about coronavirus impact in Dorset LEP survey

07/04/2020 Bournemouth Echo Positive

Businesses asked about coronavirus impact in Dorset LEP survey

09/04/2020 Dorset Echo Positive Many businesses ‘facing cliff edge’ in coronavirus crisis, warns Dorset Chamber

13/04/2020 Wessex FM Positive Businesses on a 'cliff edge' warns Dorset Chamber

15/04/2020 Mags 4 Dorset Positive Crunch point for furlough scheme

17/04/2020 Bournemouth Echo Positive

Furlough leave pay call to chancellor from Dorset chamber chief

16/04/2020 Mags 4 Dorset Positive Take part in Dorset LEP's Business Impact Survey

21/04/2020 Mags 4 Dorset Positive Dorset LEP invests in the region’s COVID-19 response and recovery

20/04/2020 Insider Media Ltd Positive Dorset LEP invests in the region’s COVID-19 response

21/042020 Bridport & Lyme Regis News Positive

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership is signposting businesses to support

22/04/2020 Wessex FM Positive Coronavirus: Fears for Dorset's tourism industry

23/04/2020 Dorset Echo Positive Counting the cost on tourism on county - but council isn't conducting its own study yet

28/04/2020 Dorset Echo Positive Some businesses don't know they can get £10,000 coronavirus grants

28/04/2020 Wessex FM Positive Coronavirus: Dorset businesses could be missing out on £10,000 cash lifeline

27/04/2020 Bournemouth Echo Positive

More than £55 million granted to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole businesses impacted by coronavirus

Social media highlights

March continued the upward tregectory of presence on Twitter. April has posted slightly lower statistics as the Dorset Gateway is now being used far more often for business advice etc. relating to COVID-19. These tweets are being re-tweeted by the main Dorset LEP account. This differenciation between our main channel and growth hub is important so main account followers do not receive the large amount of COVID-19 business advice but instead receive a more diverse mix of content. Therefore, we have included the Twitter statistics for Dorset Gateway below.

Top tweet March/April, Dorset LEP and Dorset Gateway:

Impressions: 4,312 Total engagements: 30

Dorset LEP Twitter

APR 20 MAR 20 FEB 20 JAN 20 DEC 19 NOV 19 Tweets 27 65 52 37 14 26 Tweet

impressions 46.8K 78.2K 68.3K 51.6K 21.1K 41.6K

Profile visits 802 1,161 847 451 233 556 New followers 16 29 48 47 11 23

Mentions 70 94 76 59 41 106

Dorset Gateway Twitter

APR 20 MAR 20 FEB 20 JAN 20 Tweets 57 40 5 9 Tweet

impressions 42.4k 22k 5.5k 7.6k

Profile visits 280 262 85 33 New followers 17 20 15 20

Mentions 34 28 19 14 We will continue to grow the Dorset Gateway twitter account and attract lots more followers through promotion of the account by Dorset LEP, Dorset Chamber and other partners. Dorset LEP LinkedIn The Dorset LEP LinkedIn page received 128 unique visitors throughout January and February. This has increased to 343 visitors for March and April. Highest spike was 24 uniquie visitors on 8 March which was the International Womens Day Campaign day. Dorset Gateway LinkedIn From 20 March, the Dorset Gateway LinkedIn Page started to be used to mirror information being distributed on the @dorset_gateway twiiter account. The page received 258 unique visitors from March and April. The highest spike was 17 unquie visitors on 20 March, our page launch day.

4. FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

In addition to Board meetings, committee meetings continue, via Zoom, We are investgating options for online events and webinars, all of which are subject to confirmation at this time, details to follow in due course. We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks before making a decision about the best approach for the annual conference.

5. RECOMMENDATION

Board members to advise Dorset LEP Communications of potential case studies of the impact on Dorset’s businesses/sctors - be it positive or negative – so that possible case studies/news stories can be considered and information can be passed to Business Engagement for reporting back to BEIS Board members to please check they’re following the correct LinkedIn accounts and to share content relevant to your networks:

• Dorset LEP: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dorset-lep/ • Dorset Gateway: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dorset-gateway/

Impressions: 4,266 Media views: 486 Total engagements: 104

Papers for agenda Item 5.3 are not included as they are Commercially Sensitive

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DORSET LEP BOARD MEETING COVER SHEET

Meeting Date

26 May 2020 Item Number 6.1

Security Level: Confidential Commercially Sensitive ☐

Unclassified x

Paper Title

Dorset LEP Business Growth and Inward Investment update

Recommendation

For information

Papers are provided for:

Decision ☐ Discussion ☐ Information ☒

1. PURPOSE

To brief the board on activities and developments relating to business growth and inward investment and current activity within the key sectors across Dorset.

