The Council is asked to note any statements made by Members of the Cabinet (Portfolio Holders).
Councillors may then ask questions of the Portfolio Holders on their statements.
Minutes:
30th Clacton Air Show
The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism (Councillor I J Henderson) informed Council that an estimated 250,000 visitors had attended the 30th Clacton Air Show. There had been a total 16 flights on the programme, believed to be the largest flying programme of any Air Show in the UK.
Councillor Henderson reminded Members that a 2022 study had estimated that the Air Show brought £12million into the local economy. He also stated that it should be recognised what an enormous undertaking it had been for this Council to have sustained such an event for 30 years when many others around the country had been cancelled.
The Portfolio Holder reported that, for the first time, the Council had highlighted a Town Centre Trail to support local businesses and to encourage more people to use the local shops when visiting the area. The Council would look to expand on, and improve the Trail in future years.
Though this had been a multi-agency event run over two days, Councillor Henderson was pleased to say that it had run smoothly which testified to the hard work and planning involved. He thanked everyone from both the Council and its partners for their dedicated efforts in planning and staging this event, which was no mean feat. A small Council team organised the Air Show, and he made special mention of the Tourism Events Team, Sarah Daniells and Jo Needham. The Portfolio Holder also thanked staff from other Council departments who had volunteered to steward the event over two days (and one evening).
Councillor Henderson recorded his thanks to the Council’s partners and emergency services for their immense support in planning and running the event. He made a special mention to Essex Police for their professional input into the organisation of the event and in ensuring the safety of all of the visitors at the Air Show.
In response to a question asked by Councillor Calver, the Portfolio Holder informed Council that, after 11 years, Mike Carran, the Council’s Lead Officer for the Air Show would be handing over the reins and taking a step back though he would still be available to give support to the event going forward. Councillor Henderson placed on record his appreciation for all of the hard work that Mike Carran had undertaken in making the Clacton Air Show one of the premier air shows in the country.
Tendring4Growth Events
The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism (Councillor I J Henderson) informed Council that the previous day had seen the launch of the Tendring4Growth Business fortnight at the Sunspot in Jaywick Sands. He stated that the Sunspot was a fantastic new facility for providing accommodation for local businesses. Councillor Henderson was pleased to announce that 19 of the 24 units available had already been taken up and formed a mix of manufacturing, retail and business finance. He stated that COLBEA remained available to give these local businesses advice and support. The Portfolio Holder was hopeful that soon all 24 units would be filled.
Councillor Henderson informed Members that today he had attended the second Tendring4Growth event on Coastal Tourism at The Waterfront in Harwich. Forthcoming Tendring4Growth events would be:-
Digital & Independent Retailers – Wednesday 27 September at The Kingscliff Hotel, Holland-on-Sea from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Women in Business Networking – Monday 2 October at Clacton Leisure Centre from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Creative & Cultural – Tuesday 3 October at the Arts Centre, Harwich from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Inclusive Employment (including military Employers’ Recognition Scheme) followed by Disability Confident – Tuesday 3 October at The Kingscliff Hotel, Holland-on-Sea from 10.00 a.m. to Noon and Noon to 4.00 p.m. respectively.
Freeport East Industry & Innovative UK Edge Perspective – Wednesday 4 October at the Village Hall, Wix from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Tendring4Growth Business Awards – Thursday 5 October.