Agenda item

(Director of Neighbourhoods) To consider the attached report AMED-007-2016/17.

The Economic Development Officer (EDO) presented a report to the Cabinet Committee and updated them on a number of projects and issues being explored by the Economic Development Team.

(1)        Visitor Economy

A Visitor Accommodation Needs Assessment for the district took place in August 2016. This was the first phase in the study and comprised of:

·         an audit of current visitor accommodation supply;

·         a review of past and current proposals for visitor accommodation;

·         a review of national trends in hotel and visitor accommodation development;

·         initial consultation with Officers, Members and key stakeholders; and

·         a review of approaches to tourist accommodation planning policies elsewhere.

Phase 2 of the study was being refined in the light of the Phase 1 findings and would commence in November 2016.

(2)        Town Centres

The recent Town Team Meeting had been well attended and there was a positive attitude from the Town Partnerships. The Town and Village Centres Opportunities Fund had now been launched for 2016/17 and a number of interesting proposals have been submitted. An updated report would be presented to the next meeting.

(3)        Business Support

Pop Up Business Café

The newly refurbished Epping Forest District Museum hosted our first Pop Up Business Café in July, which was co-ordinated by the Economic Development Team in partnership with BEST Growth Hub. There were six voluntary advisers from business based in the local area and over thirty local businesses attended to access informal advice on a wide range of subjects. The event was a great success and there have been enquiries since the event both from business that were there and business that would like to give advice at future events.

Low Carbon Across the South East (LoCASE)

LoCASE is a new project set up to help small to medium businesses. It aims to reduce business costs by cutting emissions and to promote the opportunities of the low carbon market. The Economic Development Team were working with LoCASE to promote the scheme and encourage more applicants to come forward.

Eastern Plateau Rural Development Programme

The continuation of the Eastern Plateau Programme funded by the European Commission and Defra is uncertain whether it will continue since Brexit. For now it would be business as usual with the Fund pending an announcement which could be made in the Autumn Statement. A further update will be presented at the next meeting.

(4)        Broadband

In September 2016 a very successful Broadband Business Breakfast was held at Mulberry House in High Ongar. A number of local businesses from across the Epping Forest District attended as well as a number of key local stakeholders and industry representatives. Delegates heard presentations highlighting opportunities for business growth that were made possible by the building of the ultrafast and superfast broadband networks throughout the district.

The event was a great success, the event sponsors and participating speakers all spoke positively about the event and the opportunity to speak directly to businesses.

(5)        Partner Liaison

The Economic Development team continued to liaise and support a number of Partner Organisations. These included:

- Essex County Council

- South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SE LEP)

- Invest Essex and Essex Innovation Programme

- Lea Valley Food Taskforce

- Essex Economic Development Officer group

- Essex Tourism Officer Group

- Epping Forest District Town Team

- Eastern Plateau Local Action Group

- Stansted Airport Local Authority Forum

- Tourism & Visitor Board

- West Essex Skills & Learning Forum

- Waltham Abbey Town Partnership

- One Epping Forest

- Superfast Essex

Councillor Mohindra requested that the LSCC be added to the Partner Liaison Organisation list as the Council were represented and attended their meetings.

RESOLVED:

To note the progress and work programme of the Council’s Economic Development Section.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

To appraise the Committee on progress made with regard to Economic Development issues.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED:

None, as this monitoring report is for information not action.