2. SUMMARY/BACKGROUND

This report supports the DLEP’s strategic objective for business growth and attracting inward investment to increase employment opportunity and raise productivity of businesses across the region. This paper aligns with Dorset LEP’s governance structure and will reflect those areas that are overseen by the Business Growth and Inward Investment (BG&II) Committee.

Inward investment is achieved through the delivery of the Memorandum of Understanding for foreign direct investment in partnership with the Department for International Trade (Investment Services Team).

2.1 COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 on the local business environment has been huge, as it has been for the rest of the UK. Dorset LEP has put in place a number of measures to respond to the challenges that Dorset businesses are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Dorset Gateway We invested in additional resources to help businesses access the right support available. Working with Dorset Chamber, we were effectively able to double the size of the Dorset Gateway Business Advisor team. We have also re-assigned an existing Dorset LEP team member to help follow-up enquiries with businesses. Through the Dorset Gateway’s fully funded Bid Writing Support Service, Dorset LEP has been working with local SME’s to help them apply for funding for ideas that address COVID-19. Specifically, UKRI – the governments research and innovation agency – has put out a call looking for short-term projects addressing and mitigating the health, social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Since the call was announced at the beginning of April, Dorset Gateway has supported seven local businesses in submitting project proposals totalling over £300,000.

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Department of International Trade (DIT) We have spoken with DIT about providing additional support by utilising their export advisors. We have also held discussions about additional resources and how they can help businesses beyond the current crisis to recover from the impacts and seek new opportunities. Business impact monitoring Along with other LEP regions, we have been sending a weekly report up to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to provide local intelligence on the impact that COVID-19 is having on Dorset’s businesses and our economy. To better understand the impact of COVID-19 on Dorset’s business community, Dorset LEP launched a Business Impact Survey. The short survey is open to businesses of all sizes, the self-employed, and charities in Dorset. It aims to understand the impact COVID-19 is having on business operations across the county. The survey will inform the what support is required to support businesses during the recovery phase of the COVID-19 disruption. We have utilised the LEPs wider network to pull though data about specific sectoral impacts in Dorset. This includes receiving and reporting information from Dorset Tourism Association’s business impact survey.

Funding and support for Dorset businesses We have been in close communication with European funded business support programmes in Dorset, encouraging them to speak with MHCLG about seeking a project change request to their programme of support. The Dorset Business Growth Programme - an £18.4m business support programme delivered by Dorset Growth Hub – has a programme of business support and grant funding which could be repurposed to support businesses in surviving the current crisis. Similar discussions are happening with AUB’s ESIF funded SME support programme. By sharing insights and data that we have gathered we have been able to inform and influence the actions of local partners to ensure that their offer of support for businesses is relevant to the needs of the business community. An example of this has been Dorset Growth Hub’s offer of 1-2-1 business finance and accountancy support.

Working with Crowdfunder UK, we have launched a new £50,000 match-funded programme aimed at helping Dorset micro and small SME businesses access much needed cash stimulus into their operations. As an organisation, they have already started working with a number of other LEPs and growth hubs. Having seen this work in other areas, we feel confident that there is enough evidence to invest in a similar scheme. In the Government’s budget announcement in March, it was confirmed that an additional £10m would be made available to growth hubs via LEPs to provide further support to local businesses. In readiness for potential funding, we have allocated further staffing resources to the Dorset Gateway for 2020/21 and initiated discussions with the private sector about providing a tailored package of support to assist businesses during the recovery phase of the COVID-19 crisis.

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2.2 Department for International Trade

High Potential Opportunity Scheme – Round 2 As reported in the last Board paper, Dorset was seeking to submit nominations into round two of the High Potential Opportunity scheme. Each LEP had initially been invited to submit one individual and multi-LEP nomination. However, in consultation with the DIT, were able to make two full individual nominations as well as one multi-LEP nomination as outlined below:

• Cyber Security – focussing on commercial opportunities and aligned with AI and Data Grand Challenge Theme

• Digital Health and Care – capitalising on local academic and industry expertise along with our exemplar integrated care system and ageing population; this is aligned with the Ageing Society Grand Challenge Theme and our local One Health focus.

• Marine Autonomy – a multi-LEP nomination with the Great South West

In terms of the timetable – which has been altered as a result of COVID-19 – the assessment process will take several weeks and feedback will then inform an HPO Selection Board which is scheduled for the end of June. In a small number of cases, they may reach out to LEP areas after the Selection Board has met to request any information or clarifications that may be needed. They then hope to announce the list of HPOs that have been selected for development via DIT Partnership Managers in late July. The Government has indicated that up to 25 HPOs will be awarded as part of this call and that a further call will be announced as part of Round 2 in the autumn 2020.

