Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated from Councillor Robin Currie, Councillor Ellen Morton, Frances Webster, Skills Development Scotland, Anthony Standing, Skills Development Scotland and David Cannon, Caledonian MacBrayne.

None declared

Economy Thematic CPP Group 25 August 2010

The Minutes of the Economy Thematic CPP Group meeting held on 25 August 2010 were approved as a correct record subject to the following amendments:-

Item 6 – Partner Updates on Actions Linked to Delivery of Scorecard/Community Plan - Highlands and Islands Enterprise

“Argyll Marine Science Initiative at Dunstaffnage” should read “Argyll Marine Science Park”

“Welcon” should be amended to “Skycon”.

Presentation by Fergus Younger, Argyll Agricultural Strategy Development Manager and Jane MacLeod, Mid Argyll Chamber of Commerce

It had been agreed at the previous meeting to invite Fergus Younger of the Argyll and Bute Agricultural Forum to give a presentation on the Argyll and the Isles Brand and the launch of its website. Fergus was unable to attend as he was committed to attending a meeting in Poland with five other partner regions to look at opportunities to link Argyll into a wider transnational project that will further the promotion of the region as a good food producer and good food destination.   Reference was made to a paper produced by Fergus which highlighted the different types of activities the Argyll Food Producers Group have been involved with including the development of the Argyll and the Isles website which will be formally launched over the winter.  Jane MacLeod of Mid Argyll Chamber of Commerce also advised that the website included a Business Directory comprising 23 members from a wide spread of businesses across Argyll and that it was hoped in the future to extend this beyond Argyll.

Decision

Noted the contents of the paper and the information provided by Jane.

(Reference: Briefing Paper on Food for Argyll dated 10 November 2010, tabled)

Presentation by David Adams McGilp, Regional Director, Visit Scotland

David Adams McGilp, Regional Manager, Visit Scotland, gave a presentation on Destination Organisations across Argyll and Bute.  He advised that all these groups will have the opportunity of working together and feeding into the Argyll and Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership with the aim of all local and regional projects being co-ordinated in a meaningful way and it will be his job to make sure each group’s requirements are met or at least acknowledged.

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

Decision

1.             Noted that a copy of David’s presentation will be circulated to the Thematic CPP Group;

2.             Noted that a list of the current initiatives/groups will also be emailed to the Thematic CPP Group; and

3.             Agreed that arrangements should be made for a link to the websites of each of these initiatives/groups to be placed on the Argyll and the Isles website.

Presentation by Sharita Padaruth, Regional Manager, PSYBT

The Group welcomed Sharita Padaruth, Regional Manager, PSYBT, to the meeting to give a presentation on the activities undertaken by PSYBT and her responsibilities as Regional Manager covering the whole of Argyll and Dunbartonshire.

Sharita also responded to a number of questions arising from her presentation.

Decision

Noted that a copy of the presentation slides will be circulated to the Thematic Group along with the national and Argyll figures for PSYBT supported businesses still trading after 3 years.

Joint report by Planning/Development Manager, Argyll and Bute Council and Community Planning Manager

Consideration was given to a report providing background information in relation to the proposed off shore wind and marine renewable development within Argyll and Bute. 

The Renewable Energy Action Plan (REAP), which was approved by the CPP on 16 June 2010, was developed from a key action in the Argyll and Bute Community Plan 2009-2013 in order to facilitate a co-ordinated partnership approach to renewable development in Argyll and Bute.  In light of the implications on public sector resources from the onshore requirement from off shore wind and marine renewables the CPP Management Committee recommended the establishment of a sub group to look specifically at these implications.  At the CPP Management Committee on 8 September 2010 it was agreed that planning and delivery of a CPP consultation event with the off shore wind developers and marine consenting authority, Marine Scotland be organised and that in advance of this event, Thematic CPP Groups and Local Area Community Planning Groups be approached with a request that they give consideration to the questions that should be asked and issues that should be raised at this consultation event.

Decision

1.             Noted that the Community Planning Manager will incorporate the suggestions made by the Economy Thematic CPP Group including –

·         infrastructure requirements,

·         procurement strategy,

·         supply chain opportunity,

·         port facility requirements,

·         engagement with communities,

·         skills requirements in order to train local people,

·         ask “what is needed to make this happen?”

and that any further suggestions could be emailed to either eileen.wilson@argyll-bute.gov.uk or Audrey.martin@argyll-bute.gov.uk; and

2.             Noted that the Consultation event will take place on 9 March 2011 following a meeting of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership.

(Reference: Joint Reports by Senior Planning/Development Manager, Argyll and Bute Council and Community Planning Manager, submitted)

Report by Economic Development Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Argyll and Bute Council, with input from appropriate Community Planning Partners with a skills development remit, has developed a Service Delivery Agreement (SDA) with Skills Development Scotland to provide a clear focus for ongoing partnership working for the skills development agenda across Argyll and Bute.

