GROWTH THROUGH COLLABORATION
Anne-Marie Francis and Steve Skelton
Devolution could be the key to help unlock Lancashire’s economic potential and growth, according to guest speakers at the Built Environment Summit.
Anne-Marie Francis, vice-principal of Wigan and Leigh College, and Steve Skelton from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, shared insights on how devolved powers have worked in neighbouring Greater Manchester and Liverpool regions.
They also discussed what lessons Lancashire can learn from those regions’ devolution journeys.
Anne-Marie told delegates that devolution can lead to faster decision making. She said it enables colleges in Greater Manchester to respond quickly to industry needs.
Further education in Greater Manchester is devolved to its mayoral authority as a result of its deal with the government.
Anne-Marie said: “The Heinz factory in Wigan has got highly trained quality assurance operators working on machinery.
“Heinz asked us if we could train those operatives in mechanical engineering at its basic level, so they could diagnose and fix problems.”
She said the Department for Education could not help when it came to funding for the initiative, adding: “We then went to the combined authority and they told us it’s a genius idea and it is going to increase productivity. ‘We’ll fund you to do that’.
“It’s easier and faster when you’ve got a gap in the market, where you’re filling a niche and when it’s very much employer-led.”
Steve Skelton told the summit that devolved powers work best when local priorities align with national goals. He highlighted Liverpool City Region’s housing strategy, which was also a clear national priority.
Steve said: “The mayor can forge a consensus and can bring a conversation together. That can be very powerful for people a few layers down and things happen faster.”
He also spoke of the importance of collaboration across the mayoral authority area, including the need for political compromise. Successful delivery and “consistency of funding help to build that”, he added.
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