• CRIMINAL INCIDENTS – BEWARE, the spate of crime on the Estate continues. A van was stolen in broad daylight on Monday morning, 16^th January. The CCTV footage is very clear and the crime has been reported to the police who are investigating it.  Rumour has it that the scrap metal collectors are going through dustbins on the estate.
• CCTV  REMINDER  -   if you need to check an incident, you should try and pinpoint the time as closely as possible and act as soon as possible as the tapes are re-used after 3 weeks. David, Luke and Judith have regular quarterly monitoring meetings with the providers, the next one is due for 21^st March 2012.
• WEBSITE UPDATE – the website address is still the same but the format has been changed and I/Judith can now update it myself. Please have a look and let me know what you think. http://www.garrattbusinesspark.com
• PARKING – we are trying to maximise our parking capacity by ensuring that untaxed cars do not occupy spaces for businesses on the Estate. Please park only in your own spaces, and leave information of who you are, where you are and how you can be contacted if you park in someone else’s space in an emergency. PLEASE PARK THOUGHTFULLY
• LONDON 2012  You may be affected by road and transport changes for the Olympic Games. in terms of deliveries both in and out and staff journeys. Please log in to london2012.com/traveladviceforbusiness
• Meetings for the BID Board and Council BID monitoring were held  on 9^th January; next BID Board meeting is 21st March
• NATIONAL GRID  We have been informed that  from a tunnel perspective NG expect a very minor presence on site for 2012; at the moment they have no news on the wider Substation plan, but they will keep us informed. 
• Discussions regarding the BID RENEWAL in 2013/14 are continuing.
• RUBBISH – please keep this tidy in a skip on your forecourt which limits its potential to blow around
• LINKEDIN MASTERCLASS –  through Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce – 1^st February 6.00pm at Roehampton University, please see http://wandsworthchamber.org/events-listing for details.
• HAPPY 2012  
• For further information, please contact Judith Roscoe the BID co-ordinator who is based at 11, Wimbledon Stadium Business Centre, generally – mid week. Email address is judithgbp@gmail.com Judith currently plans to be on the estate,24,25 & 31 January;6 or 8, 9,14,15, 21,22, 28 & 29 February &  14,15,20,21,27 & 28March 2012 

CRIMINAL INCIDENTS – there have been 3 incidents including 2 robberies on the Estate in the last month, please BE WARY, doNOTPASSon your GATE CODE & do not leave potential valuable items outside.

CCTV REMINDER – if you need to check an incident, you should try and pinpoint the time as closely as possible and act as soon as possible as the tapes are re-used after 3 weeks. David, Luke and Judith will have a quarterly monitoring meeting with the CCTV company next week

WEBSITE UPDATE – the website address is still the same but the format has been changed and I/Judith can now update it myself. Please have a look and let me know what you think. http://www.garrattbusinesspark.com

ESTATE MAINTENANCE – Thank you to those who have made a special effort to tidy their forecourts recently. This creates a good impression along with the regular work being carried out by Eddie each Wednesday

RUBBISH – please keep this tidy in a skip on your forecourt which limits its potential to blow around

GRIT BINS – these are now all in position, with a keyholders name on each bin.

PARKING – we are trying to maximise our parking capacity by ensuring that untaxed cars do not occupy spaces for businesses on the Estate. Please park only in your own spaces, and leave information of who you are, where you are and how you can be contacted if you park in someone elses space in an emergency.

LONDON 2012 - You may be affected by road and transport changes for the Olympic Games. in terms of deliveries both in and out and staff journeys. Please log in to london2012.com/traveladviceforbusiness

The next BID Board meeting will take place in early January & a monitoring meeting with the Council on 9^th January

The next BID OPEN MEETING is scheduled for Wednesday 8^th February 2012

David & Judith, on behalf of the Estate, are now discussing the BID renewal with the Council, it is a long process.

For further information, please contact Judith Roscoe the BID co-ordinator for the Estate, who is based at 11, Wimbledon Stadium Business Centre, generally – mid week. Email address is judithgbp@gmail.com

You might have noticed that we have added a few grit bins on the estate, just in case we are heading for a cold winter with snowfall and ice.

The grit bins are locked and the key holder names are clearly listed on each grit bin.

