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News
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Royal Leamington Spa Chamber of Trade
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Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting held 8th February 2012 at The Holiday Inn. (Wright Hassall offices were unavailable due to a fire alarm)
Present:
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Norman Stephens (chairman) |
Jonathan Meredith |
Brian Wall |
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Parminder Birdi |
Sally Carrick |
Mark Lewis |
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Gerry McManus |
Keith Byrne |
Helen Smith |
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Brian Dormer TaxAssist
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Craig Woodall (Stagecoach) |
Maxine Howe (Identity Studio)
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Jonathan Huxley (WDC) |
Stephanie Kerr (BID) |
Mark Gwynne |
1) Apologies:
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Richard Beddow, Joe Baconnet & Adam Talbot |
2) Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the meeting held 11th January 2012 were approved.
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Action |
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3) Matters arising
i) Pull-up banner – Maxine is waiting for a logo file from Jonathan.
ii) A proposed application for Leamington to become a pilot under the Portas Review was discussed and agreed that WDC should be the lead on this. Parminder to discuss with Joe Baconnet and Jonathan to write to Chris Elliott. Helen Smith may be available to work on the application and this to be communicated to WDC.
A press release to be prepared advising that The Chamber and BID are promoting the application.
iii) Brian Dormer was thanked for his work in Old Town.
4) Reports on recent and ongoing matters
i) Meeting with Ian Coker of WDC re parking charges – Brian Wall reported on the meeting. WDC now accept that parking should not be just an income raising exercise but emphasised that they do need a surplus from parking revenue. Various initiatives and changes to charges in different areas are to be explored at a second meeting also involving Gary Charlton on 9th February in preparation for a meeting between the County and WDC to look at the present agreement and how it should be amended on renewal.
ii) Meeting with Chris White 27th January – as per the notes attached.
iii) Chamber future – Maxine suggested initiatives on opening a chamber LinkedIn , joint events with The Enterprise Hub and possibly sponsoring one of the lunchtime events in the Creative Arches. She will proceed and investigate. Exec members could put a 50 word profile on the LinkedIn website.
iv) Local Plan/LEP – carried forward – Parminder is making contacts with other local chambers and Mid-Warks branch of The Chamber. (Coventry Chamber)
v) Olympic torch – Stephanie to liaise with Jonathan on BID events taking place on torch day, July 1st.
vi) Severn Trent works – Norman said that works in Regent Grove and Lillington Road should be finished on time later this month but that Cubbington Road would be closed for two months from July. The programme for the closure of High Street and Radford Road is incomplete and it was agreed that once the details are known, The Chamber support businesses in that area.
vii) Development sites – Norman said that he had spoken to Simon Hoare concerning Marks & Spencer’s proposed move to The Leamington Shopping Park about how they propose to improve the current Focus site. The Exec agreed that any move or addition to this site by a high profile store is not in the best interests of the Town Centre and all ways of preventing it should be explored with WDC. Parminder will speak to a representative of WDC or John Beaumont and to Warwick Chamber of Trade.
Norman said he has spoken with David Ward of Wilson Bowden re The Clarendon Arcade and that as far as WB are concerned, revised planning will be sought in late 2012 with M & S as the anchor store.
Reference the open meeting called by The Leamington Society on the Clarendon Arcade site, Parminder and Norman will attend and try and put forward constructive views as to why the arcade is needed.
Agreed The Chamber should be in greater contact with The Leamington Society and CLARA and if local for exec members to join those organisations. |
Jonathan/Maxine
Parminder/Jonathan
Jonathan
Maxine
Parminder
Stephanie/Jonathan
Parminder
Parminder |
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6) Chairman/Vice Chairman reports – nothing further to report. |
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7) Other reports
i) Jonathan Huxley of WDC outlined his responsibilities in the contract services of WDC and that he should be the main point of contact for general maintenance etc items.
