West Wales Hospitality Panel
Steering Group Meeting Minutes

15th December 2008

Attendees: Lisa Johnston, Lowri Edwards, Chris Osborne, Russell Thomas, Lee Elwell, Andrew Thomas,Emma Vincent, Amy Daly, Cathy Lewis

Apologies: Phil Drakeford, Diana James, Gary Davies, George Reid, Tony McGetrick, Nia Hale, Karine Thomas, Claire Williams

All members of the Panel were introduced to each other and a particular welcome to new Members Andrew Thomas from FMD, Emma Vincent, Lecturer from Swansea College and Amy Daly, students representative from Swansea College.

Previous action points were discussed with nothing to be taken forward. EV did say that she might have some kind of in with JC Plus through the Job Centre and Swansea College and she would send LJ the relevant contact details

The discussion became very active when discussing the West Wales Hospitality Forum meeting for March 09 as such the main points taken away for action are listed below:

Various ideas were discussed – Castell Howell, access to restaurants, Pembs food circle.

An idea put forward by Russell Thomas to hold a student competition was mentioned the concept is that students would have an opportunity to compete against each other for example by having:

A cook off or best dressed table etc. it was decided this would be a good idea and LJ should discuss this with the 4 FE colleges across the patch to see if it is something they would be interested in.

If so suggested itinerary for the day would be:

10am – 12noon

Student competition in the morning, lead in a Generation Game style where an expert would show the students how to do the activity first then they would compete against each other to do the task.

There should be approx 6 to 8 competitions and experts like Jamie Bessant from Tudor Lodge (PRP) could be approached to lead one of the sessions.

Target audience – Students, sponsors, expert and any trade members should they choose to attend.

12noon – 1pm

Lunch for students and arrival of majority of Trade

1pm – 3pm

It was felt that the competitions in the morning could have the prizes awarded after lunch this would lead in quite nicely to a presentation from someone (Sarah Fox?) regarding the Horticultural Network. It was suggested by RT that if a case study of sorts could be discussed this would be useful by both students and trade alike.

This would be followed by a presentation and information session on the Croeso Cynnes initiative with an opportunity for the workshops to be launched in the West and have a sign up opportunity.

To finish it was again suggested by RT that we could request a business in North Wales who is particularly good at Digital Networking in Business to come and give a presentation and insight into their activities. This could again lead onto some social networking and digital networking workshops.

It was noted that the next forum is due to be held in Pembs and that Springboard, CWW, Kate Morgan, FMD any other interested parties would need to be contacted. Venue to be determined.

The meeting came to an end and LJ is to put together dates for the Panel and Forum for the next 12 months and send out to the Panel for confirmation.