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Introductions and Apologies
JFB welcomed everyone to the meeting and round the table introductions were made. Apologies were given by JN.
Minutes of Last Meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were met with approval by the group.
Matters Arising
The make up of the sub group had been discussed at the last meeting. The group was advised that contact had been made with all the desired organizations, some of whom were in attendance, and others who weren’t had agreed to be kept informed.
The group confirmed they were happy with the choice of JFB as chair.
Dissemination of information from this group was discussed, and it was agreed that Business Link, the FSB and the Chamber of Commerce would be used to disseminate.
Action: JFB to disseminate information through the Chamber of Commerce, RT to disseminate through the FSB and Mark Hodgson through Business Link.
FS advised that The Carbon Trust had been invited to speak at this meeting and had agreed in principle, although the relevant person was unable to attend this meeting. A presentation is, however, still on the cards for future meetings.
Action: FS to arrange a presentation from the Carbon Trust at a future meeting.
It was also mentioned that May Gurney should be involved with this group.
Action: JN to contact Jamie Mathlin (May Gurney) and invite to next meeting.
Chairs Report
Feedback from Steering Group meeting
JFB outlined the outcomes of the Steering Group meeting (2nd September 2005) – please see minutes attached for details.
Revised Terms of Reference and Aims & Objectives
The group read through the revised Terms of Reference and Aims and Objectives and a discussion ensued. Several suggestions were made as to possible amendments or inclusions to these statements, including the importance of energy efficiency, providing support to businesses and highlighting good practice examples. A general consensus was reached that this group would like to be involved with stimulating the generation of sustainable energy alongside the Renewable Energy group, and believe Devon should be a net exporter of energy in the future. It was decided that the group would take the document away and return any further suggestions to JN within three weeks.
Action: Please consider the attached document, and if you have any suggestions please return them to Jo by Monday 3rd October.
Sub Group Action Plan
FS gave an overview of how the action plan was generated and the group began to examine the key tasks. It was pointed out that education was higher priority in the early stages than stimulating demand, as the suppliers may not have the resources to meet increased demand. Another priority is to create a ‘one stop shop’ for renewable energy advice, and it was suggested a kite mark or affiliation for producers would be good as a method of quality control.
DSEN Sponsorship
FS gave background information on the need for sponsorship, as projects can be funded through bids but funding will need to be available for bid writers to actually write the bid.
Action: Group to consider potential sponsors and contact JN or FS with ideas.
Annual Conference
FS introduced the idea of a conference in February next year and a discussion took place around the theme of the conference and the target audience. Several key points were made, including the need to feed back to signatories and LSP’s, the importance of having the right people in attendance and the desire to have good speakers. The conclusions reached were that the conference needs to be accessible to both the public and private sectors, and needs to highlight examples of good practice. It was suggested that the theme could be around renewable energy production and Devon’s potential for becoming a net exporter of energy. Due to time constraints, the group moved on to the next item on the agenda and agreed to revisit the action plan, time allowing, at the end of the meeting.*
Projects Update – Renewable Energy in Devon (RED)
The group was given an executive summary of the Renewable Energy in Devon (RED) bid, and JFB gave an overview of what it entails. The main aim of RED is to increase rural productivity and performance, and will provide financial backing to help this group achieve its aims. For details see executive summary attached.
A.O.B
There was none
*Action plan revisited:
The group split into two teams and each reviewed three objectives and their associated key actions. The suggestions have been incorporated into the action plan, see attached. Any further ideas should be sent to JN by Monday October 3rd.
DONM 29th November 10.00-12.30
Senate Room, Northcote House, Exeter University