Following concern at the lack of snow clearing resulting in bus service cancellations, Jonathan said he will contact the county to see what routes are deemed priority and whether bus routes should be included.
Jonathan will also find out the opening hours of the recycling centre for publication.
ii) BID – Stephanie advised of the events planned in the year including Jubilee. She also said that BID and The Chamber should work closely together on The Portas Review as far as researching what was considered to be the ideal town centre and working on that as a project with the BID. Much work is being carried out on proposed projects in conjunction with BID being up for renewal in 2013. Carried forward. |
Jonathan H
Jonathan H |
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8) Treasurer’s report – no report. |
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9) Secretary’s report
i) New member applications from Alsters Kelley and The Grand Union were approved.
ii) Breakfast meeting 15th February – format as previously agreed; networking, 90 second promotion speech for those attendees wishing to publicise their business and then the talk by Graham Davidson. Numbers are low so exec encouraged to get support.
iii) AGM – Speaker required.
Jonathan said that posts or the 2012/13 exec were being taken up and he would be sending notices etc out in good time. |
ALL
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Jonathan |
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Chairman………………………………………….. Date…………………………..
The next Executive meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 14th at Wright Hassall, 0800.
NOTES ON MEETING WITH CHRIS WHITE MP – 27TH January 2012
Present: - Chris White MP (CW), Norman Stephens (NS), Parminder Birdi (PB) & Jonathan Meredith (JM)(Chamber secretary).
Mary Portas Review – the importance of the Review was agreed as a catalyst for new thinking on revitalising Town Centres. CW said that a minister, Paul Shapps, has been appointed to look at some pilot schemes and it was suggested Leamington might be one of those pilots.
As a first step, it is necessary to agree what sort of Town Centre is considered ideal for Leamington. CW would be happy to attend a joint meeting with stakeholders, the Town Centre Team, Warwick DC and The Leamington Society to come up with ideas. Action Chamber.
District Local Plan - Chamber representation is vital on the new Local Plan to include encouraging new business and a look at how planning rules may be relaxed to accommodate them in certain circumstances.
Support for the Town Centre – PB said that trading is tough and was concerned at increasing numbers of empty units in Royal Priors and outside shops properties. The planning rejection on Clarendon Arcade was seen as a surprise but poor PR and presentation at the planning meeting, coupled with a well led anti-campaign contributed to the decision. It is likely that Wilson Bowden will consider an alternative scheme later in 2012. The prospect of a £90m investment into the town being turned away was considered unpalatable and The Chamber needs to play a higher profile role and liaise with The Leamington Society to appease objections.
Out of town shopping parks and the immediate availability of sites poses a threat to the town and it appears WDC are unable to do anything about it. CW will be speaking to Chris Elliott at WDC and will touch on this. Action CW.
Car parking – is still a problem. CW was advised of The Chamber meeting with Ian Coker of WDC and of the agreement between WDC and the county which is up for renegotiation in 2013. A joint councils meeting is to be held on Feb 16th.
PB will be arranging a meeting with the chairs of Warwick and Kenilworth chambers to discuss the parking charges. Ian Coker has been requested to send all parking data to him.
New initiatives should be considered in restricting charges in line with Government policy on reducing charges to encourage shoppers to town centres.
Bank lending – cases are needed before CW can take any action on this.
Actions by HMRC - PB felt that HMRC had a hardening attitude in collecting taxes etc from businesses in such difficult trading times. CW needs cases as for bank lending as above.
Olympic torch – CW said that Warwick Chamber will be doing something and depending on location, it may be worth considering a joint event.
Linden Arches – should be completed and re-installed in 2012.
Date of next meeting – 20th April 2012.
Extracts of Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting held 11th January 2012
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Reports on recent and ongoing matters
i) Meeting with WDC representatives, 24th Nov. – as per secretary’s notes attached. A further meeting to be arranged in March.
