News
2nd Sep 2010
From MSDC
Having mentioned this a few weeks ago in this publication I am aware that some people have responded to MSDC. However, Steve Tilbury is still keen to hear more from individuals and business leaders about their impressions of business in Burgess Hill, and, more importantly, their ideas about how the whole business environment could be improved with support from MSDC.
"I am looking to find out about the whole range of issues facing businesses on the estates whether it be highways and transport, infrastructure, environment, refuse collection, security, procurement, employment etc etc and then to explore what if anything the Council and its partners can do to help. It may be that this includes tidying up as well, but we are keen to explore more widely that that. This is the background to the idea that reps from the business estates may like to get together with reps from the Council to explore these issues further."
Steve goes on to explain how he thinks we could proceed, and this refers to MSDC's new Economic Development Policy...
"I want to draw your attention in particular to the references to the establishment of various forums to help carry forward economic development activity in the District.
Action E5 refers to the establishment of a district wide business forum, to identify the needs and aspirations of the Mid Sussex business community and to seek ways of addressing them through facilitation, promotion and, where appropriate, implementation. Action E4 relates specifically to the business estates and the need to determine through discussion with business estate representatives the priorities for future action and to facilitate, enable or promote enhancements to these areas. This may not need the creation of a forum as such, but it will be necessary to establish a mechanism for discussing the issues and deciding what action needs to be taken."
There may be finances which could be tapped into, it seems...
"The second point I wanted to tell you about relates to potential future funding of locally generated economic development initiatives. I hope you will see this as very good news. As part of the former partnership agreement with Thornfield, the Better Mid Sussex Fund was created to support community projects and initiatives within the District. That funding programme is now coming to an end. The District Council has resolved that any funds remaining after its closure should be used to support economic development and business related activities in the District, including Town Days and similar events, and which support the Council's Economic Development Strategy. So it will be open to organisations, local partnerships and others to apply to the District Council for funding support for qualifying projects, initiatives or events. The criteria for making and assessing applications for such funding support will be available on the Council's website in the next few days."
If you feel you would like to get involved in helping MSDC improve the conditions for business, then please contact him at stevet@midsussex.gov.uk
