East Devon BF and Mid Devon BF : some comparisons

Five major differences are noted below, for your information.   Will the TAFF be allowed to discuss them all, for its required ‘in-depth report’?  We’ll find out at Wednesday’s meeting (23 Jan, 6pm at Knowle). See you there! At the request of TAFF Chairman, Graham Troman, a spokesperson for Mid Devon BF has been invited.
   1.Legal status.
Mid Devon BF: There is no confusion.  It’s an association of business people for business people, with a detailed constitution which shows it is independent of the District Council. It is self-funding (£35 per annum)
 East DevonBF: Confusion reigns. The chairman thinks it’s ‘totally independent’ (though it is funded by EDDC); the CEO claims ‘it’s a joint body’, so quasi-official. Its minimalist constitution casts little light on this fundamental matter.
 2. Aims
Mid Devon BF: business focused, outward looking
Constitution states its aims are to :
Encourage local businesses to expand and new businesses to open in Mid Devon, thereby creating additional employment opportunities
Enable local businesses to get to know one another and help one another by working and trading together
Work with Mid Devon District Council to ensure that they play their part in listening to business needs and helping to create the right environment for local businesses to succeed.
EDBF: council focused
To meet regularly with the council and agree, if possible, on economic policy
To improve communication with the council to promote prosperity
To advise the council on Economic Development Strategy for East Devon and the Council’s annual service plan for Economic Development.

 3.Governance

Mid DevonBF:

An executive of 11 people
The chairman is a retired business man
The Association Secretary is a private solicitor
There are two representatives of MDDC, the Chief Exec and the Leader.
East DevonBF:
An executive of 3 people
The chairman a district councillor with a planning consultancy.
The Association Secretary is a council officer who is a consultee on planning applications.
There are 4 councillors representing EDDC, plus up to half a dozen other councillors  representing their own businesses or other organisations.
4.Membership
Mid DevonBF:
Open to anyone over 18 who would like to join. No minimum number of employees ( i.e. nothing which would prevent a majority of local small businesses from joining)
The list of 60 members of Mid Devon contains one business with a predominant  interest in planning, building and development.
East DevonBF:
Only businesses with more than 5 employees can join.
A majority of the regular attendees at EDBF (16 out of 20) have an interest in planning.
5.Activities
Mid DevonBF:
Seminars and workshops at the Tiverton Hotel.
A sample of workshop topics in 2012 s reveals MDBF broad focus:
Marketing on a budget,
Supermarkets: good or bad?:
Essential negotiating skills:
Tips to Beat the tax man:
Top business tips,
Staff recruitment and retention

EastDevonBF:
Talks and discusions at the East Devon Business Centre.
Often closed to press and public because of ‘informal discussions’ between members and councillors
Topics in 2012 included:
A lot of discussion on the Forum constitution!
East Devon Local Plan
East Devon Economic Strategy
Exeter and East Devon Growth Point
Rural Economy Growth Review
Working with East Devon’s other Business Associations
Employment Land Take-up on the A3052 Corridor
Overview of the National Planning Policy Framework