A report by the Interim Director of Corporate Services informed the Cabinet that Invest Wirral delivered a range of business support services that helped businesses set up and grow and maintain competitiveness.  The report set out proposals to develop these services further, in order to respond to the needs of Wirral businesses and, therefore, to stimulate economic growth and create new jobs for the residents of the Borough.  The report outlined how these services would be co-ordinated and delivered through a proposed Investment Support Services Framework enabling Invest Wirral to offer a single point of contact and a seamless advice and guidance service to support Wirral businesses.

Councillor P Davies welcomed the report and informed that the help the Council provided to Wirral businesses was one of its key priorities.  He was very impressed with the work of Invest Wirral including the fantastic One Stop Shop it provided.  This was a valuable addition to what was provided for Wirral businesses.

Councillor S Foulkes emphasised the need for both the private and public sectors to create jobs and paid tribute to Business Angels which was an exciting initiative that was catching everyone’s imagination.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)  Invest Wirral be requested to develop an Investment Support Services Framework that includes the business support activities described in detail in the report; and

(2)  the procurement proposals for delivering the investment support services set out in the report, be agreed.