Agenda item

A report was presented to the Panel providing current activities relating to Business Doncaster aimed at delivering new investments, job growth, supporting businesses, town centre initiatives, major events and improvements to attractions.  During discussion Members addressed the following areas:

Covid – 19 Virus – Following recent news reports, the Panel again raised concern with regard to the flow of goods into Doncaster and it was explained that the Local Authority was keeping a watching brief and would respond to Central Government guidance.  It was noted that there had been no intelligence from Doncaster businesses that they had been affected at this point.

Impact following the recent flooding emergency – Members acknowledged the damage caused to areas across Doncaster Borough following the recent floods but questioned whether there had been any impact on the Doncaster brand.  It was explained that fortunately the impact on businesses had been minimal compared to 2007 and business enquiries had remained the same.  Support had been provided to the business community to ensure they could return to normal as quickly as possible.

Doncaster Business Show Case – It was explained that this was the 11^th year of the event with 260 exhibitors attending in February this 2020.  There were no plans to change the format because evidence showed the event had been continually successful.  The event had been branded as the largest business to business event in Yorkshire, with many companies across the region being approached by the Local Authority to promote the event.  This year had seen an increase in visitors from outside the Borough, for example, Leeds, Scarborough and North Yorkshire.

Links with the Spanish Business Association – This was a UK organisation established for a number of Spanish Businesses that had approached the Local Authority particularly in relation to the Rail sector.  Therefore an event had been held in late 2019 specifically for 15 Spanish businesses and following that opportunity two new investments in the Doncaster area had been secured.

Attracting inward investment – generally inward investment was being sought across Doncaster’s boundaries therefore the Local Authority works closely with the Yorkshire, North West, North East and Department of International Trade to promote the area.  Members noted that it was hoped tourism in Doncaster could be promoted in Poland.

Doncaster Airport - Members noted that Flybe had ceased business with Doncaster airport approximately 6 months prior to the company going into Administration.  Discussions were regularly held with the Airport in relation to support available to them.  It was also noted that the Airport was in discussion with Airlines relating to future flight expansion and that the freight business at the airport was increasing.

Building new locomotives – It was explained that within the recently submitted Local Plan to Central Government, land had been allocated for different employment use additional to the Unity project and development around the airport to ensure the best use for Doncaster was found.  It was noted that the Local Plan Government Inspection still was awaited.

To conclude it was outlined that the Local Authority worked with the Department of International Trade and was currently investigating a number of potential investors, for example, a steel manufacturer had recently visited the Unity Project, therefore evidencing that larger companies were starting to establish themselves in the uk.  It was also noted that relationships with Central Government were very strong with key Departments engaging with the Authority to establish its full potential.

RESOLVED:  That the discussion and report, be noted.