 |
 North Laine Traders Association
Minutes of 2007 AGM 12th March 2007
at 6pm at the Foyer Bar, Komedia,
Regent Street, Brighton
Welcome: Sharon Thomas, Chair of NLTA, welcomed everyone to the AGM, particularly Derek Grant of New Hatch Media - a new trader in Orange Row. She also thanked Colin Grainger for providing the venue.
Apologies: Brian Pedley who submitted a written report, and David Lepper who sends his regards. |
| Secretary’s Report |
| Peter voiced his thanks on behalf of NLTA to all those who had given their support over the past year, including M.P. David Lepper, B & H Council, Cllr Sue Paskins, the Business Forum (Tony Mernagh, Soozie Campbell and Maddy Carr who provides business support), Fludes and Humberts Leisure, Colourfast, and the Association’s Officers and Street Reps. Plus Andrew Bird for membership and receipts! |
- A stunning new website was launched in 2006 with excellent results
- NLTA became a partner of VisitBrighton with a direct link to their website
- Launch of City in Bloom imminent – forms for baskets available at the AGM
- Enhanced presence in the delegates visitor map – new edition available from secretary.
- Reached highest number of paid up members at end of February for 18 yrs.
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| Things to look forward to |
- Station site housing and Student Language School
- being built on Station Goods Yard site.
- City College announced plans for £80m state of the art new college
on the edge of North Laine.
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| Things we might not like as much |
- Ongoing disruption with Southern Water city-wide pipe works
(Timetable of works to be given to PS once their survey has been carried out)
- Trend in change of the mix of retail to catering establishments in NL - changing identity.
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| Biggest threat |
- Rising rents – the Association was formed 18 years ago to try to keep rents at a fair level.
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| Treasurer’s report |
David Hall reported that the year had started with a surplus, but that the payment of BID levies had replaced the previous year’s pledges for Christmas lights, and overall expenditure had exceeded income. The deficit for the year amounted to £2,440, however, there is approximately £2,600 available to fund further work on projects in the forthcoming year. |
| Election of Officers |
Chairperson – Sharon Thomas
Proposed: Peter Stocker
Seconded: Pat Mernagh
Motion carried
Secretary – Peter Stocker
Proposed: David Sewell
Seconded: Kevin Daly
Motion carried
Treasurer – David Hall
Proposed: Pat Mernagh
Seconded: Lynda Everett
Motion carried
Street Reps – List of existing Reps provided (but Julian Engleman/Ed Birch not continuing)
Proposed: Barry Leigh
Seconded: Geoff Ellis
Motion carried
Chair, Sharon Thomas thanked the Secretary, Treasurer and Street Reps and asked for any further nominations to fill the gaps as a result of the outgoing Street Reps.
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| NL Constitution |
A new version of the Constitution was needed as the original was no longer appropriate, and the new draft has been posted on the NL website for the past 28 days.
Proposed: Peter Stocker
Motion carried by show of hands. |
| Website |
| Brian Pedley’s report said that the website content went live in September 2006 and since then there has been a marked increase in visitors, with 72,742 hits recorded since 3.09.06. |
- It was officially launched at the Jubilee Library on 5 October 2006.
- In February 2007 there were 5,000 hits compared to an average of 400 for Feb 2006.
A member’s section will be built this year, plus FAQ’s, information on leases, rates and rental levels.
- Over 50 members are now set up on the website.
- A Blog and video may be included later if that is what the members want
A vote of thanks was given for Brian in his absence. |
| BID Report |
Andrew Fisher, Chair of the BID Board
Lights - Review meeting held with the installation company to discuss the problems due largely to the infrastructure, and insufficient power supply.
Security - Media is highlighting the successes of the security patrol who are using head cameras, leading to prosecutions.
Marketing - Priory has created the “Unique Brighton” brand and is seeking national, regional and local PR opportunities. Plans to launch a BID website – all NL BID area traders invited to participate – and use promotional window stickers.
Delivery Service - Proposed service to deliver purchases from the BID area to shoppers homes, for those using the Park and Ride, and arriving on foot, bus or train
A Question and Answer session raised the following additional points
- The BIDS website is about 4-6 weeks from completion
- Non-levy payers in the BID area have received final demands, followed by a court summons.
- A member’s section will be built this year, plus FAQ’s, information on leases, rates and rental levels.
- Costs to the BID budget for legal proceedings to this stage are £200pp approximately.
These costs are non-recoverable.
- Percentage of non-payers is similar to other cities.
Peter Stocker thanked Andrew for his informative report and support. |
| Weekend Pedestrian Street Update |
- The north end of Sydney Street is not pedestrianised and is causing safety concerns.
- Sunday closure has shown a general increase in takings – trading until 7pm on good days.
- Bollards not effective (Gardner Street, southern end) - worsens parking/delivery problems.
- PS will liaise with council’s Stuart Croucher and instigate formal feedback from traders.
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| Any Other Business |
Sustainable bags - Eddie Start reported that Sustainable bags are less damaging to the environment and can be a useful and effective marketing tool.
- Quote of £1.80 per printed bag in jute or hessian on an order of 1,000 bags.
- Long handled bags carried on the shoulder are less prone to pick-pocketing.
- A majority show of hands voted that NLTA subsidise the first order – details, costs and designs in next newsletter.
Martlets - A thank you letter has been received from the Christmas donation for the Martlets.
North Laine Benefit album - The album (produced by University of Sussex Student Union with local bands) will enable the NLCA to upgrade their website - available at £5 from Peter Crowhurst, chair of the community Association. |
The meeting finished at 7.20 pm when Sharon again thanked Colin and Komedia for making the venue available.
(A list of all those attending is available from the Secretary) |
