Issue - meetings

To provide an update on how Economic Development and Inward Investment is undertaken and promoted in South Holland (report of the Portfolio Holder Growth and Commercialisation and the Executive Director Commercialisation (S151 Officer) enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Executive Director Commercialisation and Section 151 Officer which provided an update on how Economic Development and inward investment was undertaken and promoted in South Holland.

The Inward Investment Manager introduced the report, stating that since the last update there had been several meetings with businesses in order to assist with profitability and viability of local businesses.

Start-up workshops were being held regularly and were well attended.

Members asked if there was any information to be had on high street retail and markets. The Inward Investment Manager responded that, unfortunately, that access did not sit within the Economic Development team. The Chairman suggested that the Panel examine whether retail and high street economic matters be brought under more close scrutiny.

The Place Manager stated that boosting high streets and town centres was a topical matter and that through the ‘Future High Street Fund’ Councils were being encouraged to put forward an expression of interest of how they may use such funds to revitalise town centres. Officers across the directorates were compiling information to put forward such an expression of interest. This would be shared with members in due course.

The Chairman asked the Panel if it was their opinion that the High Street economy should be a higher priority in economic development. There was general agreement.

AGREED:

a)    That the panel note the contents of the report.

b)    That the High Street Economy be made a larger focus of Economic Development