Agenda item

To include a presentation from representatives of Honda UK.

Honda

The Mayor welcomed Ian Howells, Senior Vice President Honda Motor Europe to speak about Honda’s decision to move its Headquarters to Bracknell and the anticipated impact of Brexit. Patrick Keating, European Government Affairs manager and Dev Mistry, Internal Communications Executive also attended the meeting.

Ian Howells advised the meeting that Bracknell was the European HQ for Cars, Motorcycle, Power Products and Finance. The Headquarters site had 440 associates with 30% from Europe. He profiled Honda’s sales in Europe across cars, motorcycles and power equipment. He explained the spread of its operations across Europe including manufacture and transport of parts to the Swindon factory.

By 2030 Honda anticipated that two-thirds of Honda sales will be low or zero emission vehicles. As a Japanese company, Honda had global operations and interests. By increasing exports to non-EU destinations, such as the US, they hoped to mitigate some of the impacts of Brexit. Honda was working to develop the pool of UK talent and had increased the number of apprentices by 100% over the last year.

He explained that Honda benefited from the simplicity of complying with a single regulatory and approvals regime across Europe, for the manufacture and sale of cars, as well as motorcycles and power products. He explained the impact of modifying specifications to meet different requirements. He emphasised that Honda was a pragmatic company who would make Brexit work.  

In response to Members’ queries, Ian Howells made the following points:

·         Honda were keen to see the new Town Centre include infrastructure such as recharging points in car parks to encourage the use of alternative fuel cars

·         As a Japanese company in relation to haulage they had some prexisting Japanese contracts but also used local companies and UK ports

·         Most of the research and design work was undertaken in japan

·         The environment around the Cane Road was attractive to Honda’s associates which helped with staff retention as it was easy to access and was close to the town centre

The Mayor thanked them for attending and providing an insight into their business.

50 years service

The Mayor welcomed Bert Appleford to the meeting to celebrate his fifty years working for the authority. The Members present at the meeting joined him in congratulating the Fleet Supervisor on his loyalty and long service.

Celebration of Life

The Mayor reflected that the Celebration of Life service, which had been held in memory of John Nike OBE on 22 April 2017 at St. John’s Church, was a fitting way to remember such a significant figure in the community. Nearly £600 was raised during the returning collection which would be shared between Berkshire Community Foundation and Sebastian’s Action Trust.

Charity Gala Dinner

The Mayor thanked everyone who had supported his James Bond themed Gala Dinner on 22 April 2017 at the Coppid Beech Hotel. The Mayor was pleased to have showcased the talents of two students from Garth Hill College at the event. The event had been a fund raising opportunity for Sebastian’s Action Trust and he announced that Tony Pidgley CBE Chairman of Berkeley Homes had donated £10,000 to Sebastian’s Action Trust as well as agreeing to match any funds raised on the night.

Work of Sebastian Action Trust

The Mayor reflected that it was a sad reminder of the work of his chosen charity that he had attended a tree planting ceremony at Fox Hill Primary School in memory of a previous pupil, Holly Oxenham.

Unfortunately he advised the meeting of the sad death of Lily Wells who was one of the first beneficiaries to come to Sebastian Action Trust’s The Bluebells on its opening in July 2011. The Mayor asked Members present to show their generosity and make a donation to her family.

St. George’s Day Celebrations

The Mayor shared an image of the Leader, himself and the Deputy Mayor  celebrating St. George’s Day by flying the flag above Easthampstead House.

Mayoral Business Breakfast

The Mayor announced that his next event would be a Mayor’s breakfast for the arts which will be held at South Hill Park on 19 May 2017. The event would be an opportunity for local businesses to have the full experience of what South Hill Park can offer.

Executive Member for Culture, Corporate Services and Public Protection

Councillor McCracken was delighted to report that the Council had once again succeeded to be the Work-based Champions in the Get Berkshire Active campaign. 

Executive Member for Children, Young People and Learning

Councillor Dr Barnard was proud to announce that at the Pride of Bracknell Awards, held on 21 April 2017, the Bracknell Forest Foster Carers had been identified as ‘Team of the Year’. There were many outstanding achievements recognised during the celebration but he was pleased that the hard work of the team to provide vital support to young people was celebrated.