Issue - items at meetings - Business Retention Inward Investment Study

Report of Director of Cultural Services (copy attached).

(1)       That the Business Retention and Inward Investment Strategy and Implementation Plan be approved.

(2)       That the Director of Cultural Services provide updates on the actions contained within the Implementation Plan.

54.1    The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Cultural Services which presented the Business Retention and Inward Investment (BRII) Strategy and Implementation Plan (for copy see minute book).   The Strategy set out a more proactive role for the city council in safeguarding and developing existing businesses together with attracting new businesses to the city.  It would provide a framework for the economic development function of the city council to work with partners, both internally and externally to safeguard and develop the economic base of the city. 

54.2    Councillor Turton asked why GVA Grimley Ltd was commissioned to develop the strategy and why they were considered relevant to Brighton & Hove?  The Economic Development Officer explained that there had been 34 expressions of interest in the brief.  Around 16 or 17 full submissions had been made.  A detailed analysis had taken been carried out and four firms had been selected for final interview.  GVA Grimley Ltd had been appointed out of this process.  They were an internationally known consultancy agency.     

54.3    Councillor Turton noted that manufacturing was a growth area, especially in food and drink.  He referred to page 27 – Targeting, and asked what was the rationale for having 50 employees as a benchmark.  Why not have a lower fresh hold of 20.  The Economic Development Officer replied that he would review the core data and provide information to Councillor Turton about this issue. 

54.4    Councillor Turton referred to paragraph 1.10 on page 31.  He asked if there would be further information provided to the Cabinet Member Meeting on the identification and development of sufficient and appropriate start up and grow-on floorspace.  The Head of Tourism and Venues confirmed that this matter would be revisited at a future Cabinet Member Meeting.

54.5    Councillor Turton referred to paragraph 1.16 relating to the key requirements for a more effective set of tools to collate, manage and utilise information etc.  He asked if it was possible to purchase an off the peg software system.  The Head of Tourism and Venues replied that it might be possible to use existing tools but this matter would be explored further. 

54.6    RESOLVED - (1)      That the Business Retention and Inward Investment Strategy and Implementation Plan be approved.

(2)       That the Director of Cultural Services provides updates on the actions contained within the Implementation Plan.