The actions contained within the SDA will contribute towards achieving the outcomes presented in the Single Outcome Agreement and those within the Argyll and Bute Community Plan 2009-2013.

Decision

1.             Noted the SDA attached as an appendix to the report which was approved by the Council’s Executive on 4 November 2010; and

2.             Agreed that a progress report should be brought to the Thematic CPP Group in May 2011.

(Reference: Report by Economic Development Manager, submitted)

Issues/questions to be submitted in advance of meeting to Shirley MacLeod, Area Customer Services Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Email: shirley.macleod@argyll-bute.gov.uk  – if none raised this will be an item for noting

Consideration was given to the contents of the Economy Thematic CPP Group Scorecard.

Decision

Agreed that a review of the contents of the Scorecard was required and that a revised Scorecard would be brought to the next meeting for consideration.

(Reference: Economy Scorecard as at FQ2 2010/11, submitted)

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

Argyll and Bute Council

Business Gateway – Robert Pollock reported that to date there have been 65 business start ups against a target of 35 and that a key priority for the Council will be working with existing businesses.

Renewables – Robert advised that the Argyll and Bute Renewable Alliance would be taking forward the Argyll and Bute Renewable Energy Action Plan which was approved by the Council in August 2010.

Dunbeg Development – Robert advised that progress was being made with opening up the road access to the Marine Science Park and that a more detailed report would be brought to the next meeting.  Reference was made to the new teaching facility at SAMS being opened on 29 November 2010.

Redundancies – Jane Fowler provided the Group with an overview of the current situation with the Council, advising that it had entered into a 90 day formal consultation period with staff in respect of possible compulsory redundancies and Jane referred to Services Reviews which were being undertaken which could identify potential posts for redundancy and that the Council would make a decision on this at the end of the consultation period in February 2011.  It was noted that a number of staff had expressed an interest in voluntary redundancy and that these requests were currently being considered.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Douglas Cowan  referred to the current situation with Skycon which had gone into bankruptcy protection mode resulting in the suspension of payments in September 2010.   Scottish Developments International were working closely with Skycon on a financial package.  Douglas advised that Skycon, Campbeltown had not gone into administration but five members staff had been paid off along with some sub contractors.

Douglas also referred to the situation with ROK which had gone into administration which may affect progress at Dunbeg.  Douglas advised that the situation was on hold until legal advice was sought on the procurement position.  He confirmed that HIE may need to look at re-procurement.

Mid Argyll Chamber of Commerce

Jane advised that the proposed 3 mile fishing zone ban has caused concern for the Tarbert/Carradale fishermen as this could mean they would have to go as far as Ardrossan before being able to fish and that they would be looking for support if this became a reality.

Decision

Noted the updates provided by Partners.

Finalised document prepared by Community Planning Manager for signing off by Group

Consideration was given to finalised Economy Thematic CPP Group Partnership Agreement.

Decision

Agreed the finalised Economy Thematic CPP Group Partnership Agreement which was updated following amendments made at the meeting held in August 2010.

(Reference: Economy Thematic CPP Group Partnership Agreement, submitted)

Report by Community Planning Manager

A report proposing a process to enable the integration of relevant Strategic Partnerships with CPP Thematic Groups was considered.

Decision

1.             Acknowledged the importance of existing partnerships and networks in helping achieve Community Planning outcomes;

2.             Agreed to the use of the pro forma attached to the report to gather information on progress being made on CPP Outcomes by relevant Strategic Partnerships; and

3.             Agreed that the following partnerships should submit reports to the Economy Thematic CPP Group –

Argyll and Bute Renewables Alliance

Argyll and Bute Social Economy Network

Argyll and Bute Strategic Housing and Communities Forum

Argyll and the Isles LEADER Local Action Group

Argyll Regional Project Assessment Committee

Argyll and Bute Strategic Tourism Partership

(Reference: Report by Community Planning Manager, submitted)

Consideration was given to the future work programme of the Group.

Decision

Agreed that the following items would be on the agenda for the next meeting on 23 February 2011:-

Partner Updates

Economy Scorecard

Exception and Highlight Reports from Strategic Partnerships

Presentation on Business Improvement Districts

Agriculture Funding/SRDP

Public Sector Cuts and the impact on the Argyll and Bute Economy

Wednesday 25 May 2011

Wednesday 31 August 2011

Tuesday 29 November 2011

Wednesday 29 February 2012

Consideration was given to the proposed meeting dates of the Group during 2011/12.

Decision

Agreed that the Economy Thematic CPP Group would meet on the following dates from May 2011 – February 2012:-

Wednesday 25 May 2011

Wednesday 31 August 2011

Tuesday 29 November 2011

Wednesday 29 February 2012