Issue - meetings

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

(Non-key decision):

(1) To continue to fund a business start-up programme to support local pre-start and early-stage enterprises with specialist provision built-in to a) help entrepreneurs understand what a socially productive business is, and b) support those wanting to pursue a social enterprise model.

(2) To approve a new budget of up to £105,000 for a 3-year period from April 2024, and invite suppliers to tender for the contract. The award will be subject to adoption of the final 24/25 budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

(3) To approve the renaming of the ‘LEAP business start-up programme’ to ‘Lewes District start-up programme’.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, providing an update on the achievements of the Local Enterprise and Apprenticeship Platform (LEAP) business start-up and the general business support programmes funded by Lewes District Council. The report also sought further funding for the Council’s continuing contribution to the business support landscape.

Policy and Performance Advisory Committee (PPAC), held on 7 September 2023 considered the report and were supportive of the officer recommendations in full. Councillor Brett, Chair of PPAC was in attendance to present PPAC’s discussion and questions raised at that meeting.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

(1) To continue to fund a business start-up programme to support local pre-start and early-stage enterprises with specialist provision built-in to a) help entrepreneurs understand what a socially productive business is, and b) support those wanting to pursue a social enterprise model.

(2) To approve a new budget of up to £105,000 for a 3-year period from April 2024, and invite suppliers to tender for the contract. The award will be subject to adoption of the final 24/25 budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

(3) To approve the renaming of the ‘LEAP business start-up programme’ to ‘Lewes District start-up programme’.

Reasons for decisions:

(1) There is continued demand for specialist and intensive start-up support.

(2) With the current contract coming to an end, it is an opportunity to revisit the design and frequency of the start-up programme to ensure it aligns with local Community Wealth Building (CWB) plural ownership priorities and to maximise value for money for the Council and outcomes.

(3) Renaming the programme will reduce associated marketing resources and risks with the LEAP brand and confusion on the omission of apprenticeship support.