Agenda item - ERDF Business Support Programme

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

1)           That the Committee note the progress being made in developing this new business support programme

2)           That the Committee agrees the funding being committed by the council to the programme for the benefit of local businesses.

30.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that provided information on a new EU funded business support programme set to roll out in Brighton & Hove in autumn 2018.

30.2      Councillor Mac Cafferty asked if the Ride the Wave scheme would be ended noting that it would be disappointing news if so and asked what the potential return on investment might be.

30.3      The Economic Development Programme Manager clarified that Brighton Chamber of Commerce had operated a competitive tender on the Council’s behalf for the past six years, however the Chamber of Commerce had decided against operating the tender going forward due to the administrative demands involved and as it would distract them from their core work in supporting their membership. A different, wider model would be operated going forward and that, in part, was a response to the possibility of the UK leaving the EU. The Economic Development Programme Manager explained that the Council would be investing £30,000 for access to £12 million of funding and the Council would have a seat on the steering group to ensure it obtained value for money.

30.4      Councillor Mac Cafferty thanked the Economic Development Programme Manager for providing assurance.

30.5      RESOLVED-

1)           That the Committee note the progress being made in developing this new business support programme

2)           That the Committee agrees the funding being committed by the council to the programme for the benefit of local businesses.