• BID BUSINESS PLAN – Ideas are still welcome to add to the business plan . Contact Judithgbp@gmail.com or the BID Board members who work on the Estate, David Guyan, Keith Stringer, Derek Smith or Mahesh Rawal
• GRIT BINS – Eddie has now installed 5 more grit bins; a list of locations & keyholders will be put on the website
• MAINTENANCE – Eddie works around the estate regularly, every Wednesday, predominantly weeding and litter picking.  His brief is to tidy the communal parts of the Estate not private forecourts. He also reports back if he notices any hazards.
• PARKING & NON BID COMPANY VEHICLES ON THE ESTATE – If you aware of any vehicles parked which are not directly related to Business Park companies, please let Judith know as Parking is very tight
• DRAINS – Further work has been carried out on the drains opposite the National Grid gates, please report back any additional issues relating to drains, if you notice any.
• CCTV  REMINDER  -   if you need to check an incident, you should try and pinpoint the time as closely as possible and act as soon as possible as the tapes are re-used after 3 weeks.
• GATES  -PLEASE DO NOT FORCE THESE OPEN ;THEY ARE COSTLY TO MEND & CHARGES WILL BE MADE.
• DO NOT WEDGE THE GATES OPEN- IT IS A SECURITY RISK ; someone had done so on Sunday 6^th November
• LONDON 2012  You may be affected by road and general transport changes for the Olympic Games. in terms of deliveries both in and out and staff journeys. Please log in to london2012.com/traveladviceforbusiness
• Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce events – 23 November & 12 December; 23 November will take place at Battersea Power Station & GBP BID businesses are invited to attend at Member rates www.wandsworthchamber.org. You are also invited to attend open days for the proposed developments for Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea at Market Towers Vauxhall on 24 & 25 November; www.wandsworth.gov.uk/nineelms
• The next BID Board meeting will take place on 10 November  & a monitoring meeting with the Council on 9^th January
• The next BID OPEN MEETING is scheduled for Wednesday 8^th February 2012
• David & Judith, on behalf of the Estate, have attended the local police neighbourhood team meeting (11 October) & Wandsworth Business Association meeting (8^th November)
• For further information, please contact Judith Roscoe the BID co-ordinator for the Estate, who is based at 11, Wimbledon Stadium Business Centre, generally – mid week. Email address is judithgbp@gmail.com Judith currently plans to be on the estate, 10,15,16,17, 22,23, 29 & 30 November, 6,7,8, 13,14, 20 & 21 December   

REPORT ON THE WORK OF GARRATT BUSINESS PARK

David Guyan, the Chairman, reviewed the recent work by the BID Board relating to the  Estate and also referred to the information on the display board at the meeting.

The Estate now has a regular weekly maintenance worker, Eddie Webb who usually works on a Wednesday, collecting rubbish, weeding and other general maintenance tasks. He has replaced the person from Cappagh. This news was welcomed and no maintenance issues were raised, except that Luke Ryan queried the maintenance of the drain near the main gate, its need for more frequent cleaning and also perhaps extra grit if a frost is forecast.

The levy has been collected for 2011/2012, at a rate of 97%. Relating to the only 2 businesses who have not yet paid; one is in liquidation and the other in receivership.

The entrance gates are now only opened at night and at the weekend by either fobs or codes which are business specific, so if there is a problem, it will be possible to track down which business is involved.

The budget was presented and accepted. The latest accounts will be published in November 2011.

National Grid (NG)  are working on their site. There were some photos displayed at the meeting. Cappagh are contracting to NG. They are taking some spoil to their site and some away from the business park. NG check for movement on a daily basis in Lyndon Yard

The Board have decided to improve the empty land belonging to Gander & White (GW), between Gander & White and St Martins Way. GW have stated that they have no interest in improving it themselves but it is unsightly to visitors to GBP and by improving it, the whole entrance along the side of St Martins Way including and between the two gates should look more welcoming. However following evidence today of some drilling and spoil removal on this site, the Board will investigate further before proceeding.

NEW WEBSITE FOR THE ESTATE

Barbara Lascelles introduced the fact that the current Garratt Business Park website was being replaced. The new website which is currently accessible under developmentwww.garrattbusinesspark.wordpress.com will be simpler to access and less expensive to maintain. Judith should be able to update it herself  and also to send out alerts & changes as well as receiving comments through it.  It is 90% ready and hopefully will be live by the end of October.

Luke said that he had looked at it and it seemed functional.

Barbara welcomed more feedback.

PROJECTS AND FUTURE PLANS AND LEVY

A Paper was distributed at the meeting about possible projects, the funds of the BID and the future. The BID funds are spent both on maintenance of the estate and improvements. At the moment there are some funds available after the maintenance fees have been paid as illustrated on the budget which was circulated, but there is a question as to whether these funds should be retained for essential future needs which may occur or spent now.  All businesses were asked to suggest projects for further improvement.

