Minutes of the Trading Committee Meeting held on
Wednesday 16th December 2015 in the Middle Reading Room
Present:
Urte Macikene (UM)
Alec Edgecliffe-Johnson (AEJ)
Andy Peel (AP)
Mila Rocha (MR)
Arduin Findeis (AF)
Adam Kijowski (AK)
Fanny Hajdu (FH)
Vice President Services (Chair)
Student Trustee
Student Trustee/ VPSA
Student Art Convener – Arr. 5:11pm
Student Bars Convener
Student Catering Convener
Student Entertainment Convener
In Attendance:
Richard Ellis (RE)
Stephen Hubbard (SH)
Conrad Jones (CJ)
Zoi Mazluga (ZM)
External Trainer
CEO
Commercial Director
Executive Assistant
Apologies:
Stuart Goldberg (SG)
Alan McLaren (AMc)
Giulio Bianchi (GB)
Anna Maciulewicz (AM)
External Trustee
External Trustee
Student Retail Convener
Deputy Administration Manager
1.
Item
Welcome/Introductions
UM welcomed everyone and asked all present to introduce themselves for the benefit of ZM
who is taking minutes covering for AM and for RE who is present to observe UM’s chairing
skills.
Action
UM added 2 items to AOB:
 Food sourcing at EUSA – #30miles
 KBH update
The meeting was opened at 5:06pm.
2.
Conflict of Interest
None.
3.
The VPS Report and Q&A
UM cited the link provided to access her blog report which covers the last 6 months http://bit.ly/1Ikf4Sp.
3.1 KBH and Wee Red Bar Funding
UM reported that the University’s Estates Committee last week approved a £500k investment
in KBH with work due to commence in May. Furthermore they approved a £100k investment in
the Wee Red Bar (WRB) at ECA, the operations of which EUSA may become involved in.
3.2 Central Area Redevelopment
UM cited she was recently on an interview panel for the Central Area design team and the
appointed contractor ought to be announced next week. Upon request, UM is to send FH
UM
Edinburgh University Students’ Association [EUSA] is a charity (SCO15800) and a company limited by guarantee (SC429897) registered in Scotland.
Registered Office: 5/2 Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL
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further information on this. The plan is to progress substantially by the end of UM’s term and
therefore UM is keen to involve Trading Committee (TC) in as much as possible. More to follow
in due course.
3.3 Asylum Seeker Funding
UM updated on the asylum seeker funding campaign to allow asylum seekers to access SAAS
funding. UM wrote an open letter to ministers which 15 Scottish student unions signed.
Planning a big push with potential press call/photo op ahead of Scottish elections.
3.4 Affordable Housing Strategy
UM reported a clear strategy on affordable housing and is currently gathering data on student
experiences and doing other desk-based research in order to compile a report to make a case
for the affordable housing policy.
3.5 Recruitment
UM advised CJ is regrettably leaving in the new year.
3.6 Question Time
No questions raised.
4.
Previous Minutes of Meeting Held on 28th October 2015
The minutes were approved and will be published post meeting providing all approvals are
received.
ZM
UM made the TC aware that they agreed to publish minutes no later than 4 weeks after a
meeting and that this requires approval by all via electronic business. On this occasion, several
of the TC did not submit their approval therefore the minutes were not published. UM
reminded when you receive minutes going forward, please kindly reply whether you approve
or not.
All
UM confirmed all action points were followed up and raised the issue that finance training was
arranged on the 10th December but no one showed so it is unlikely they will now receive the
training. So should anyone need assistance with something financial, please contact Euan
MacLean in Finance.
5.
Matters Arising
None.
6.
The Commercial Director Report and Q&A
CJ reported a period 8 (P8) surplus (£65k) and a healthy year-to-date (YTD) surplus ahead of
budget (£911k) primarily down to a successful festival. CJ warned that we must be aware of
the impact on trade as a result of the ongoing work in Bristo Square.
6.1 Bars
 Bars reported a slight surplus to budget (£51k) but they are significantly behind levels of
last year (which had the Grand Theft Auto launch party bringing in £65k). A Deputy Bars
Manager has been appointed which has allowed the Bars Manager to review minimising
stock shrinkage, effective opening levels and staff levels. Issues with stock taking systems
yet to overcome.
