Issue - meetings

The Director of Economic Development briefed Members on the draft strategy.  It was noted that the Council had benefited from support from an LGA consultant to review existing approaches to business engagement.  To date this had not been a priority action for delivery, however work in this area improved during the Covid pandemic and consequently the team realised that greater emphasis was required on business engagement.

It was noted that the Service had recently secured a CRM system to help capture local business information and to track specific needs of the local business community.  A substantial proportion of recent engagement had focused on climate change and business support.  The service believed a lot of progress was now being made in this area.

The Portfolio Holder for Growth referred to the InBusiness Magazine which was now in circulation and noted that at the start of their four-year term in 2019 the Council had insufficient information to truly know our local businesses.  They noted that the Council had transformed their approach.  They highlighted that the new CRM system was making an enormous difference and was enabling the Council to share publications and advice on grants, business resilience and best practice.

The Director confirmed there was a notable increase in networking events being held, which had been highly successful in terms of attendance by the local business community.  A key piece of information gathered was that local businesses welcomed face-to-face contact rather than web based.

Moved by Councillor Jim Clifton and seconded by Councillor Derek Adams

RESOLVED that (1) the findings and recommendations of the Grant Thornton Business Engagement Strategy Review report be noted,

(2) the formal adoption of a Business Engagement Strategy and Action Plan be supported.

(Director of Economic Development, DDL/ Business Growth Manager)