Stephen from TUK asked where the BID Board stood in relation to income tax. David replied that we do not have to pay tax unless we sell an asset or generate income on a deposit account. The BID Board has sought advice on this matter from other longer established BIDs where there is a precedent

Mike Powell asked where we stood in terms of NG carrying out further improvements to Riverside Road and handing it over to the estate. The Board is unclear about where the ‘estate’ stands on this at the moment although they have asked NG about the matter. NG do not appear to want ownership only access. It has also become unclear over the last 6 months as to whether NG propose to use Riverside Road as their main vehicle access to their site once their site is in regular operational use or whether they may access it from south of their site, ie from the borough of Merton. It is likely that if they do not propose to bring in heavy vehicles along Riverside Road that they will not rebuild the road. It is also considered that the Council are likely to want to adopt the road. If the road reverts to the ownership of the Estate then there could be some heavy costs to maintain it together with drainage works beneath the road.

Further questions were asked about whether all the other roads had been resurfaced. Yes, they have been. And then what the ‘shelf-life’ of this resurfacing was. David agreed that we need to find out when they were resurfaced, when the surfacing will need to be redone and to plan a medium term maintenance schedule for them. This will also affect the amount of funding the Board needs to reserve. It was also pointed out that additional sources of funds such as the Council (who in the past funded a grant of 25% to 33% of the improvement costs)  or other public bodies would be unlikely to have funds available for us in the future. David Fahey from Cappagh agreed to obtain an estimate of resurfacing all of the Estate roads.

The matter of a second round BID was discussed. David said that the Board currently expected to apply for a second round BID.

Someone asked what would happen to the accumulated funds if a second round BID was not voted in. David said he would look into this, although he expected it would be used to benefit the estate. David also highlighted that over the next 10 years, many owner/managers of the businesses on the estate would retire, and thus let out their units to tenants. Under these circumstances it is essential that there are funds available to maintain the estate and that the tenants understand that they must contribute to these. The Estate is currently in significantly better ‘condition’ than it was 10 years ago but it needs a continuing income and an overall management to maintain this situation.

IDEAS for PROJECTS

Ideas from the meeting included

A memorial for Alan on the Gander & White land

Signage – this is not clear enough, it would be better to be alphabetical.

Insurance, Joe Ruston asked if the BID Board was covered if someone twisted their ankle. David replied that the Board was covered under Public Liability insurance and stated that  the Director’s & Officers insurance was being arranged through the insurance broker.

Palisade fencing behind the units and a survey of the back of the units backing onto the Wandle (it is generally thought that there is regular ‘villainous’ activity along the back of the Estate from the Wandle.

Re-issue advice to all businesses about installing flood protection measures and registering with the Environment Agency for flood alerts

Conduct an independent Health and Safety report for the Estate and check out for Fire Safety (Luke said he could advise on this).

David concluded to the meeting that the suggestions made would be looked into and acted upon but that  there were no significant projects requested at the moment.

RECYCLING & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Mike Roberts from Wandsworth Council  visited 14 businesses on the Estate in the early summer to endeavour to reduce recycling costs of the businesses. He will resume this work in the very near future & apologised for not being able to attend this meeting.

Mike Powell said that Mike’s advice to him had saved £900 per annum by changing from Grundig to Sita.

Joe Rushton of Remote Controlled Lighting says that he has a contract with a mobile shredding company who visits for £50 a time for 15 bags.

It was pointed out that the Environment Agency require waste transfer notes as proof of waste disposal over 2 years.

There was a discussion among attendees about the Performing Rights Society (PRS)  pestering businesses to take out a music licence when more than 2 members of staff listened to a radio. However someone with a relation working for the PRS said that it could be up to 5 members of staff and that this ‘law’ would not therefore relate to most businesses on the estate. When music is played where public have access ie a showroom the rules are different.

PARKING

A paper on parking was distributed at the meeting and then discussed.

Parking is very scarce and it is considered that residents and employees of businesses in and off  Garratt Lane park within the confines of Garratt Business Park when as a private estate they have no right to do so. It has been observed that there are several vehicles which are parked on the estate and untaxed.

Various ideas were discussed including clamping which is not legal even though it is a private estate.

The current possibilities for ensuring that the parking space for the estate businesses is maximised are

-to observe the code which was circulated to the meeting and which will be put up on the new website

- have untaxed cars stickered and then after an appropriate notice interval removed

- monitor other vehicles which are parked on the estate but do not appear to relate directly to estate businesses and business

and then request that they are moved

- research individual secure parking controls for businesses who have their own parking space

- rent out some of the public parking space on the estate to businesses who wish to pay and control it

- ask estate businesses if they wish to rent space from the Stadium car park for their staff; it will depend on the  number who are interested how much they are likely to charge

OLYMPICS – LONDON TRAVEL INFORMATION

Information on this was available at the meeting and all businesses are advised to look on line to check whether significant changes in the London road network and heavy public transport useage will affect either their deliveries to or from their business or their staff travel next Summer.

THIS WAS ATTENDED BY 12 BUSINESSES, 3 BOARD MEMBERS AND JUDITH ROSCOE. APOLOGIES WERE RECEIVED FROM A FURTHER 3 BUSINESSES, 2 BOARD MEMBERS, THE POLICE AND COUNCILLOR ANGELA GRAHAM

The next open meeting will be on Wednesday 8th February 2012.