Future DIT Engagement in Dorset We are continuing to work closely with colleagues from the DIT to provide opportunities to share and showcase Dorset across their organisation. Discussions have taken place regarding future visits to Poole and Portland ports, and Dorset Innovation Park as well as meetings with our local business, finance and professional services cluster. Details of any agreed visits will be communicated to the Board at the earliest opportunity.

3. RECOMMENDATION

For information.

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DORSET LEP BOARD MEETING COVER SHEET

Meeting Date

26 May 2020 Item Number 6.2

Security Level: Confidential Commercially Sensitive ☐

Unclassified ☒

Paper Title

Skills Advisory Panel and Board

Recommendation

To note progress

Papers are provided for:

Decision ☐ Discussion ☐ Information ☒

1. PURPOSE

The last update was provided at the March 2020 Board meeting. A meeting of the SAP Board to place via Zoom on the afternoon of the 7th May 2020. The report is intended to bring members up to date with the latest advances in:

• understanding the developing employment environment. • the skills arena. • the development of the Careers and Enterprise programme. • new online training provision.

2. PROGRESS.

The Skills Advisory Panel and Board. The world has been turned upside down over the last 8 weeks and created a new set of circumstances. The attached paper identifies the impacts of Covid 19 on the employment and skills agenda. The key issues that arise from the paper are: Wider context - UK

The UK is experiencing among the highest death toll from coronavirus in Europe and the measures for controlling the pandemic have caused an unprecedented shock to the economy:

- The projected overall decline in the UK GDP for the year is between 13% and 14%. The most significant decline is projected for the second quarter (a quarterly GDP decrease set to reach 35%), then over the third quarter recovery is anticipated, as some economic activity resumes.

- Over the first quarter, all industries already saw decreased economic outputs. The early signs of recession were seen in the first quarter of the year, when GDP fell by 2% and “the biggest monthly fall since the series began in 1997” was recorded in March with economic output plunging by 5.8%, even though lockdown restrictions were only introduced for the last few days of the month.

- Education, Accommodation & Food, and Construction are the sectors projected to see the biggest losses exceeding 70% over the second quarter.

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Economic output is expected to fall over the second quarter across all industries except Healthcare - with most affected industries are expected to experience losses exceeding 70%.

- By the end of the year the unemployment rate could be 7.3% (currently 4%). Unemployment rate is largely dependent on the withdrawal of the Government’s support schemes. It was projected to rise by over 2 million to 10% in the second quarter of the year and then adjust slowly with an overall 7.3% unemployment rate forecasted by the end of the year.

- Young people, those with lowest wages, women, older people and those engaged in industries that are most affected, are likely to suffer the consequences of the recession more severely. Dorset

- Dorset has maintained lower coronavirus infection rates than other regions. As of 14 May the 808 confirmed cases in Dorset LEP were equivalent to 105 per 100,000, compared to the average rates for England and the South West - equivalent to 251 and 128 per 100,000 respectively.

- Higher proportions of people in Dorset are employed in the most affected industries Around 133,000 people or 41% of the working age population of Dorset are employed in Accommodation and Food Services, Wholesale & Retail, Construction and Education.

- Dorset employers are putting recruitment activity on hold. Significant drop in job vacancies was seen in April, when advertised vacancies fell almost by half in Dorset (48% down from the previous month) and a more pronounced dip in the BCP area (56%). With recruitment plans largely shelved, the immediate reaction of businesses was to focus on survival and maintaining existing staff.

- Recent demand is illustrating a growing need for essential and higher skilled workers. Vacancy numbers decreased across all industries in Dorset throughout April compared to the previous month. Almost half of the remaining job vacancies were in health & social care, reflecting the growing demand over recent years, while sectors such as Arts & Entertainment, Construction, and Accommodation & Food services saw over 80% drop in the number of vacancies. Demand for jobs in professional occupations such as software developers, lawyers, and project managers do not appear to suggest that higher-skilled ‘white collar’ professions may have been better protected during the outbreak

- Groups identified as most vulnerable to suffering long term adverse effects in Dorset:

o Young people - There is a growing number of young people classified as NEET and Not Known and steep competition for limited graduate opportunities is expected as well as reduced apprenticeships now and in the near future.

o The lowest paid – the evidence of disproportionate impact on the lowest earners is further concern for areas in Dorset where considerable proportions earn less than the Living Wage, e.g. over a quarter of the jobs in the Dorset Council area and almost half (48%) of those in employee jobs in Weymouth & Portland.

o Women – 44% of women in Dorset are employed in Public Administration, Education and Health, where they are most exposed to the virus, as well as industries where they are facing unemployment and lower wages.

o Older people With one in four of population aged 65+, Dorset has the greatest proportion of 65+ populations. Older people are more at risk of suffering complications or dying from the virus and are recommended to follow stricter self-isolation. For those living alone, that means no physical contact. Three of the five local authorities in

3

England where more than half of people living alone are over 70 years old are in the South West, with East Dorset having the highest percentage (58%).

