Agenda and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

No interests were disclosed

No declarations were made

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting(s) and agree as an accurate record.

The Panel considered minutes from previous meetings and agreed the minutes of the meeting on 2 November 2021 as an accurate record of the meeting. 

Questions must be submitted in writing, no later than noon on the working day prior to the meeting.  Questions must relate to items on the agenda. Questions will be dealt with in a 10-minute period.

No questions were submitted by members of the public

Invited to attend:

Russell Greenslade - Chief Executive, Swansea BID

The Panel received an overview presentation, submitted by Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea BID. Discussions focused on the following points:

• Swansea BID is one of the original BIDs in the UK and the first in Wales. It was established in August 2006, after being given a positive mandate by a ballot of businesses/organisations in the designated BID area.
• Swansea BID operates within the top 20% of BIDs in UK based on it’s performance and management. 
• Members queried how this performance is measured. The Panel heard that this is calculated by an independent body of national stakeholders.
• It was explained that Swansea BID is a not-for-profit private sector company with its own board of Directors made up of Private, Public and Third sector representatives that financially contribute towards the BID company.
• It was highlighted to the Panel that the Local Authority is a key strategic partner.
• Members asked if any businesses have now withdrawn or chosen not to contribute to the BID levy. The Panel heard that all businesses contribute, equating to about 813 within the Swansea BID area.
• Members queried the exact area covered by Swansea BID.
• Members heard that many new shops that have opened are independent retailers, demonstrating an increase in uptake in vintage clothing and ethical retailing, linking into the student market.
• National traders have also opened as well as independent traders, helping to drive footfall.
• Members queried whether any other areas outside of the central BID area could be included. The Panel heard that, Mumbles, for example had begun to look into setting up a separate BID prior to the pandemic.
• From the BIDs view point, the Panel heard that the City Centre developments have created a new upbeat positivity about the area and are welcomed and supported by the City Centre business community.
• Members commented on previous work of Swansea BID and the valuable nature of the work undertaken. 
• The Panel remarked on the challenges faced by city centres across the country.
• The Panel heard that Swansea’s regeneration projects have been remarked upon by the London BID, in relation to the progress and speed of projects.
• It was highlighted that businesses are adapting to an increase in people living in the City Centre, and a need to promote the night time economy.
• Members queried the impact of the closures of large retailers on the city centre trade and how this empty space will be promoted.
• The Panel heard that Swansea was the first place in the UK to install designated click and collect parking spaces in the City Centre.
• Members commented positively on the idea of displays in vacant shop windows, rather than leaving shop windows empty.
• The Panel raised queries over whether the Marks & Spencer food store in Mumbles had made an impact on the City Centre. It was explained that Marks & Spencer had expected an impact and had factored this into their product lines and operations.

Invited to attend:

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies – Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration & Tourism

Cllr David Hopkins – Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Delivery & Operations

Geoff Bacon – Head of Property Services

The Panel heard a limited overview of the current position, in relation to the existing Swansea Bay Strategy. It was agreed that the Panel write to the Cabinet Member outlining specific areas of interest, a response to which could then be submitted to the Panel in camera if appropriate.

For information only

The Panel noted the report, for information.

The Panel noted the work programme