Ian Coker of WDC said he had hoped to introduce team member Jonathan Huxley who has responsibilities for local amenities in the Neighbourhood Services Dept. at WDC. He said that Jonathan who has access to the Rapid Response Unit should be the main point of contact for the public for problems in that area. He also has access to the engineers’ department for any repairs action required. Contact details an be found on The Chamber website.
Although unable to give an accurate route for the Olympic Torch on 1st July The Chamber will be actively involved in some event.
It was also hoped that HM The Queen would make a visit during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
ii) WDC Meeting re parking - Brian Wall outlined what he hoped to achieve at a meeting to be held on 26th January with WDC representatives on parking charges. He said he would be seeking a review of the whole district and county parking policy to encourage parking in certain areas and to look at promotions similar to that of Royal Priors. This meeting would be followed with a meeting with WCC.
A further business health survey is being conducted by The Chamber.
iii) Meeting with Chris White MP 27th January – The Chamber would wish to stress the importance of retail and the town centre as part of the LEP.
iv) Christmas Shop window prize – agreed to hold this again in 2012 and to introduce a Diamond Jubilee Prize.
v) The executive continue to look at ways of improving member services and communications.
vi) Mary Portas Review – as BID has additional information, secretary to contact them to see what action BID will be taking to give a united plan.
vii) Severn Trent works –concern at the deteriorating communications with Severn Trent.
and the change in planned meeting dates. It was noted that a claim for compensation had been turned down because the works were not directly outside the business and The Chamber to resurrect its compensation campaign coupled with Business Rates rebates. Website to feature the claims procedure. |
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viii) Development sites – it was reported that WDC Planning Dept is now back up to strength in numbers. Chairman said that he has spoken to David Ward of Wilson Bowden, the Clarendon Arcade developers, advising that a revised application would be submitted in 2012.
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Correspondence -
i) re the Yuletide Fayre and bus stops. Speaking about the difficulties in getting passengers to a convenient stop in the town, a Stagecoach representative said that they have been consistent in siting stops to provide the best opportunities for getting shoppers into the heart of the town. Chamber will address this again before the 2012 Fayre.
ii) Letter from WCC asking for support for a grant from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund for improvements to the access to Leamington station. Agreed. |
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Other reports
i) Police – PC Mann gave a detailed report on Police activities and priorities for the near future. He said that whilst some crime had fallen, anti-social behaviour complaints have risen but depending on locations with the town. He advised of Eastern Europeans targeting large stores for shoplifting and of the problem with buskers against whom action has been taken.
He said the Police had been surprised at the high attendance at the Christmas Lantern Parade which had basically been trouble free though under-policed.
The night marshals will continue and PC Mann said the co-operation with licensees was generally helpful in addressing alcohol related crime. Minor breaches of licenses have been dealt with.
The Police are pressing for Tavistock Street one-way introduction which has been given the go ahead. |
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Treasurer’s report -in looking at a subscription rate for 2012/13, it was agreed not to increase subscriptions but to look at the question once giving more tangible value for money had been addressed. |
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Secretary’s report
i) New member application from Mark Gwynne of Avon Toys was approved.
Secretary was requested that all members be made aware of an invitation to sit in on executive meetings to show what a wide range of topics are dealt with. Dates of meeting are on the website.
ii) Breakfast meeting 15th February – as advised above re speaker. Time will be allowed prior to the speaker and whilst having breakfast to network, for The Chamber to have a recruitment spot and for willing attendees to deliver a 90 second promotional elevator speech about their business.
iii) AGM – The date, Monday 26th March. Exec has written to two possible speakers but ideas welcomed.
Nominations for possible executive members for election are to be encouraged and should be sent to the secretary.
iv) Liaison with Old Town – A letter appearing in The Courier had extolled the number and type of shops in Old Town and that The Chamber should try and develop links with the Old Town Business Association (OTBA) as in the past and encourage OTBA representation at Chamber exec meetings. |
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10) A.O.B |
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i) Town Centre Manager – David Butler will take over temporary responsibility for TCM in Leamington and Kenilworth with an additional brief of investment into the District. Ian Kirkwood will take on Warwick TCM and District Tourism. |
The next Executive meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 8th at Wright Hassall, 0800.
