Item 4: Notes of meeting held on 20 October 2015
Meeting held at the Stadium of Light
27/15 Present
John Craggs (in the Chair) Gentoo
Alex Smiles
Daniel O’Mahoney
Bradley O’Mahoney PR
Graham Allport
Calsonic Kansei (UK)
Steven Parker
Digital Allies
Lyn Rowe
Donnelly McArdle Adamson
Paul Elliott
Ettrick Health & Safety
Richard Sice
Going Global Skills
Karen Diamond
Intraining
Hirohito Imakoji
Liebherr Sunderland
Sean Lavender
LMB Recruitment
Andy Trafford
MacDonald Martin
Steven Lish
Manpower
Mike Smith
Mike Smith Management Services
Megan Ringer
Sunderland Marriott Hotel
Ernie Johnson
North East Vending
Fiona Thompson
NorthEast Press
David Roberts
Northern Risk Solutions
James Hillock
Npower
Angela Coull
One Awards
John Dickson
Owen Pugh Holdings
Kevin Leonard
Rentokil Specialist Hygiene
Anthony Russell
Spark Response
Brian Smith
Spark Response
Trevor Hines
Station Taxis
Lorraine Sayer
Station Taxis
Debbie Bowman
Sun FM
Catherine Graham
SAFC
Matt Smith
SAFC
Gemma Dishman
Sunderland BID
Ken Dunbar
Sunderland BID
Iain Nixon
Sunderland College
Catherine Pope
Sunderland City Council
Esme Flounders
Narrative Integrated Comms
Samantha Czwordon-Wright The Bridges
Jack Pearson
TRM
Michael Sudworth
True Potential WM
Ed Tutty
UK (two)/ Fat Buddha
Victoria Scarisbrick
University of Sunderland
Gavin Winter
Watson Burton
In Attendance
Jonathan Walker
Julie Digman
Andrew Heavisides
NECC
NECC
NECC
Eamonn Leavey
Linda Ord
NECC
NECC
Sunderland AFC
Counted4 Commercial
Counted4 Commercial
Dentsu Aegis Network
Gentoo
Handelsbanken
Handelsbanken
NECC
Nissan
North East BIC
NorthEast Press
NorthEast Press
O Communications
One Awards
Sandhill School
Wendy Benson
John Seager
Michael Thurlbeck
Julian Carter
Stephanie Rose
Catherine Auld
Jane Thompson
Paul Lund
Laura Cumming
Andy Bradley
John Green
David Cook
Shirley Atkinson
Steve Heywood
Gordon Wallis
Seaham Hall
Siglion
Sixcor
Sun FM
Sunderland City Council
Sunderland City Council
Sunderland College
T.D.R.
Teal Associates
The Bridges
The Bridges
TTR Barnes
University of Sunderland
University of Sunderland
Zenith People
28/15 Apologies
Gary Hutchinson (Chair)
John Devitt
Trevor Hall
Russell Borthwick
John Walker
David Allenson
Sue Hewison
Arthur Hodgson
Ian Green
Louise Hardy
Kevin Clark
Joy Yates
Emma Campbell
Neale Coleman
Hilary Akien
29/15 WELCOME
In the unavoidable absence of the Chair, John Craggs, vice-chair, extended a warm welcome to
members.
30/15 SUNDERLAND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
NECC Sunderland Area Meeting: Tuesday 26 January 2016
Gemma Dishman, Sunderland Bid, gave a presentation (to be circulated) on the BID’s Christmas
Programme which included A Frost Village, Ice Rink, Ice Extravaganza, Traditional Christmas
Market and Funfair.
Members noted:


There would be free parking after 3.00 pm on Thursday Friday and Saturdays in the Council
run car parks from 12 November – 1 January
It was hoped that the programme would encourage footfall into the city centre
Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive, encouraged members to disseminate the information through
marketing channels and engage with the programme.
The Chair thanked the team for their considerable efforts and commented that there are a lot of
exciting things happening in Sunderland.
31/15 FAB LAB – Sunderland University
Victoria Scarisbrick gave a presentation (to be circulated) on the development of the Fab Lab at
Sunderland University, the first in the North East.
Members noted:











Philosophy – ‘Educate, innovate and invent using technology to allow anyone to make
(almost) anything… to improve lives and livelihoods around the world.’
A new open access learning and doing workspace with a fully kitted workshop to turn ideas
and concepts into reality. Not just a student resource.
To be a haven for innovation and enterprise plugged into a global network of 500 FabLabs
Qualified expert technicians to assist – can change lives (prosthetics)
Fabrication not mass production
Audiences – including businesses, entrepreneurs, inventors, students, schools,
communities, individuals, teams, makers, artists,
Opportunities – can help speed up
Participated in work discovery week – would like to do more
Involved in Cultural Spring – Young Inventors Project led by Sunderland born artist,
designer and inventor Dominic Wilcox (see Vibe magazine)
The bigger Picture – building work started around the old gas works (innovation and
enterprise centre)
Contact Victoria for more information - [email protected]
The Chair thanked Victoria for an informative and interesting presentation.
32/15 NOTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The notes of the meeting held on 14 July 2015 were agreed as a correct record.
Matters Arising
24/15 Work Discovery Week
 Attendances had been exceptional. Full report drafted providing a detailed narrative of all
the Work Discovery activities delivered in Academic Year 2014-15. (Stephanie Rose,
Sunderland City Council)
NECC Sunderland Area Meeting: Tuesday 26 January 2016