 A review of the Peffermill project has taken place with the Director. CJ anticipates the good
relationship which will continue into 2016.
Edinburgh University Students’ Association [EUSA] is a charity (SCO15800) and a company limited by guarantee (SC429897) registered in Scotland.
Registered Office: 5/2 Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL
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

The Big Cheese saw a 20% growth which has offset some of the decline in Teviot. This may
be a result of the opening hours which have been moved forward to 9pm which has
incidentally also reduced the queues. AK queried how long we can expect to see a good
financial performance from the Big Cheese to which CJ advised growth consolidation is
likely therefore 2016 will reach a plateau.
Recruitment issues of student staff availability are likely to continue into the New Year.
6.2 Catering
 As with bars, catering has reported similar issues with student staff availability.
 The Amphion is in decline at the moment with speculation that takings are down as a
result of the works in Bristo Square.
 In discussion with the Soil Association to discuss EUSA progressing to the bronze ‘food for
life’ accreditation asap.
6.3 Retail
 P8 marginally behind budget however YTD 50% ahead of budget.
 DHT shop saw 65% growth.
 KBH shop queue issue is being reviewed.
6.4 Business Development
 The Business Development Manager is sadly leaving us. Nick contributed to the
organisation significantly over the years with notable achievements in the retail outlets,
Baristo, sustainable sourced food and festival sponsorship deals for 2016.
 The Pollock Trust granted £15.5k to invest in the sports facilities in KBH.
6.5 Ents and Events
 Ahead of budget YTD (£106k) with key functions facilitating society events, room bookings
and the Big Cheese.
6.6 Estates
 Overall operating in budget.
 CJ noted Jimmy Quinn will be retiring due to ill health after 25 years’ service.
6.7 Question Time
6.7.1 Big Cheese Security
CJ advised we are moving to using a student security service which helps create a safe zone
with reduced harassment. UM added that the volunteer service ‘sexpression’ stalls at the Big
Cheese continue to be well received so will be ongoing.
7.
AOB
7.1 Food Sourcing at EUSA - #30miles
UM reported that we are keen to focus on healthy locally sourced food and were able to fund
an intern over the course of the summer to review EUSA’s performance in this field. It
transpired that we already do a lot of great stuff and all of our fresh fruit, veg, meat, seafood,
dairy and baked goods travel no further than 30 miles from supplier to campus. UM took a
field trip to meet one of our suppliers and reported a worthwhile visit. In addition to Food for
Life accreditation catering are seeking, the priority is to communicate this better to the
students with the tag-line ‘Good Food’ which encompasses of all categories. CJ added we are
looking to incorporate this in the newly refurbished KBH outlets too, also with a salad bar in
either the Dome Café or the Amphion with a local supplier.
Edinburgh University Students’ Association [EUSA] is a charity (SCO15800) and a company limited by guarantee (SC429897) registered in Scotland.
Registered Office: 5/2 Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL
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UM ran through all the documents marketing provided noting the #30miles campaign including
the social media comms brief which outlines how we plan to engage with students in the new
year. UM also showed the artwork which will be on our website where you will be able to click
on product to find out further information about it with a link to supplier website. This info will
be on our menus too. UM reported that the sabbs will be creating videos interviewing loading
on website alongside the products. AEJ suggested various amendments on the artwork. UM
took note to take to marketing.
UM
AF queried if there have been changes in sourcing food or is already implemented. CJ replied
all products were already being locally sourced and we just want to let everyone know about
it.
MR queried why it is so important to communicate that our food is locally sourced. AP
responded that he believes a lot of our members want reassurance that we are part of a
progressive society sourcing in an ethical way. UM highlighted that it is not about profit. CJ
added that infact for every £1 you spend gives £3 to a local community. AK noted that the food
survey conducted at KBH over the summer showed that students concern was price, not
sustainability and that there is an association that sustainability is linked with a more expensive
product. CJ advised we will be looking into the food offer. UM thanked AK for this comment
and advised will think about.
8.
UM
Meeting Close
UM thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 6:29pm.
The next meeting will take place on 24th February 2016 at 5pm in the Middle Reading Room
Edinburgh University Students’ Association [EUSA] is a charity (SCO15800) and a company limited by guarantee (SC429897) registered in Scotland.
Registered Office: 5/2 Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL
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