Agenda item

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager provided the Panel with an overview of the Borough Council’s involvement in Hanseatic activities. 

The Panel was provided with the history of the Hanseatic League which, during medieval times, consisted of over 200 towns and cities around the North Sea and Baltic Sea.  It was an economic and trade alliance which historically had political power. 

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained that in 1980 a new group of 43 former Hanseatic League members reinstated the Hanse Union.  England currently had three members; King’s Lynn, Boston and Hull.  The new Hanse League currently has members from 184 cities and 16 countries.

Business Hanse was created in 2013 and the Borough Council was one of the co-founding members.  There were over 142 members in 9 European countries and 112 businesses involved in Business Hanse.  The aim of Business Hanse was to encourage export and trading across the Hanse Economic Area.

The Panel was informed that the Borough Council’s reason for involvement in Hanse was to promote the heritage of the area and encourage tourism, assist in meeting corporate priorities within the corporate business plan and encourage trade.

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained that the Borough Council had been promoting King’s Lynn’s Hanseatic Heritage for several years through events celebrating international Hanse Day.  He explained that international Hanse Day was an annual event with over 100 towns and cities participating. 

2015 was the 10^th Anniversary since the King’s Lynn had joined the Hanse League so a Hanse Festival and Business Convention had been held to promote the heritage of King’s Lynn.

The Business Convention included representatives from local businesses, UK Trade and Investment, Local Enterprise Partnerships and Growth Accelerators.  Workshops, funding hubs and one to one advice was available throughout the convention.  A business reception was also hosted by the Borough Mayor.

The Hanse Festival was held over a weekend in May 2015 and included activities for children, medieval activities, musical entertainment and the chance to go on board a 14^th century replica Hanseatic Kogge which was docked at the Pontoons.

Children from local primary schools had also been engaged in a ‘Crazy Composers’ project.  Workshops had been delivered in the school and pupils then performed at the Minster and King’s Staithe Square.

King’s Lynn Civic Society also held a community breakfast which had been well attended and well received.

The Chairman thanked the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager for his report and invited questions and comments from the Panels, as summarised below.

Councillor Baron Chenery of Horsbrugh asked for clarification of who was the Lord High Admiral of the Wash.  The Chairman explained that King’s Lynn Conservancy Board would be able to advise accordingly.

Councillor Tyler informed those present that he had spent a lot of time helping to promote the connections with Hanse.  He felt that it presented an opportunity to promote the heritage and history of King’s Lynn.  Councillor Tyler explained that a book on King’s Lynn’s involvement in Hanse would be published and the intention was to use it in schools.  He hoped that it would be available as part of the education of young people.  Councillor Tyler asked the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager if he believed that the local economy and businesses would benefit from links and connections with the Hanse League.  The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained that the businesses around the Waterfront had recorded record sales over the Hanse Festival weekend and footfall in the town centre was up.  He explained that UK Trade and Investment and the Borough Council worked with Businesses and inward investment enquiries to assist them where possible.

The Executive Director explained that research had shown that town centres could not thrive on just retail; they needed to capitalize on the heritage offer to draw in visitors to the town.

In response to a question from Councillor Mrs Squire, the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained that the Business Hanse only came into being two years ago so it was difficult to measure its benefits, however, the Council did deal with lots on enquiries through the network.

In response to a question from the Vice Chairman, the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager confirmed that the costing of the business event did include the Mayor’s reception.  He explained that work was ongoing to look at proposals for the next three years event package and bids for funding would be made for a programme from 2016 to 2019.  The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager confirmed that staffing costs had not been included in the figures presented in his report.

The Vice Chairman explained that it was important for events to be adequately marketed and promoted.  The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained that press releases had been sent and the events had been promoted through the local media.  The Vice Chairman commented that events should be publicised nationally.

The Chairman commented that he felt events were publicised well through the local media.

Councillor Shorting commented that all entrances to the town centre should have posters or billboards displaying event information.

Councillor Mrs Nockolds, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health explained that the Council did have a display at the Sandringham show and at Hansetag days, so that they could promote King’s Lynn nationally and internationally.

The Executive Director explained that as part of the Heritage Lottery Funding for the Town Hall a four year activity plan would be provided which would incorporate some of the Hanse Festival events.

Councillor Mrs Mellish thanked the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager for a good report.  She explained that the cost of the event needed to be compared to the economic benefit.  She was disappointed that the Business benefit had not yet been realised and asked if the same could be achieved if the Council did not have the links with the Hanse and the associated costs.  Councillor Mrs Mellish commented that the report did not show costs of flights and subsistence relating to the Hanse.

Councillor Mrs Wright explained that she was on the Hanse Committee who dealt with organising the events and she felt that the Council’s involvement in Hanse had really helped to ‘bring the town alive’.  All of the activities combined delivered a unique experience.  She reminded those present that King’s Lynn housed the only surviving Hanseatic Warehouse in the Country.  She highlighted the tourism and business benefits of showcasing King’s Lynn’s unique Heritage and stated that King’s Lynn’s future was in its past.

RESOLVED: The report was noted.