Agenda and minutes

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisers for Business Growth and Regeneration held on 14th July, 2014 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chairman.

The following item is likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, including the local authority)

Resolved:- That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended (information relating to the financial/business affairs of any person (including the Council) and is commercially confidential).

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Retail Investment Manager, concerning an application for a Business Development Grant in respect of a retail shop situated within the Rotherham town centre.

The report stated that the Town Centre Business development Grant Scheme is designed to encourage and support existing retail and catering businesses to improve their businesses in the Rotherham town centre. It was confirmed that this project satisfied the eligibility criteria of the Scheme.

It was noted that the applicant had previously received grant funding from the Town Centre Business Vitality Grants Scheme (Minute No. D43 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisers for Regeneration and Development held on 17th September, 2012 refers), although that award did not preclude further funding from the Business Development Grant Programme.

Discussion took place on the use of the various funding schemes for the regeneration of the Rotherham town centre:-

Portas Pilot – Town Centre Business Development Grant Scheme

High Street Renewal Grant Scheme

Business Vitality Grant Scheme

Members noted that the regeneration of the town centre had produced increasing footfall, in terms of the number of people visiting the town centre and shopping there.

Discussion took place on the forthcoming survey of local businesses in respect of the national Business Improvement District Scheme. A report on this issue will be submitted to Elected Members in due course.

Reference was also made to the Government’s ‘High Street of the Year’ scheme, for which this Council will be submitting a bid by the due date of 31 August, 2014.

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

(2) That a Business Development capital grant of £5,400 be awarded to the premises at High Street, now identified, to fund computer software and hardware which will support the development of a stock management  and ordering system, a new website, product development and the growth of on-line sales.