Issue - items at meetings - Update on the Economic Strategy & City Prospectus

Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached)

1)     Support the proposed refresh of the economic strategy;

2)     Agree in principle a proposal for the City Prospectus website to be hosted by the Economic Partnership subject to legal and financial agreement.

10.1    The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place with an update on activities relating to the creation of the economic Strategy and the City Prospectus.

10.2    Councillor Mac Cafferty noted he had visited the Brighton Centre with other Members and commended the work undertaken by Officers; he went on to note that this was an excellent initiative. There would be a soft launch in September, and the Strategy would help form the robust base to increase productivity and grow businesses in the city.

10.3    Councillor Morgan went on to note the importance of the digital media sector for the city, but highlighted that there was still the need to provide the business space for small to medium sized manufacturing businesses which could offer secure stable positions for lower skilled workers. The Chair agreed with these comments and noted that over 50% of local businesses were looking to expand in the next year.

10.4    Councillor Brown noted the advantages in the city for businesses, and explained that there was a need to provide new roles for graduates and hoped the city prospectus could be a tool to do this. Councillor Smith went on to add how important the Brighton Centre was for the local economy, and noted the improvements that had already been made on a limited budget.

10.5         Councillor Littman also commended the positive nature of the report.

10.6         Councillor Janio highlighted his view that there was still more work to be undertaken to create a better climate for small and medium size businesses in the city.

10.7         RESOLVED – That the Committee:

1)     Support the proposed refresh of the economic strategy;

2)     Agree in principle a proposal for the City Prospectus website to be hosted by the Economic Partnership subject to legal and financial agreement.