RTWT Steering Group
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday,May 3, 2016
Opening
The regular meeting of the RTWT Steering Group was called to order at 08.30am on Tuesday, at
Trinity Theatre by Stephen Gurney.
Present
Stephen Gurney (Chair), Nicky Blanchard, Robert Franks, Alex Green, Gilbert Green, Cllr Jane March,
Nick Moore, Hilary Smith, Gavin Tyler, Christine Blake
Apologies
Alex Davies, Anna Page, Antony Moore, Ian Christopher
Approval of Minutes
SG went through the minutes of the last meeting which were circulated electronically prior to the
meeting.
Budget
NB advised that all invoices had been sent out. So far around £30k received as well as residual funds
from TWBC at just over £9k. After costs in the first year there should be approx. £40k remaining.
Action - CB agreed to send draft budget to all members.
Company Set Up
HS discussed signed up members. Awaiting membership from Dandara, Collins, Targetfollow and
Axa-PPP. Fenwicks will not be nominating a Director. GG queried level of liability insurance for
Directors. Action – CB to contact insurers to look at amending.
Office Set Up
CB advised laptop and computer set up but phone line to follow in the next week so not yet installed
in Ely Court premises. Registered for ‘Webfiling’ at Companies House to aid efficiency in making
amendments/adding directors.
Recruitment
NB set out current position. Having gone to ATCM to advertise, 9 applicants were invited for
interview of which 6 attended. They were whittled down to 2 who returned for a 2nd interview but it
was felt that the candidates were not strong enough and therefore a further 3 will be invited for 2nd
interviews in the next week. Whilst all agreed it is crucial to get someone in place soon, it is equally
important to have the right person.
Grant Agreement
HS advised agreement has been reviewed by TS&P and is now back with TWBC Legal for comments.
Key point is that the definition of the project needs to be agreed by both TWBC and RTWT and if the
initiative does not succeed, funds from TWBC would be returned or used for charitable purposes.
Cllr JM pointed out that if this was the case that the use of funds would need to be universally
approved. Another point to be amended is the restriction on RTWT in relation to funding from other
sources. This is not appropriate given the wide scope of the purposes of RTWT in support of the
town centre. Action – HS to send grant agreement and comments to GT.aq
Year 1 Draft Action Plan
SG proposed target of £10,000 in the first year, equivalent to 40 new associate members. Surveys for
local businesses to complete seen as a priority together with a newsletter to update everyone on
progress since the launch. Cllr JM suggested that the TCM, once appointed, should become a
member of the Town Forum and there should also be a presence at September’s Job Fair. NB
discussed meeting with Guy Portelli regarding the rebranded Tunbridge Wells International Art Fair.
It was agreed that a steering group should be established to promote the Art Fair and other events
during the Summer. SG suggested 2 campaigns, Tunbridge Wells in Summer and Tunbridge Wells in
Winter.
Action – Steering group involving NM, Cllr JM, NB, AG, SG, HS to be set up. CB to set up initial
meeting. Action – NM has kindly agreed to use his internal design team look at producing a
flyer/advertising campaign to promote events. Action –CB to produce list of events for
June/July/August. Action – CB to send sample survey to all.
Website
NB advised that only one company, Click Creative, had submitted anything following our initial brief.
Following feedback the budget was increased to £5k but still no interest. AG suggested another
company we could look at, Eonic.co.uk. NB suggested that Click Creative are invited in to discuss
their ideas in more detail and NM agreed to be part of this process.
Action – CB to set up meeting with Click Creative, NB, NM, HS and SG Action- CB to send brief to
Eonic.co.uk.
Proposed dates for future meetings
CB suggested meeting dates to take us to the end of the year. It was agreed that 6 weekly meetings
would be appropriate.
Action – CB to email dates to all for approval.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 09.45 by Stephen Gurney. The next general meeting will be at 08.30 on
June 16, 2016, location to be confirmed
Minutes submitted by: Chris Blake