Purpose

Agreement to use UKSPF to fund Business Support Projects (Launchpad, Business Productivity Grants, Low Carbon Support and Rural Grants).

Decision

RESOLVED that Cabinet:-

1. Gives approval for the Executive Director – Growth & Sustainability to authorise the UKSPF Business Support projects submitted by SYMCA on behalf of the South Yorkshire Local Authorities to the Department Levelling Up Homes & Community (DLUHC). The projects included Business Productivity Grants, Launchpad – Business Start Up Programme, Low Carbon – Barnsley Net Zero and Rural Business Support Grants; and
2. Gives approval for the Executive Director – Growth & Sustainability in consultation with the Executive Director of Core Services to accept a contract from SYMCA to receive UKSPF to deliver business support projects listed in recommendation 1; and
3. Gives approval for The Council to act as the South Yorkshire Programme lead for the Business Productivity Grant and Launchpad Projects; and
4. Gives approval for the Executive Director – Growth & Sustainability in consultation with the Executive Director of Core Services to contract with the Business Productivity and Launchpad project partners, including City of Doncaster Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Sheffield City Council; and
5. Gives approval for the Executive Director – Growth & Sustainability in consultation with the Executive Director of Core Services to accept a contract from Sheffield City Council (Project Lead), to deliver a UKSPF Low Carbon project in collaboration with Barnsley Business Innovation Centre (BBIC); and
6. Gives approval for the Executive Director – Growth & Sustainability in consultation with the Executive Director of Core Services to accept a contract from SYMCA to deliver the SYMCA TECHSY programme; and
7. Gives approval for the Executive Director – Growth & Sustainability to explore options with SYMCA for Barnsley to lead and access funds to deliver a South Yorkshire Acceleration programme; and
8. Gives approval for the Director of Finance to amend revenue budgets in accordance with the financial implications embedded within the report; and
9. Gives approval for the Executive Director – Growth & Sustainability in consultation with the Executive Director of Core Services to restructure and recruit additional resources to the Enterprising Barnsley team to provide a fit-for-purpose delivery structure to deliver UKSPF and SYMCA business support projects.