| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| ERG 13/001 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct. However, with regard to the item on Escalate - Innovation and Growth Fund Bid, Councillors Baldock and Rhodes confirmed that they were former and current employees of one of the business organisations in the consortium backing the bid. |
| ERG 13/002 |
Economic Regeneration Advisory Board - Proposed Terms of Reference |
The report of the Chief Executive set out the proposed terms of reference for the Advisory Board. A number of minor amendments to the text were noted by the Corporate Services Manager. RECOMMENDED: That the Cabinet be commended to adopt the draft Terms of Reference for the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board as set out at Annex 1 to the report. *Referred to Cabinet |
| ERG 13/003 |
Local Broadband Services |
George Chandler, Kent County Council Regeneration Project Manager, gave a detailed presentation on progress towards the provision of enhanced broadband services for Kent. |
| ERG 13/004 |
Tonbridge Town Team Update |
Katie Iggulden and Howard Porter of the Tonbridge Town Team presented a proposal to launch a loyalty card scheme in Tonbridge to promote shopping and build support for local retailers and businesses within the area. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| ERG 13/005 |
Supporting the Borough's Local Centres Decision Notice D130083MEM |
The report of the Chief Executive set out an approach to engagement with local Chambers of Commerce, parish councils and trading associations to identify opportunities to support business activity and vitality in the Borough's local centres. RECOMMENDED: That the suggested process of engagement with local traders, as set out in the report, be endorsed. |
| ERG 13/006 |
Escalate - Innovation and Growth Fund Bid Decision Notice D130084MEM |
The report of the Chief Executive provided an update on the bid to secure a loan fund for small businesses in West Kent, Maidstone and East Sussex. It was noted that a decision on the bid had been received and that this had been successful. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the progress regarding the Escalate programme be noted; and (2) further promotion of the opportunities presented by the 'Accelerator +' programme be explored. |
| ERG 13/007 |
West Kent Business Support Initiatives - Update Decision Notice D130085MEM |
The report of the Chief Executive provided an update on the commissioning of enhanced business support services for West Kent. RECOMMENDED: That the West Kent Business Support Programme, as set out in the report, be endorsed and be promoted locally to ensure a good take up of such services within the Borough. |
| ERG 13/008 |
Business Rates - Lord Heseltine Report Decision Notice D130086MEM |
The report of the Director of Finance and Transformation gave details of one of the recommendations contained in Lord Heseltine's Report entitled "No Stone Unturned: In Pursuit of Growth" which related to the publication of details of local businesses. RECOMMENDED: That (1) a list of businesses, excluding those in the names of individuals, liable to non-domestic rates in the Borough be published; and (2) in due course, consent to publish be obtained from individual traders. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| ERG 13/009 |
West Kent Leader Programme - Update |
The report provided an update on progress with transitional funding for the team which managed the West Kent Leader Programme. |
| ERG 13/010 |
West Kent Partnership - Minutes |
The Chief Executive presented the minutes of the meeting of the West Kent Partnership held on 19 April 2013. |
| ERG 13/011 |
Federation of Small Businesses - Small Business Index |
The Chief Executive submitted a report from the Federation of Small Businesses relating to business confidence. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| ERG 13/012 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
No matters were considered in private. |