Agenda item

The Director of Housing, Economy & Regeneration to present a report which sets out the findings of an independent evaluation of the council’s Micro Business Grant scheme and asks Executive to endorse proposals to build a stronger business community and support the further recovery of micro businesses and the York economy.

Resolved:  (i)      That the significant economic impacts resulting from the Executive’s decision in March 2020 to invest £1.4m in micro businesses be noted.

Reason:     To recognise the sizeable economic and social impact of the Council’s micro business grant scheme on York’s small business community and business owners, and better understand the challenges they face in adapting to, and recovering from, Covid-19.

                   (ii)      That the continued focus on working with networks and Traders Associations to build a stronger business community be endorsed.

Reason:     To continue the Council’s commitment to working with local businesses and build a stronger sense of community.

                   (iii)     That it be noted that the findings of the MBG evaluation and the council’s work with networks and Traders Association will inform plans to spend the outstanding allocation of Additional Restrictions Grant funding once trading restrictions are lifted, and that the Head of Economic Growth be instructed to bring proposals for the use of those funds to Executive at the earliest opportunity.

Reason:     To support the further recovery of micro businesses and the York economy.

(iv)    That, subject to the receipt of additional ARG funding from Government, £100k of ARG funds be allocated to support the delivery of events and festivals across the city, and that the implementation of that fund be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place in consultation with the Executive Member for Economy & Strategic Planning.

Reason:     To support economic recovery.

(v)     That the council sign up to the Good Business Charter and commit York to becoming the first Good Business Charter City.

Reason:     To promote responsible business practices and provide a practical framework which enables York to Build Back Better.

The Director of Environment, Transport & Planning presented a report which set out the findings of an independent evaluation of the council’s Micro Business Grant (MBG) scheme, along with proposals to provide support for business-led collaboration through networks and Traders’ Associations, and to sign up to the Good Businesses Foundation’s Good Business Charter (GBC).

The Evaluation Report, by Blueberry Marketing Ltd. was attached as Annex A to the report.  It provided a detailed assessment of the economic impact of the scheme, noted the strengths and weaknesses of the process so as to inform future grant schemes, identified future business support needs, and provided insights on the impact of internet and transport connectivity.  Key findings of the evaluation, positive feedback from grant recipients, and potential follow-up work were highlighted in paragraphs 20-30 of the report.  In terms of supporting business networks, details of funding allocations and objectives were set out in paragraphs 37-45 and Annex C.  It was confirmed that the remaining government funding referred to in paragraph 38 had been received on 23 June.  Information on the aims, relevance and implications of the GBC was provided in paragraphs 46-60; the accreditation criteria were attached at Annex D.

Members welcomed the report, and thanked all officers and partners involved; the Chair extended particular thanks to Julian Richer and Prof. Charlie Jeffery for their roles in promoting the GBC.  Having noted the comments made under Public Participation, it was

Resolved:  (i)      That the significant economic impacts resulting from the Executive’s decision in March 2020 to invest £1.4m in micro businesses be noted.

Reason:     To recognise the sizeable economic and social impact of the Council’s micro business grant scheme on York’s small business community and business owners, and better understand the challenges they face in adapting to, and recovering from, Covid-19.

                   (ii)      That the continued focus on working with networks and Traders Associations to build a stronger business community be endorsed.

Reason:     To continue the Council’s commitment to working with local businesses and build a stronger sense of community.

                   (iii)     That it be noted that the findings of the MBG evaluation and the council’s work with networks and Traders Association will inform plans to spend the outstanding allocation of Additional Restrictions Grant funding once trading restrictions are lifted, and that the Head of Economic Growth be instructed to bring proposals for the use of those funds to Executive at the earliest opportunity.

Reason:     To support the further recovery of micro businesses and the York economy.

(iv)    That, subject to the receipt of additional ARG funding from Government, £100k of ARG funds be allocated to support the delivery of events and festivals across the city, and that the implementation of that fund be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place in consultation with the Executive Member for Economy & Strategic Planning.

Reason:     To support economic recovery.

(v)     That the council sign up to the Good Business Charter and commit York to becoming the first Good Business Charter City.

Reason:     To promote responsible business practices and provide a practical framework which enables York to Build Back Better.