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.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 07/05/2021
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Decision due: 7 Jun 2021 by Executive
Lead member: Executive Member for Policy & Resources
Lead director: Director of Planning and Regeneration
Contact: Gayle Wootton Email: gwootton@fareham.gov.uk.
Consultees
None
Background Papers: File of Procurement documents**