Client: High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council
Date: June 2022 – August 2022
Challenges faced by the client:
High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (collectively known as ‘the Councils’) were required to submit a compliant UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF) Investment Plan by 1st August 2022 in order to access its UKSPF allocation. The level of detail required was significant and the Councils needed to demonstrate that its plans were coherent, costed and aligned with overarching government aims.
This funding represents an important part of the Councils’ plans to deliver on the government’s Levelling Up agenda. The councils saw the UKSPF as a way to deliver more focused spend on services and infrastructure by investing in local communities, employment and skills, and the needs of local businesses.
Support offered:
Whilst Mutual Ventures ‘held the pen’ on the development of the investment plan and was accountable for the work, the team approached the project in a spirit of partnership, working with the leadership team, partners and stakeholders, to ensure local knowledge and expertise were used to the full. To deliver this partnership approach we created a UKSPF Steering Group with the Council to manage the process, oversee progress, address issues, and mitigate risks.
Mutual Ventures delivered two compelling and robustly evidenced Investment Plans, through a process which ensured co-ordination, efficiency, and the timely input of stakeholder views and opinions.
The Mutual Ventures team delivered a series of workshops and developed a theory of change. This identified the challenges faced by communities, existing market failures, opportunities for investment, and identified relevant interventions. Building on the theory of change Mutual Ventures led on the development of the investment plans including selecting project deliverables, expenditure profiles, and governance structure.
Throughout this process, the Mutual Ventures team was able to provide insight, experience, and understanding of best practice in delivering bids to central government.
Outcome achieved:
The Council’s UKSPF Investment Plan was submitted on time and had strong support from the local MPs, local community groups, local businesses, and residents. The anticipated outcomes include:
‘Reinventing the high street’ through supporting local business networks, encouraging independent retailers, repurposing town centre buildings, and developing the digital infrastructure of local businesses.
Developing the cycle network.
Improving the green economy and sustainable tourism
Developing the capacity of third sector organisations to support local residents.
Developing new sites for businesses, particularly SMEs, to encourage expansion and innovation.
Increasing apprenticeship starts.