Cabinet received a report of the Economic Development Consultant setting out details of a procurement exemption for a Watford Business Growth Grant to Exemplas.  Details of the exemption request were set out in the appendix to the report.

The Mayor briefly introduced the report and then invited the Group Head of Place Shaping to provide further information.

The Group Head of Place Shaping explained that the report provided transparency of the decision.  The Hertfordshire Growth Hub would provide support to businesses in Watford.

In response to a question from Councillor Bell, the Group Head of Place Shaping advised that the Growth Hub would support businesses with between five and 10 employees.  Other support was available to businesses with more employees.

RESOLVED –

That Cabinet notes the report.