Agenda item - Greater Brighton Business Support Programmes – The Business Hot House

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)            That the Board notes the Greater Brighton Business Support programme and will use networks to increase awareness amongst local businesses.

2)            That the Board agrees that whilst the levels of provision are high it can be difficult for businesses to navigate the complex terrain of providers and access points to receive the support they require.  The Board advocates that in the longer term we move towards a system that is simplified through the establishment of a “one-stop-shop” where businesses can see and access all the current opportunities.

3)            That the Board agrees to lobby government for continued funding into business support programmes once EU funding ceases in 2022. 

23.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that provided a progress update on the business support programme approved by the Board in 2019/20.

23.2      Councillor Platts stated that the business support programme was making a difference and welcomed the progress update. Councillor Platts stated that a one stop shop for business advice and support was a great opportunity and was particularly useful for small businesses in relation to the potential risks and advantages of growth.

23.3      Gareth Sear clarified that opportunities for advisory bases in co-working spaces was actively being considered.

23.4      Dean Orgill stated that he welcomed the focus upon leadership and management development as this was often an issue not considered in similar schemes.

23.5      Claire Mason echoed the comments made by Dean Orgill and C2C were aware that the absence of such initiatives was a problem for business start-ups. Claire Mason added that the proposal was solution based however, it perhaps needed to be problem based to create the demand for access to finance.

23.6      RESOLVED-

1)             That the Board notes the Greater Brighton Business Support programme and will use networks to increase awareness amongst local businesses.

2)             That the Board agrees that whilst the levels of provision are high it can be difficult for businesses to navigate the complex terrain of providers and access points to receive the support they require.  The Board advocates that in the longer term we move towards a system that is simplified through the establishment of a “one-stop-shop” where businesses can see and access all the current opportunities.

3)             That the Board agrees to lobby government for continued funding into business support programmes once EU funding ceases in 2022.