Agenda and minutes

Clive Heaphy

In the interests of transparency, Councillor Neghat Khan declared that she sits on the Board of Futures, and Councillor David Mellen stated that he is a director of Blueprint,.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting held on 21^st June 2022

The Committee confirmed the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st June 2022 as a correct record and they were signed by the Chair.

The Work Programme was noted. A company to attend the next meeting will be confirmed.

Presentation by Chief Executive – National Ice Centre

The Committee received a presentation Martin Ingham, Chief Executive, National Ice Centre (NIC), which highlighted the following:

(a)  the NIC was closed in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a survival plan was put in place. Covid related losses for the period of closure total £6.610m. This was partially mitigated by Cultural Recovery Grant funding of £1.5m;

(b)  in the 2021-22 financial year, the Centre reopened, resulting in a surplus and a total profit of £0.242m. The revival period has brought challenges with staff recruitment, a maintenance backlog, marketing and supply chain issues;

(c)  February and March 2022 were the busiest ever for the arena, with multiple sell-out shows, and the arena was the 47th busiest Arena in world from Nov 2021–May 2022 according to Pollstar. Record figures for public skating were also achieved;

(d)  other achievements during this period include relocation of the Box Office, installation of a new Ice Sports system, bringing Stewarding services in-house, extension of the Motorpoint sponsorship, and the opening of various new bars and hospitality suites;

(e)  in the 2022-23 financial year, April and May were the busiest ever in the arena. 42 capital and major maintenance projects are currently underway. Stronger relationships have been established with existing promoters and the LIVE Group created;

(f)  risks related to the cost of living increases are the rising price of event tickets and the relative expense of ice sports. Inflation has risks around staffing costs, utilities, insurance and supplies. There is still also a risk of Covid restrictions for events;

(g)   there is a significant backlog of maintenance, repairs and capital projects. Lead times and product availability can be challenging as is merchandise import export from Northern Ireland. Some staff posts remain difficult to fill, particularly technical crew and cleaners;

(h)  Nottingham Panthers have a new team, coach and CEO, providing impetus for a closer relationship. Ways of increasing match attendance are being explored such as earlier start times for families at Sunday matches;

(i)  the Centre’s 25 year anniversary is coming up, which could provide a great PR opportunity for marquee and community events. It is estimated that by this date £1bn will have been generated by the venue for the city of Nottingham.

During discussion and in response to questions from the Committee, the following points were raised:

(j)  the Centre has links with many schools across the city as skating can be a great way to gain self-confidence. Nottingham Panthers also have their own engagement programme;

(k)  some casual support staff have been kept on over the summer, giving them different tasks so that they can learn new skills;

(l)  all of the arenas across the country talk to each other as well as promotors to gain an early sense of any risks to events;

(m)ideas would be welcomed for events for the 25 year anniversary. This could be a headline act, establishment of a festival, or an exhibition;

(n)  most attendees park at the Stoney Street car park, but are actively encouraged to use alternatives at Broadmarsh or Fletcher Gate as it becomes very busy;

(o)  the Nottingham Education Trust could potentially offer funding to widen young people’s participation in ice sports, the cost of which can be challenging for families;

(p)  the Centre has a sustainability plan and tries to use local suppliers wherever possible for both food and beverage, and equipment purchases.

To consider excluding the public from the meeting during consideration of the remaining items in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the basis that, having regard to all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

The Board resolved to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of the remaining items in accordance with Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, under Schedule 12A, Part 1, Paragraph 3, on the basis that, having regard to all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining an exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Exempt minutes of the meeting held on 24 May 2022 and 21 June 2022, for confirmation

The Committee confirmed the minutes of the meetings held on 24th May 2022 and 21^st June 2022 as correct records and they were signed by the Chair.

This item does not contain any decisions that are eligible for call-in.

The Committee received a presentation by Martin Ingham, Chief Executive, National Ice Centre.

Report of the Interim Corporate Director for Finance and Resources

This item does not contain any decisions that are eligible for call-in.

 Ian Edward, Strategic Advisor for Companies, presented the report, updating the Committee on the latest position in respect of Council owned companies.