Purpose

To agree and approve Mid Suffolk Town Centre Business Improvement Fund

Decision

It was RESOLVED: -

That Cabinet:

1. 1.1          That Cabinet noted and endorsed the proposed changes to the Stowmarket Shopfront Grant scheme, including the proposal that up to £200,000 of the existing Stowmarket shopfront allocation may be used to supplement the district wide scheme.
2. 1.2          That Cabinet noted and endorsed the alignment between the new Business Improvement Fund and the Mid Suffolk Rural Support Fund.
3. 1.3          That delegated authority be given to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Head of Economy & Business and the Portfolio Holder for Thriving Communities to approve any future changes to scheme criteria, guidance or processes.

REASON FOR DECISION

To increase take up and impact of the scheme by allowing internal improvements and addressing known barriers such as business cash flow.

To provide a flexible, responsive approach that enables timely support for applicants.

To create a coherent, district wide business support programme that aligns multiple funding streams, including the Mid Suffolk Rural Support Fund.

To ensure the Council’s investment delivers greater value, improved business resilience, enhanced accessibility, and increased footfall across towns and villages.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Option A – Do Nothing (Not Recommended)
Retain the current Shopfront Scheme restricted to external works.

·       Does not address low take?up

·       Does not enable businesses to undertake essential internal improvements that support accessibility, sustainability, and growth.

·       Limits alignment with wider Mid Suffolk scheme.

Option B – Make Limited Adjustments Only (Not Recommended)
Minor tweaks (e.g., promotional uplift), without broadening scheme eligibility.

·       Insufficient to stimulate additional applications.

·       Does not create flexibility regarding match funding.

·       Does not enable integration with the Mid Suffolk Rural Support Fund.

Option C – Approve Full Scheme Amendments (Recommended)
Convert to a district?wide Town & Village Centre Business Improvement Fund to provide grants for both internal and external works, greater match?funding flexibility, and delegated authority for future changes.

·       Supports business resilience, sustainability, customer experience and productivity.

·       Enables use of the Stowmarket allocation to support a district?wide offer, supplementing the Mid Suffolk Rural Support Fund to enable more businesses to be supported District wide.

·       Addresses low uptake and barriers to participation

Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None

Any Dispensation Granted: None