However an interesting aspect of the ‘shoots of recovery’ from Covid19 is the resources that are being launch to assist in training and guidance for those whose employment may be directly affected. Department for Education. The skills & employment data gathering and analysis was undertaken with advice and direction from the Skills Advisory Panel team within the DfE. We have responded to a suggested Memorandum of Understanding with DfE to continue with this work during the 2020/21 financial year. It provides financial support aimed at achieving a small number of defined objectives, particularly concerned with monitoring the impacts on the Dorset LEP’s skills and employment profile over the next year.

SERCO Survey We have received the final report of the SERCO survey of business needs within Dorset over the next 5 years. The findings are a useful re-enforcement of the issues identified in the LEP’s research however lacks some of the detail associated with defining clear priorities for the future. We’ll share the findings with the Dorset Chamber and use it to start a dialogue with business and possibly drive additional surveys in order to drill down into the initial comments. The next phase needs to be considered in the context of any advice from the Dorset Chamber particularly around the timescale – as there are a number of agencies seeking information from employers at present. Ofsted The DfE are co-ordinating assessment processes with the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) in order to ensure Her Majesties Inspectors take into account the exit route for pupils coming to the end of their school careers. The nature of local employment and the strategies that drive the growth of industrial sectors & the economy will be taken into account as schools, colleges and apprenticeship providers are assessed in the future. We have supplied the HMI research team with the LEP’s most recent strategies and growth targets. Careers Advice for schools and colleges - Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) The Dorset LEP has delivered a programme of Careers and Enterprise Advisors in schools across the County. It includes a number of school clusters and a Hub that specifically focusses resources upon Portland and Weymouth – to address issues of low social mobility. CEC have recognised the significant progress the scheme in Dorset has made, particularly over recent months. Progress is such that we are performing significantly above the average in terms of the achieving the Gatsby benchmarks that are used to record the progress of the programme in each school. Such is the performance that we are now to bid for a single Careers Hub for the whole of Dorset.

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This is a significant step but will allow us to restructure our approach by reviewing:

• the clusters of schools • the leadership of the clusters • the way in which we engage Colleges, Secondary, Middle and SEN schools both

within the clusters but also within specialised groups (addressing similar age groups).

• The use of Microsoft Business Information (BI) as the basis for presenting and distributing learning and skills information to partners & particularly careers advisors. (The objective is to ensure the information is easily read and digested by subject experts, students and parents. This is part of the programme will feed information to the Careers Advisors in the CEC programme articulated below).

We are awaiting confirmation of the outcome of the discussions (by 31st May 2020) however some advanced planning is taking place, such that we could move quickly should we be successful. Should we be successful then we will secure additional human resource, to support the existing teams, and supplement the present revenue streams that are invested in programmes within each of the schools. Business support to the clusters and individual schools is important in this programme. We have a ‘cornerstone employers group’ which is beginning to be successful in sharing intelligence and best practise however we are still to bring forwards sufficient business advisors to match with each of Dorset’s schools. We will work to integrate the gateway business support function into the carers advisors programme. Training Provision. The National Careers Service has launched the Skills Toolkit https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course/the-skills-toolkit This provides three levels of training particularly aimed at developing basic numeracy & digital skills but extends to marketing and programming in the advanced levels of the programme. The programme is a free training resource. On the 19th May ‘Pearson’(an established training provider of BETC and Diploma Courses) will be launching a new initiative UK Learns aimed at providing free home learning resources for adults and young people (entering employment) wishing to extend their training across a range of subjects. https://uklearns.pearson.com Existing courses from Pearson include BTECs, Pearson English, Pearson Advance. In addition partner courses are available from Open University (OpenLearn), School of Marketing, the National Extension College, and FutureLearn. Most courses at launch will require fewer than 20 hours of learning and they cover the full spectrum of industry sectors from data science or programming to entrepreneurship. The full range of sectors include accountancy and finance, business and management, childcare, creative arts and design, engineering and manufacturing, environment and agriculture healthcare and social care, hospitality and events management, information technology, leisure, sport and tourism, marketing, advertising and PR, property and construction, recruitment and HR, sales, science and pharmaceuticals, social care, teacher training and education, and transport and logistics. The offer also includes a broad range of cross-sector softer skills such as building resilience, communication skills as well as digital literacy.

