Meeting documents

(Voting: 13 in favour, 1 against)

Reason: To agree an allocation of funding for the Chard Business Hub Project.

With the aid of a powerpoint presentation, the Neighbourhood Development Officer presented his report to members.  Members noted that making the proposed funding allocations would allow the project to go ahead.  As the project develops alternative sources of funding would be sought and if found, the need to draw down funding in Area West reserves would be reduced.

The Neighbourhood Development Officer responded to members’ questions on points of detail.  Responses included the following:

·         One of the project targets was to provide support to 30 community projects which would also involve looking for funding.  The projects would be about working with local groups to develop the community and bring value and could include training and supporting people leaving school;

·         The establishment of a separate hub operating company would be decided by the Project Board and be dependent on funding;

·         It was considered that the targets had been set at an achievable level;

·         The floor space had been advertised for more than two years;

·         The model had been developed to suit the needs of Chard.  The premises costs were inclusive with the exception of business rates.  Other successfully renting premises had been looked at as a guide;

·         The Project Board was recommending appointing additional members to supplement their skills and expertise as the project progressed;

·         There would be various controls in place to manage the performance of the project;

·          The floor space was not considered appropriate for entrepreneur use;

·         The Chard Regeneration Scheme recognised the importance of business incubation in Chard town centre.

During discussion, the majority of members welcomed and expressed their support for the project and wished the Neighbourhood Development Officer success in taking the project forward.  However, one member felt that he could not support the proposal and raised a number of concerns.  Comments expressed in support of the project included the following:

·         A member thanked the Neighbourhood Development Officer and other relevant officers for the work that had gone into the project;

·         It was acknowledged that the demand for business incubation space was hidden and no amount of survey work would expose it.  The highest risk was to do nothing;

·         It was felt that the workspaces should be flexible and modern;

·         A member highlighted the opportunity to apply for funding through the Making It Local Programme.

At the conclusion of the debate, the majority of members were content to approve the recommendations of the report.

(Voting: 13 in favour, 1 against)

Reason: To agree an allocation of funding for the Chard Business Hub Project.