Meeting with WDC representatives held 24th November
1. WDC Local Plan
A link to the WDC comments on the plan is attached. Further details can be obtained from WDC website. The Plan went before full Council on Dec. 1st.
The preferred options for infrastructure and environment will further be discussed on March 28th
The Chamber’s view is that any plan must be flexible to a change in circumstances whilst appreciating that there has to be some ground rules agreed on land designated for development but with protection for employment land and priority for the town centre. The plan is being adopted in a time of recession which hopefully is only temporary. Offices are also an important part of any Local Plan.
The current plan finishes in 2011.
WDC are looking at all avenues for additional income streams from Central Government as Revenue Support grants as regards the Business Rates Retention Scheme and Community Infrastructure Levy. The Government has proposed that of any increase in Business Rates base from WDC of £60m, WDC may retain 20% of the increase. The increase will come from inward investment and growth in numbers rather than an increase in rateable values.
2. Town Centre developments
Chamber expressed concern over Clarendon Arcade outcome, the plans for which were supported by The Chamber but not by a majority of councillors. It is not known whether there will be an appeal or submission of an amended scheme.
Recommended The Chamber lobby more with the likes of The Leamington Society and councillors. PR from Wilson Bowden on a long running scheme had been sub-standard for such an important venture, coupled with the anonymity of the anchor store.
The Chamber will support the Waitrose scheme.
Café Nero planning dispute disappointing at lack of clarity and flexibility of the Planning Dept in a reputable high street outlet.
3. LEP
Chamber want more for recognition of town centres as part of the LEP strategy. DC said it has been difficult for them to get a voice on the LEP board.
4. Town centre management
A full team will be in by the end of November with David Butler, Kenilworth TCM, who will help in Leamington. Problem until uncertainty with Clarendon Arcade position confirmed as to what the Leamington TCM requirement will be. The new team will be looking at strategy and not as the old TCP was pre BID.
5. Car parking
Agreed more flexibility required and for The Chamber to lobby County Council to make changes to the partnership with WDC over the charges. WDC are aware of falling revenues in recessionary times. They are looking at alternative revenues as well as considering payment by phone etc. Agreed to have a joint meeting with county and WDC with The Chamber.
6. AOB
Snow clearing – only undertaken by WDC when labour was available. All clearing is the responsibility of County which prioritise major routes.
Olympic Torch – will be in the area Sunday 1st July.
Schools Young Enterprise – The Chamber agreed to appoint a judge.
Increasing membership is important to present a strong lobby on local business matters. If you are not yet a member, join The Chamber today; an application form is on our website, www.thechamberleamingtonspa.org.
The Chamber is managed by the Executive committee and please contact Jonathan Meredith, secretary for further information on Tel: 01295 750459.
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Executive Officers 2011 / 2012
Chair
Norman Stephens - Norman Stephens Unlimited
Vice Chair
Keith Byrne - Leamington Sony Centre
Secretary
Jonathan Meredith - JM Accountants & Business Advisors Limited
Treasurer
Richard Beddow, Burgis & Bullock
Legal Adviser
Mark Lewis - Wright Hassall LLP, solicitors
Accounts Examiner
Mark Lewis - Wright Hassall LLP, solicitors
Car Parking and Traffic
Brian Wall - Wall’s TV and Video Service
Planning and Rating & Local Authority Liaison
Parminder Singh Birdi - Spa Computers
Safety and Security
Gerry McManus - Royal Priors
Tourism
Sally Carrick - Carrick Travel
Member Services
Ann Beale - Sydna Jewellers
Vacancies currently exist in both promotions and evening economy | 
