Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation on the work of the Economic Recovery Task Group

The Committee gave consideration to a presentation by the Senior Regeneration Officer on the work of the Economic Recovery Task Group. He reported that following the 2009/10 Economic Recession Work, Cheshire East had approved a budget of £400,000 to deliver the 2010/2011 Economic Recovery Action Plan. The presentation highlighted that the following key tests must be met to assess the suitability of funding support:

• Based on clear evidence
• Immediate/responsive impact – not long term projects
• Visible/tangible/measurable impact
• Evidence of added value, not core business
• Strong partnership approach to development and delivery
• Maximisation of match funding opportunities

The presentation also outlined:

• Economic data
• Places grants schemes
• Promotional activities
• I visitor guides
• Tourism support
• Business information
• Benefits and take up
• Apprenticeships

Members were pleased to see the work being undertaken by the Economic Recovery Task Group and made the following comments:

·        It was suggested that Cheshire East do more to market itself to foreign investors and tourists.

·        That the shop frontages in Macclesfield had been improved as a result of window dressing and other environmental improvements.

·        That the womens enterprise event was a great success.

·        That Macclesfield Silk Heritage Trust and the Heritage Rail Centre in Crewe be promoted and assisted by the Economic Recovery Task Group. It was also agreed that the Committee should visit these sites to gain a better understanding of the organisations.

RESOLVED

That visits of Macclesfield Silk Heritage Trust sites and the Heritage Rail Centre be arranged to gain a better understanding of the organisations.