North Laine Traders Association Street Reps Meeting Minutes 16th October 2007

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NLTA Archive | Street Reps Meeting Minutes 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.

Action: MC to investigate bands/musicians for other late night shopping evenings and to enquire about visuals for advertising.

After some discussion it was agreed to use Latest for a Christmas advertising feature in the 28th November issue – PS to approach Latest. A Christmas leaflet to be printed in next few weeks to inform traders of events in North Laine. Julian to be asked to update the Christmas posters and a flyer for 2006, and PS will distribute the “Stars” decorations to the east/west street members. Donna and Eddie to help with deliveries. A special Christmas meeting to be arranged for the 5th December. Venue to be announced.

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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