MONDAY 11 JANUARY 2010
ROOM 21, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Mr. Sean Neeson MLA
Edward Haughey (proxy for Lord Ballyedmond)
Mr. John Rooney – Rooney Fish
Mr. John O’Farrell – NI-ICTU
Ms. Katherine McDonald – Stratagem
Mr Alec McRitchie, Bombardier
Mr Glyn Roberts – NIIRTA
Mr. Robin Newton MLA
Mr. James Devlin – BT NI
Mr Leslie Cree MLA
Dr Garerth McGrath
Ms Dawn Purvis MLA.
Apologies:
Mr. William Wright – Wrightbus Ltd.
In Attendance:
Ms. Sheila McClelland – Company Secretary
Mr. Ivor Gibson – NIA Secretariat
Mr. Stephen Todd – NIA Secretariat.
1. Apologies
Apologies were recorded and noted above.
2. Minutes of previous meeting
The minutes of the meeting of 3 rd November 2009 were agreed and adopted. The proposer was Glyn Roberts and this was seconded by Robin Newton.
3. Matters arising
Most matters arising formed substantive agenda items.
4. AGM Wash Up
The Board discussed the AGM and Panel Debate which were both held on 7 December. The Panel Debate was discussed at greater length and a range of opinions around the table on the success of the debate was sought by the Chair. A letter from the NI Manufacturing Chairman, Michael Wightman was also received in relation to the Panel Debate and a reply will be drafted in due course. A number of letters to the panel and contributors from the audience had already been issued from the Company Secretary on 11 December.
5. Membership
The Board of Trustees approved an application from Axon Power and Control to join the NIABT. John Donaghy, the Axon General Manager, had attended the AGM and panel debate in December.
6. Programmes
The recent educational visit to Paul McAlister Architects and the Knockmore Industrial Estate in Lisburn was discussed.
Forthcoming events were also discussed:
15 January: Simon Hamilton fellowship with Royal Mail.
27 January: COFMDFM European Report Breakfast Briefing. This briefing is a precursor to the European Educational Programme in Brussels but is open to all NIABT members including those not going to Brussels.
1-4 February: European Educational Programme. 8 business representatives and 3 Parliamentarians have confirmed attendance. They will be joined by 6 Assembly bursary students. The NIABT Board had previously agreed to cover the costs for the business representatives and Parliamentarians. The costs have been estimated at £12,000.
19 February: Alastair Ross Fellowship with Stratagem.
22 February: Banking Event.
26 February: Alastair Ross Fellowship with Belfast International Airport.
12 March: Speaker’s Dinner. Declan Kelly has confirmed his availability and will attend as the keynote speaker. Unfortunately Minister Wilson is unavailable to attend in a speaking capacity and the NIABT will approach Minister Empey.
9 April: Simon Hamilton Fellowship with Firmus Energy.
7. Speaker’s Dinner
Declan Kelly has confirmed his availability and will attend as the keynote speaker. Unfortunately Minister Wilson is unavailable to attend in a speaking capacity and the NIABT will now approach Minister Empey to do so.
8. European Programme
The European Educational Programme is scheduled for 1 – 4 February. The Programme has been updated to include suggestions put forward by the NIABT Board of Trustees at the most recent Board meeting. 8 business representatives and 3 Parliamentarians have confirmed attendance. They will be joined by 6 Assembly bursary students. The NIABT Board had previously agreed to cover the costs for the business representatives and Parliamentarians. The costs have been estimated at £12,000.
9. Speaker’s Dinner
The Chairman reported to the Board that Declan Kelly had now confirmed his availability to attend the Speaker’s Dinner as keynote speaker. Sir Reg Empey is still to be confirmed.
10. AOB
The Company Secretary reported that this may be an opportune time to consider a review of the NIABT Articles and Memorandum of Association because of new companies’ legislation and the Charities Bill. She also reported on the need to commence work on the preparation of a revised business plan to cover from Jan 2011 onwards. Also discussed was a proposal to carry out a series of educational visits to the larger business members after the Easter Recess. The Board gave approval to carry this work forward.