Note of meeting held on Thursday 4th July 2002, WIE Boardroom

Present: 

M MacLennan (WIE)
R Murray (CnES)
A MacMillan (WITB)
B Adam (CoC)
  
Also present: C I MacIver (WIE) and D McKim (CnES)  

1. Welcome & Apologies

M MacLennan opened the meeting and welcomed those present.  Apologies were noted from D Macaulay (WIE); Bill Howat (CnES); David Green (LCC); C Engebretsen (FSB) and O P Krabberod ((WIAF) 

2. Note of last meeting, held 23rd May 2002

The note of the meeting was agreed.

3. Matters Arising

Angus MacMillan updated the LEF about a recent meeting in regard to visiting cruise ships and the opportunities they presented to local businesses.  There was a feeling from the meeting that local businesses had to take ownership, but that a change of attitude was required to allow this to happen.  A range of potential interventions were discussed with the meeting agreeing that CoC, WIE and CnES should collaborate on potential ways forward.

The work of the “Barriers Sub-Group” was discussed briefly.  It was agreed that the group would remain as an agenda point.  The recommendations of the group would be discussed at the next LEF meeting.      

4. Action Plan

Action 6: Single Entry Point (local and national).

Two papers revolving around Single Entry Point (SEP) were presented – a national paper, produced by HIE, for the Ministerial Taskforce (outlining proposals for the establishment of business support services SEPs across the HIE area) and a local paper, produced by WIE and CnES (outlining proposals for the introduction of local SEPs).

In regard to the national paper the LEF endorsed the principle at Part 6 (Working with Partners) that adopting a “one size fits all” approach across the Highlands and Islands would not work.  There was concern noted that the paper over-focused on HIE and that there was little reference to local authorities.  It was agreed that feedback to Scottish Executive on the paper should seek to note the significant contribution made by CnES.  

In regard to the local SEP paper the LEF recognised the difficulties of introducing a comprehensive “one stop” SEP, given the geography of the Western Isles.  Incremental development was viewed as an aspiration with the long-term goal being the co-location of business support services.  Measurement of the new service was seen as essential to the overall process.    
 
Members noted the Action Plan Update in regard to the Western Isles produced by the Central Support Team subsequent to their visit.                          

5. LED Interim Report

C I MacIver introduced the report.  The research had been undertaken in spring 2002, with 110 interviews being held in each LEC area.  Some of the key finding in regard to the Western Isles were as follows:

• 80% would approach public sector agency (against 55% in HIE and 46% in SEn)
• 73% would approach the LEC (against 36% across HIE)
• 80% aware of services (against 46% across HIE and 28% across SEn)
• 75% “know a lot / quite a lot” about services (49% across HIE)
• 65% believe services relevant (38% across HIE)
• 63% disagreed with the statement “Too many public sector providers”
• Public sector in competition – 52% - no; 30% - yes
• Reasons for not using public sector support: 78% said help / advice not needed.
   

6. Regulatory Bodies Sub-Group               

This point dealt with under matters arising.  Recommendations to be dealt with at the next LEF meeting.  

7. Energy Issues

Members noted the positive response to the WIAREP “Energy and the Environment” seminar held at Lews Castle College on 27 June. 

8. Press Issues

No new issues.

9. AOB

Dates for LEF meetings between now and the end of the year to be circulated. 

Date of next meeting confirmed as Thursday 29th August 2002.