Agenda item

William Hawkins,Economic Development Officer, introduced the report which presented seven micro business grant applications totalling £12,527.

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

The Chairman highlighted that there are no applications from anywhere in the north of the district. He appreciated that the same publicity has been promoted across the district and sought an answer as to why there are no applications.

The Economic Development Officer said it was unexplainable as to why no applications were received however confirmed that since the submission of the applications the Council has met with East Grinstead Business Association which will hopefully bring forward some applications.

The Vice-Chairman questioned the number of employees Squires Planning Ltd have, noted the low score of Once upon a Boutique and that an application for a virtual assistant by The Sussex Social Ltd has been received.

The Economic Development Officer replied that Squires Planning Ltd currently two employs full time employees and the application is to purchase equipment to hire a third employee. He explained that Once upon a Boutique is the lowest scoring application however the applicant had to meet one of the criteria which the application had met well. He outlined that the hire of the virtual assistant by The Sussex Social Ltd is temporary and through that intends to grow their business.

The Chairman noted that no Member wished to speak so moved to vote on the applications which was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

The Cabinet Grants Panel agreed:

1. That a Microbusiness Grant of £2,000 be awarded to Lemonade Print Group Ltd to fund the development and design of a new website.

2. That a Microbusiness Grant of £2,000 be awarded to Squires Planning Ltd to fund the purchase of new equipment and a targeted marketing campaign.

3. That a Microbusiness Grant of £2,000 be awarded to Once upon a Boutique to fund marketing and promotional activities as well as business development.

4. That a Microbusiness Grant of £2,000 be awarded to Compost Club Ltd to make upgrades on site to improve capacity.

5. That a Microbusiness Grant of £1,277 be awarded to Create Space Studios to fund staff training, new signage and commissioned editing.

6. That a Microbusiness Grant of £2,000 be awarded to The Window Shutter Company Ltd to fund website redevelopment and video content production.

7. That a Microbusiness Grant of £1,250 be awarded to The Sussex Social Ltd to fund website redevelopment and the hire of virtual assistant.