Decision

1. 1

The Head of Culture and Place presented a report which sought approval for Sheffield City Council, through Marketing Sheffield, to accept £798,000 of grant funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority over three years (with a one-year break clause) to continue acting as the accountable body for the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership. It was outlined that the funding would enable the partnership to maintain and grow the regional visitor economy programme, sustain the Visit England-accredited LVEP governance and delivery model and build on the evidence, business support, partnership and destination development activity established during the first three years.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee is recommended to:

a.    Approve Sheffield City Council, through Marketing Sheffield, accepting £798,000 of grant funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority over three years (with a one-year break clause) to support delivery of the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership.

b.    Note that Sheffield City Council will continue to act as accountable body for the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, delivered by Marketing Sheffield in partnership with SYMCA and the four South Yorkshire local authorities.

c.     Delegate authority to the Director of Economy, Skills and Culture, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services and the Director of Legal and Governance as required, to finalise and enter into the grant agreement and any associated delivery arrangements.

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

The recommended decision enables Sheffield City Council and Marketing Sheffield to continue leading the South Yorkshire LVEP and to accept the SYMCA funding needed to deliver the next phase of activity. This will protect the progress made since accreditation in 2023, sustain a recognised regional partnership, and maintain Sheffield’s strategic relationship with Visit England and DCMS.

1. 3.2

The visitor economy is an important driver of jobs, business activity, cultural participation and place confidence in Sheffield and South Yorkshire. Accepting the grant will help the city and region to grow the value of tourism, support local businesses and strengthen Sheffield’s role as a leading cultural and visitor destination.

1. 3.3

The work of the LVEP enhances the work Marketing Sheffield already undertakes to grow the visitor economy in Sheffield and provides Marketing Sheffield with additional resource and tools in the areas of data & insight, business support, private sector engagement and skills development. It also allows Sheffield to have a strategic role in the joint promotion of Yorkshire internationally working with the other Yorkshire LVEPs and Visit Britain/England- this offers us opportunities and added value that we only get through LVEP status.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Alternative Option 1: Do not accept the SYMCA grant funding

This option is not recommended because it would remove the resource required to continue the LVEP programme, create uncertainty for partners and weaken Sheffield’s ability to maintain the accountable body role and national relationship with Visit England. It would also risk losing momentum and good will built during the first three years of the partnership.

1. 4.2

Alternative Option 2 – Ask another SY Local Authority to lead the LVEP

This option is not recommended because Sheffield has already delivered the accountable body role for 3 years, built relationships with partners and stakeholders including VisitEngland and VisitBritain. Sheffield is also best placed to take the accountable body role due to the extensive experience within the Marketing Sheffield team