Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated from Robert Pollock, Argyll and Bute Council, Mike Geraghty, Argyll and Bute Social Enterprise Network and Anthony Standing, Skills Development Scotland.

None declared.

Economy Thematic CPP Group 24 February 2010

The Minutes of the Economy Thematic CPP Group meeting held on 24 February 2010 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Performance Manager

The contents of the Economy Thematic CPP Group Scorecard on the Council’s Performance Management System, Pyramid, was considered.

Decision

1.             Noted the contents of the Scorecard and the concerns raised about how the information is presented which the Councillors would bring to Officers’ attention at the seminar on performance management being held on 22 June 2010; and

2.             Agreed that there was a need to focus on issues the Group could address and issues that were of importance to all Partners.

(Reference: Report by Performance Manager, submitted)

The Group welcomed David Adams McGilp, Regional Director, Visit Scotland to the meeting to give a presentation outlining Visit Scotland’s National Priorities, what tourism support Argyll and Bute receives from Visit Scotland, Visit Scotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme and Destination Management Organisations.

David also responded to a number of questions arising from his presentation.

Decision

1.             Noted that David would raise with Jim Mather MSP the possibility of the Scottish Government making it mandatory for all accommodation providers to be members of a quality assurance scheme;

2.             Noted that David would prepare a report for the next meeting on what the funding provided to Visit Scotland from Argyll and Bute Council is spent on and where in terms of the Service Level Agreement;

3.             Noted that David would liaise with David Clements to enable performance indicators for Visit Scotland to be included on the Economy Thematic CPP Group Scorecard;

4.             Agreed that Visit Scotland should be a Partner on the Economy Thematic CPP Group and that David be invited to future meetings;

5.             Agreed that David would give a presentation to a future meeting on Destination Management Organisations; and

6.             Agreed that a presentation on Business Improvement Districts be arranged for a future meeting.

Frances Webster gave a presentation to the Group on Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and its support to the Tourism Sector including local activities in Argyll and Bute and its focus for 2010/11.  Frances also responded to a number of questions arising from her presentation.

Decision

1.             Noted the contents of the presentation; and

2.             Noted that Frances would arrange for an Officer from SDS to  liaise with David Clements to enable performance indicators for SDS to be included on the Economy Thematic CPP Group Scorecard.

Partners provided information on work currently being undertaken in respect of the Economy Community Plan Actions.

Highland and Islands Enterprise

Operating Plan – Douglas Cowan confirmed that HIE had recently formally agreed their operating plan with the Scottish Government and were now in the process of finalising their priorities and budget for the coming year.

Business Climate – Douglas reported that the business climate had, to some degree, improved in recent months, however, there were still some challenges in respect of high unemployment and referred to the recent closure of the Rothesay Creamery.  Douglas advised that HIE were beginning to see businesses making investments at a higher rate than in previous years.

Renewables – Douglas referred to a recent meeting he had with the Director of the National Grid and a wind energy supply event held recently.  Councillor Currie raised his concerns about the impact of renewables on island communities and Douglas confirmed that work was ongoing to look at funding for local engagement on Islay and Tiree.

Business Gateway

Ishabel Bremner tabled a report advising that Argyll and Bute Business Gateway was approaching its first anniversary in July 2010 and had a successful first year establishing the service.  The report presented the results for 2009/2010, some recent developments and future plans.  Ishabel also confirmed that future reports would include information in respect of the Helensburgh and Lomond area.

Caledonian MacBrayne (Cal Mac)

Ticketing Arrangements - Following a request at the last meeting, David Cannon provided the Group with information on Cal Mac’s ticketing arrangements. 

Dunoon – Gourock Ferry Route - David advised that Cal Mac were currently awaiting their invitation to tender for the Dunoon – Gourock ferry route in which they were one of 4 companies identified as preferred bidders. At Councillor MacAlister’s request, David agreed to raise with Cal Mac the issue about whether or not they would revise their policy of customers having to buy separate multiple journey ticket books for each vehicle they use if their tender for the Dunoon – Gourock route was successful.

Review of Ferry Services - David advised that Cal Mac were still awaiting an announcement on the outcome of the Review of Ferry Services and that he expected this to be imminent.

Tourism – David referred to a request for Cal Mac to advise on Cal Mac’s links with Tourism and confirmed that tourism was not part of his remit.  He advised that Cal Mac’s Marketing Manager, Susan Paterson,  had been unable to attend today but would be happy to come to a future meeting of the Group to give a presentation on this subject.

Chief Executive – David advised that Archie Robertson had recently been appointed as the new Chief Executive for Cal Mac’s Parent Company, David MacBrayne.

Decision

Noted the updates provided by Partners.

(Reference: Report by Economic Development Manager, tabled)

Report by Head of Customer and Support Services

Consideration was given to a report which advised of a proposed pilot to be undertaken by IT to provide access to Pyramid to 3 individuals from the Community Health Partnership.

Decision

1.             Agreed the terms of the report and that an update on progress would be presented to the Group in due course; and

2.             Noted the Group’s concern that no timescale was fixed to role out access to Pyramid for all Partners and that this was preventing the Group fulfilling its role of scrutinising the Community Plan.

(Reference: Report by Head of Customer and Support Services, submitted)

Report by Community Planning Manager

It was agreed to continue consideration of this item to the next meeting of the Group on 25 August 2010.

Verbal Update from Area Customer Services Manager

It was agreed to continue consideration of this item to the next meeting of the Group on 25 August 2010.

Joint Report by Area Customer Services Manager, Community Planning Manager and Economic Development Manager

It was agreed to continue consideration of this item to the next meeting of the Group on 25 August 2010.

The current work programme for the Group was noted.