Agenda item

To elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30.

The Committee proceeded to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No.30.

Hugh Morris, the Immediate Past Chairman, exercised his right to be Deputy Chairman and was duly elected for the ensuing year.

LATE CHAIRMAN – VOTE OF THANKS

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY –

Members of the Markets Committee wish to record their sincere thanks and gratitude to

HUGH FENTON MORRIS

for his excellent work as their Chairman.

AS Chairman, he has been active in all aspects of the work of the Committee showing great drive and commitment to ensure the success of the Committee.

UPON commencing chairmanship, he was fortunate to inherit the work carried out by his predecessors on the Billingsgate Market working practices and, through his drive and vigour, he brought this vital area of work to a highly successful conclusion, which has transformed the atmosphere of the Market.

HIS chairmanship, however, was truly marked by the work leading to the renewal of the leases at Smithfield Market. He was instrumental in reaching a successful conclusion on the lease negotiations which is a testament to his diligence, professional manner and skills of tact and diplomacy. He spent an immense amount of his personal time actively engaging with the relevant parties and demonstrated a high level of dedication in achieving a result which enables the City Corporation to recover the costs of operating the Market, via the Service Charge plus a separate rent, which should ensure the long term health of the Market.

DURING his tenure he demonstrated a robust and energetic style which enabled him to steer the Committee in an exemplary and courteous manner. He presided over the Committee’s debates allowing full consideration to the routine business of the Committee including areas such as the Markets and Consumer Protection Department business plan, revenue and capital budgets and proposed new lettings.

OVERALL, he has managed the Committee’s deliberations with a fair and firm hand whilst ensuring that the Committee executed its duties in a very competent manner with due consideration for all Members.

FINALLY, in congratulating their former Chairman upon a most successful term of office, his colleagues wish to thank him for his passion and commitment and to sincerely express that his services be available to serve the City Corporation for many years to come.

The former Chairman thanked the Committee for their support and kind words.

The Chairman welcomed Nicholas Bensted-Smith and Jamie Ingham Clark to their first meeting of the Committee, and thanked John Fletcher, Ann Holmes and Deputy Michael Welbank, who no longer served on the Committee, for their contributions.

The Chairman also thanked the previous Deputy Chairman for his hard work and contributions to the work of the Committee.