Thursday 20 June 2024, 9am-10am at Griffin Accountants, Courtenay House, Pynes Hill, EX2 5AZ
Agenda
- Welcome from Chamber Chair, Steve Gates
- Introduction of the Special Resolution and presentation from Chamber CEO, Richard Marsh
- Q&A
- Vote
- Any other business.
Attendees
Steve Gates, Chair (Taking Care)
Richard Marsh, CEO
Simon Deane, Accountancy Learning
Matthew Cousins, Apex (Board Member)
Amanda Grabham, Axminster Carpets (Board Member)
Howard Noye, Barclays
Clare Maher, Bespa
Micky Cox, Boomerang Marketing
Gemma Boss, Chalk and Ward
Vickey Woolsey, Crisp Professional Development
Julian Tagg, Exeter City Football Club
Rob Bosworth, Exeter College (Vice Chair)
James Cater, Fraser Anti-Static Techniques (Board Member)
Laura Waycott, Griffin Accountancy
Lydia Wright, Little Pearls
James Court, Natwest (Board Member)
Lisa Vanstone, One Voice Media
Guy Newman, Kor Communications
Derry Tydeman, Powderham (Board Member)
Paul Nero, Radio Exe (Board Member)
Richard Slater, Stephen Scown
Ben Greaves, Step One Charity
Joe Pearce, University of Exeter
Charlotte McGregor, Wollens, (Vice Chair)
Apologies, Tim Wadsworth, Yvan Williams, Peter Knight
Welcome
Chamber Chair Steve Gates welcomed everyone to the GM and introduced the special resolution. Steve handed over to Chamber CEO Richard Marsh, who presented on (See Appendices for further detail):
- The request of the Special Resolution
- The current Chamber structure
- The world, it is a changing
- A potential Future model
- Benefits of exploring further opportunities
- Risks of exploring further opportunities
A Q&A session was then held.
Ben Greaves (Step One) asked a clarifying question on the proposed hierarchy of the Devon, Plymouth and Exeter boards / execs. RM clarified that the existing boards and execs will come together to form the new overarching Devon Chamber board – e.g. Steve Gates will remain chair of Exeter Chamber and will be vice-chair of Devon Chamber, Richard Marsh will remain CEO of Exeter Chamber and will become Deputy CEO of Devon. Four board members from the existing Exeter and Plymouth boards will sit on the Devon Board.
Simon Deane (Accountancy Learning) noted that the proposed structure would enable other parts of Devon to join the model with their own representation and board. RM confirmed that the proposed organisational structure would provide future flexibility to accommodate (as an example) Torbay Chamber of Commerce within the unified approach.
Gemma Boss (Chalk and Ward), noted that an existing benefit of Exeter Chamber’s Growth Partnerships is sector exclusivity and questioned whether that would remain the case under the new structure. RM noted that there was still work to do to clarify these points. Charlotte McGregor commented that there will be an Exeter view and a Devon viewpoint when packages are being reviewed.
Micky Cox (Boomerang) asked how the new brands will be presented and whether she will still be able to use the Exeter Chamber membership logo on her email signature and marketing materials. It was confirmed this would still be possible.
Julian Tagg (Exeter City Football Club), noted that the challenge would be in ensuring Exeter businesses engage in the new structure, and that the Chamber manage both the “macro and micro” requirements of the new approach. RM and SG agreed that one of the benefits of the new proposed structure was in ensuring that a local focus remained on Exeter while also providing a county-wide voice for members.
Joe Pearce (University of Exeter) asked how the new structure would fare in terms of voice and interaction with other regional and national stakeholders. RM felt that an aligned voice for Devon Chambers would be very powerful in this arena – with the ability to represent 700 businesses.
Rob Bosworth noted that he had been part of the working group looking at this, and with particular reference to inward investment a combined Chamber would give us greater ability to apply for funds such as Shared Prosperity.
RM noted that the diversity of our current membership, from micro businesses to large organisations is our strength, and that this would be enhanced by the new proposal.
SG noted that the retention of the Exeter Chamber board and brand is incredibly important from a member perspective. It is the intention that little will change locally for members, but there will be enhanced benefits and opportunities across the county.
Howard Noye (Barclays), asked whether there were any examples of this type of structure being put in place recently. RM wasn’t aware of any recently, as Cornwall and Somerset Chambers have been in place for some time. SG noted that he was previously chair of Winchester Chamber which was part of the Hampshire-wide Chamber and that this worked successfully.
Vote
SG noted one vote can be cast per organisation. He asked people to raise their hands if in favour of the Special Resolution.
A unanimous vote FOR the proposal was cast
It is noted that four proxy votes were also received FOR the proposal from:
Tim Wadsworth, Haydon (Board Member)
Yvan Wiliams, Barnova (Board Member)
Frazer Lloyd- Davies, Acronyms Ltd
Peter Knight, Stagecoach South West (Board Member)
In total 28 FOR votes, 0 AGAINST votes.
Julian Tagg thanked the Chamber board for their work on this proposal.
AOB
No other business recorded.