–
Judith Roscoe

The Environment Agency has many excellent tips for how to protect your property and your stock from flood damage and you can also sign up with them for free flood warnings. Our estate happens to lie on a flood plain and by now we know how quickly the river Wandle can become a hazard not only for the units immediately at the river bank, but also for the estate as a whole. Last time the greatest damage occurred in the centre of the estate, at Mr Carpet’s unit, at unit 57 and 58 and other adjacent units.

Be prepared, follow the link below:

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/default.aspx

Please read this note and try to help businesses to run smoothly, use the roads safely and to be courteous to all.

This note is in three parts:

1. TRANSPORT & ACCESS TO GARRATT BUSINESS PARK
2. PARKING YOUR CAR OR VAN SAFELY AND THOUGHTFULLY
3. WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO?

1. TRANSPORT & ACCESS TO GARRATT BUSINESS PARK
If at all possible please try to arrive at GBP by means other than a car or van which needs to be parked. We know this is not easy, and sometimes most impractical. When possible please use the bus, bike or walk. There are frequent buses in Garratt Lane which link to British Rail or Earlsfield and London Underground at Tooting Broadway. Sometimes visitors could visit by taxi.

2. PARKING YOUR CAR OR VAN SAFELY AND THOUGHTFULLY
Always park in your own allocated space.
If you park elsewhere, check with the owner first.
If you park elsewhere, please leave a note on the dashboard, of who you are, where you are visiting and your mobile phone number.
Do not park on double yellow lines or in cross hatched areas.
Advise all of your visitors and deliverers to observe this code of practice.
Do not park unused vehicles for long periods of time on the estate.

3. WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO?
We can identify cars which are parked for long periods of time and do not appear to belong to businesses here & then have them towed away.
We could introduce severe parking restrictions.

Judith Roscoe
04/10/2011

1. Apologies
2. Introductions
3. Minutes of Public Meeting 09/02/2011
4. Business Park Update – David Guyan, CCTV, Maintenance, Budget, Levy
5. Recycling – Mike Roberts
6. Your ideas & views for BID projects for 2011/2012 & future years
7. 2012/The Olympics
8. Parking
9. Any other Business
10. Dates of Next Open Meeting

• OPEN MEETING – The next open meeting is on Wednesday 5 October at 3:30pm at Malcolm Ryan Studios. Everybody is invited to come!
• BID BUSINESS PLAN – Please let us have your thoughts so we can consider them. Currently suggestions have been Recycling and Flood Reduction Measures. Contact Judithgbp@gmail.com or the BID Board members who work on the Estate, David Guyan, Keith Stringer, Derek Smith or Mahesh Rawal.
• CRIME MATTERS – There was a burglary on the Swan Estate on Friday night 23 September; this was reported to the police who are now reviewing a copy of our CCTV footage. To report something suspicious, dial 999 if urgent and 101 if non urgent. Earlsfield SNT representatives should be at the Open Meeting.
• ADDITIONAL STORAGE SPACE – has been requested by some Estate businesses. If you have any short term space, please let Judith know so she can pass on this information.
• CCTV – The extended system is now working, following many adjustments & meetings with the operators. Please note that if you need to check an incident, you should try and pinpoint the time as closely as possible and act as soon as possible as the tapes are re-used after 3 weeks.
• PARKING & NON BID COMPANY VEHICLES ON THE ESTATE –  If you are aware of any vehicles parked which are not directly related to Business Park companies, please let Judith know, as parking is very tight.
• NATIONAL GRID – they are working on their site; there doesn’t appear to be any significant problems, but if you experience any, please let Judith know; contact details at the foot of this notice.
• GATES – Please do not force these open; they are costly to mend & charges will be made.
• BID LEVY 2011/12 - 97% has been paid.
• LONDON 2012 – You may be affected by road and general transport changes for the Olympic Games, in terms of deliveries, both in and out, and staff journeys. Please log in to london2012.com/traveladviceforbusiness.
• WANDSWORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS – 5 & 27 October, 9 & 16 November, & 12 December; 27 October an update from the developers of the US Embassy and 16 November from the developers of Battersea Power Station www.wandsworthchamber.org.uk
• NEXT BID BOAD MEETING – will take place on 10 November 2011 & a monitoring meeting with the Council on 9 January 2012.
• For further information, please contact Judith Roscoe the BID Co-ordinator for the Estate, who is based at Unit 11, Wimbledon Stadium Business Centre, generally mid week. Email address is judithgbp@gmail.com.
• Judith currently plans to be on the estate 3, 4, 5, 12, 13, 18, 19, 26, 27 October and 1, 2, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 29, 30 November.