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All courses are certified and the more advanced programmes of study lead to externally verified examinations (that are fee paying). UK Learns also offers access to ‘Motiva Individual’ for the first time in the UK. Designed by Pearson’s clinical psychology team, Motiva offers personalised career coaching and planning to help users work out what career options they may wish to follow in the future and if they have the skills they might need to progress in a chosen career. Both the above are online training programmes that require access to computers. Some LEP’s are reflecting a concern that this may leave some potential students/adults behind if they do not have access to suitable equipment at home. The Board may wish to reflect upon ways of addressing this issue in specific areas where we know there are issues of social mobility and employment. There are many other (free) online programmes and furloughed workers are pointed to these as an option to consider.

3. RECOMMENDATION To note progress.

DORSET LEP BOARD MEETING COVER SHEET

Meeting Date

May Item Number 7.1

Security Level: Confidential ☐ Commercially Sensitive ☐

Unclassified ☒

Paper Title

Dorset Tourism Association Update – post conference

Recommendation

For info only

Papers are provided for:

Decision ☐ Discussion ☐ Information ☒

1. PURPOSE

Update of DTA activities

2. SUMMARY/BACKGROUND

Ongoing work

3. RECOMMENDATION Info Only

Coronavirus Tourism and Hospitality account for approximately 40,000 Dorset jobs. The sector is one of the hardest hit by the lockdown and will be one of the last to reopen. The DTA has been co-ordinating with the two local authority teams to feed back into the DCMS strategy for tourism. This has involved a survey of 1044 tourism businesses in the LEP area. The highlights of the report are:

- About 85% of the industry is currently closed. - This is the peak season in which the industry would be cash positive before a winter

slowdown. - 30% of tourism businesses will lose more than half of their annual income on the current

government timetable of reopening in July. - 21% of businesses do not consider themselves to be likely or highlight likely to survive

on the current timetable. - Only 44% of tourism businesses feel that they are likely or highly likely to survive if the

lockdown were to continue to September.

Therefore we currently have approximately 8,000 tourism-related jobs at immediate risk, with over 20,000 at risk if the summer season fails. The next round of surveys will focus on identifying the interventions which will have biggest impact in protecting our businesses. The industry urgently needs visibility of the rules in which we will be operating and where we can call ourselves “covid secure”. Surveys demonstrate that visitors will need reassurance that the places they are visiting have taken appropriate measures. Members of the DTA board are working with other Great South West Counties to identify operating standards which can be approved by Public Health England, to which tourism organisations can subscribe in order to build consumer confidence. However, national standards would remove the need for this piece of work. The industry continues to be heavily cash-negative, with site based businesses estimating that they still incur about 30% of their operating costs even with the continuing furlough scheme. The furlough scheme is the key difference between immediate survival and insolvency. However we eagerly await news of the planned flexibility in August and September. Board members should note that if the industry is not able to operate at its normal level in these months, then the ability of businesses to contribute some of the cost of the furlough scheme will be very limited.

Key headline findings from BCP and Visit Dorset Tourism Survey – Wave 1

1044 businesses completed the survey representing:

BCP Visit Dorset Total

Serviced accommodation (Hotels, guest houses, B&B) 29 18.2% 171 19.3% 200 19.2% Non-serviced accommodation (self-catering, caravan and camping) 11 6.9% 188 21.2% 199 19.1% Restaurant, cafe 24 15.1% 124 14.0% 148 14.2% Visitor attraction or activity 31 19.5% 104 11.8% 135 12.9% Retail 17 10.7% 112 12.7% 129 12.4% Bar, public house, night club 14 8.8% 60 6.8% 74 7.1% Events, meetings and conference venue 9 5.7% 23 2.6% 32 3.1% Transport 7 4.4% 16 1.8% 23 2.2% International Education 8 5.0% 1 0.1% 9 0.9% Takeaway 1 0.6% 12 1.4% 13 1.2% Arts

0.0% 5 0.6% 5 0.5%

Marketing and promotion 2 1.3% 15 1.7% 17 1.6% Other (ALL) 6 3.8% 54 6.1% 60 5.7% Grand Total 159 885 1044

More businesses in Visit Dorset survey were self-employed or micro businesses than in the BCP area, however, across both areas more than 95% of respondents employed less than 250 employees

BCP Visit Dorset

Total

Self-employed/sole trader 31 19.5% 352 39.8% 383 36.7% Micro business (1-10 employees) 46 28.9% 323 36.5% 369 35.3% Small business (11-50 employees) 52 32.7% 167 18.9% 219 21.0% Medium sized business (51-250 employees)

22 13.8% 30 3.4% 52 5.0%

Large business (250+ employees) 7 4.4% 8 0.9% 15 1.4% (blank) 1 0.6% 5 0.6% 6 0.6% Grand Total 159 885 1044

