Minutes of Meeting held on 20th April 2006

Agenda

1. Welcome
2. Confirmation of attendance and apologies for absence
3. Minutes of previous meeting - 2nd March
4. Matters arising
5. Introduction of Andrew Taylor, LCFC New Chairman
6. Chief Executive - Update
7. Season Tickets
8. Foxlot
9. Debrief of FCC - 2005/06 season
10. Ideas for next season
11. Any other business
12. Next meeting

In attendance:

Tim Davies,Andrew Taylor, Steve Robertshaw, Jo Bucci, Simon Winfield, Andrew Neville, Lisa Hunt, Carey York, Kev Bunney, Pete Jones, Mike Morton, Linda Barron, Andy Wilford, Chris Gubbins, Raj Kumar, Alan Digby, Andy Gubbins

1. Welcome

Tim Davies welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Mike Morton for attending the meeting today and also introduced Andrew Taylor to everyone.

2. Apologies

Received from Cliff Ginetta & Kevin Bourgault

3. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes from the previous meeting, were read & accepted as a true & correct record.

4. Matters arising from the meetings

The no smoking vote has been confirmed by the Board and will be made public tomorrow, but provisions are being looked into so that we can be smoker friendly for those fans who want to smoke before the game and at half time.
There is a meeting with Lindley Catering to discuss their service. Simon Winfield stated that when he went to be served at the last game, the kiosk staff couldn't even speak English. Jo Bucci confirmed that this would be addressed at the meeting and indeed any other complaints that had been raised.

5. Introduction of Andrew Taylor - LCFC New Chairman

Andrew Taylor introduced himself and spoke of his background and long standing support of LCFC. He then answered questions that were raised about his aims for next season for the club and the continuing employment of Rob Kelly as manager.

6. Chief Executive - Update on current issues

Tim Davies updated the group on the current situation at the club. Matters discussed were the financial situation, how the business is doing, the fact that we had been awarded the racial diversity and equal opportunities standard, likely events during the summer and the clubs community work with the community day being on the 30th July . TD answered questions which were particularly focused on the financial situation of the club. TD stressed that financially as always and particularly with the loss of the parachute payment, times are challenging but manageable. TD explained that ticket income was now our largest source of income and the success of ticket sales was of paramount importance to our business. Essentially the campaign was the most important issue now for the club as all surplus income goes to the playing side which then gives us a greater chance of competing which in turn gives us better commercial income which again helps the playing side. This cycle is the opportunity/challenge facing us.

7. Season Tickets

Jo Bucci informed the group as to the sales for season tickets so far and the marketing campaign behind it stating that we should be ambitious with driving sales and targets. She then answered questions from the group including the price and loyalty issues. Other matters raised were the possibility of a first half half season ticket, extending the deadline for keeping your seat, other ways to repay loyalty i.e. team card, season ticket price increases for next year (2007/08), away matches and the possibility of freezing your loyalty so that you could have a season break without losing your loyalty status. Jo explained the 'team card' concept, it essentially being similar to a loyalty card whereby users would gain points for products bought from us and with our business partners, which can then be redeemed against our products.

8. Foxlot

Jo Bucci explained how this had performed to date and that the take up had not to date been as large as expected given the prizes being won. She then asked for any ideas to make it a better seller. Simon suggested that if there were more people winning smaller prizes it would self advertise. Everyone agreed that the prizes and purpose of the lottery could be better explained i.e. what are the prizes, the funds raised go to the academy.

9. Debrief of FCC - 2005/06 season

It was felt that the forum had worked and the club had consulted and listened well. Many good ideas had been put forward at these meetings and indeed used during the season as a result. It was discussed the merits of having a totally new committee but agreed that it would be best to keep the same people for consistency and then bring new people as and when required, e.g. if someone had a complaint or a specific point to make. Peter Jones checked if anyone wanted to stand down and no-one did.

10. Ideas for next season

Ideas for next season were discussed namely being match ticket prices, memberships, gift boxes, filling the stadium, pop concerts, new shirt etc.

11. Any Other Business

Andy Gubbins stated that on the 19th May the disabled supporters association are having a fundraiser.
Andrew Neville stated that any further fixture clashes with the Tigers for next season will hopefully be dealt with prior to fixture dates being released. Andrew Neville conformed that next seasons fixtures will be announced on the 22 June and pre season matches would include Boston United on the 12th July, Stockport County on the 21st July, Hinckley United on the 29th July and an international match between Ghana and Jamaica on the 29th May. We would also be aiming to hold a home friendly on the 29th July against potentially European opposition.
Tim Davies thanked all committee members for their support and input during this season.