Agenda item

The Committee considered a report which outlined details of activity that were being delivered for the Changing, Retaining and Growing theme of the Five Year Plan. Members were updated on the developments within the three outcomes that supported this theme  - activity that attracts and retains businesses, availability of housing for the growing population and ensuring regeneration and development support the centre of town as a destination for residents, businesses and retailers. Key developments included:

·  Appointment of a PR marketing agency to deliver a Slough brand and develop a collective /collaborative unique selling point or the town. A Member queried whether this initiative would provide ‘value for money.’ The Assistant Director of Strategy and Engagement informed the meeting that the Business Investment Group had met and were of the  view that this would be a positive concept all partners had agreed to fund the initiative.  

·  Centre of Slough Strategy. It was noted that Cabinet in September had approved the Strategy and attracting more business was a key element within this. A general discussion followed regarding the lack of evening/night time economy in the town centre. Whilst recognising that this was an issue, officers stated that upcoming developments and refurbishments would all contribute to sustaining an evening economy /active High Street. 

·  Establish a Business Inward Investment and Retention Function. It was clarified that software would be purchased to establish a database of all the information that was required to support and retain businesses /companies in Slough. Responding to why a target of attracting four new businesses investing in the town had not been achieved, it was explained that this was the first year that the targets had been set and that two new businesses had re-located to the town. A target of four new businesses investing in the town remained the target for 2015/16. 

·  Appointment of Town Centre Manager. The Committee were informed that the Town Centre Manager had recently started and partnership meetings were scheduled to take place.   

·  Cycle Hub launched in Brunel Way. A Member requested details regarding the business rationale for the implementation of the Cycle Hub, including consultation carried out and an options appraisal. It was agreed that this information would be forwarded to the Member concerned.

·  LED Street Lighting Scheme. The Council had, in conjunction with two neighbouring authorities’, secured £20m funds from the Department of Transport to implement a LED Street Lighting Scheme.

Resolved -   That the activity that is being delivered for the changing, retaining and growing theme of the Five Year Plan, be noted.