Agenda item

William Hawkins, Economic Development Officer, presented to the Cabinet Grants Panel eight micro business grant applications totalling £11,921. He noted that one application is for the hire of an apprentice and that both Ouh La La and Sussex Facilities Management Ltd have received grants in 2017 & 2019 respectively. He added that Pera Midtown has not submitted all the required information in time for the Panel and therefore recommended it be deferred until that information is received. It was also confirmed that Cerowski Architects Ltd have requested to amend their request from £1,654 to £1,833 due to inflationary pressures on the equipment.

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

below:

The Member noted the previous grant for Sussex Facilities Management Ltd and then the new grant before the Panel. She enquired what service will the company be providing.

The Economic Development Officer replied that the company goes to other companies and offer personal support, premises safety and methods to reduce energy consumption.

The Vice-Chairman sought clarification as to whether officers turn down applications due to the applicant targeting specific markets and if there is any evidence of discrimination.

The Economic Development Officer explained that business is just one branch of a wider business that offers Pilates however the branch before the Panel caters to just Men. He assured the Vice-Chairman that officers do consider whether there is any potential for discrimination.

The Chairman expressed delight in seeing an application for an apprenticeship and an application from the north of the District. He asked what business Seasons Art

Class Haywards Heath offers to customers.

The Economic Development Officer confirmed that the business sells a 14 week art class course which is their main source of revenue and separately support community events and community exhibitions.

The Chairman noted that rent-free period is usually offered to business when they start their tenancy and questioned if Ouh La La is getting that as well as the grant.

The Economic Development Officer outlined that the business will be relocating to the Orchards Shopping Centre and will receive a three-month rent free period. He added that both officers and the landlord are happy with the arrangement.

RESOLVED

The Cabinet Grants Panel agreed:

1. That a Microbusiness Grant of £1,500 be awarded to Angie's Nails and Beauty to fund the purchase of cleaning equipment.

2. That a Microbusiness Grant of £2,000 be awarded to Men do Pilates to support the development of new products.

3. That a Microbusiness Grant of £908 be awarded to Sussex Facilities Management Ltd to fund the purchase of a new heat sealer for product packaging.

4. That a Microbusiness Grant of £1,833 be awarded to Cerowski Architects Ltd to fund the purchase of staff training and registration for solar panel installations.

5. That a Microbusiness Grant of £1,360 be awarded to Seasons Art Class Haywards Heath to fund the hire of an apprentice.

6. That a Microbusiness Grant of £2,000 be awarded to Ouh La La to fund the hire of an apprentice.

7. That a Microbusiness Grant of £499 be awarded to Clearthink Counselling to fund the hire of an apprentice.

8. That no Microbusiness Grant be awarded to Pera Midtown as they had not submitted the required information in time for the Panel.