The council is launching a new growth board to enhance business contributions and address funding challenges in the region
BCP: Council leader Millie Earl shared that the new growth board aims to be a real game-changer. It’s all about getting businesses and stakeholders involved, especially with the BIDs.
This move comes after the government cut funding for the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, which was in charge of economic development. It’s a big deal since that board was crucial for local growth.
Chris Shephard from BCP Council mentioned that funding might not continue into 2025/26. Both Dorset and BCP councils seem to be on the same page about not wanting to keep things going as they were.
They’ve set up three hubs: the Dorset Growth Hub, Dorset Careers Hub, and Boscombe Skills Hub. The good news is that the Boscombe Skills Hub will keep getting funding until March 31, 2026.
However, Boscombe councillor Patrick Canavan raised some concerns. He feels there’s a “lack of clarity” about the plans, especially regarding the skills hub and its connection to the towns fund.
He’s worried that the Boscombe Skills Hub, which relies on government grants, might be at risk. He’s all for bringing the work back in-house but is unsure about what the growth board really entails.
Cllr Earl mentioned that the council is currently in a bit of a “limbo” since they’re unsure about the upcoming devolution deal. She’s concerned it might derail their long-term plans.
During a meeting on January 15, cabinet members agreed to create the BCP growth board, and they assured that it would be cost-neutral for the council. Cllr Earl will step down from the DLEP by the end of March.
