UK business trip under scrutiny

A report on the contentious United Kingdom trip was presented in an Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday morning.

This document highlighted the positive or key outcomes of the trip, which included members of the Newcastle Growth Coalition and local Municipality delegates.

Among items listed were:

– A trade mission will visit Newcastle as part of its itinerary in February 2016.

– Two companies will be in town in November to discuss new ventures.

– A memorandum of understanding has been compiled between chambers of commerce in both Newcastle and Newcastle Upon Tyne.

– More information on two proposed ideas involving a Newcastles-only passport and aeronautical drones were revealed.

In a formal statement released at the beginning of the month, the Coalition explained how the invitation to the Newcastle Municipality was extended to local business chambers.

Members of the Coalition accompanied the delegation, at their own cost.

“The Newcastle Growth Coalition elected to send Johan Pieters and Barbara Elliot to represent the Coalition at the UK Trade and Investment Seminar.”

The Municipality was represented by Mayor, Afzul Rehman, acting Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane, and both the SED and Portfolio Councillor for Development Planning and Human Settlements, Nokuthula Thusi and Matthew Shunmugam.

Overseas, the delegation was cared for by councillor and friend, David Faulkner.

The delegation visited the Newcastle College on the Tuesday, sharing best practices, then was joined by an Ethekweni delegation for tours of the college and the Aviation College.

“Section Manager, Tim Jacklin from the Newcastle College Aerospace, will visit Newcastle, South Africa in 2016, to discuss a feasible relationship between the two Newcastles. Newcastle’s airport was identified as one of only two airports in South Africa where drones may be tested. Mr Jacklin will assist in the training and implementation.”

Cllr Rehman was hosted on a Spice Radio talk show during the trip, where he spoke on marketing and investment in Newcastle, South Africa, a segment which was well received by potential investors.

Following the talk, a series of meetings were arranged with investors.

One of the Business Seminar guest speakers was Kuseni Dlamini, Chairman of MassMart South Africa, who would later indicate his interest in investments in our town.

The delegation also met with Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive of Newcastle Gateshead.

“This was to discover more about tourism and investment opportunities in Newcastle, South Africa. There are many exciting initiatives, which will result in the growth of our tourism industry, thanks to this meeting.”

Brand SA, Trade Investment KZN and more also met with the local delegation.

In addition, the High Commissioner of South Africa in London, Obed Mlaba has positive comments about possible high-speed train networks linking Durban and Johannesburg, via Newcastle.

Judith Macgregor CMG, British High Commissioner to South Africa could visit town in 2016.

“United Kingdom Trade and Investment invited the South African delegation to the Rugby World Cup match between the Springboks and Scotland. The business seminar was a great success, and local businesses and the community can look forward to some great investments, which will help Newcastle’s growth.”

The full report to Exco was noted by councillors.