Agenda and minutes

1.1  Note: Cllr Gilbert Smyth & Cllr Vincent Stops attended the meeting virtually.

1.2  Cllr Sam Pallis, Cllr Patrick Spence & Cllr Steve Race sent apologies.

2.1  There were no urgent items of business.

3.1  There were no declarations of interest.

4.1  The work programme was noted.

5.1  The chair introduced the item noting that as the commission has looked at Cllr Williams & Cllr Coban’s portfolio areas recently, that the session would focus primarily of CM Nicholson’s portfolio.

5.2  The chair cordially welcomed the deputy mayor to the session.

5.3  The first question provided asked Cllr Nicholson to outline the investment in Hackney’s future from larger borough-based businesses. What real opportunities have been created for residents? What assurances do you have that the opportunities created are primarily for residents rather than commuters?

5.4  Cllr Nicholson advised that it’s been an interesting two years where the relationship between businesses and the council has changed. Large businesses in the borough are very much connected with the council and its employment and skills services.

5.5  Cllr Nicholson advised that the primary relationship is through the employment agenda that those relationships with larger businesses are really concerned about channelling residents, whether they be apprentices, or those in longer term work, into some position in those businesses.

5.6  Cllr Nicholson advised that those relationships with larger businesses tend to be the ones the administration active seeks investment in – that is very much about them coming to the borough rather than the borough attracting them here.

5.7  Cllr Nicholson advised that its difficult to quantify how many residents are employed by large businesses and the information around that isn’t available.

5.8  Cllr Nicholson advised that some of that absence of data is tied up with the legalities of data sharing.

5.9  It was advised that the new economic development unit is suited to the task for re-establishing that relationship with larger businesses, certainly in their role as employers in the borough.

5.10  It was advised that there is a larger strand here with larger employers which has to do with supply chain, and its through the Hackney Business Network, but it was noted that relationships with the community of businesses include many which are smaller businesses.

5.11  It was advised that trying to ensure that there are trading pathways that businesses can collaborate and contract have been disrupted over the last two years.

5.12  The deputy mayor advised that there is anecdotal evidence that the economy is reopening and is returning.

5.13  In addition to the various national restrictions that were placed on some of those businesses, the issues around lockdown, and the behaviour changes and cultural shifts, a lot of that now seems to be subsiding, and customer are returning.

5.14  DM Nicholson advised that ‘customer’ is really important because there are many businesses in the borough involved with hospitality, and cultural industries, and they revolve around attracting customer footfall to ensure their businesses models can be sustained.

5.15  Chair asked about employment data.

5.16  DM Nicholson advised that this falls outside of his portfolio but added that there is a compartmentalized element to what he’s saying. In terms of business engagement, one to one engagement, which doesn’t necessarily focus on the employment statistic, but focuses more on the flow of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.1  The minutes of the last meeting held on the 15th of December 2021 were approved.

7.1  There was no other business.

7.2  The Chair brought the meeting to a close.