Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Chief Executive and Director for Growth updating Members on progress with regard to the first year actions of the Exeter and Heart of Devon (EHOD) Shared Economic Strategy.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Chief Executive and Director of Growth updating Members on progress with regard to the first year actions of the Exeter and Heart of Devon (EHOD) Shared Economic Strategy.

The Group were informed that the EHOD partnership was working well with each local authority still leading on various themes. Mid Devon was leading on the business transformation agenda although there were opportunities to work collaboratively across the whole EHOD area.

The Council had supported the development of a bid for £2.4m to deliver gigabit broadband vouchers to the business community. The outcome of this would not be known until mid to late spring but it aimed to make it affordable for business communities to significantly improve the quality of their broadband speeds.

The EHOD Strategy had recently won a national award from the Institute of Economic Development, as the ‘Most Innovative Strategy in the UK’. The Group felt that this ought to be commended.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.