Present – AH LW RD WR JC DH MA TR
Apologies – VT SF
Minutes of last meeting checked and agreed.
Treasures report – Funds looking healthy as expected. GBC will not be in receipt of an SKDC grant this year.
Membership numbers – 5/6 applications pending and current number of members is 79
Potential Speakers for January Meeting – The members spot of 15 minuets will be taken by Lisa Whitehead of Calma.
Adrian Peck will fill the guest speaker spot of 25 minuets, giving a talk on Motivation.
It has been suggested that the speakers should be selected from people who are likely to be of interest to or have connections with the local business community. It was also suggested that a round table format is favourable for future meetings as this makes networking easier and gives a less formal feel to the meeting.
AH asked if other exec members felt it would be beneficial to have a sponsor for each meeting and to serve wine. This suggestion will be discussed after the January meeting.
Open Meeting Turn Out – The last meeting was attended by approximately 20% of the membership which while it was considered to be low is in line with other similar business clubs. It was proposed that each member of the exec committee had 6/8 other members to contact by telephone on the day prior to a meeting to try and boost turnout. The possibility of texting members was also discussed and this option will be considered, this topic will be discussed again at the next meeting.
Vat registration – This is still ongoing MA to deal.
Reclaiming VAT on Grant Funding – MA does not believe we are able to reclaim VAT on the expenditure of Grant Funds because these funds are not VAT able income. However he will check the situation. When asked if it is worth the GBC reclaiming VAT at all MA confirmed that it is. WR suggested GBC be guided by MA in relation to VAT matters.
Project Pretty and accountability – This project looks like being a success, RD and Lesley Pashley both members of the project pretty committee have made a successful approach to the Grantham Growth Project for funding for the above and have been granted £21,000 for a 3 year period. AH suggest that accounting procedures should be put in place as GBC are to manage the funds. WR suggest that the funds be placed in a separate account. AH and RD agree that all tenders should be put out to local businesses in regard to supplying of hanging baskets etc. Project Pretty Committee to discuss accountability for the funds further.
Grantham Journal Business Awards Night club exposure. – AH to confirm with the LW if the Grantham Journal are agreeable to GBC displaying the Roller Banner at the entrance to the awards and that leaflets be printed on card and be exchanged for business cards after dinner on the evening. AH will confirm with the Journal that this is acceptable on the evening.
Christmas Social Event at Sakura – WR to sponsor reception drink on the evening. GCB to sort out the entertainment background music was suggested. MA asked if tickets would be issued this was not considered necessary but AH will send out an email tomorrow and will keep a list of people interested in attending and a note of who has paid. It was suggested that payment of £15 per person should be taken in advance of the evening.
Members Discount Directory – Basic directory has been produced and categorised a draft copy will be sent out to all members and those members who have not already done so will be invited to provide their entries for the directory and details of any discounts for GBC members, cards may be issued to members as validation of who is able to claim the discounts.
Executive Committee 2009 – WR and LW have both resigned the committee. The committee will meet again to discuss appointments for 2009
Any Other Business
Wayne Rowlett spoke of his time with the GBC exec committee and his membership over the past 3 or 4 years he confirmed this had been an enjoyable time for him and that he regretted that he was unable to continue in his present GBC post for the next year. AH thanked WR for his input and enthusiasm during his time with the committee.
TR suggested holding the Exec meeting on the same night as the Open meeting, this idea was discussed but not taken up.
LW commented on a shopping trip which she had taken in Newark and suggests it may be a good idea to make comparisons between Grantham and Newark.
Comments
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Grantham Business Club