Presentation and discussion with the Economic and Regeneration Manager on Support to Businesses in the District
Minutes:
The Economic and Regeneration Manager gave Members a presentation explaining the support provided to businesses in the District and an update on the regeneration initiatives for the District’s Town Centres.
The presentation examined Business related aims to achieve the Council Plan vision of creating a great place to work by supporting existing businesses, to maintain and grow the workforce, support new businesses to start creating employment and attracting new businesses to the area which bring new jobs.
The presentation summarised the following areas:
• Town Centre regeneration and in particular, the Clay Cross Town Deal
• Tourism and events, including the plans for a new Visitor Economy Strategy
• Business support, including advice to start-up businesses, Growth Advice to existing firms and financial aid, such as the Council’s Shopfront Improvement Grant
• Business rates relief provided to 51% of all Commercial Properties within the District
• The Council commercial property portfolio of workshops, offices and industrial units that are used by businesses and with local vacancy levels
• Town Centre health checks to find out why people visit the town centres, how do they get there and what part of their visits they felt best about, such as safety and street lighting.
Committee discussed the presentation. As part of this, Members discussed the proposals for the redevelopment of Clay Cross.Members were informed that the aim was to make the Town Centre a destination to attract visitors, and new visitors would be measured by footfall data.
Members referred to the Clay Cross Town Deal plan to relocate the Library, and asked if footfall data could be taken from the Library to measure the difference the relocation would make. The Economic and Regeneration Manager explained that the possibility of gathering this would be discussed with the Library.
Members referred to the plans for Killamarsh and asked if there was a funding scheme for the shop fronts. The Economic and Regeneration Manager confirmed that there was a Shopfront Enhancement Scheme in place.
Committee referred to the plans for Eckington and the for the
next steps for achieving these. They heard how following financial
and economic case review of the preferred options a Masterplan
would be prepared and funding
opportunities would be sought.
Members enquired about the allocation of Shared Prosperity Funding across the District’s towns. In this context they noted the projects to be funded in Dronfield and how these compared to other areas.
Committee discussed specific Business Engagement schemes and support to businesses. Members considered the extensive Business Rate Relief which the Council offers and anecdotal concerns raised about how this support was communicated. In this context, they agreed that the specific information in the presentation setting out Business Rate Relief be circulated to the Committee.
Members discussed the startup advice provided to new business, including the support provided to social enterprises.
Committee agreed that support provided to businesses should be considered by the Committee as part of its work programme for the year.
RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.