Agenda item

The report provides an update on Make It York’s (MIY) financial performance since the last report in March 2022.

Members considered a report that provided an update on Make It York’s (MIY) finance performance since the last report in March 2022.

The Managing Director of MIY provided an overview, highlighting the activities, campaigns and events undertaken in the last six months, and their budgetary position.

It was noted that:

·        MIY’s Board would like to recruit three new non-executive directors and a Member Advisory Board would soon be established.

·        There had been a small restructure within the Company and several vacancies would be advertised.

·        There would be a continued focus on international campaigns, the Shambles Market and engagement with York residents.

·        Every stall at this year’s Christmas Market would offer a discount of up to 30% to local residents who could prove they lived in York. 

·        Standardisation in the markets had been carried out and an interim rent reduction had been introduced, pending a full rent review.

·        MIY had established the first Cultural Executive in the UK, which included 160 members.

·        Audited accounts for 2021/22 were recorded with a loss due to a deferred tax on pensions from the previous year.

·        Cost control measures were being implemented to address some of the deficit expected at the end of 2022/23 and City of York Council Officers continued to monitor the organisation’s ongoing financial position.

The Managing Director was commended for negotiating discounts for York residents and for banning single-use plastics at the Christmas Market, and in answer to questions raised, it was noted that:

·        The Good Business Charter had been achieved in June 2022.

·        The Visitor Centre would be selling reusable cups and the ambition was to make the Shambles Market even more sustainable.

·        All Board Members were requested to follow standard protocols, including declaring any declarations of interests.

·        MIY staff were paid above the real living wage rate. 

·        MIY had a policy to source and buy, where practicable, goods and services locally, and would consider endorsing this through their tenders.

·        The Shambles Market had been included in the Christmas publications this year and the commodities sold at future Christmas Markets would be examined more closely.

The Managing Director was congratulated on her detailed report.

Resolved:

(i)           That the Make It York update report, at Annex C (including appendices 1 to 6) to the report, be noted.

(ii)         That the appointment of three new non-executive directors, whose personal profiles were attached at Appendix 2 of the Make It York update report, be approved.

Reason: To ensure the Council was updated on the financial performance of Make It York and its governance.