Minutes AGM 5th August 2008

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minutes of Annual General Meeting 5 August 2008, Los Toreros, Westow Street

Those present:

Ray Hall (New Crystal Palace, chair)
Andrew Parfitt (Honorary Secretary)
Paul Bartholomew (76 Vintage)
Vivienne Bartholomew (76 Vintage)
Mario Charalambous (Mario 2 Bambos Barbers)
Sarah Dacre (Amphlett Lissimore)
Yemi Dada (Palace Estates)
Will Elner (Joannas)
Cllr. George Filbey (London Borough of Croydon)
Efisio Fronteddu (Mediterranea)
John Greatrex (Sainsburys)
Stephen Kaye (Thornton Springer)
Soula Rornak Marezewski (Los Toreros)
Mark McLaughlan (The White Hart)
Bradley Millington (Upper Norwood Joint Library)
Stan Morris (Shine Bright)
Sue Nagle (Triangle Traders)
Sami Naqui (Forty Seven)
K. Patel (Sefgroves Pharmacy)
AN Other (Sefgroves Pharmacy)
Frank Pons (Tamnag Thai)
Ahmet Rashit (Alistairs café)
Gavin Rookledge (Rooks Books)
Silke Rudolph (The Massage Practice)
Roger Sorell (proxy) (Café Sol/Palace News/Numidie)
Angela Stewart (Island Fusion)
Christopher Stewart (Acorn Estates)
Tim Taylor (Glitter and Twisted)

Apologies:

Please see list at end of minutes.

1. Introduction

Ray welcomed all present and said he was very encouraged by the turnout. He was glad to be able to return to an active role as chair following health problems.

Ray noted that the Chamber of Commerce is legally an association of members. Its constitution requires its members to have a business in the Crystal Palace area and to have paid the subscription. It also requires a Committee to be appointed to carry out management functions.

The subscription is currently £25 per annum.

2. Chairman's Report

Ray said that this is a crucial time in the history of Crystal Palace. The strength of the South London community and of local businesses is causing Crystal Palace to rise again. The aim should be for Crystal Palace to once again become a world destination.

There is also an opportunity for Crystal Palace to play a major role in the 2012 Olympics. For the GLA and the boroughs are keen for all of London to be showcased, especially places to the south and east.

Crystal Palace is special through its being at the intersection of five boroughs: Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham and Bromley. So it has the potential to unify these communities and become the centrepiece of South London.

The goal is for Crystal Palace to prepare for world class status. To achieve this, its businesses need to be organised, motivated and to believe in the possible. The Chamber and its management team provide a vital role in doing this, so that together we can ride the wave.

3. Financial Report

Ray said that the financial report received from Peter Runacres shows that the Chamber has a total of £4,521 in the bank. £3,014 is in a deposit account and £1,507 in a current account.

Ray noted that this is a great credit to all those who have contributed. Particular thanks are due to his predecessors.

He emphasised that it is important that all members put in their fee so as to build up the Chamber's funds. This will allow the Chamber to strengthen its role in promoting local business interests and making the most of all opportunities.

4. Election of Honorary Officers

The management team comprises seven official roles (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, Planning and Solicitor) and others without portfolio. Ray invited people to put themselves forward and the following committee was approved by the meeting:

Chair: Ray Hall
Vice-Chair: Will Elner
Secretary: Andrew Parfitt
Treasurer: Stan Morris
Solicitor: Sarah Dacre
Planning: Cllr. George Filbey
Membership: Mark McLaughlan

Without Portfolio: Yemi Dada
Christopher Stewart
John Greatrex
Silke Rudolph

Ray thanked all these people, who would play a key role over the coming year in driving forward the Chamber’s objective of promoting local business interests.

5. Crystal Palace Business Partnership

Ray said that he had attended the 4 August meeting of the Business Partnership, chaired by Gavin. He invited Gavin to give a presentation on the Partnership as he was keen for the Chamber to work closely with it.

Gavin said that the Business Partnership had been established by Amber Rusk in the winter of 2007/08. It was still in its early stages but its role was to promote local businesses through tangible actions. For instance it had organised the "Love Our Shops" event of 21 June in Church Road and had supported activities such as the Alma Garden Market. Membership is open to all rate-paying businesses in Crystal Palace.

The Business Partnership has been striving to bring in a scheme in which grants and match funding would be provided for businesses in the Triangle for shopfronts, grills and any other improvements that would enhance the appearance of the area. Croydon Council has decided to delay the bringing in of this scheme for the time being and the Business Partnership is working to persuade the council to bring these improvements to Upper Norwood as soon as possible.

Gavin said that they are looking to extend the "Love Our..." events to two or three a year. Ray said that he is very supportive of this initiative and the meeting agreed to give it the formal endorsement of the Chamber. Gavin welcomed this and said he would be happy to receive suggestions for other "Love Our..." events.

Sue said that there was a need to avoid overlap. So she encouraged individual businesses to join the Chamber and it was agreed that Ray and Sue would represent the views of the Chamber at Business Partnership meetings.

The meeting agreed that Ray and Gavin should meet to discuss how the Business Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce could work together and be as efficient as possible in serving businesses in Crystal Palace.

6. Future Agenda Items

Ray said that so far the following suggestions had been received:

Ø Crystal Palace identity/brand: Ray Hall and Audrey Hammond (President of the Crystal Palace Community Association);
Ø One Way System: Cllr. George Filbey;
Ø Integrated Business Transport Node: Kevin Carlton-Reeves;
Ø Crystal Palace Festival: John Greatrex.
Ø Tramlink update.

He invited other suggestions. Sue proposed:

Ø Update on Crystal Palace Park;
Ø Conservation;
Ø Security and Policing.

It was agreed that Ray would work out a schedule for future meetings, which would incorporate further proposals for agenda items in due course.

Ray thanked Los Toreros and their staff for all their help in facilitating the event. The meeting closed at 8.05 p.m.

7. Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 9 September; 6.45 to 8.00 p.m., downstairs at Patricks Bar , Westow Hill – near Lloyds Bank. Subsequently meetings will return to the first Tuesday of each month.
Apologies

Cllr. Jane Avis
Amber Rusk – Crystal Palace Business Partnership
CPDT Tracey Skillern

Bookseller Crow
Cash Point Systems
Coconut Trading
Conrad Fox
Crystal Pantry
D.Solos
Exhibition Rooms
Hollybush Stores
Jean Haley
Lawrences
Living Water
Lorenzos
MacDonalds Hardware Store
Palace Café
Patricks Bar
Rolfe & Jones
Quality Cleaners
Shout
Way Ahead