Focus developed a methodology and undertook the appraisal of 25 projects and investment proposals as part of the LEP’s Local Growth Plan submission to Government. We produced a detailed report for each application to enable the projects to be ranked for inclusion within the Local Growth Deal. This was used to inform the shape and nature of the SEP including an assessment of strategic case, impacts and additionality, urgency, value for money, timetable compliance, deliverability, project management arrangements, and delivery issues including land ownership and planning permission.
Subsequently, Focus were appointed to develop a Cost: Benefit model to assess each project included within the SEP to help inform a ranking process as part of the LEP’s negotiations with Government – a model that was very well received by BIS as a tool able to compare the very different attributes of capital and revenue projects and make meaningful comparisons.
Focus have since been retained by the LEP to appraise applications for capital funding in line with HMT Green Book principles. The approach highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the projects, whether it is in accordance with the LEP strategy, delivers relevant outputs, has a credible applicant and a strong match funding package.
