Decision Maker: Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
To seek approval to establish a framework for Wider Business Support to use Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding to provide advice and training for Fareham businesses to support their transition and growth out of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented difficulties for many businesses throughout the last year. Whilst some businesses have managed to expand through this period, many businesses are having to seek grants, advice and training to help them through the changes experienced.
The Council has received ARG allocations to date of £3,357,164 and the Executive has already approved to spend a significant proportion of this on wider support, (£464,932).
This report proposes the Wider Business Support scheme which will run from June 2021 to March 2022. The scheme is informed by a business consultation with the Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, several Fareham businesses and the results of a recent online survey relating to the impacts of Covid on local businesses.
The report provides details of the recent procurement exercise to establish a framework of business support and training organisations and seeks approval to award the contract and establish the framework.
RESOLVED that the Executive:
(a) approves the award of contracts and the establishment of a framework for Wider Business Support Scheme to deliver a range of Wider Business Support;
(b) approves the establishment of a separate voucher scheme for legal and financial support; and
(c) agrees that the Director of Planning and Regeneration, following consultation with the Executive Member for Policy and Resources, be authorised to make any necessary changes to the WBSS following early reviews of the scheme and informed by levels of uptake by potential participants.
Report author: Gayle Wootton
Publication date: 08/06/2021
Date of decision: 07/06/2021
Decided at meeting: 07/06/2021 - Executive
Effective from: 18/06/2021
Accompanying Documents: