Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Economic Development Manager concerning a proposal that £19,000 of revenue funding is allocated from the Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund (RERF) towards work on a growth plan and physical options assessment for the Rotherham Markets complex. Members noted that approval was also being sought for the work to be awarded directly to the Retail Group, with exemption from the usual tendering procedures set out in the Council’s standing orders. This latter proposal is due to the tight timescales for both spending the money and requiring the outcomes of the work.

The report listed the objectives of the proposal, which are to identify:-

i) the future strategy and growth plan for Rotherham Markets, the right markets offer for the town and its customers;

ii) the rationale for investing in improvements to the markets, and the optimum additional physical requirements both short and long term;  and

iii) actions to improve performance and to effectively utilise the development opportunities available.

Resolved:- (1) That the report be received and its contents noted.

(2) That £19,000 of revenue funding be allocated from the Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund (RERF) towards work on a growth plan and options assessment for Rotherham Markets, as detailed in the report now submitted.

(3) That, further to (2) above, exemption be granted from the requirements of Standing Order 47.6.2 (requirement to invite at least two oral or written quotations for contracts with an estimated value of £5,000 or more, but less than £20,000) enabling the work on a growth plan and options assessment to be undertaken by the Retail Group, so that the work may be completed by 31^st March 2014.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Sector Growth Manager (Rotherham Investment and Development Office) concerning the ‘Get up to speed with Engineering’ event, held annually for the past three years and provided free for young people and other stakeholders, enabling them to engage with businesses and learn about the world of work in engineering and manufacturing.

The report sought approval for the suspension of standing orders with regard to the procurement of event-related costs, to allow the Rotherham Investment and Development Office to provide a marquee, workshops, networking opportunities and support to small and medium enterprises and companies at this event.

Members noted that revenue funding for this proposal was available from the South Yorkshire Sector Growth Enhancement Programme, administered by Sheffield City Council. The event was also supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

Resolved:- (1) That the report be received and its contents noted.

(2) That exemption be granted from the requirements of Standing Order 47.6.2 (requirement to invite at least two oral or written quotations for contracts with an estimated value of £5,000 or more, but less than £20,000) in respect of the expenditure needed to provide additional venue space for small and medium enterprise businesses at the ‘Get up to speed with Engineering’ event.

(3) That approval be granted for the necessary expenditure to be incurred with immediate effect.

Resolved:- That two Elected Members be authorised to attend the above seminar.