2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Date: 18th October 2022 at 18:30

Venue: Via Zoom Conference Call

Minutes

  1. Welcome
  • AH opened the meeting by welcoming participants and explaining the meeting was being recorded for minute taking purposes only and assured those attending that this recording would not be shared outside of the Executive Committee.
  • Although over 100 members registered to attend the AGM, 37 participants joined the meeting including the following members of the BIAS Executive Committee.
  • Adam Hobbs (AH) – Chairperson
    • David Minckley (DM) – Finance Officer
    • Phil Marchant (PM) – Committee Member
    • Paul Stedman (PS) – Committee Member
    • Ronald Mansveld (RM) – Committee Member
    • Sarah Todd (ST) – Committee Member
    • Mark Chapman (MC) – Committee Member
    • Richard Nabarro (RN) – Committee Member
    • Richard Kirchner (RK) – Committee Member
  • As a result quorum for the meeting as defined by the BIAS Constitution was established.
  • Approve minutes of 2021 AGM
  • Minutes from the last AGM confirmed as accurate
  1. Chairperson’s Report (AH)
  • This is now the 3rd year that we have run this event online.  I know we have had some queries about returning to in person, however we have had over 100 registrations for this meeting tonight.   I think that it is only fair that we investigate the options for a hybrid meeting, mixing both online and in-person and this is something I’d like to explore for next year. ACTION: AGM 10/22:001 BIAS Executive Committee to look at ways to hold the next AGM at a physical location with the option of virtual attendance via Zoom for those members unable to attend in person.

On the field, we have seen an incredible first season in the Premier League, and adding to the incredible matches against Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea last year we managed to top that by thrashing Man United.  Something that we could only dream of all those years ago when people where shaking buckets outside Griffin Park.

As the club grows though it is important that BIAS does too, we have made great improvements in our membership numbers moving from just 300 members a few years ago to just under 2000.  We still have a long way to go and that is why we have set a target of increasing this by a further 600 members for the next year. 

This year has seen many activities for us off the pitch, as part of our structured dialogue meetings with the club we covered many topics from Ticketing, Food and Drink and match day prices.  Our vocal opposition to raising match-day income and the changes around Category B away matches, did eventually lead to the club deciding not to increase match day prices for juniors.

We will keep pushing for keeping prices down for fans, the cost-of-living crisis is unfortunately going to get worse for many of our fans.

The last government promised in their manifesto to publish a white paper this autumn with the recommendations from the Fan Led Review.  Unfortunately, the current government are not planning to uphold this agreement and it looks like this will not happen to the extent we would have hoped.  The Premier League however have agreed to implement their version of Shadow Boards in the name of Fan Advisory Boards.  We have been in discussions in the Club and Bees United to decide on the make-up of the board and the Terms of Reference.  

The Fan Advisory Board is likely to replace our current structured dialogue meetings with the club, therefore it is extremely important that everything that we have secured and discuss via these meetings is continued in the new format.  We have observed other clubs who have hastily set up boards, without determining any escalation paths or fully agreed terms of references.  This has led to them becoming ineffective before they’ve even started. 

I’d like to offer my thanks to Darren Castle who has decided not to stand for re-election as Secretary.  Darren has been on the committee for nearly five years and as Secretary for a large proportion of that time.   Darren relocated to Qatar two years ago and has been unable to commit the time, I wish him well as he builds his new life out there. 

This year we are in the fantastic position where we have 13 nominations for the Committee this year.   As you will have seen from all the candidate statements, we have a great and diverse group of people who have been nominated. 

Our constitution does not detail what to do in the event of having over 12 committee members.   Therefore, I am supporting the motion to increase the number of committee members whilst a process for fair elections is developed.  It is testament to the success of BIAS that we even are to be having this discussion. 

  • ACTION: AGM 10/22:002 BIAS Executive Committee to develop a process for fair and transparent elections for Executive Committee members ahead of the next AGM
  • Finance and Membership Report (DM)
  • Financial breakdown contained in Appendix C of the AGM Meeting pack.

Finance Update

  • The BIAS Financial Year runs from 31st May 2021 through to 31st May 2022.
  • Total balances for the end of the BIAS financial year (31st May 2022) amounted to £31017.88 which I am pleased to report is an increase of £2713.45 compared to 31st May 2021.
  • The BIAS accounts for this period have now been audited and approved by Jim Walsh our independent auditor.
  • In terms of expenditure, our organised boat trip for the away game v West Ham on the 3rd October broke even, with our administration costs continuing at the same level as the previous financial year due to on-going costs for Zoom Conference facilities for committee meetings and website maintenance.
  • As for income, although membership to BIAS is now free, a number of members continue to make donations. Our income via Standing Order has only reduced by only £9.00 a month during this financial year.
  • I would like to place on record the committee’s thanks to those members who continue to make donations which places our finances on a very healthy footing. Their generosity is very much appreciated.