Nearly 9 out of 10 are independent (87.4%) owned in BCP area raising to 95% of businesses in Visit Dorset area

Projected turnover pre-covid is very different between BCP and Visit Dorset areas reflecting the different size of businesses between the two areas

Turnover pre-COVID 19 BCP Visit Dorset Total

Under £50,000 15 9.4% 272 30.7% 287 27.5% £50,000 - £100,000 25 15.7% 194 21.9% 219 21.0% £101,000 - £250,000 21 13.2% 145 16.4% 166 15.9% £251,000 - £500,000 21 13.2% 93 10.5% 114 10.9%

£501,000 - £1,000,000 25 15.7% 73 8.2% 98 9.4% £1,000,001 - £5,000,000 38 23.9% 68 7.7% 106 10.2% Over £5m 6 3.8% 11 1.2% 17 1.6% Don't know/prefer not to say 8 5.0% 29 3.3% 37 3.5% Grand Total 159 885 1044

Key findings

Measures taken during COVID-19 – over 80% of businesses across both areas have chosen temporary business closure (rising to almost all among accommodation, NTE, Attractions and only have of international education) and 63% of all businesses applying for government support

Two serviced accommodation businesses permanently closed in BCP area and 58 permanent closures in Visit Dorset area across accommodation, restaurants, attractions and pubs.

Between 10-12% of businesses across both areas have chosen to implement flexible working, changes product, moved to online or delivery. 61 businesses have permanently laid off staff

BCP Visit Dorset Total

Permanent business closure 2 1.3% 58 6.6% 60 5.7% Temporary business closure 131 82.4% 709 80.1% 840 80.5% Applying for government support 95 59.7% 563 63.6% 658 63.0% Laid staff off permanently 12 7.5% 49 5.5% 61 5.8%

0.0% 10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%70.0%80.0%90.0%100.0%

Permanent business closure

Temporary business closure

Applying for government support

Laid staff off permanently

Implemented or increased flexible working for staff

Diversified product or service

Changed access arrangements for customers ie moveto online service or home delivery

Hiring and expansion to meet new market demand ieonline/home delivery

Q6 Contingency measures taken

Retail Bar, Pub Visitor attractions

Restaurant / café non-serviced accommodation serviced accommodation

Implemented or increased flexible working for staff 20 12.6% 73 8.2% 93 8.9% Diversified product or service 20 12.6% 91 10.3% 111 10.6% Changed access arrangements for customers ie move to online service or home delivery 20 12.6% 91 10.3% 111 10.6% Hiring and expansion to meet new market demand ie online/home delivery 3 1.9% 7 0.8% 10 1.0% Grand Total 159 885 1044

Government support accessed Reflecting the different nature of businesses in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole – the Job Retention Scheme and Business Rate relief has accessed by more than half and rising to almost all Night Time Economy, three quarters of serviced accommodation, attractions and retail and two thirds of restaurants and transport, for 43% of businesses this support has made a significant difference to survival.

For Visit Dorset area, the uptake of the self-employed support is higher (23%), and generally the uptake of the Job Retention Scheme is significantly lower, but this is particularly seen in the percentage of serviced and non-serviced accommodation using the scheme in Visit Dorset survey, which is significantly lower than BCP survey results (26% vs 68%).

Across Visit Dorset businesses 48% said the government support had made a significant difference to survival. Although 20% of businesses have applied for government support and are still waiting for a decision.

BCP Visit Dorset Total

Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) and Rural Rate Relief (RRR) 81 50.9% 434 49.0% 515 49.3% Small Business Grants 73 45.9% 482 54.5% 555 53.2% Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 108 67.9% 391 44.2% 499 47.8% Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) 23 14.5% 203 22.9% 226 21.6% Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) 45 28.3% 140 15.8% 185 17.7% Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) 14 8.8% 29 3.3% 43 4.1% Time to Pay (TTP) 16 10.1% 106 12.0% 122 11.7% Grand Total 159 885 1044

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDED from government – Common themes from the comments include:

• Extending support into the post lockdown period as businesses open up. Accommodation, attractions and international education sectors especially would like to see a phased continuing of furlough to enable staff to return gradually as business picks up or else will risk redundancies. Businesses that don’t think they can implement social distancing will need ongoing support to survive.

• Requests for current support to be changed for companies above the £51k rateable threshold and make it fairer for businesses who have one rateable value for multiple businesses e.g. campsite and shop where value is combined and for others its separate. Calls for additional or extended grant funding, beyond the £10k currently on offer, particularly if the lock down extends a further month

• Requests for VAT, rent, rates reductions and support for ongoing utility costs. Some calls for these reductions to continue for extended period post lock-down, particularly if the key summer season is lost. Council tax freezes for smaller B&Bs who don’t pay rents.

