OUTER HEBRIDES LOCAL ECONOMIC FORUM MEETING
Minutes of Meeting held in WIE - Thursday 24 November 2005
Present:
M Maclennan, WIE (Chair)
D Macaulay, WIE
M Burr, CnES
D McKim, CnES
J Hay, Chamber of Commerce
N Jarvie, Chamber of Commerce
A Macmillan, VS
C Engebretsen, FSB
Apologies:
A Campbell CNES
A Anderson WIAA
D Green, LCC
R Stewart, Job Centre Plus
L MacPherson, CnES
Also Present: C I Maciver, L Macaulay, I Morrison
1. Welcome
Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed those present. In particular he welcomed Malcolm Burr, John Hay and Nicola Jarvie who attended for the first time.
2. Minute of meeting held on 25th August 2005
Approval of the minutes was proposed by D Macaulay and seconded by A Macmillan.
3. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
4. Creating Communities of the Future – Action Plan Update
C I Maciver spoke to the report provided, which summarises progress on the 6 key drivers in the Plan since its inception in June 2005. A meeting will be arranged with the key partners shortly to discuss the detail of targets, ownership, and monitoring to clarity on areas of responsibility, and accuracy of the CCoF Action Plan. D M Macaulay to progress.
5. Western Isles Development Trust
C I Maciver presented to members on the aims and objectives, proposed activity and financing of the Trust. The Trust’s draft 2005/08 Business Plan was provided, outlining WIDT’s strategy and planned activities for the short to medium term. This is being circulated to the wider community for comment, and the importance of raising community awareness through media / community engagement was emphasised.
Member s endorsed WIDT’s approach and the development of a local renewable energy industry, taking cognisance of the time-limited nature of the development opportunity. The importance of an appropriate grid infrastructure to enable medium and long term development of onshore, offshore and hydrogen energy facilities was noted, as was the potential business benefit from proposed developments. It was noted that the current infrastructure may be unable to support any development having high energy requirements, thus potentially constraining development. Members commented on the need for an appropriate balance in business and community benefit, and encouraged support to assist growth in the business sector.
It was explained that the opportunity would exist to develop a local venture capital fund, which could also support diversification in tourism and other businesses. It was noted that there is no clear evidence that wind farm developments necessarily affect tourism, but that the main constraint would likely to be on accommodation during the construction phase.
6. Branding Update
Members noted the update provided. A presentation on the consultants’ report (anticipated December 2005) will be made at the next meeting of OHLEF.
7. Aquaculture Industry Update
Members noted the report provided by WIAA, and agreed to carry forward discussion to the next meeting as Alan Anderson was unable to attend on this occasion.
8. Who Cares Wins Customer Initiative
Lorna Macaulay presented a paper on the initiative, which is driven by a general acknowledgement that our service industries require a conduit for improvement in customer focus, tying in strongly with the Branding project. Chamber of Commerce indicated their strong support for the initiative. It was noted that the involvement of schools is vital, and will be part of the process.
9. Migrant Workers
Members endorsed the actions proposed, recognising these as an important element of the aspiration to increase the economy and the population of the Outer Hebrides.
10. Regional Accounts 2003
Dr Deborah Roberts’ final report was provided for information to members following detailed discussion of the draft report at the previous OHLEF meeting.
11. AOCB
The CPP meets on 14th December 2005, and a presentation on the Connected Communities project is planned.
Members discussed the issue of private sector engagement with OHLEF, and suggested that Chamber of Commerce / FSB members should be made aware that they have the opportunity to bring forward agenda items. Also, industry sectoral representatives could be invited to present on their own issues.
Meeting dates for 2006 have yet to be agreed, as CPP dates not yet finalised.
Members suggested that LEF meetings as for 2005 should precede CPP by 2 to 3 weeks. Dates to be confirmed on confirmation of CPP meeting dates.
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