• Apologies:- Alan Dutton, Lynne Jones, Tony McGetrick

• Action points from previous meeting – No points

• Matters Arising: - LeeE stated that there was no news on the convergence funding.  GD stated that the special plan should feed into the convergence funding.

GD stated that he would circulate a copy of the Spacial Plan to everyone present at the meeting. LE to send e-mail addresses to Gary. LE

GD that Gallu had been identified as an exemplar project and this needs to be carried forward.

LE highlighted that the Cultural awareness workshops had been arranged for next year, CO suggested changing the name to attract more people on the course. LJ stated that they were going to change the name.

• Gallu Update:-

LJ went through the Gallu targets.  LJ highlighted that they needed to get 5 more people through the train the trainer scheme.  LJ also explained the targets for the modernisation project.  TG stated that the name is a bit vague.  TG suggested working with students who are studying IT to carry out this scheme with businesses; however it was noted that confidentiality could be an issue.

LJ updated the group on the R&R group and stated that they were working with Job Centre Plus and a few businesses in Pembrokeshire to pilot the various initiatives the job centre run to try and get the economically inactive back into work and to help businesses to find suitable staff.  The businesses who take part will also be sent on courses on how to interview people etc to ensure that they are all up to a high standard.  These businesses can then be used as case studies to show the businesses who have benefited from the schemes.

RT stated about a project he is involved with which offers specialist support from a recruitment consultant to help businesses fill managerial roles.  The scheme offers to pay 10-15% of the fee that the management consult would charge.

LJ asked RT for information about this project. - RT

TG asked if members of the TA could benefit from a greater reduction in this scheme however this was not possible however it was agreed that the TA would receive the information first.

LJ also updated the group on another project she is working on with Careers Wales, Oakwood and Gallu. They are piloting the project on pupils of Sir Thomas Picton School by inviting them and their parents to a behind the scenes event at Oakwood to encourage children to work in the tourism industry and to show the variety of jobs available. Careers Wales will track the students to see what industries they go into.  TG asked if it would be possible to ensure that parents understand that there are a variety of jobs in tourism, not just working on rides.

TG asked if anyone was hosting the event, LJ stated that Oakwood would carry out a Presentation and Careers Wales would also take part however there was not a host.

LE explained how the Customer Care Steering group had developed and that the Mystery Evenings had gone well, however the follow on courses had not been so successful and only one had run.  From the businesses who had attended they had all shown an interest in being Mystery Shopped.  LE stated that 17 training providers had shown an interested in Mystery shopping businesses for free.  LE stated that the next stage was to put a plan together of how the mystery Shopper would work and then ask the training providers who are interested to come along to a meeting to discuss how it would all work.  LE was currently working on this.

PD stated it was important to bench mark this to ensure there was the same level of service across the board.  It was also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the training providers are of a high standard.

TG suggested running a course for the trade on rudimentary acting skills; this would cover how to perform and confidence,

• Feedback from West Wales Hospitality Forum – LJ handed out the

Feedback from the West Wales Hospitality Forum meeting.

• Future of West Wales Hospitality Forum:-

The next meeting was agreed for the 14th of February and a venue was to be confirmed.  The agenda for the day was discussed and some ideas were listed:-

• Recognition of Gallu
• Address issued raised in last meeting
• DVD to show
• RACT to serve tea/coffee
• Ted Johns – Customer Care
• Alan Dutton – Pilot project with Job Centre

• Future of Gallu –

GD stated that they have ring fenced £100k for 2007/08 for the future of the Gallu project, however this was not set in stone as they were not sure how much partners would receive.  GD stated that as the Objective one Money will come to an end in March this money would need to cover everything.  GD stated that this is an interim arrangement until the convergence funding comes into place, however again this is not final.  GD stated that there will not be a lot of money to arrange courses therefore Gallu will have to work closely with organisation such as Opportunity Wales and Visit Wales to signpost businesses to them.

CO stated that they had looked to see how much an average course cost per delegate would be and it was £41 and from the feedback from the trade they would be happy pay £28 which means there is difference of £13.  TG stated that the Gallu team would need to sell the difference to ensure that people pay.

• AOB – No points