Agenda item

Will Hawkins, Economic Development Officer, introduced the report which presented 23 applications for the Independent Retailers Grant Scheme. He highlighted an amendment to the requested award from Lindfield Coffee Works to £3,112 following changes to the equipment they are looking to purchase. He also highlighted the communications plan set out in Paragraph 21 of the report which sets out how the team seeks to share and promote the success of the scheme.

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

The Member felt disappointed that there were not that many applications coming from the north of district. He asked for further information on how the scheme was promoted and whether the remaining funds in the scheme could be utilised for businesses in the north.

The Economic Development Officer explained that the scheme was promoted through social media, the Council’s business newsletter alongside information communicated to the three business associations in Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and East Grinstead. He also explained that the Micro Business Grant Scheme is coming forward later in the year so suggested that the Council could encourage businesses from the north of the district to apply to that scheme.

The Chairman thanked the officers for the communication programme. He recalled a previous grant funding round specifically for East Grinstead and it wasn’t all allocated however grants cannot be provided unless they are asked for.

The Vice-Chairman referenced Point 9, P. 47 which detailed grants of £500 for pop-up shop which seemingly had no take-up so asked if there were any comments on the scheme as he thought that it was potentially a good thing to help start-ups. He also asked in terms of spending in Burgess Hill whether the shopfronts involved would undergo any changes should the major redevelopment in the town centre occur any time soon.

The Economic Development Officer outlined that the Council promoted the scheme through the usual channels however only received one application which they are supporting. He also committed to checking and investigating the situation for the applications in Burgess Hill which are close to the town centre development.

The Chairman noted that no Member wished to speak so moved to the recommendations as set out in the report and the verbal update from the officer which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

The Cabinet Grants Panel agreed:

1. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £1,300 be released to Baan Thai 2 Ltd to fund the renovation of the storefront and purchase of new computer system and printer equipment.

2. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £1,704 be released to Ounce Stores Ltd to fund interior and exterior improvements to the store alongside the development of a website, e-commerce and delivery.

3. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £2,475 be released to Lindfield Eyecare Ltd to fund the repair and replacement of their window display and surrounding fascia.

4. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £2,212.45 be released to Dudley House Trust to fund the interior and exterior renovation of store unit for 'Handcross Hardware and Craft' alongside purchase of two iPads for use as Point-of-Sale devices.

5. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £2,058 be released to The Rocking Horse Emporium to fund a range of store improvements that cover a new point of sale card machine, a heater and air purifier, lighting improvements, a new website and physical advertising boards.

6. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £2,852 be released to Fun Pots Ltd to fund the replacement of interior flooring to fit with new website branding and visual appeal.

7. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £2,800 be released to Sweetsk8 to fund the redecoration of the interior and exterior of the store alongside the development of a pop-up shop within the local community.

8. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £3,750 be released to Digital Café to fund the repair of the storefront window and interior flooring.

9. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £3,000 be released to The Ashman Hairdressing Company Ltd to fund improvements to store lighting and replacements to fixtures/fittings and furniture.

10. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £4,000 be released to Bella June flowers to fund the improvements to the storefront and window display, installation of a hot water tap for staff and client use.

11. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £3,423.69 be released to Moreno & Young to fund the purchase of a new commercial dishwasher and point of sale equipment, for the restaurant 'La Campana'.

12. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £3,870 be released to The Mercantile Adventurers to fund the renovation of the storefront and purchase of new computer system and printer equipment.

13. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £4,000 be released to Lost Pier Brewing Ltd to fund the purchase of a branded shelter outside the business unit to promote retail sale.

14. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £4,000 be released to Reflex @42 to fund the replacement and repair of shop front.

15. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £4,000 be released to Pictures prints framing (PPF Art) Ltd to fund a range of internal and external store improvements that include signage, lighting and a new point of sale system.

16. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £4,000 be released to Acorn Sales and Lettings to fund the refurbishment of the unit which includes creating a new meeting room, flooring, heating and new digital equipment.

17. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £4,000 be released to Couture & Tiaras to fund the renovation of storefront and development of a new in-store display.

18. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £1,925 be released to Soror to fund the purchase and fitting of new sign for the unit.

19. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £3,112 be released to Lindfield Coffee Works to fund the purchase of seating, tables and a heater/cooler unit.

20. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £4,000 be released to My Inhance Ltd to fund the repair and redecoration of the exterior of their unit alongside new logo and branding.

21. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £1,500 be released to A-L Nails Salon to fund the purchase and fitting of new sign for the unit.

22. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £3,000 be released to Aroma Cafe & Kitchen to fund the repair and reframe storefront windows.

23. That an Independent Retailers Grant of £2,370 be released to Mia Hara Ltd to fund the installation of new exterior signage alongside new instore fittings, lighting and Point of Sale improvements.