Issue - meetings

(Report of Chief Executive)

Details of the current business support and advice programme available to the local business community were provided.  Proposals to further develop the business support programme to meet local business needs were also set out for approval.

The Economic Regeneration Officer volunteered to undertake further analysis on the satisfaction levels of the business support programme, particularly those offered by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, as monitoring feedback from customers enabled a better focus and targeting of support.

Following consideration by the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration resolved that the proposed approach to future business support activity, as detailed in the report at paragraph 1.3.2, be approved.

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Members were provided with an overview of the current business support and advice programme available to the local business community.  Proposals to further develop the business support programme to meet local business needs were also set out.

As part of the Kent and Medway Growth Hub programme the County Council had allocated £10,000 to each district and borough in Kent and £20,000 to Medway.  This funding aimed to deliver business support at a localised level.  The Borough Council was looking to continue the delivery of business support through the West Kent Partnership.   Business support proposals had to be submitted by 30 June 2015 and currently included the continuation of One to One sessions; development of business workshops across West Kent; sector specific support and web based support.  Further details were set out in paragraph 1.3.2 of the report.

The Economic Regeneration Officer volunteered to undertake further analysis on the satisfaction levels of the business support programme, particularly those offered by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, as monitoring feedback from customers enabled a better focus and targeting of support.

Members discussed the promotion of business support services and suggested co-ordination with organisations such as ‘Produced in Kent’ and local banks.

RECOMMENDED:  That the proposed approach to future business support activity, as detailed in the report, be approved.