Published on Wednesday 18 August 2021
Demonstrating innovation, best practice and the creative use of technology, BCP Council has been shortlisted for the Local Government Chronicle Awards (LGC) in the Economic Support and Future Place categories.
Over the last year, BCP Council has delivered a comprehensive package of economic support. It has provided advice and guidance to businesses, strengthened local partnerships, facilitated business rates relief and launched campaigns to assist with the safe reopening of local high streets. £150 million from government has also been successfully issued by the council to local businesses through a series of mandatory and discretionary grant schemes. Most recently, it has chosen to invest more than £3 million in discretionary funding into innovative project ideas submitted by local businesses and organisations. Its Bounce Back Challenge Fund is now bringing to life over 100 projects, which have demonstrated innovation, will generate pride in the place we live and support the wider economy.
BCP Council has also been acknowledged for its use of innovative solutions and digital technology. Its Smart Place programme is seeing the deployment of an advanced 5G network and the creation of a world leading business model to help the area achieve its full potential as a future city region. In addition, the council has led the way in the development of the UK’s first Beach Check app, which is currently being rolled out in other resorts across the country.
Leader of BCP Council, Drew Mellor, comments:
"I would like to thank all those involved in our Smart Place and business support programme. To now receive national recognition against hundreds of other local authorities from across the county is a huge achievement. It also clearly demonstrates our Big Plan ambitions to transform our area into a world class city region – one of the best coastal places in the world in which to live, work, invest and play.’’
Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Regeneration at BCP Council, comments:
"It’s great to be shortlisted for not one, but two national awards. We strongly believe that our unique package of economic support has played a key role in addressing some of the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Alongside our world leading Smart Place initiative, we have created a springboard for businesses and the area as a whole to bounce back and thrive.
The LGC awards ceremony will take place on 4 November 2021 in London.