West Wales Hospitality Panel Meeting

12th of June 07 at Aberdulais Falls, Neath

10.30am

 

Attendees:- Catherine Lewis, Lisa Johnston, Rachel Lloyd, Gary Davies, Chris Osborne, Lowri Edwards, Russell Thomas

 

Apologies:- Phil Drakeford, Alan Dutton, Tony McGetrick

 

  • Action Points from Previous Panel Meeting:-
RT stated that he had sent information through on consultancy support – opportunity to get 50% funding.
Cultural Awareness – LJ stated that Gallu had a request for English for foreign staff – LE speaking to Basic Skills Agency.
Careers Brochure – RT handed round a careers brochure which was very successful. CO suggested sending the information to Sarah Jones from Careers Wales as looking at ways to promote them and get to right target market.
SMS Messages – Do not have enough mobile phone numbers to make worthwhile at the moment however do have section for mobile phones.

 

  • Gallu Update:-
LE stated about courses Gallu were setting up, LE stated that take-up was ok however the management courses were not full.
LJ stated that the Customer Care steering group was moving forward and the R&R group.
LJ stated about funding for courses with DECWL management and leadership workshops.  DJ stated there may be an opportunity to work with the college consortium about tailoring courses specifically for our sector.
LJ met with SME Solutions and they were willing to set up courses for Gallu through their project, Pembrokeshire College had also agreed to do this too.
GD asked if a value was being put against courses, meetings and other things that Gallu arrange.  GD stated that he was looking at this in relation to convergence funding. 
Putting a value on time spent with partners and meetings, would also give a ROI for his board.  Need to work out cost of courses and trade day’s e.g £10 per person times by the hours spent. GALLU TEAM
LJ stated that the Gallu team have been to Prescoed Prison and Swansea Prison to look at re settlement schemes and hopefully this will be covered in the R&R Group.

 

  • West Wales Hospitality Forum:-
The next meeting is on the 27th of September, it was discussed to ask Newton House.  It was discussed to cover Chef’s and ask Frank Shortt about the Chefs Club and maybe a presentation about the AAA project if everything goes ahead.  It was suggested to cover chef recruitment and retention and skills and professional development.  Simon Wright from the Y Polyn could talk about Food to Fork campaign.  Also need to speak to Clare Taylor who is the Agri Food Manager based at Penllegaer and could help fund it.  Twr Y Felin could get involved with their experience of using local produce within a 9 mile radius.

 

  • Panel Members:- Looking for representative instead of Lynne Jones.  It was suggested to ask Spencer Conlon for a representative from DECWL. TG is also retiring at the end of the meeting and it was agreed that Nia Ball will be attending future meetings or another member of the CTA team.  Catherine Lewis from Tourism Swansea Bay will be attending in the future.
 
  • AOB:- GD suggested to look at mobile phone contracts. 

 

  • GD stated that he has a meeting about the spatial plan and they are going to look at points in that the RTP can take forward.  They will try and pull out individual action points to do with business support.  The key point taken from the plan will be looked at and linked to existing work plans.
  • This will need to be put on the agenda for the September Meeting

 

  • TG asked where TTFW was with regarding seeking funding.  DJ stated that they have a proposal for AAA qualification; this is a three year project.  Lee Elwell is developing project ideas to put forward for WEFO.  It was discussed how bids were put in and who was involved, it was discussed that bids need to be put in relation to what WEFO will agree.
TG stated that the delivery of convergence funding has not yet been agreed but it is from large funds. Bids have to go out for tender and anyone can tender for projects therefore large players may be delivering.
RT stated working with ‘Llwybro’ to look at chefs who have moved from the area might also be an idea for the next Forum.
RT also asked if the trainers who are applying for the Mystery Shopper had to be associated to Ted Johns – LJ stated that they didn’t.
CO thanked Tim Giles for all his input over the years.