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The Board considered a report from the Commercial Manager and the Commercial Transition Manager, providing an update on the operational businesses.
Members of the Board noted the teething problems that had arisen on the new grounds maintenance contract. It was confirmed that the new contract was flexible and was based on need, rather than task or job based. It had always been anticipated that the handover to the new contractor would be challenging. However, the Council was actively monitoring the situation and it was anticipated that all work would be up to date by the end of August. No additional costs would be incurred by the Council as a result.
In respect of the Events Management, it was anticipated that the Colchester Events Company and the new Events Policy would be launched together in the autumn. Members emphasised the need to ensure that the service was properly promoted and highlighted that members, if properly briefed, could act as ambassadors for the service.
The progress on the creation of the SEAX Building Control Service was noted. Members explored issues around the recruitment and retention of Building Control staff and how the transfer into the new service was viewed. The Commercial Manager explained that levels of enthusiasm for the new service varied. Not all appreciated the advantages and opportunities that the new service offered. The new contract for all staff would be rolled out shortly, and there would be a need to ensure that the advantages it offered, such as training and development, were clearly explained. There was some anecdotal evidence that some private sector Approved Inspectors would also welcome the opportunity to join the new service. It was suggested that the new service should look at the possibility of delivering a training service which it could sell externally, but it was felt that this was likely to be unsustainable given the likely size of the service.
RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.