Membership

  • We continue to see our membership grow; as at the end of September 2022 we now have a total Membership of 1968. This is made up of 1941 Full Members and 27 junior members.
  • This is a key area for the Executive Committee as the strength of BIAS’s influence is based on the number and activity of our members.
  • Our new stadium and promotion to the Premier League has increased the number of supporters attending or wish to attend games and we need to keep pace with the Club’s ongoing success. Over recent weeks the Executive Committee has been working hard to attract new members with some success.
  • Any help members can provide to spread the word to increase our membership will be gratefully received – If every member encouraged a colleague, friend or family member who supports Brentford Football Club to join BIAS, this will provide us with a stronger voice when discussing issues with the Club.
  • This year we have attracted 664 New Members and we will continue to drive for more members so that we are truly representative of the Brentford fan base.

Summary

  • In summary BIAS continues to be in a healthy financial state with a growing membership and we are well placed to build on this over the next 12 months, working to improve the match day experience for all fans  
  1. Motions
  2. 5.1 Adoption of the Financial Accounts for the year ending 31st May 2022 (Section 10 of the BIAS Constitution) – Appendix C of the AGM Meeting pack. Proposed by David Minckley / Seconded by Adam Hobbs
    1. Motion Passed by AGM participants
  3. 5.2 Approve retention of Jim Walsh as auditor for BIAS Financial Accounts  (Section 10.1 BIAS Constitution) Proposed by David Minckley / Seconded by Adam Hobbs
    1. Motion Passed by AGM participants
  4. 5.3 Amendment of the constitution to increase the maximum number of executive committee members from 12 to 15. Motion proposed as a result of an increase in members so that the composition of the BIAS committee reflects the diversity of our supporters (Section 5.1 BIAS Constitution). Proposed by David Minckley / Seconded by Adam Hobbs
    1. Motion Passed by AGM participants
  5. 5.4 Approve continuation of free membership to the Association (Section 4.4 BIAS Constitution) Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
    1. Motion Passed by AGM participants
  6. 5.5 Approve requirement for only one signature for payments up to £250 by either the BIAS Chairperson, Finance Officer or General Secretary, with payments confirmed by BIAS committee meeting minutes (Section 10.3 BIAS Constitution) Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
    1. Motion Passed by AGM participants
  • 5.6 Adoption of the BIAS 2023 Mission Statement contained in Appendix D of the AGM Meeting pack. Mission Statement identifies key areas of focus for BIAS during 2023 and will be continually reviewed by the Executive Committee at their monthly meetings. Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
    • Motion Passed by AGM participants
  1. Executive Committee Elections
  • 6.1 The following members are seeking election to the BIAS Executive Committee. Individual candidate statements have been shared with the membership and posted on the BIAS website for information.
    • Taylor Dawson:  Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
    • Appointment to the Committee approved by AGM participants
  • Peter Edward: Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
    • Appointment to the Committee approved by AGM participants
  • Angelo Basu: Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
    • Appointment to the Committee approved by AGM participants
  • Chris How: Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
    • Appointment to the Committee approved by AGM participants
  • 6.2 The following members of the Executive Committee are seeking re-election to the BIAS Executive Committee. Individual candidate statements have been shared with the membership and posted on the BIAS website for information.
    • Adam Hobbs to continue as Chairperson: Proposed by Mark Chapman / Seconded by Paul Stedman
    • Re-election to the Committee as chairperson approved by AGM participants
  • David Minckley to continue as Finance officer: Proposed by Mark Chapman / Seconded by Paul Stedman
  • Re-election to the Committee as Finance officer approved by AGM participants
  • Sarah Todd to be appointed as General Secretary: Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
  • Re-election to the Committee and appointment as General Secretary approved by AGM participants
  • Ronald Mansveld (Committee Member) Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
  • Re-election to the Committee approved by AGM participants
  • Richard Nabarro (Committee Member) Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
  • Re-election to the Committee approved by AGM participants
  • Phil Marchant (Committee Member) Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
  • Re-election to the Committee approved by AGM participants
  • Mark Chapman (Committee Member) Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
  • Re-election to the Committee approved by AGM participants
  • Richard Kirchner (Committee Member) Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley
  • Re-election to the Committee approved by AGM participants
  • Paul Stedman (Committee Member) Proposed by Adam Hobbs / Seconded by David Minckley

Re-election to the Committee approved by AGM participants

  1. Q & A Session
  • Question raised by Trevor Inns: What is the target for number of BIAS members to make the association truly representative of the Brentford fan-base
    • AH advised that we are targeting 600 new members over the next 12 months as outlined in the 2023 Mission Statement
    • MC stated that a medium term aim would be to represent over 5000 members so that we will have a stronger voice with the Club when raising concerns or ideas on behalf of the membership
    • Ralph Collins and Andrew Pattinson offered to help in recruiting new members and DM will contact them outside of the AGM to progress further
  • Question raised by Fran James: Following a motion passed at the FSA AGM in 2021 to campaign for all clubs to develop, and publish a sustainability policy, has BIAS approached the Club in this regard.
    • DM stated this was on the agenda for the next meeting with Jon Varney (JV) CEO Brentford Football Club on 10th November 
    • Fran also offered to help with this initiative – DM will contact Fran following the meeting with JV with an update
  • Meeting Closed
  • Meeting Closed 19:00

Summary of Actions from AGM

Action NoAction:
10/22:001BIAS Executive Committee to look at ways to hold the next AGM at a physical location with the option of virtual attendance via Zoom for those members unable to attend in person.  
10/22:002BIAS Executive Committee to develop a process for fair and transparent elections for Executive Committee members ahead of the next AGM