| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| ERG 13/013 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct. |
| ERG 13/014 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board held on 17 July 2013 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| ERG 13/015 |
Promoting Youth Entrepreneurship Decision Notice D130106MEM |
The report outlined a proposal for a pilot project for West Kent aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship. Mr Paul Barron of the Kent Foundation attended the meeting and explained the role of the organisation and outlined the proposals for the pilot. It was noted that funding for the scheme was likely to be drawn from underspends in the Kent County Council business support budget which funded 1-2-1 support and business seminars in West Kent. Members supported the ambition of motivating, mentoring, inspiring and encouraging young people into self employment and business startup. However, the concerns expressed by Oftsted regarding the quality of career advice offered in schools was also noted and shared. RECOMMENDED: That the proposed Youth Entrepreneurship initiative, as set out in the report, be endorsed. |
| ERG 13/016 |
West Kent Business Support Initiatives - Update Decision Notice D130107MEM |
The Chief Executive provided an update on local business support initiatives which were discussed in detail at the previous meeting of the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board. It was reported that a detailed Delivery Plan for the Escalate programme was still being prepared and any appropriate comments and observations would be submitted by the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, on behalf of the Borough Council when the draft plan was available. The formal launch of the Fund was expected in November 2013. Particular reference was made to a new joint funding bid recently submitted by the West Kent Partnership and Business Support Kent to secure funding from round 6 of the European Regional Development Fund. This provided additional funding for advice and grants with regard to the management of energy costs to achieve enhanced environmental sustainability. Members noted that funding for the programmes outlined was provided by external sources; although the Borough Council was required to help promote these programmes this activity could be funded from existing budgets. It was reported that all effective promotion channels would be considered and the Borough Council's website would contain relevant information and signposting to other providers. RECOMMENDED: That the position as updated in the report be noted and authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, to respond to a draft of the Escalate Delivery Plan when available. |
| ERG 13/017 |
Unlocking the Potential - Kent and Medway Growth Strategy Decision Notice D130108MEM |
The report of the Chief Executive set out the process by which future growth funding was to be distributed via the Local Enterprise Partnerships and how West Kent was being invited to influence local decisions on infrastructure and business growth priorities. A summary of the Borough Council's key future infrastructure requirements was provided in Annex B of the report and would be used to inform the emerging growth paper for West Kent. Whilst Members supported the growth priorities identified, it was suggested that the Gatwick rail link and improved broadband services for rural communities be considered for lobbying if the opportunity arose. RECOMMENDED: That the priorities for local infrastructure improvements, as set out in Annex B to the report, be endorsed and included in the emerging West Kent Priorities for Growth paper. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| ERG 13/018 |
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council Apprenticeship Scheme |
Progress to date on the Borough Council's Customer Service Apprenticeship Scheme was updated by the Director of Central Services. In addition, Members were advised of plans to recruit up to three apprentices in 2013/14. |
| ERG 13/019 |
Minutes of the West Kent Partnership |
The Minutes of the West Kent Partnership meeting held on 19 July 2013 were reviewed and noted by Members. |
| ERG 13/020 |
Borough Economic Profile |
The report of the Chief Executive set out a brief economic summary of the Borough. Members noted the key messages summarised in Annex A of the report and requested that the economic profiling be presented annually. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| ERG 13/021 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
There were no items considered in private. |