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16th October 2007
     
         
             
  North Laine Traders Association
Minutes of the Members Meeting at Regent Street Bar, Komedia, at 6pm on 16 October 2007		      
         
  Welcome
Sharon welcomed everyone to the meeting, and particularly the guests from Fireco.		      
 
Apologies
Brian Pedley, Soozie Campbell, Cllr Ian Davey, Abby Hone (B&H Council), and Barry Leigh.
      
  Correspondence
  • Ian Wakeman – Sussex University – Requesting web data for research into the next generation of business software (agreed as it will not affect the NLTA website).
  • David Lepper – Prepared to assist re rent and rate rises in NL.
  • Sussex University – Interactive Festive Display Screens - Peter to get more details.
  • Croydon City Centre Manager offering arts and craft people empty shops pre Christmas.
      
  Meetings attended
  • Tourism 2008 – 4.10.07 Peter attended – next year’s ideas to promote Brighton.
  • NL community – 8.10.07 Tim Nichols (Council) speaking about licensing and street drinking.
  • Southern Water – Monthly meeting – Works planned for Kensington Gardens Jan 2009 – they will consult with traders before work starts.
    Action: Sharon to write a thank you letter to Southern re Sydney Street.
  • Soozie Campbell – BID update
    Maddy gave the following verbal report in her place:
    Christmas Lights Switch On -
    Clock Tower 15.12.07 at 6pm - late night shopping night
    Half price window rope lights on offer from Blachere -
    www.blachere-illumination.co.uk
    Security continuing to be successful and saving traders money catching shoplifters.
    Soozie Campbell handling BID marketing between now and January, in place of Priory.
    Home Delivery Service - £5 for any number of purchases to a single address – traders urged to sign up to the scheme
    - email: rjonas@uniquebrighton.com (and for queries too).
    BID newsletter out shortly.
      
 
Treasurer’s report
David Hall reported a current balance of £3,700, with £500 revenue coming from the sale of bags. 2007 membership revenue had now fallen off.

Walking and Cycling
Both Abbey Hone and Cllr Ian Davey unable to attend. Council want to introduce cycle racks in the street rather than on the pavement. It was agreed that Sydney St bays do not get fully used but that they would work better where the pavement sticks out into the road more. Also Whitecross St in front of the NCP which is council owned and Station Street.
      
         
    Fire Safety Audit
Tom Welland of Fireco - New regulations reforming the Fire Safety Act came into force in October 2006. Fireco are offering free Fire Risk Assessments or can advise how to carry out one. Tom agreed to write some suitable material for the NL website – their web details are www.firecoltd.com.

Website
Brian Pedley sent a written report as he was unable to attend.
Hits to date (from September 3rd 2006) - 213,520
Last 3 Months figures
July 2007 - 21,335
August 2007 - 22,548
September 2007 - 20,718
There are now about 100 shops on the website, out of 140+ members. Brian is now suggesting that a new design should be considered – it is beginning to look a bit cluttered. Members are asked to give their feedback to Peter.

100% North Laine Bag Launch
Eddie sourced a recyclable bag, with full environmental credentials – biodegradable, 100% recyclable, 100% Fairtrade. Joyce produced the logo, and the first bags are being distributed. They were featured in the Argus Business Section today, (BBC South 19th Oct) and various other national publications. Traders have all received samples and it is featured on the website. Cost is £1.25 inclusive of VAT and they will retail at £2.50 or can be given away. They will be available on a stall in Gardner St next Saturday, and 25 will be given away for the 25 first correct answers to a set question from the website.
The Green Party have put a motion forward to charge for plastic bags in the city and would like to use NL bags as an example.		      
     
 
The meeting ended at 7 pm when Sharon and Peter thanked Eddie Start for all his work on NL bag project, Colin Grainger was also thanked for providing the premises a for the meeting, and all members were thanked for attending.
      
             
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