Agenda item - Corporate Performance Report - Help me run a successful business

Agenda item

Corporate Performance Report - Help me run a successful business

Minutes:

In the absence of the Chief Executive, the Deputy Chief Executive presented the report for Members’ consideration and in so doing highlighted the following areas:

 

·         The seven Bromsgrove District Centre covered by the Centres Strategy for 2017-2020.

·         The themed outcomes of the Strategy and how the Council measured success and impact.

·         The work of the Town Centres Manager and the relationships she has established with parish councils, business and local communities in developing local initiatives.

·         The expression of interest for funding from Central Government which had recently been applied for, the outcome of which was expected in September.

·         Two key strategic studies which were being undertaken in Bromsgrove Town Centre.

·         Data provided following the Community Panel survey which had been carried out – it was confirmed that full details of this would be provided in due course.

·         Encouraging local business and inward investment – the support provided by NWedR and funding provided to them.

·         Improving connectivity within Bromsgrove (Digital and Transport) - key priorities including infrastructure and night time economy.

 

Members were advised that the report also included, as had been previously agreed, corporate sickness data on a bi-monthly basis.  The Deputy Chief Executive advised Members that work had been done to support managers and officers in all services to ensure the process was consistent throughout.

 

Following presentation of the report Members the Leader confirmed that the Bromsgrove Centres Strategy would be reviewed and she was keen for it to be widened to include other areas such as Aston Fields.  It was clear from the views of the survey undertaken with the Community Panel that the Council was working in the right direction and need to push forward with the Strategic Transport Assessment for the north of the County which would help address a number of issues.

 

Councillor Denaro commented that in respect of the sickness data it had been confirmed that the increase in long term absence had been due to 2 long term absences which had now been resolved and that the short term absences were predominantly in one area and this was being addressed.

 

Members questioned the make-up of the Community Panel and the Policy Manager explained that it was made up of around 200 people from a cross- section of the community, although it was hoped that this would be developed further and be more representative in future.  The next survey would be in September 2019.  It was suggested that Members could be involved in the promotion and distribution of the survey.  It was confirmed that support from Members would be greatly appreciated.

 

Members also discussed the small businesses that had been set up and whilst this was encouraged, concerns were raised in respect of there being limited opportunities for such businesses to develop further.  It was therefore important to ensure that this was addressed to ensure that those businesses did not move out of the District.

 

RESOLVED that the contents of the report and associated appendix in respect of the Corporate Performance Report ‘Help me run a successful business’ be noted.

 

Supporting documents: