Issue - meetings

The report before Members provided an update on the recent and planned activity of the Council’s approach to developing partnerships with business, which was led by the new Development Service.

Members noted that there would be a refresh of the Economic Development Strategy to achieve clarity as to where the Council’s focus should be on economic development.

Business development

Business development fell under the new Development Directorate. There was a small team focused to deliver a number of activities that aimed to encourage investment, private sector job growth, enterprise and enhance the borough’s competitiveness. The majority of project activity supported delivery of the Opportunities theme of the Havering Vision and 2017/18 Corporate Plan.

Support to small businesses

The borough currently had just over 9,000 businesses, of which, 92% were micro-sized businesses with up to 9 employees.

In terms of economic performance, the direction of travel for Havering was strong. In May 2017, Havering was rated top of the London boroughs for its business survival rate and also came top specifically for having the highest survival rate for technology businesses.

In terms of business partnerships and engagement, the Council’s Business Voice Board of 22 local businesses met quarterly and was chaired by one of the Council’s largest employers, Neopost. The aim of the Board was to enable the Council to work in partnership with the businesses to help shape support provided and create the conditions that would generate economic and job growth.

Members noted that the Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Regulatory Services and Community Safety sat on the Chamber of Commerce Executive which met on a monthly basis.

Significant investment was also taking place to facilitate and enable the development of business-led partnerships across the Council’s seven town centres. The Council was working closely with the Romford Town Management Partnership (RTMP) to develop a Romford BID (Business Improvement District) proposal and deliver a ballot campaign.

A Hornchurch Town Team had been established and was currently holding workshops to develop its own town brand and marketing campaign to encourage a higher footfall in the town, as well as digital connectivity support, to help businesses to market themselves and trade online.

Consumer and business consultation exercises had recently been completed in Elm Park, Upminster, Harold Hill and the Council was awaiting the research results in order to determine specific needs in each area. Collier Row and Rainham consultation exercises had both commenced and will continue until October.

The Council received recognition for its wide range of support to develop the micro and small business community in March 2017 by being Highly Commended for the award of Best All Round Small Business Friendly Borough at the Local London Small Business Friendly Awards.

Links with business rates

There were approximately 6,000 properties in Havering that were liable for National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) and the underlying value of these properties were normally re-assessed every 5 years. 

The 2017 Business Rates revaluation came into effect on 1 April and the majority of Havering businesses had experienced  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29