J9BG Management Team Meeting

DN informed ALL of the latest figures in terms of graduates and businesses and that the low volume of students has slowed progress and explained why companies have historically received poor communications in terms of not receiving a graduate. DN will act as the Parklife point of contact for Graduate Challenge and will do his up most in supporting the J9BG through Graduate Challenge.

PE was alarmed to learn how much course work graduates have to undertake outside of their placement believing this message not fully communicated by the University. DN will look into this with Ahmed Goga(Glos First Director) to see what can be done to have this more fully explained - graduates have to wait over a month before a University induction took place.

• Mentor Issues
• University work

• AN and KR have met with David Bloxham from Chamber of Commerce who is keen to work in partnership with J9 BG with members invited to key events from both parties, the Chamber will put forward their programme of events to J9 BG after new year.
• PE informed that FSB local branch is now focusing on just one Tewkesbury event a year with a ball taking place 2010.
• CR suggested that FSB, Chamber of Commerce and Parklife could work together to form a ‘Vision of Tewkesbury’ in order to get the voice of Tewkesbury heard. This could be a joint event in Spring 2010. KR believed this meeting could in fact be chaired by the new CEO of Tewkesbury Borough Council, he will try to arrange a meeting with him to scope this out further.
• Numbers on J9 web site – 3 or 4 new companies since the J9 BG meeting in October.
  ALL will consider whether to invite FSB members to register
• Car-share day – this had been sent previously, KR to check if there were any new updates with Sarah Avery that need to be distributed

Travel Group was created to prevent too many similar initiatives hindering one another, BK attends this on behalf of J9 BG. The car share events at Moog and Basepoint were well attended and cycle routes and bays are looking to be installed at Ashchurch Train Station. BK informed that although many transport links are covered that they have no contacts for the northern part of the M5 to Midlands/Worcester, BK will speak to Mike Ginger to identify a contact for this region.

RP stood down after a successful two years as J9 BG Chair. At the last J9 BG meeting Sheldon Whitney of Red Sixty Solutions, put himself forward - ALL agreed that he should become the new chair. CR commented on SW being as a “breath of fresh air” which could provide fresh ideas and approaches.

The group discussed whether the benefits of a “Vice Chair” role. BK volunteered himself as a “Vice Chair” to support Sheldon in the new role with KR also providing guidance and support.

It was also suggested that the group should possibly have clearer roles/responsibilities-

• BK: Transport & security
• KH: Signage
• CR: Communications
• AB: Website

If this were to be the joint event of J9, FSB and Chamber it could be spearheaded by new CEO of Tewkesbury Borough Council. SW could introduce himself as Chair together with the Management Team and its roles, with KR providing the main J9 BG update in terms of its function and successes to date etc.

KR and DN will look into finance to cover cost of refreshments etc.

Other possible speakers, topics and showcases:

• Smiths Waste are interested to hold a showcase in Tewkesbury.
• Environmental/Health – Shaz Siddiqui’s Environmental Management Programme could hold an Environmental Awareness Day (fully funded) for J9 businesses. KR to discuss with SS possibly Summer 2010.
• Tewkesbury school are keen to host a showcase to improve links with the industrial estates

• 17th December 6pm – “Carrols for Commerce” – need to promote
• Tewkesbury Food & Drink Festival – need possible sponsorship
• 9 website – need to forward information to Abid about the web site always quoting ‘J9 BG Website info’ at the top of the email
• Information about Job Centre Plus latest initiatives and opportunities for the employers such as work trials, subsidies and Bew Deal
• Aldman & Knight School also want to host a business development event in order to forge a better relationship with local businesses. ALL to consider if this should be a future J9 BG meeting or how to respond.