EC Papers September 2018

The overall deadline for the completion of the new build is on target, we should be able to have the BGCM in the new hotel on May 19 th . However within this there have been some irritating delays on completion of some sections. Notably the road and lighting to the hotel and the move of the GFTU office to temporary accommodation. The Project Manager is meeting with the senior contractor’s team on 14 th Sept so I will report back further. EC members should not underestimate the difficulties encountered by staff in the move to the portacabins. Though an element of lack of planning internally was to blame for some issues, the contractors delayed some installation and this had a domino effect. While this occurred in the traditionally quieter August period, I had asked the staff during that period to consolidate some improved administration and other matters and this fell by the wayside, so there is catch up to do. I have asked the project manager to control the next phase of the office move into our new offices to avoid similar problems reoccurring. EC members should not underestimate the logistics of moving the GFTU office. I would wish to thank our Project Manager Mark CHilds and ICT manager Tony Johnson for their excellent work over this period Importantly, you will see from the hotel accounts that rather than diminishing over the new build period, turnover and business at the hotel has increased, more weddings, more events and more union use. The hotel directors have had a substantial meeting recently to consider all elements of the hotel’s operation and thanks the General Manager and his team for really excellent work. The hotel directors will meet again on October 8 th to consider the future business plans and the budgets to ensure that the hotel is on course to generate the revenues we require. The hotel directors have asked Steve Orchard a current Trustee with commercial experience to join the directors and he has agreed. Nikki Sharpe has not indicated an intention to remain a director. A very secure element of the new build project remains the housing. We have discussed prospects with two local estate agents and they remain confident that the rental housing will be snapped up. We will outsource marketing and Cecile Martin from reception , a former surveyor, will manage the properties. Currently we are anticipating in excess of £100,000 per annum from the housing. As instructed I wrote to all affiliates seeking pledges of loans for the third building as a Spa and leisure centre. £425,000 in pledges was raised within a week. Firstly, I think this is extraordinary and an exceptionally generous indication of confidence in the GFTU. I have never known anything like this to happen in the movement. 4 Third Building.

We were therefore £125,000 shout of our target.

Given this situation I commissioned in effect a fourth business and financial review and the Head of Finance Wendy undertook this during an exceptionally business period and should be thanked. Her

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