Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report from the Strategic Director – Enterprise, Community and Resources, which provided an update on key activities being undertaken and/or overseen by the Council’s Business Improvement and Growth Team, during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

It was noted that during the past year most of the Team had been working on supporting local businesses during the Pandemic and activities had been changed to reflect this.  Some generic support had continued which was summarised in the report and included:

·         Business Growth Programme – Phase 2;

·         Liverpool City Region Hospitality and Leisure Grants (HLG’s);

·         Growth Platform; and

·         One Front Door.

Officers provided details on screen of HLG’s awarded so far in rounds one and two, and advised that round 3 would start later this week.  In response to Members questions, the expectation was that the demand in round three would be greater than it was for one and two, as it would reach the wider business community and those without support so far.  A number of businesses did withdraw from the Business Growth Programme Phase 2; some wanted ‘cash’ support as opposed to ‘hours’ of business support, so did not engage any further with the Programme.  It was noted that the diagnostic process for the Business Growth Programme was now done in house.

It was reported that Phase 3 of the Business Growth Programme would align with the Council’s priorities in improving the economic growth by aiding SMEs within Halton to grow, develop, become more sustainable and increase jobs.  Phase 3 was planned to run from 1 January 2022 until 30 June 2023 and would require match funding of £85,799.

RESOLVED:  That Members note the activities and performance of the Business Improvement and Growth Team and how this aligned with wider national and city region strategies.