A drama played out at the Tuesday evening council meeting. Liberal Democrat councillors voted to pursue an option to penalise large retailers across the Borough of Poole. They argued in favour of an 8.5% tax penalty for supermarkets and other major stores whose success they claimed are at the expense of small and medium sized businesses. Their drive to push this motion through council was in support of a national campaign against ‘out of town’ supermarkets initiated by a group called ‘Local Works’ who are using the Sustainable Communities Act as a lever to attack large retailers who they claim are ‘ripping people off’ and ‘taking money out of local communities’.
The Conservative Administration voted unanimously against the motion and argued that penalising large retailers would not bring success to smaller businesses. Despite huge budget pressures, they have succeeded in finding money to fund projects and initiatives to stimulate the local economy, particularly within the town centre.
Elaine Atkinson, Councillor for Penn Hill Ward and Leader of the Council, explained:
‘We have brought in measures to support small and medium sized businesses that are making a real difference aimed particularly at encouraging business start-up and sustainability. Over 750 businesses have taken up our business rate relieve scheme, and 752 businesses receive £753,000 granted to Poole from central government.
‘We have commissioned Bournemouth university business students to research our town centre and make recommendations for improvements. We have a new scheme to make use of empty shops along Poole’s high street to give opportunities to local people intent on setting up in retail to test the water and offer their products without committing to long term rents.’
Other key initiatives include establishing the Dorset Growth Hub. This is a one-stop shop for business support and has access to finance. The Growth Hub has now achieved Pathfinder status and is mentoring other hubs around the country. This will lead to significant increases in jobs and economic growth. A successful bid for funding from the EU for €800k (£633k) for Driving Urban EnTerprise (DUET) is aimed at helping more disadvantaged areas become more entrepreneurial. Feedback from clients has been excellent and business start-ups are increasing.
Through the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, Poole’s local enterprise interests, particularly small and medium sized businesses, will be given strong support from around £80 million of funding from 2014 to 2020. Details are currently being drawn up.
Xena Dion, Councillor for Penn Hill Ward and Portfolio Holder for a Prosperous and Sustainable Poole, Culture and Learning and Consumer Protection, emphasised the clear Conservative message that Poole remains very much open for business.