Hull Area Council

PRESENT
MINUTES
Hull Area Council
Thursday 10 November 2011, 10.30am
34-38 Beverley Road, Hull
Phil Ascough (Chair) XD Network
Ellis Mudd Crown Paints
David Burnby David Burnby & Associates
John Sharp IRC
Ian Kelly Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce
Mark Jones Hull City Council
Neil Franklin Rollits Solicitors
Richard Duxbury Hull Daily Mail
Richard Frostick Ernst & Young LLP
Tim Durkin Myer Wolff
Gillian Stankovic Mercure Hull West
Hannah Crookes ONE Hull Business Forum
Iris Trusca Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce
APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Ian Kelly, Andrew Manderfield, Bill Walker, Denise Anderton, Freya
Cross, Howard O’Neill, Kathryn Shillito, Owen Finn, Peter Shipp, Sean Royce, Simon Lee and Steve
Eastwood.
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Amendments from Bill Walker were recorded after being emailed to the Council. They regarded the
TIC bid section in the minutes. On page 3 of the minutes, it was key sectors, not key areas. Also on
that page, he mentioned that Sheffield had been successful in earlier TIC competitions (in Advanced
Engineering), not “deemed the frontrunner” and that Boeing and Rolls Royce were large scale
operations. Hull had the advantage of being a key area in the country to be related to renewables,
which was the subject of the last round. On page 4, alongside all the partners for the Hull initiative, he
added that interested organisations from both banks of the Humber were also involved. Finally, on
page 4, he mentioned that it was the University that would be going to the workshop, not him.
Tim Durkin mentioned that his apologies had been missed in the minutes of the last meeting.
The remainder of the minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2011 was agreed as a true and
correct record.
MATTERS ARISING
Bill Walker provided an update on the TIC bid electronically. He indicated that there were more than
300 submissions to TIC round on offshore renewable. The University’s proposal on behalf of the
Humber made it to the last 10. It looks likely that the TIC ultimately will be led from Scotland but the
University has been invited to further discussions (in Edinburgh today, November 10 th ) on how it/the
Humber can be included. Involvement of some sort in this UK-wide initiative will be important and the
signs are promising, even if not as the lead partner. Bill Walker will report back on progress.
The Chair indicated that Lord Haskins of Skidby had been named as Chair of the Humber LEP. A
second enterprise zone had been announced immediately after BAE in Brough. The EZ would benefit
from reduced business rates until 2015. The management of BAE had indicated that they would try to
mitigate as many job losses as possible and alleviate the economic shock of 899 workers being out of
work. He indicated that there was a marked instability factor due to eurozone issues. Regarding

Siemens, he mentioned that several MPs had become involved in attracting the giant to the Humber
Area, which was thought to be pleasing to Siemens. A final decision was hoped to be received in
early March next year.
The Chair provided an update on the Hull BID second ballot. He said the ballot had been successful,
yet closer than expected. This was thought to be due to the delay caused by the ballot being delayed.
The campaign had enjoyed decent media coverage, although the Yorkshire Post had been very
frivolous. The worsening economic situation, which changed between the first and second ballot, was
also said to have played a part. The strategy for next year should focus on a PR campaign building up
to the vote. Discussions around Whitefriargate would also commence in the New Year.
REGIONAL GROWTH FUND BID
A briefing note was circulated regarding Greenport Growth Regional Growth Fund Round Two
Programme Bid. Explanation was given relating to the six strands of the bid. Mark Jones from the Hull
City Council updated the Council on the bid for the Regional Growth Fund. Hull City Council had
written the bid and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council would be the accountable body, and would be
managed under the North Bank Partnership. The fund was aimed at training the necessary workers
for the Renewables sector. This would also help smaller companies to bring them up to required
standards. It was confirmed that a link with the University had been established. The bid was won
mainly because of its focus on Renewables and manufacturing.
STATE OF TRADE
Hotels: formerly Ramada, renamed Mercure Hull West, as it was sold and bought in the same day. A
new sign would be installed soon. It was hoped this move would bring investment into the hotels, as it
was currently feeling the effects of financial tightening. Trade was generally ok but could be busier,
with weekends being busier that during the week.
Council: was doing great. Budgets were a bit of a problem but on track, with genuinely less money
this year from the public.
IRC: Revenue still going up on the telecoms side. Generally a bit behind but business would be
coming soon.
Crown Paints: Manufacturing still going, but volumes not as good as last year. Have had pressure on
margins for materials. Currently interviewing for apprenticeship. Fighting hard but holding on and
hopeful of moving a distribution site to Hull next year with the hope of increasing jobs.
Consultancy: Still a challenging period as being affected by public sector cuts.
Solicitors: Lately, have had more private law. General view was that commercial was flat, while private
was still steady. Domain conveyancing had gone down, which was to be expected considering the
time of year. Overall on budget.
Solicitors: have noticed a North-South divide. People weren’t getting the funding they needed. Seen a
pick up in property during the last three months. Currently looking to recruit, with the property team
being very busy. Mortgage lending was noted as being high in October.
Accountancy: things going really well in corporate, with profitability having being very strong. Noticed
a general reluctance to borrow money, with everybody still nervous about the next 12 months.
Media: Undertaking a new project and interviewing commercial partners. Conducting a panel
interview with readers to find out what they do, who they are and what they buy. Overall seeing good
commercial figures.
PR/Advertising: Cash is tight. Had wanted to go on the trade mission to Poland but there was no
funding available.

ONE HULL BUSINESS FORUM
Hannah Crookes, Manager of the ONE Hull Business Forum, reported to the Hull Area Council. The
background behind the Business Forum and its purpose was noted. Its position within the previous
LSP structure was discussed and changing times within Hull City Council had affected where it sits
now.
Events, through Quarterly Forums and Learning Lunches were discussed. It was noted that the 100
people attendance that the Quarterly Forum meetings represented 10% of the total number of
members, which was agreed as a great achievement. The Business Forum, which focused
specifically on Hull and did not charge a fee, was deemed absolutely exemplary and the Hull City
Council confirmed they were looking at every opportunity to keep it going forward.
In terms of forward planning, it was noted that clear governance, sustainability, effective
communication and engagement; contribution to delivery plans & outcomes and corporate social
responsibility were key areas of focus.
BUSINESS RATES
The letter from the BCC on business rates was noted.
HMRC
The letter from the BCC on the HMRC was noted.
CHAMBER ISSUES
The Chamber Council and Area Councils Report and the Policy and Activities Report were noted.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Phil Ascough brought to the attention of the Council that 2012 would represent the 175 th anniversary
of the Chamber and the 100 th Lord Mayor of Hull. It was noted that the Chamber were currently
looking to organise an event with businesses who were 100 years or older and to write something in
the Business Intelligence issue. Ideas and contacts regarding this were welcomed.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting would be held on 26 th January 2012 at 10.30am at 34-38 Beverley Road, Hull.