Sector specific days and guest speaker days introduced. The first of this year’s guest
speaker days delivered on Friday 9th October (Richard Sice, Going Global Skills involved)
Work Discovery Week 2016 – 27 June -1 July (programme to be circulated)
Call for Action
o to identify 3 x guest speakers to speak at each of the four remaining guest speaker
events
o to identify any businesses who would like to take part in the relevant sector day
o launch event in January 2016 – to identify any businesses who would like to take
part in WDW 2016
33/15 NECC UPDATE
Chair’s (Gary Hutchinson) Remarks presented by John Craggs




SAFC
o New manager
o Looking to secure concerts
o Hotel to open in April 2016 – Catherine Graham, Director of Sales introduced to
members. Catherine has over 20 years’ experience in the leisure sector, much of
which has been spent with Hilton. Please contact Catherine for further information
(she will be based at Black Cat House until the hotel opens).
New Wear Crossing Project – road adjustments may cause issues (see Area report)
Sunderland Business Group – Mike Smith gave an update.
o GH represents NECC and chairs the group which supports and tackles various
elements in the city.
o Led on the Business Improvement District and Fab Lab
o Founded Vibrancy Group – agenda picked up by eight agencies (Gentoo, SAFC,
Sunderland BID, Sunderland College, Sunderland City Council, Sunderland Live, The
Bridges, University of Sunderland) pooling resources/funding/ideas to drive footfall
which will benefit the city and accentuating the positive stories.
o Vibe magazine, key vehicle for communication
o Building Welcome to Sunderland
o Young peoples agenda
o Sunderland Business Group Partnership Scheme key to supporting the 3,6,9 Vision.
Important to engage with all businesses to spread messages. A place for all
businesses, large or small. Getting behind Tall Ships and City of Culture Bid
Sunderland City Council – Sonia Tognarelli appointed interim CEO following the departure of
Dave Smith.
Manifesto & Policy Report
The October Manifesto and Policy Report (circulated with the agenda) was taken as read.

NECC Manifesto 2016
JW reminded members that the NECC Manifesto sets out the main policy issues on which
NECC will focus its campaigning activities over the calendar year. Member feedback will be
sought during the consultation process. The aim is to make the process more inclusive and
make the Manifesto more relevant to members. Contact [email protected],uk or mail
[email protected]
Area Report
NECC Sunderland Area Meeting: Tuesday 26 January 2016
The Area Report (circulated with the agenda) which provided an update on NECC activity in Tyne &
Wear was taken as read.

Devolution
JW advised that NECC had been involved in discussions with the seven local authority
leaders and an announcement was expected. There is no detail on governance but NECC
is having ongoing dialogue to ensure devolution reflects the needs of businesses.

Business Rates – a member alluded to the chancellor’s proposal to localise business rates
which might have a detrimental effect on the North East. JW advised that British Chambers
of Commerce (BCC) is looking at this issue other areas of the country share concerns.
Contact [email protected] with any views.
34/15 STATE OF TRADE
Members were invited to give a brief update on current trading conditions and business issues















Procurement – John Dickson, Owen Pugh, raised an issue regarding sub contracting (Wear
Crossing tendering process). A discussion ensued and the Chair suggested raising the
issue with NEPO. JW advised that he would follow up with Sunderland Council and asked
members to let him know of any other examples
Taxis – Uber an issue
Vending – steady
Accreditation – 20th anniversary in 2016, looking for stories regarding access to HE diplomas
to follow up
College – positive signs. Increase in apprenticeship numbers across a broad sector.
Looking for one week work experience placements. Contact Iain Nixon
Training provider – positive, had a good year
Sunderland Bid – a lot of positives
o business survey
o Britain in Bloom win, new restaurants, Echo awards, best exporter from city centre
o Biggest challenge is empty/vacant property (opportunity for pop ups)
Media/Press/Public Relations
o Press – to take back
o PR - 25th anniversary next year. Interested in regional branding, how north east
positions itself. Client in County Durham, Hodgson Sayers only the 2nd company in
the UK to adopt the Living Wage. Event being held at Beamish in November
celebrating and taking a wider look at business ethics
o PR – rebranded. Had a good year, now focusing on Sunderland
Retail
o Positive, high street is still tough but The Bridges doing well. A number of new
retailers. Jewellery and Health & beauty best performers. Public consultation
extremely positive. Portfolio Awards very inspiring
Utilities - charity event 4 November hosting a McMillan Comedy Day – matching proceeds
Digital – access to the right level of experience at reasonable cost is key
Legal – Legal Aid changes. Have secured contract.
Financial Services – working with a range of construction companies – good year
Manufacturing - Large equipment (cranes) – difficult year, affected by downturn in oil price.
Finalised planning for next year. At full capacity. Awarded a new product exclusive to
Sunderland
Recruitment
o continues to be very busy. More fundamental issues in construction sector in the
North East around procurement
o new business growing quickly, upskilling, moving into Europe
NECC Sunderland Area Meeting: Tuesday 26 January 2016


Social Housing Provider – one year into the 10 year Government rental formula. A changed
budget, money taken out of the business plan which will impact.
International Trade - China experiencing problems
35/15 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
26 January 2016 at 4.00 pm at The Stadium of Light (date circulated following the meeting)
JC thanked members for their attendance and contributions and encouraged them to engage with
NECC through the Chair, vice-chair and NECC staff.
Actions
NECC Sunderland Area Meeting: Tuesday 26 January 2016