Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Director of Place and Economy updating Members on projects and activities undertaken by the Growth, Economy and Delivery Team during the last couple of months. 

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Director of Place & Economy updating Members of projects and activities undertaken by the Growth, Economy and Delivery Team during the last couple of months.

The contents of the report were outlined with particular reference to the following:

·       The delivery of the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund funded projects for 2025/2026 was a priority for the team with all funds needing to have been spent by the end of the financial year.

·       The Council had entered into an agreement with Devon County Council to deliver three revenue projects as part of the SPF programme. These projects related to Employment Skills, Business Support (Prosper) and Agricultural Support.

·       Under the banner of ‘Prosper’ there had been an AI (Artificial Intelligence) conference that day in Cullompton. This had been well received.

·       Many grant schemes were underway and would be reported on at the next meeting.

·       A Business Refresh Grant Scheme had also been recently launched and promoted through to Town and Parish Councils, stakeholder groups via social media. This was paying off as there had been a good deal of interest.

·       ‘Visit Mid Devon’ continued to be supported by the team, as did the ‘Love Your Market Campaign’.

·       The Economic Development Strategy workshops had now been completed as had the business survey. The team were now awaiting the Growth Plan and South West Government Strategy, all of which would influence the final Mid Devon Economic Strategy.

Discussion took place regarding:

·       It was confirmed that the Business Refresh Grant was only open to businesses at this stage.

·       The methodology used to assess town centre vacancy rates as Devon County Council’s methods provided different data.

·       Absent landlords were a significant problem as well as complications regarding other permissions such as the heritage status of some buildings.

·       Infrastructure proposals for Cullompton would help.

·       Working in partnership was key.

·       The changing nature of retail habits.

·       Exit interviews were difficult as landlords often just disappeared.

·       Lack of footfall was the main reason why traders left. Encouraging people into town centres was vital and events such as festivals were helpful in doing this.

·       Also helpful were ‘facelifts’ to shop fronts and some grant funding was available to support this.

·       Many of these problems being experienced nationally.

Note: * Report previously circulated.