08 December 2006

• Paul Barrett (Chairman)
• Paul Spree (Local Economy Support Officer, Canterbury City Council)
• Eileen Hargreaves (Voluntary Sector)
• Michael Head (Crown Products)
• George Wilson (Managing Director, George Wilson Holdings)
• Dawn Hudd (Local Economy Manager, Canterbury City Council)
• Colin Carmichael (Chief Executive, Canterbury City Council)
• Peter Hawkes (Director, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
• Caroline Hadlow (Head of Higher Education and Quality, Canterbury College)
• Ron Donmall (Advisor, Technology Enterprise Kent)
• Amy Austin (Kent Works)
• Clive Relf (Tax Partner, Reeves & Neylan)
• Jonathan Watts (Managing Director, Lenleys)
• Jan Druker (Senior Pro-Vice Chancellor, Canterbury Christ Church University)
• Mark Isom (Director Disom Printers)

• Tony Bartlett (Enterprise Development Manager, Business Link Kent)
• Ian Mazerolle (Vice Chair)
• Jan Thornby (Kent Works)
• Denise Everitt (Director of Finance, University of Kent)

• As above
• Councillors - Leaders of the 3 groups
• Local Chambers of Commerce
• Website, once approved by the board

The Chairman informed the board that he had attended, along with other members of the board, the 2006 Breakfast business survey results at Canterbury Cricket Club. Dawn circulated to the group the findings of the business survey. The Chairman stated that there were no surprises in the findings from the report, however it gave C4B confirmation that we understand the needs of business. It was obvious that a key theme of the findings was communication. Alison Williams was a guest speaker at the event and the speech provoked thought amongst the delegates. Overall the Chairman felt that the event was good and well attended and that breakfast was a good time for future events. The Chairman invited Colin to comment on the survey results and informed the board that there was an opportunity for the board to discuss and analyse the results at a future meeting.

The Chairman also informed the Board that he had received an invitation to attend the Locate In Kent networking Christmas event on the 14th December 2006, being held at the Shepard Neame brewery. The Chairman asked the board if anyone was going to attend. George Wilson and Peter Hawkes informed the Chairman that they had already accepted an invitation.

The Chairman introduced Colin to give a short presentation to the board on the Governments White Paper on Local Government Reform. During Colins Presentation he informed the board that the reforms could take 2-3 years to take effect. Colin explained the key messages of the White Paper. There is a key focus on neighbourhoods and parishes along with potential outcomes and powers. The paper addresses the issue of the Council voting to become a unitary body, however Colin indicated that the Council is likely to remain the same for the forthcoming future.

The Chairman discussed with the board the options, pros and cons of the Council becoming a unitary body along with the joining of other borough or district councils. One benefit would be that, as a unitary body the authority would have more sole decision-making powers. This could potentially lead to one economic development function for east Kent, if Canterbury held that role then the function would grow and could be charged out to the other areas.

Michael expressed his opinion to the board on the positives of becoming a unitary authority. George commented on how other councils lack any ED function in comparison to Canterbury and the problems this causes. Jan also commented on the merger of authorities in the steps to becoming a unitary body and Mark Isom asked Colin with regards to the complications and costs of setting up such a body if that were the chosen option.

The Chairman thanked Colin for his time and presentation on the Local Government White Paper.

Jan Druker: Report circulated. Jan informed the board that the key project 'in development ' is concerned with mapping training provision for businesses within the Canterbury District. Jan told the board that a meeting had been held with Simon Edridge Associates to discuss the development of the website for this function and how it would work. The current position is that Jan was now waiting for a costing and once approved the necessary pages should be set up. Dawn commented that attracting private sector involvement in this project had not been an easy process as 80 letters had been originally sent out from which 3 responses had been received.

The Chairman asked Jan if she would represent C4B on the 14-19 Planning ISC, Jan informed the Chairman that she would take the proposal back to the group for discussion.

Local Economy & Business Events.

Dawn Hudd: A report was circulated prior to the meeting. The first events steering group was well attended and from the meeting the key theme for March business month emerged as business health. The series of events will start with the C4B dinner and hopefully finish with the Kent Invicta Business Awards. Dawn asked the board to put forward any ideas or suggestions for potential workshops/speakers.

Employment & Entrepreneurship.

Tony Bartlett was absent from Board Meeting and no report was submitted.

Marketing.

Ian Mazerolle was absent from the Board Meeting, however Jonathan said that they had, had a meeting with the web team and any problems have now been resolved. Future developments will be discussed at the next marketing group meeting. Dawn said that there are now 102 associates on board and Mark Woollard was the 100th. A lot of sign ups have come from the website with a handful from the tele-marketing campaign. Eileen said that the telemarketing had not been an easy task. Mark Isom to take on the role of pushing associate sign ups and Mark will also join the marketing group.

Olympics.

Paul Barrett said that he had attended the Canterbury High Presentation evening and at the event it was announced that the Australian Track and Field team will be using the facilities at the school next July, and if successful will use the venue for repeat visits including the as a base running up to 2012, and as such presents a good business opportunity. Mark suggested that the Walking Bus appeal for disadvantaged children would be a good opportunity to involve the track and field team.

Environmental.

Clive Relf: The chairman stated that the business survey results had shown a need for a green approach from C4B and for us to understand and be aware of environmental issues. The Chairman said that C4B need to involved with the carbon emissions issue. The chairman reported that he had attended a conference on green activities, Dawn reported that Street Scene are introducing a trial paper and cardboard recycling programme for businesses for council clients in the new year which would eventually be rolled out across the district. C4B would also sponsor the councils Environmental Business Awards 2007.

Major projects

Michael Head - A2 slips, no progress since the last meeting as we are awaiting for minister approval. Little Barton Farm no progress from the last meeting. Colin said that a meeting needed to be arranged with Lee Herrington to push the project forward. Montgomery School - Michael gave a brief history for Caroline and Mark. Michael reported that two sponsors were needed for the academy to be established on the grounds of the current school, these are Crown Products and Holiday Extras. Michael advised that the legal process to close the school will be commenced and closure is likely by end of August 2007, the academy will reopen the next day. DFES will finance the Academy project and not KCC, with an investment of £5m. Richard Wallis who is linked to Sandwich Technology College will remain at the academy for the first year. Michael reported that the academy is the last chance for the school, the process of going from a school to an academy will bring dramatic change but if it does not work out then it will mean closure for good. Action, Michael asked Colin to brief councillors about the academy.

Chamber of Commerce.

Peter Hawkes, No update.

Dawn informed the group that Monday 18th December herself and Paul will present the ED strategy update to the LSP. Due to time dawn gave the board a handout of the presentation and gave a brief overview to the objectives of the strategy and the action plan against targets to date.

The Chairman mentioned the Canterbury futures study document and that it should be circulated to the C4B Board. Paul asked Colin and Dawn to bring a presentation to the next board meeting.

AOB

Clive, asked the board that if anyone had any ideas or interests in the Environment Project Group to see him. Nick Churchill wills the supporting officer on the group.