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It heard from the Leader, Cllr Hopkins and officers. It then agreed six conclusions and recommendations for the Cabinet Members, covering grant cash flow, first come first served funding and follow-up with unsuccessful applicants.
There were no disclosures of personal and prejudicial interests.
None.
No public questions were received.
The Leader and Cllr Hopkins and several officers attended to present their briefing and to answer questions from group members. • The Working Group were impressed by the breadth of support available and by the evident commitment of officers to helping businesses navigate what can often be a complex support landscape. • It explored how Business Swansea raises awareness of the support available to local businesses including the regular business newsletter, outreach work through business surgeries across Swansea, attendance at networking events, partnerships with organisations such as Swansea BID, and the use of business case studies. • Officers outlined how Business Swansea works alongside organisations such as Business Wales, the Development Bank of Wales and Gower College to provide a joined up support offer. • Businesses that are unsuccessful in securing grant funding were discussed. Members felt there may be merit in developing a stronger understanding of the experiences and outcomes of unsuccessful applicants to explore whether there are any common barriers. • Members were pleased to hear that business survival rates in Swansea compare favourably with Welsh and UK averages and that the number of businesses operating in Swansea has continued to grow despite wider economic challenges • The Working Group heard that rising operational costs, including increases in employer National Insurance contributions and energy costs, continue to place pressure on many businesses. • It explored circumstances where businesses can fall between existing funding programmes or support arrangements because of eligibility criteria, programme rules or gaps between available schemes. Members were encouraged to hear that officers seek to identify such issues through their ongoing engagement with businesses and partners and use this information to inform future programme design and discussions with funding bodies. • The Working Group understood the need for appropriate governance and accountability but noted concerns that the application process can sometimes feel as onerous for smaller grants as it is for larger funding opportunities. • It welcomed the proactive approach being taken to support businesses and were particularly pleased to hear of the work being undertaken to help businesses understand and utilise emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and digital tools.
From their discussions the Working Group Members made the following conclusions and recommendations which are summarised below: 1) The Working Group recommend that consideration is given to whether additional support can be provided to applicants who struggle with the requirement to incur expenditure before grant funding is reimbursed. For instance, loan arrangements.. 2) Members remain concerned that the first come first served approach could result in strong applications missing out where available funding has already been allocated. It recommends consideration is given to whether alternative allocation models, including funding windows or other assessment approaches. 3) Members were pleased to hear of the feedback received from businesses receiving grants and recommend that more structured follow up engagement is undertaken with unsuccessful applicants. 4) Whilst the case studies included within the report were valuable, members request feedback gathered from businesses, through Business Swansea, including any survey results, evaluation findings or other customer feedback available. 5) Members recognise that officers do not seek to duplicate the role of business advisers and that there are important considerations around the stewardship of public funds. However, members felt there remains merit in examining how businesses can be better supported to navigate the various grants, programmes and support mechanisms available. 6) Members wish to recognise the professionalism, expertise and commitment of the officers who attended. They were impressed by their detailed knowledge of the business support landscape and the clear passion demonstrated for supporting businesses across Swansea.
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