Businesses to hear more about 2015/16 Budget proposals

January 18, 2015 by Mike

Businesses to hear more about 2015/16 Budget proposals

Thursday 15th January 2015

Local businesses are being urged to find out more about the recently announced 2015/16 budget proposals, at a business consultation event being held next week.

The ‘New Year, New Finance’ event will see Cllr Ron Woodley, Leader of the Council, Council Chief Executive Rob Tinlin, and the Council’s Head of Finance and Resources Joe Chesterton presenting the council’s draft budget proposals for 2015/16. There will also be the opportunity to post questions to them about the budget.

Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, Graham Longley says:

“It is very important that local businesses come and find out more about our budget proposals for the next year and have their say. We are facing a Government funding cut of over £11m next year alone and have to make significant savings to bridge a funding gap of £12.4m in 2015/16 and over £33m over the next three years.

“In addition to the budget presentation, there will also be a funding marketplace which will see funding organisations advising businesses of the products available to them, whether that is loans, or grants funding for example. We have all the high street banks in attendance along with private funding organisations which include Foundation East, British Growth Service, Universities, colleges, National Apprentice Service and UKTI. “

The event is being held at The Forum, Elmer Approach on Tuesday 20th January 2015. Registration starts at 7.30am with the budget consultation beginning at 8.30am. There will be an opportunity after the consultation at 9.30am for businesses to look around the marketplace which will be open until 11.00am.

The event is FREE and if people are interested in attend then they can visit www.businesssouthend.co.uk or telephone 01702 215368 to book their place or for more information.

Journalists and photographers are welcome to attend.

More details on the 2015/16 budget proposals can be found under the 20th January 2015 Cabinet agenda here: http://apps.southend.gov.uk/minutes/