WESTERN ISLES LOCAL ECONOMIC FORUM MEETING

26h February 2004, 12.00, Western Isles Enterprise, Stornoway

Present: 
M. Maclennan and D.M. Macaulay, WIE
A. Campbell,  CnES
A. MacMillan, WITB
A. McCallum, CofC
C. Engebretsen, FSB
B Stewart Job Centre +
A.Anderson, WIAA (from agenda item 8)

Also present: I. Morrison, WIE; D. McKim, C I Maciver CnES                   

1. Welcome & Apologies

M. MacLennan opened the meeting and welcomed those present.

Apologies were relayed from D. Morrison, WIAA, D. Green and F. Rennie (LCC).

2. Note of meeting held on 6th November 2003

The note of the meeting was agreed. 

3. Matters Arising

It was noted that the Consumer Direct call centre project at Shawbost was now secured, and that recruitment is under way.

It was also agreed that draft WI LEF minutes would from now be posted to the website within 10 days of each meeting.  
 
4. General Update:

Ministerial Taskforce –  DMM advised that the meeting of the Ministerial Taskforce held in December 2003 agreed the Ministerial Taskforce for LEFs would now be stood down. This will be replaced by an annual meeting of LEF representatives at which issues will be addressed.

The Taskforce meeting also confirmed the main objectives of LEFs, as highlighted in the report submitted.
              
Audit Scotland – DMM confirmed the all LEFs survey of progress against targets. WILEF has been interviewed as part of this process and feedback is awaited

Scottish Executive – DMM confirmed the completion and publication of the National business survey of the perception of Local Economic Development and Support Services, now available on the Scotish Executive website.

5. LEF Action Plan: Creating Communities of the Future

The following key points were noted:

• The Action Plan should be reviewed, updated and clearly renamed to avoid confusion.
• The updated version should be more target focussed with measurable outcomes.
• A draft will be circulated for consultation, with a final draft anticipated by 16/04/04.
• The document should be strategic, reflecting additional achievement adding value to core functions of the key development agencies.    
• The document should be brief and effective. 
• Actions to be progressed from the Economic Development Framework, including Agency Service Improvement, would be progressed by FSB/CofC.

            
6. Business Support Services Review Community Well-Being                                                              

A paper from the Sustainable Development Committee (CnER) was presented, recommending a two phase approach to the development of Business Support Services. The first phase deals with program driven issues, with the second phase linking in strongly with the LEF Action Plan.
The LEF endorsed the principles of the paper, and recognised the need to develop a streamlined  inter-agency approach to aftercare and business support.
The following key points were noted:

• Need to support existing businesses alongside new businesses.
• Desire of local businesses that agencies should approach them rather than vice versa.
• Recognition that agencies need to balance resources with level of support in meeting needs of business community.
• CofC and FSB will assist in identifying existing businesses who would benefit from support.
• Structured training programs difficult to implement due to fragmented business structure and fluctuating market conditions, particularly in construction industry.               
             

7. Trade Unions                                                                        

A Campbell highlighted the previous letter from the Minister for Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Ministerial recommending that LEF’s should encourage dialogue with Trade Unions. This letter had been noted previously by WILEF, and it was confirmed that no related policy was adopted. 

CNES representatives agreed to give further consideration to this issue.

8. AOB                                                                        

Transport: A pressing need for businesses to engage directly with Cal Mac and to have involvement on SSAC was discussed as they have no influence or involvement in timetabling etc. It was agreed that LEF/CofC/FSB would write to Cal Mac and seek greater involvement as a matter of urgency.    

Stornoway Town Centre Management: A McCallum highlighted the need for improved co-ordination of town centre activity, parking issues, an events strategy, and for maximum commercial impact in the town centre. It was agreed it would be appropriate to address these issues at the next meeting of the Stornoway Regeneration Group.

9. Date of Next Meeting                                                                        

The next meeting will be held on 27th May 2004.