Decision details

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet notes the benefits and opportunities that this business support programme will bring to Surrey-based businesses and the manufacturing sector across the South East region.

2.    That Cabinet approves the Council taking on the Accountable Body role for this regional programme, should the Council be successful in its bid to the Department for Business and Trade.

3.    That Cabinet endorses the proposed approach to partnership working, collaboration, and co-design with other regional partners.

4.    That Cabinet gives ‘Approval to Procure’ for the commissioning of the Made Smarter Programme up to the value of £1.3m for financial year 2025-26, should the Council be successful in its bid to the Department for Business and Trade.

5.    That Cabinet approves the delegation of the appropriate procurement route to market and any contract award decisions to the Executive Director with responsibility for Economic Growth in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth.

Reasons for Decisions:

In order to roll out the programme to the South East region, the Department for Business and Trade requires a local authority to take on the role of Accountable Body. The Council’s proposal would secure the roll-out from April 2025 and ensure Surrey-based manufacturing SMEs can access the scheme. This also presents a key opportunity for the Council to demonstrate a leadership role within the region and will help establish and nurture an important strategic partnership with DBT for future opportunities.

(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)