West Somerset Railway Stakeholders Review - 28 Oct 2017
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Agenda & Introduction 1. Welcome, Intro & update Alan Nicholson 2.00-2.05 2. 2017 Operational update Paul Conibeare 2.05-2.35 3. Infrastructure update Ric Auger 2.35-3.05 4. Business Planning Frank Courtney 3.05-3.15 5. My first 3 months in Chair Alan Nicholson 3.15-3.30 6. Q&A session All 3.30-3.55 7. Close Alan Nicholson 3.55-4.00
1. Welcome, Introduction & Update Alan Nicholson Chairman WSR Plc
Introduction. July 29 th 2017 became Chairman of WSR Plc. July 20 th 2017 as Chairman designate held workshop with fellow Directors on our initial thoughts for our way ahead. Notice issued on outcome.. My first priority -BL Coordinator for Flying Scotsman. My thanks to everyone involved in the FS Event
Chairman s update Board changes since 25 th Feb 2017 Commercial and Marketing Director appointed Volunteer Development Director appointed Operations Director appointed Finance Director stepped down at AGM Chairman resigned Strategy and Planning Director resigned Chairman appointed Business Planning Director appointed Head of Finance became Associate Director Safety Audit Director resigned
2. 2017 Operational update Paul Conibeare General Manager
March Special Events Planning Team (SEPT) received an HRA award for planning S&D Gala Engineers from Bombardier enjoy a working weekend on the WSR New website goes live Large Prairie no 5199 arrives in West Somerset The 'Southern Gateway' consultation process launched 8
April Baroness Sal Brinton, President of the Liberal Democrats, congratulated the railway on its newly outshopped wheelchairaccessible carriage no W4875 Richard Jones, appointed to the new post of Head of Operating Spring Steam Gala with BR Standard Class 4MT 2-6-0 no 76017, BR Class 2MT 2-6-0 no 78018 & LMS 4F 0-6-0 no 44422 WSR & Owners Group agree long term hire of 0-6-2T 6695. 9
May BBC One's Antiques Roadshow visits at Minehead Railway 17 May 2017. Flying Scotsman locomotive visits with a charter train. Somerset Explorer High Speed Train to Bishops Lydeard. The Friends of Minehead Station complete Minehead Promenade fence. 10
June Diesel Gala & Rail Ale Trail 3 bars at Minehead, Stogumber & Bishops Lydeard Buses of Somerset resume services at Bishops Lydeard WSR Wagon Restoration Group is formed. LMS 4-6-2 no 46233 Duchess of Sutherland visited with the Whistling Ghost V Tour 11
July Watchet Afternoon Explorer services commence. BBC s John Craven visits the WSR Colin Howard departs WSR for retirement in France LMS 4-6-0 46100 Royal Scot stables at bishops Lydeard 12
August USA 2-8-0 no 6046 to return to West Somerset in 2018 A new poster commissioned for the Railway. Volunteer Signal & Telegraph team make rapid repair to damaged point rodding at Blue Anchor Major rail replacement programme instigated. 13
September Flying Scotsman visit - by far the largest event ever organised by the West Somerset Railway, carrying in excess of 10,000 people. GWR High Speed Train formed the 'Cotswold Line Promotion Group' charter from Worcester to Minehead & return 14
October WSSRT, with the help of 20 plus donors, including FoMS, procure original box plate. Richard Maw, the new PLC Head of Finance will be the new Share Registrar supported by Anna Forster. IE department vacancies Fishplate and flange gang Bridge maintenance team Crossings gang 15
EVENTS - 2018 Spring Steam Gala 22 nd to 25 th March 2018 Diesel Gala 8 th to 10 th June 2018 Late Summer Weekend 1 st & 2 nd September 2018 Autumn Gala 27 th to 30 th September 2018 Winter Gala 29 th & 30 th December 2018 16
4. Business Planning Frank Courtney
Short Term: Fill trains! o o o Relentless emphasis on publicity and sales Flexible charging structures Continue to push block bookings Remember the critical importance of quality in every aspect including catering, parking and toilets Understand our market better Always recognise that our staff and volunteers make it happen
Medium Term: Keep the timetable under review o Consider and trial timetable innovations Remember the importance of new things to see Plan infrastructure and rolling stock development Regular big events
Long Term: Significant large scale developments: o o Southern gateway??? A new attraction (Williton?) Plan station maintenance and improvement Take advantage of developments quickly Develop new partnerships
5. My first 3 months in the Chair Alan Nicholson
My First 3 months in Chair To become different from what we are, we must have some awareness of what we are. Eric Hoffer (1902-1983) American philosopher and author.
My First 3 months in Chair So what are we that is important to recognise: - We are a people based organisation Recognition is key. - We are a small business (around 50 employees and under 10million turnover ) Not a multinational or in the FTSE 100.
My First 3 months in Chair - We operate in the heritage, preservation and tourism market in a highly competitive market. - The days of running a large railway set on enthusiasm alone have gone. - Need to run as a business with appropriate skills and facilities in all that we do. - Ensure safety is regarded as our highest priority
My First 3 months in Chair To work together more closely as a one railway organisation. Appreciated. Eliminate the them and us Consultation and faster decision making
My First 3 months in Chair So what are the key areas that need to change
My First 3 months in Chair The Board and Management must work closer together. We need a structure that is better suited to our purpose and challenges we face. Greater cohesion across the railway
My First 3 months in Chair To recognise the dedication of our staff and volunteers -through thanking them for their efforts -through the need for improved communications -through consultation and involvement -through ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment to work in
My First 3 months in Chair We need a revised Business Development Plan - vision and mission based on the strategic direction we decide to go. - greater commercial focus on future business objectives to provide a product and brand to meet future market needs.
My First 3 months in Chair - ensuring we develop the infrastructure, engineering, operations and support functions in a planned manner to enable that product to be supported. - an inward investment plan
My First 3 months in Chair - We need a clear view of our values that makes our railway fit for purpose. - We need to fully understand, implement and monitor our statutory duties.
My First 3 months in Chair We need to work more closely and develop our partnerships within the WSR family together - WSRA - WSSRT - DEPG - Friends of Stations
My First 3 months in Chair We need to continue to develop our relations with outside bodies - S&DRT - Parish, Local and County Councils - GWR - Railway Charter Companies
My First 3 months in Chair Conclusion Enormous challenge lies ahead for us all. The status quo is no longer an option. Look forward to advising you where we are in 6 months time. Thank you.
6. Question & Answer Session Any questions?
West Somerset Railway Stakeholders Review - 28 Oct 2017 Close