business matters sustainable management
October/November august/september december/january june/july2020 2019 2018 business edge
Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership: Supporting economic recovery Chief Executive, Jonathan Sharrock explains the role that the Coast to Capital LEP is taking to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 by working with government to agree a new deal for the local economy.
Jonathan Sharrock Chief Executive, Coast to Capital
that our area’s economy could shrink by somewhere from 12% to 17%, from a total value of £58 billion prior to COVID-19
Getting Building Fund
Peer Networks
We are working closely with government to agree a Getting Building Fund investment of £19.2 million for the Coast to Capital area. Coast to Capital is a unique partnership of Local Authority, University, Further Education and high profile business leaders who come together to collaborate with diverse ideas and passion for the region. Together, our team and Board helps to promote local economic growth by influencing policy-decisions, supporting local businesses and investing in key infrastructure projects from a number of funding programmes including a £300 million Local Growth Fund portfolio. We’re placing an even greater focus on social mobility and our new Chair, Julie Kapsalis has a really strong commitment to equality and diversity. By collaborating with key partners across the region, we are driving sustainable economic recovery to help achieve our vision to be fantastic place to live, grow and succeed.
The impact of COVID-19
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At the heart of the programme is a proposal to create a new innovation centre in Crawley, bringing together major innovation led businesses, building on the existing strengths of Crawley based technology industries. The establishment of a new school of nursing and allied health provision at the University of Chichester will help meet the NHS’s needs in tackling the challenges of COVID-19.
Peer Networks is a national peer-to-peer networking programme for small business leaders that want to grow and develop their organisation for future success. Delivered locally by the Coast to Capital Growth Hub, the programme creates diverse cohort groups of individuals to collaboratively work through common business issues. Through interactive action learning, this enables the discussion of challenges and provides valuable feedback to implement practical solutions to overcome them.
Business Recovery Grants
Supporting Local Businesses Since the beginning of lockdown in March, we have provided emergency guidance across our area through meaningful coaching and advice discussions with local businesses. Our highly dedicated Growth Hub team, have triaged hundreds of enquiries, each facing unique challenges.
The impact of COVID-19 has proven to be particularly targeted on our areas of economic strength, meaning that our economy appears to be among the worst affected in the country. Restrictions on air travel and the long-term restructuring of the aviation sector will profoundly impact our area, whilst social distancing and enforced closures have dramatically. affected the leisure, retail, hospitality and tourism sectors.
The support we offer is free, impartial and government backed which has put us at the forefront of diagnosing business needs and signposting to reputable sources of information. This is supported by our network of experts (Growth Champions) and links to central government and the business support community, enabling us to provide some of the best guidance in the UK. We are proud that 93% of businesses surveyed reported that they were very satisfied with the service they received.
Based on official scenarios from the Office for Budget Responsibility, we are estimating
As we look towards economic recovery, we have launched programmes and
www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk
funding opportunities to support local businesses which include our Peer Networks programme and Business Recovery Grants.
The £2.1 million grant scheme, ‘Business Recovery Grants’ has been launched to provide businesses in West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, East Surrey, Croydon, or Lewes District with funding of between £10,000 and £170,000 (for projects of £20,000 to £340,000). The programme will provide up to 50% of an expansion project for organisations that can demonstrate a clear link to COVID-19 recovery and growth. The Growth Hub website is regularly maintained with links to partner support and government information. Keep up to date with the latest news, information and events on Twitter @ c2cGrowthHub and subscribe to the newsletter. To speak to a Growth Advisor, complete our Request Form online at c2cbusiness.org.uk.
tel: 01444 259 259
