WESTERN ISLES LOCAL ECONOMIC FORUM MEETING

14th August 2003, 12.00, Western Isles Enterprise, Stornoway

Present: 
M. MacLennan and D. Macaulay, WIE
A. Campbell and B. Howat, CnES
C. Engebretsen, FSB
D. Green, LCC
A.Anderson, WIAA

Also present: 
C. I. MacIver, WIE
D. McKim and M. Bruce, CnES
A.Wilcox, FSB                   

1. Welcome & Apologies

M. MacLennan opened the meeting and welcomed those present.  Apologies were relayed from B. Stewart, ES; A. MacMillan, WITB; A. McCallum, CoC and D. Morrison, WIAA.

2. Note of meeting held on 12th June 2003

The note of the meeting was agreed. 

3. Matters Arising

D. Macaulay informed the LEF that in regard to item 6 Improving Customer Services, that a visit had been arranged for September for WIE / CnES staff to visit a Lanarkshire Gateway.

D. Macaulay informed the LEF that in regard to item 7 PACE, that follow up meetings were taking place. 
 
4. LEF Action Plan: Economic Development Framework                

Update papers in regard to progress against action points and Branding the Western Isles were provided.  The LEF reviewed these papers, with the following key points being made:

• Broadband: pathfinder will shortly be going live again, with details awaited from the Scottish Executive.  The Western Isles Connected Communities broadband project will be making application for European funding.
  
• Branding: the LEF noted the paper and agreed that progress reports should be made available to the LEF.  It was recognised that the private sector had a key role to play in the development of any brand.  Engaging in off-island research and ensuring an appropriate quality threshold for use of the brand were seen as critical.
  
• Engagement with Regulatory Bodies: progress in regard to this action was seen as important.  It was agreed to invite SEPA to present to the next meeting of the LEF.  Subsequent meetings should be arranged with SNH and the Crown Estate.         
                                         
• Single Entry Point (SEP): The “First Stop” marketing strategy in regard to single entry point will be commencing in September.  This campaign will highlight to the business community the more streamlined approach to access business development services.
  The opportunity to hold a local launch / evening reception would be investigated.
  It was agreed that analysis of the local implementation of SEP should be undertaken.
  FSB noted that they were positively promoting the Business Gateway / SEP approach to their membership.
  
• Science & Engineering: this was seen a critical area to encourage locally.  It was noted that these skills would be essential in the future development of renewable energy. 

5. Sustainability Indicators                     

C I MacIver outlined the paper and the need to attach targets to the Economic Development Framework.  It was agreed that targets should be quantifiable and measurable, but that a number of broad economic indicators should also be included.  WIE and CnES were asked to liaise to develop an appropriate set of targets.

6. Resources Indicator                                                              

The paper was noted. 

7. Local Housing Strategy                                  

No new issues.

8. Action 35 Update              

The Action 35 update will now come through the general Economic Development Framework update.  

9. Community Planning   

No new issues.             

10. Energy Issues    

Key update issues were covered under the Economic Development Framework update.

D McKim circulated a paper in regard to the potentials for community benefit arising out of future renewable energy developments.  This paper would be discussed in further detail at the next meeting of the Western Isles Alternative and Renewable Energy Partnership (WIAREP).   

11. Press Issues

No new issues.                                                          

It was agreed that agenda items 7 – 11 would cease to be standing agenda items.

12. AOB

C. Engebretsen sought discussion on issues related to the outward migration of young people and the apparent contraction of the local labour pool.  He attributed this to a range of social factors.  It was agreed that the issue would revert back to the next meeting of the LEF to allow further discussion.