| Business Retention and Expansion (BR and E) unit helping to unlock economic opportunity across Cape Town | <p>With recent expansions into Stikland and Epping, the programme is intensifying its efforts to create an environment that nurtures business growth.<br></p><p>'The BR and E unit, within the Investment Facilitation Branch, has found remarkable success by working alongside industrial businesses and city improvement districts. This approach addresses specific area concerns and broader industry issues. Action teams, comprising various City departments, adopt a transversal method to collectively tackle challenges,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos.</p><p> <span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Business%20Retention%20and%20Expansion%20%28BR%20and%20E%29%20unit%20helping%20to%20unlock%20economic%20opportunity%20across%20Cape%20Town.JPG" alt="" style="width:948px;" /></figure></span>For example, the BR and E team is working with the City's Energy Directorate on the Load Curtailment Programme to help mitigate the risk of load-shedding.</p><p>'Through predefined load curtailment commitments, qualifying Large Power Users can be exempt from load-shedding. </p><p>'With 16 active initiatives engaging approximately 400 businesses across areas like Bellville, Elsies River and Steenberg, the programme in City-supplied areas promotes energy security and alternative energy solutions, such as solar installations and surplus power sales back to the City. Collaboration with Eskom extends the programme's reach, with the Eskom load curtailment pilot under way in Blackheath Industria and further considerations for other areas,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.</p><p>Highlighting the City's incentives programme, the Investment Facilitation Branch noted a number of recent successes, including reductions in electricity tariffs to the value of R5 million and building plan application waivers amounting to more than R31 000 in Atlantis Industrial. </p><p>Additionally, the BR and E unit conducted an investigation into suitable locations for a truck holding area in Paarden Eiland and surrounding areas, aiming to enhance logistical infrastructure and support transportation needs for businesses. In collaboration with Transnet, efforts to address congestion spill-over in and around the Port of Cape Town are under way. </p><p>'I am particularly excited to share that the BR and E unit supported the facilitation of a R1 billion investment in a new distribution centre (DC). This investment not only boosts the local economy but also underscores confidence in Cape Town as a prime business destination. The unit also played a crucial role in providing information regarding the road network and its capacity to accommodate the centre, ensuring seamless integration into the city's infrastructure,' said Alderman Vos.</p><p>Looking ahead, the BR and E unit aims to expand its reach to areas like Elsies River, Montague Gardens, Paarden Eiland, and Airport Industria. By broadening its footprint, the programme seeks to support a diverse range of businesses and foster continued economic growth.<br></p><p>Current successes as a result of BR and E action team intervention include:</p><ul><li>Almost 200 engagements with businesses wanting to invest in Cape Town.<br></li><li>The inclusion of Blackheath Industrial in the Eskom load curtailment programme.<br></li><li>A forged relationship with Eskom to extend outreach to areas viable for load curtailment in Eskom-supplied areas.</li><li>Facilitation of a 650kVA generator application process for an Atlantis-based company, involving all City line departments.<br></li></ul><p></p><p>'A vibrant economy hinges on partnerships and proactive programmes. Through initiatives like the BR and E programme, Cape Town remains a magnet for investment and job creation, ensuring sustained economic prosperity for our city,' said Alderman Vos.<br></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2024-04-16T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#5cef3550-8a32-4ff2-8bc5-7fd3bc2ba149;L0|#05cef3550-8a32-4ff2-8bc5-7fd3bc2ba149|Economic growth;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | City of Cape Town, Media Office | 0 |