• Visit Dorset self-employed respondees wanted more support for those with fluctuating incomes and more advice for sole traders, as well as suppliers asking for schemes to be extended into supply chain.

• Visit Dorset businesses classed as agricultural but really agri-tourism not covered by current schemes

• An appeal from businesses particularly in the restaurant and attractions sector for access to government support denied currently as landlord pays the rates not the business. Also, greater support from landlords with rent while businesses are closed.

• Bars, pubs and night clubs sector as well as attractions and education sector highlighted issues around Directors or company owners unable to access support for themselves as they are paid through company dividends rather than salary and cannot access the furlough scheme.

• The diversity of the attractions sector raised a number of specific challenges ranging from providing for on going animal welfare, allowing furloughed staff to volunteer to public health England guidance for cycle hire businesses

• A call for faster turnaround and access to existing grant and other support, reflecting challenges around cash flow, especially highlighted by retail sector

• Transport sector raised a call for ongoing revenue support as well as business rate holiday • Lots of insurance issues where businesses believe they have pandemic or government shut

down cover and insurance not paying out.

• Future opportunities - A call from sectors such as non-serviced accommodation and retail to address market inequalities post lock down e.g.: a tax on internet businesses and unfair competition from Airbnb. As well as seize new opportunities, such as supporting businesses who reduce the carbon footprint permanently as result of covid-19.

• Retail call for a change to taxation system from one based on business rates to profits based. • Small business recovery campaign – encourage people to buy local • Visit Dorset businesses request for digital training to help recovery

• Information - A call for a phased exit strategy from the Government and as much notice as

possible on when and how business will be permitted to open

Survival and recovery The longer the situation continues the higher the chances that businesses will not be able to survive 79% likely or highly likely to survive if ends in June 20, drops to 44% if continues until September and 26% if measures still in place in December 20

• Transport, Bars most unsure of their position even in the short term • Mid term (September) attractions and non-service accommodation in Visit Dorset area are more

optimistic than BCP area, whereas more than half (52%) of serviced accommodation in BCP area think they can still survive compared to 40% in Visit Dorset area.

• Long-term more than half restaurants, NTE, Int Education, Events and transport, and over a third of attractions DON’T think they can survive

Businesses in the BCP area are more likely to return with lower staffing levels, the chances of this increase with time and are more common in hotels in BCP area

The negative impact on projected turnover increases with time and is similar across both areas:

No impact

Up to 25% reduction

25-50% reduction

50-75% reduction

75%+ (blank)

End of June 2020 1.8% 24.1% 41.9% 18.8% 12.0% 1.4% End of September 2020 0.9% 2.6% 17.2% 42.8% 34.6% 1.9% End of December 2020 1.0% 2.5% 6.6% 20.9% 66.9% 2.2%

How long before a business returns to profitability was similar across both areas – table below shows both areas

• End in June - 54% say will take more than 6 month, 23% more than year • End in September – 83% say will take more than 6mths, 51% more than year • End in December – 90% more than 6mths, 71% more than year

Less than 3 3-6 months up to year up to 2 more than

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0%

End June 2020

End September 2020

End December 2020

75-100% reduction 50-75% reduction 25-50% reduction

Up to 25% reduction No impact

months years 2 years End of June 2020 17.9% 25.9% 31.9% 18.8% 3.7% End of September 2020 3.8% 9.4% 32.6% 37.7% 13.1% End of December 2020 3.0% 3.8% 19.4% 39.9% 30.6% Accommodation and attractions take longest to return to profit… closely followed by most other sectors.

Impact on bookings – By sector

Almost all sectors (except retail) have seen significant decreases in bookings to date, with little variation by area

Increased No change

Decreased up to 25%

Decreased 25-50%

Decreased 50-75%

Decreased 75-100%

Serviced accommodation 1.0% 0.5% 10.0% 88.5% BCP 17.2% 82.8% Visit Dorset 1.2% 0.6% 8.8% 89.5% Non-serviced accommodation

