Agenda item

10.1

The report seeks approval of the Terms of Reference for the Sheffield Diverse

Advisory Business Board from the Economic Development and Skills Policy

Committee.

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee:-

1. Approves the Terms of Reference for the Diverse Business Advisory Board.

2. Formally thanks the Business Response Group for their dedication and work during the COVID Pandemic and in co-authoring the Business Recovery Plan.

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

To ask Members to approve the Terms of Reference for the Diverse Business Advisory Board.

10.3.2

A do-nothing option is discounted, developing a more diverse Business Board is essential in meeting the recommendations for an equal and enterprising city. To not follow through would pose a risk for Business Sheffield and for the Council more generally in meeting the specific business support recommendations in the REC and its contribution to the wider overarching theme of becoming an antiracist city.

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

Continuation of the BRG – This group was highly effective during COVID, meeting weekly to ensure business organisations develop and promote the range of support available. However this board was not representative and attendance has waned in the post COVID period. The BRG have discussed this proposal and agree that a new board is needed.

10.4.2

A new group made up of business organisations only – This would recreate the BRG, with a broader membership, however this would not meet the recommendations in the REC as would not lead to a diverse set of businesses and business leaders around the table.

10.4.3

Not having a business board at all – It is important that EDS Committee and the Council have an effective way to liaise with and hear from businesses. The Council’s one year plan and delivery plan, seek to be a good partner to Business in the City, and this is an effective way to do this.

10.1

The report sought approval of the Terms of Reference for the Sheffield Diverse Advisory Business Board from the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee.

10.2

It was noted that there were no specific details in the terms of reference on how Sheffield City Council could better support BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) businesses. The Director of Economy, Skills and Culture advised that further work would be carried out in this area and included.

10.3

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee:-

1. Approves the Terms of Reference for the Diverse Business Advisory Board.

2. Formally thanks the Business Response Group for their dedication and work during the COVID Pandemic and in co-authoring the Business Recovery Plan.

10.4

Reasons for Decision

10.4.1

To ask Members to approve the Terms of Reference for the Diverse Business Advisory Board.

10.4.2

A do-nothing option is discounted, developing a more diverse Business Board is essential in meeting the recommendations for an equal and enterprising city. To not follow through would pose a risk for Business Sheffield and for the Council more generally in meeting the specific business support recommendations in the REC and its contribution to the wider overarching theme of becoming an antiracist city.

10.5

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.5.1

Continuation of the BRG – This group was highly effective during COVID, meeting weekly to ensure business organisations develop and promote the range of support available. However this board was not representative and attendance has waned in the post COVID period. The BRG have discussed this proposal and agree that a new board is needed.

10.5.2

A new group made up of business organisations only – This would recreate the BRG, with a broader membership, however this would not meet the recommendations in the REC as would not lead to a diverse set of businesses and business leaders around the table.

10.5.3

Not having a business board at all – It is important that EDS Committee and the Council have an effective way to liaise with and hear from businesses. The Council’s one year plan and delivery plan, seek to be a good partner to Business in the City, and this is an effective way to do this.