Agenda item

The Chairman welcomed Ali Chafekar and Caroline Duffy the new respective Regeneration & Economy Programme Manager and Business Development Officer.

William Hawkins, Economic Development Officer, introduced the report which presented 3 micro business grant applications for consideration by the Cabinet Grants Panel.

The applications which were recommended for consideration by the Panel are set out below:

The Vice-Chairman felt the reasons for bringing the applications for both Albion Business Computers & Owen Garages forward is understandable. He however noted the sphere of influence for Zona Football Ltd is more Brighton than Mid Sussex so asked whether the apprentice they will hire will be a Mid Sussex resident.

The Economic Development Officer confirmed that whilst it is right that Zona Football Ltd have operations outside of the District they do meet the grant criteria as the business is registered within the District; the Council was unable to identify where the apprentice is based.

The Vice-Chairman stated that he was struggling to support the application without confirmation as to where the apprentice resides. He expressed his happiness to delegate the decision to officers should they find out that the apprentice is a Mid Sussex resident.

The Chairman said he was happy to agree a delegate responsibility.

The Member explained that he was happy to support the application if the Mid Sussex economy benefits from the application. He enquired what would occur with their application if the apprentice were to leave the business.

The Economic Development Officer noted the Council does not have any means to claw back the money should the apprentice leaves however the Council will not release the funds until it has seen signed document from the apprentice; the equipment destined for the apprentice can be repurposed to another person should the apprentice leave.

The Chairman highlighted that all applicants must report back to the Council within a year and that the submission of the applicants invoices is proof of the payment as required.  He drew the Panel’s attention to Paragraph 3 which details the scheme being funded through the West Sussex Local Enterprise Partnership and LEAP therefore the applicant does meet the criteria if they operate within the area.

The Vice-Chairman replied that it does change his view however he is still keen to know where the apprentice resides.

The Chairman agreed the granting of the applications subject to work being carried out on Zona Football Ltd to establish where the apprentice resides. He then directed the Panel to the vote on all the applications which were all approved unanimously.

RESOLVED

The Cabinet Grants Panel agreed:

1. That a Micro Business Grant of £1,500 be awarded to Albion Business Computers to aid in the hiring of an apprentice

2. That a Micro Business Grant of £1,500 be awarded to Owen Garages Ltd to aid in the hiring of an apprentice

3. That a Micro Business Grant of £1,500 be awarded to Zona Football Ltd to aid in the hiring of an apprentice