With the council facing an estimated £1.8m annual budget deficit over the next five years the new company, a profit-making partnership between Havant BC and service provider Norse Commercial Services (part of the Norse Group), will help ensure job security, protect service provision and generate additionalincome to support the future work of the council.

 

Under the joint venture, set up on an initial 10-year term,all profits generated will be shared between the council and the business partner. In addition to providing the current operational services, Norse South East will also explore selling their services to other businesses and local busines authorities in the region

 

This business approach has been proven by the Norse Group across a number of local councils around the UK, enabling them to generate vital extra revenue from commercial activities. In the future we will look to provide additional services such as building cleaning and maintenance that will generate further profit share for the council, and which in turn will of course benefit local taxpayers.

 

Through the Norse Group, Norse South East also has a unique combination of public sector ethos and commercial flair. This means that they are innovative in their approach to delivering cost-efficiency, value and quality; developing long-term relationships with clients; sharing goals and agreeing outcomes.

 

All council staff from Operational Services transferred into the new joint venture partnership, thereby securing local employment in providing local services. The company will be looking at the potential for further employment opportunities, including a number of apprenticeships, in the

future.

 

Norse South East is set to become firmly involved with the local business community, competitively competing for new business contracts, supporting the area’s economy through our ‘buy local’ procurement policy, taking an active role in the local Chamber of Commerce, and providing secure jobs and training opportunities for our 120 staff.