Decision details

Consideration was given to a response to the recommendations of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group Review of Business Generation Centres.  At its meeting in September Cabinet had received the recommendations of the review and the current report now set out a detailed response. 

It was noted that the response was made in the context of the ongoing sub-regional joint review of Business Generation Centres being undertaken in partnership with Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester Councils.

At the meeting an amendment was made to the wording of resolution 1 (v) to remove ‘where possible’ from the sentence.

RESOLVED

1.    That the following response to the recommendations contained in the final report of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s Task and Finish Group be agreed:

i.      That in line with the Council’s Economic Development Strategy, the principle of business generation, for start up incubation businesses in Cheshire East be fully supported.

ii.    That the existing facilities located at Sandbach and Crewe be retained as Business Generation Centres pending the outcome of the wider sub-regional review and the agreement of a future delivery model.

iii.   That the future delivery model will ensure the provision of an environment to encourage growth, accelerate progress and remove obstacles to include consistent standards in the provision of facilities and tenancy management services. 

iv.   That the Business Generation Centre at Thomas Street, Congleton be closed down and the building declared surplus to requirements.

v.    That, the Council assists in the identification of options to secure the continuity of businesses displaced by the closure of the Thomas Street facility.

vi.   That any expenditure on the remaining facilities identified as a consequence of the wider sub-regional review will be considered as part of the Council’s normal business planning processes.

vii.  The current shortage of available incubation facilities in the north of the Borough will be a consideration of the wider review.

viii.That the current practice of providing facilities rent free to tenants in lieu of providing reception services will be brought to an end as soon as alternative arrangements can be put in place.

2.    That Cabinet give an in-principle agreement to an arrangement of commissioning to an external provider either on a partnering basis with another authority or just as Cheshire East Council following further dialogue at a sub-regional level and with neighbouring authorities.