0.5% 3.0% 3.5% 2.5% 89.4%

BCP 9.1% 90.9% Visit Dorset 0.5% 3.2% 3.2% 2.7% 89.4% Restaurant, cafe 0.7% 4.1% 2.0% 2.7% 3.4% 78.4% BCP 8.3% 87.5% Visit Dorset 0.8% 4.8% 2.4% 3.2% 2.4% 76.6% Bar, pub, night club 6.8% 1.4% 5.4% 82.4% BCP 7.1% 85.7% Visit Dorset 6.7% 1.7% 6.7% 81.7% Visitor attraction or activity 1.5% 3.0% 4.4% 3.7% 80.7% BCP 3.2% 3.2% 90.3% Visit Dorset 1.9% 3.8% 4.8% 3.8% 77.9% International Education 11.1% 77.8% BCP 12.5% 75.0% Visit Dorset 100.0% Transport 4.3% 4.3% 4.3% 87.0% BCP 14.3% 85.7% Visit Dorset 6.3% 6.3% 0.0% 87.5% Retail 2.3% 12.4% 2.3% 5.4% 4.7% 42.6% BCP 5.9% 5.9% 29.4% Visit Dorset 2.7% 14.3% 2.7% 5.4% 4.5% 44.6% Events, meetings & venues 3.1% 3.1% 9.4% 78.1% BCP 88.9% Visit Dorset 4.3% 4.3% 13.0% 73.9%

Activity

The majority of businesses are still doing social media and other comms activity although there is a great variation in some sectors and areas – 92% of restaurants as well as Pubs in BCP area are still undertaking social media compared to 71% and 80% respectively in Visit Dorset area.

Attractions are the most consistent sector with 82% in Visit Dorset area and 87% in BCP area still undertaking social media. Accommodation (serviced and non-serviced) are the least engaged on social media in both areas.

Direct communications (email or post) to customers directly affected 51.4% Direct communications to all customers 31.9% Social media 64.4%

The Domestic market is seen as key market for recovery either as day visitors or overnight visitors and local residents (all businesses). There is a broad range of interest across the demographic sectors.

BCP Visit Dorset Total

Local residents 66.7% 53.7% 55.7% Domestic day visitors 39.6% 38.6% 38.8% UK stay visitors 58.5% 71.5% 69.5% Business/corporate 37.1% 21.8% 24.1%

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0% 90.0%

Direct communications (email or post) to customersdirectly affected

Direct communications to all customers

Social media

Q15 Communications still undertaking

Retail Bar, Pub Visitor attractions

Restaurant / café non-serviced accommodation serviced accommodation

International visitors 23.3% 21.1% 21.5% Millennials (under 35s) 32.7% 27.3% 28.2% Baby Boom generation (55-75 yrs) 30.2% 38.5% 37.3% Generation X (35-55 yrs) 37.1% 38.4% 38.2% Young families 38.4% 31.5% 32.6% Empty Nesters (45 yrs + with no children at home) 30.2% 38.2% 37.0% Coach parties/travel trade operators 15.7% 13.2% 13.6% Special interest/niche groups 19.5% 24.2% 23.5%

There are a few notable differences between approaches in different sectors and areas

• Serviced accommodation in the BCP area are more likely to target millennials (41%) and young families (38%) than their equivalent in the Visit Dorset area (25% millennials and 25% young families)

• Non-serviced accommodation in BCP area are very focussed on 55+ age categories compared to Visit Dorset area where broader mix is being adopted

• Visitor attractions in BCP area more likely to target young families (61%) compared to Visit Dorset attractions at 40%

• Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs in BCP area are seeking a much younger age mix than Visit Dorset bars and pubs

• Retail in Visit Dorset Area are still expecting to rely on coaches 21% compared to only 6% in BCP area

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0% 90.0% 100.0%

Local residents

Domestic day visitors

UK stay visitors

Business/corporate

International visitors

Market type

Retail Bar, Pub Visitor attractions

Restaurant / café non-serviced accommodation serviced accommodation

53% of BCP area businesses and 45% of Visit Dorset area businesses are planning to rethink their product or marketing strategy to aid business recovery – broadly speaking changes being considered include pricing, changes to opening hours, social distancing considerations, switching marketing to local and domestic. Other sector specific changes include:

• Accommodation (especially serviced) looking at distancing, operating models, hygiene, delivering breakfasts to rooms – generally quite practical changes. Some serviced accommodation considering switching to non-serviced.

• Restaurants focused on menus and prices and how to deliver the service with social distancing measures in place – order via phone app, more outdoor seating. Some considering adding takeaway option

• Attractions focused on marketing, ticketing and emphasis of who targeting – some considering pre-booked entry only

• Events focused on date changes, value and pricing • International Education – online courses

New markets and move to more digital:

• Some businesses across Visit Dorset area mentioned creating wellness breaks, eco-friendly products, focusing on civil servants and greater online content – either virtual tours, live feeds, moving events online and recognising the importance of digital activity going forward.

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%

Millennials (under 35s)

Baby Boom generation (55-75 yrs)

Generation X (35-55 yrs)

Young families

Empty Nesters (45 yrs + with no children at home)

Demographic groups

Retail Bar, Pub Visitor attractions

Restaurant / café non-serviced accommodation serviced accommodation