Agenda and draft minutes

Bob Austin LYSF, Ita O’Donovan, and Huw Jones Chamber of Commerce

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of urgent business.  Late items will be considered under the agenda items where they appear.  New items will be dealt with at item 7 below.

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A member with a personal interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered must disclose to that meeting the existence and nature of that interest at the commencement of that consideration, or when the interest becomes apparent.

A member with a personal interest in a matter also has a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice the member's judgment of the public interest and if this interest affects their financial position or the financial position of a person or body as described in paragraph 8 of the Code of Conduct and/or if it relates to the determining of any approval, consent, licence, permission or registration in relation to them or any person or body described in paragraph 8 of the Code of Conduct.

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To approve the scope and terms of reference for the scrutiny review of support to small businesses.

That the scope and terms of reference for the scrutiny review of support to small businesses be approved.

The report sets out an economic snapshot of Haringey and outlines the existing strategic framework and delivery of business support. It also contains comparative benchmarking information  with other borough’s.

Members discussed the recommendations from the previous review into support for small businesses, and sought assurances that follow up action had taken place. Although  officers advised that we were now operating in a very different economic climate, an example was given in relation to the recommendation for Haringey to have a single gateway to guide small businesses. Research been carried out and a feasibility study involving other Authorities undertaken. In London a pilot scheme had not been successful. Also over time the Government’s priorities had changed. However Haringey had invested money in a number of linked initiatives and had developed a data base for businesses across the borough, business pages on the Council’s website had been developed and a business pack for businesses produced.

Members questioned the role of the Enterprise Board and were concerned that they had not asked for an update from the previous review. An update on the recommendation was requested.

In comparison with LBs Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Enfield it was noted that Haringey had the largest budget of £600,000. There was some discussion around the level of support provided and the costs.

The representatives from Tottenham Traders  and the Crouch End Project both stated that the level and quality of advice provided by the Business and Enterprise team was of good quality and effective.

The Business and Enterprise team worked very closely with the NNDR rates team to ensure that small businesses obtained any rate relief that they were entitled to. A leaflet setting out support available to businesses accompanied their rates demand. Also HAVCO sat on the Commissioning Panel which allocated funds for enterprise activities, their presence also helped to ensure that hard to reach businesses were not left out of the process.

Officers cited the recent opening of PRIMARK store in Wood Green as an example of where successful networking had led to the creation of employment opportunities and through the Haringey Guarantee scheme local residents had gained employment.

We also discussed the Haringey City Growth implementation and Outputs since its inception.  Members asked for a full update of outcomes todate.

North London Business advised that Haringey went further than other North London Borough’s in helping small businesses to obtain hardship relief. The Panel noted that this could have financial consequences for the Borough should that business subsequently go bankrupt, the Council was then responsible and accountable to Government.

Although the Panel noted that benchmarking had been made with Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Enfield it was suggested that benchmarking with Camden, Islington and Hackney would be useful.

Nationally funding to support small businesses had diminished and although Haringey had more funds than the comparative boroughs there was still insufficient to offer enough support to businesses. The Business and Enterprise team did not have sufficient resources to be able to track enquires that they received. Additionally the team would like to extend their support to businesses such as to the newly established Wood Green Business Forum. The Panel considered that any funds available  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

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14 January 2010