Finance Network Steering Group Notes of Meeting Tuesday 28th March 2017 Present

Finance Network Steering Group

Notes of Meeting

Tuesday 28^th March 2017

Present:

Joe Tome, Rebecca Hubbard, Katie McLaughlin, John Brebner, Ross Pickburn, James Waterson, Mike Innes, David Wilson, Moray Barber, Peter Murray, Nicola MacLennan, George Thom, Mark Wylie, Kevin Gibson, James Bream, Teresa Bremner, Lee-Ann Stewart

Apologies:

Louise Smith, Anne Hay, Charles Edmond, Clare Scott, Susan Lawrie, Barry Fraser, Russell Whyte

Welcome

George Thom, Chair of the Finance Network, welcomed all in attendance to the first meeting of 2017. Introductions were made round the table. For those new to the group, George gave a brief outline on the group’s purpose which is to provide knowledge transfer, peer to peer support and networking. The Chamber offers a voice on behalf of the network groups to ensure that issues are raised and information is fed back. George encouraged attendees to pass on the information of the group to others who may want to join such as Finance Directors of any sector. George also suggested to attendees to have a look into the other sector groups and attend meetings/encourage colleagues to attend.

The meeting was kindly hosted by Peter at Ledingham Chalmers. Peter welcomed all in attendance and gave a brief H&S note. Peter highlighted to attendees that Ledingham Chalmers a full service law firm supporting both individuals and organisations across a range of sectors.
Notes of Last Meeting

Action completed.

Scotland Business Barometer Findings

James Waterson, Regional Manager of Close Brothers Asset Finance joined the group to give a presentation on the findings from their Business Barometer research. James started by giving some background on the company and explaining the methodology of the research.

James noted that the Scotland Business Barometer is research conducted on behalf of Close Brothers by GMI research, an independent third party polling company. The research is across all industries and business sectors with up to 25 questions posed to 900 respondents each quarter. The research provides an insight into the perceived view of the economic outlook, an understanding of the concerns of their customers and compares trends across different geographic areas.
James then went through the results of the some of the questions asked within the research for all quarters.
James then went on to cover some of Close Brothers services and noted the sectors that they work in as well as the partnerships they are involved in.
The full presentation and research findings can be viewed here.
James noted that the Scotland Barometer research is carried out on a quarterly basis. If you would like to receive regular updates, please contact James at the below email.
https://www.closeassetfinance.co.uk/industry-insights/type/business-barometer
[e-mail]
George thanked James for his presentation and facilitated a Q&A session.
Policy Update

James Bream, Research and Policy Director of the Chamber joined the group to give an update on the most recent policy activity.

James covered some of the many things the Policy team at the Chamber have been up to since the last meeting in November –

• 
  Weekly briefings to politicians
  
• 
  Continuously supporting projects in the development community including the project for housing and employment land at Blackdog
  
• 
  Continue to influence around transport projects for air, road rail & sea
  
• 
  The production of the Investment Tracker which can be found here – version two of the tracker is due to launch at the end of April.
  
• 
  Manifesto for the local elections in May which can be viewed here
  
• 
  The Chamber will be running two Hustings event, one in the City and one in the Shire
  
• 
  Involvement in the SCC energy advisory groups
  
• 
  Energy briefings after the launch of Oil & Gas Survey 25
  
• 
  Brexit related events
  
• 
  Huge involvement and work has been carried out on the Business Rates campaign
  

James provided a hand out of some highlights which can be found here.

George thanked James for his update and facilitated a Q&A session.

Update from the Chamber

Teresa Bremner, Membership Network Manager of the Chamber provided an update of the upcoming events –

• 
  Networking at the Races returns for its third year on Thursday 27th April. This year we are back in the Lower Dewhurst Suite, which hosts a private bar and betting facilities for a three course lunch followed by a full race card and plenty of action. Full information and booking here.
  
• 
  TUBS returns on April 26, 2017, once again at the AECC, and this time features as part of North East Business Week. The Ultimate Business Show brings together the best products, services and offers available to businesses in the North-east. Book your free place here.
  
• 
  Northern Star Business Awards, nominations are now open and will close on the 21st of April, more information and downloads can be found here.
  

Date of Next Meetings

27^th June 2017

20^th September 2017

29^th November 2017

George closed the meeting by thanking attendees & speakers. George encouraged the group to provide suggestions for future topics and speakers – volunteers to host future meetings also welcomed.
Please contact Lee-Ann Stewart if you would like to host – [e-mail]