Issue - meetings

(A report by Matthew Hogan, Assistant Director – Strategic Growth and Development)

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Dale Broughton, presented a report by the Assistant Director – Strategic Growth and Development which proposed the development of a sponsorship initiative to generate additional income to support Council activities. The report outlined how sponsorship could be used to enhance services, events, and infrastructure across the borough.

The initiative aimed to create new funding streams by engaging with local, regional, and national sponsors. It was intended to supplement existing budgets, add value to Council-led programmes, and foster stronger relationships with the business community. The approach would also support a more commercial and outward-facing image for the Council.

Members were advised that the proposal included appointing a freelance contractor to lead the sponsorship work. That individual would be responsible for identifying opportunities, building relationships with potential sponsors, and working with Council teams to develop a coordinated and commercially informed approach. The long-term aim was for the initiative to become self-funding.

The report set out the strategic benefits of the initiative and the principles that would guide its implementation. These included ensuring transparency, maintaining strong relationships with sponsors, and seeking opportunities beyond the borough’s boundaries.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·       Members expressed strong support for the initiative, describing it as innovative and timely.

·       It was noted that the proposal could help enhance events and services without placing additional strain on Council budgets.

·       The potential to attract both local and national sponsors was welcomed, with an emphasis on promoting Boston as a proactive and business-friendly borough.

·       Members highlighted that sponsorship opportunities should extend beyond events to include assets such as waste vehicles and public spaces.

·       The importance of maintaining the identity of key community assets while exploring branding opportunities was raised.

·       It was confirmed that pursuing sponsorship would not affect the Council’s eligibility for other funding streams.

·       The use of a freelance contractor was supported, with recognition that sponsorship and commercial engagement require specialist skills.

·       Members acknowledged the value of internal expertise and experience in shaping the proposal and offered continued support to the initiative.

·       The initiative was seen as a way to build stronger relationships with the business community and increase civic pride.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor Sarah Sharpe.

Resolved:

1.     That approval be given to a programme of pursuing the generation of sponsorship to support council activity, with a view to seek to deliver the expected benefits as articulated within the report;

2.     That the recommended resourcing strategy for such a programme (i.e. the procurement of a contractor) as articulated within the report be approved; and

3.     That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director Strategic Growth and Development, in conjunction with the Deputy Leader of the Council, to conclude contractual matters associated with the report recommendations.