Issue - meetings

The Service Manager – Economic Growth and Property delivered a presentation to update members on the Covid 19 Business Recovery, providing members with data across the D2N2 authorities, including Furlough and self-employment claims, unemployment claims, job vacancies and business closures, as reported in June 2021.

The Service Manager – Economic Growth and Property explained that Furlough and self-employment claims have been decreasing since January 2021 and unemployment has also maintained a steady decline. The latest job vacancy figures showed a 40% growth compared to the same time last year, these were mainly in the health and social care sectors as well as business, technology and administration. In respect of the impact of Covid 19 on businesses predictions state that the economy is not expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels before 2022. The Service Manager – Economic Growth and Property advised that the data will continue to be monitored to look for trends and any ongoing impact of the pandemic.

The Economic Growth Officer continued the presentation providing members with information relating to the health of the Borough’s High Streets, including Bingham, Cotgrave, East Leake, Keyworth, Radcliffe on Trent, Ruddington and West Bridgford. It was reported that as of the end of August 2021, there were 10 vacant premises and 5 businesses either being developed or the business being for sale but still operating within the 7 main towns and villages across the Borough. Footfall was also measured 3 times in a day and from the same location in each town/village during January, April and August 2021. The Economic Growth Officer reported that footfall had increased since the lockdown restrictions were lifted earlier in the year, and then again most saw an increase between April and August with the exception of East Leake and Radcliffe on Trent, who showed a reduction. 

The Economic Growth Officer provided the Group with information on the progress of ongoing work being carried out by the Economic Growth team and the collaborative work with Rushcliffe Business Partnership, including virtual networking sessions and the first in person event at Trent Bridge Cricket Club on 24 September 2021. In addition, the Group were reminded  that a dedicated Covid-19 business support webpage had been created which so far has attracted around 40,000 views, providing assistance with business rate grants totalling over £35.3 million between April 2020 to May 2021.

The Economic Growth Officer advised that after the initial lockdown and using Reopening High Streets Safely Funding (RHSSF), officers delivered a number of initiatives including successful communication campaigns targeting local businesses, these included the Eat Out to Help Out, a Government led initiative, We Are Open and more recently Shop Local Shop Safe. Two consultants funded by RHSSF were employed to provide expert advice and support by way of webinars and one to one business support. In addition, the Council appointed High Street Ambassadors to support the reopening of the Boroughs high streets providing a visible presence to reassure the public and in November/December 2020 the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9