Members are invited to discuss their projects.

Updates were received from Digital Watford Board members on current projects.

•          Emma Doree, West Herts College

o       There had been a number of curriculum developments in the last year as there was a significant increase in interest around IT.  Applications for courses in IT, including cyber security and gaming, had increased.  The college would be having an open day in October.  There was some linked work with primary schools. 

o       A new photocopying strategy to reduce paper had been introduced, using a system called ‘PaperCut’, which had seen a dramatic impact financially and on the amount of waste.   

o       The College’s Business Lounge had been successfully launched for people to use for meetings and events.  It was not used by staff or students but was for the local community and businesses.  This helped the college to make good business connections which may lead to student involvement in projects in the future.

o       Councillor Watkin asked for councillors to have a tour of the college IT suite.  Action – for Democratic Services Manager to arrange a tour.

•          Maria Manion, Watford Business Improvement District (BID)

o       The BID had a business improvement grant available for businesses this year.  The idea was to encourage smaller businesses and SME’s to look at the way they trade and to make physical and technological improvements.  Unfortunately there had not been a great take up with only a few applications.  The BID team were making personal approaches to businesses and taking application forms round to encourage them to apply.  The grant was for £2,000 or 50% of the cost, whichever is lower.  It was publicised by the BID e-newsletter.  Councillor Martins suggested the Chamber of Commerce could offer the businesses some advice.

o       The BID run a Business Against Crime Scheme and Pubwatch Scheme. They were looking at linking the two schemes via Smartphones.  The retail sector wanted a radio function as well.  The BID was currently operating a pilot scheme and looking at cost profiling.  Both schemes needed to operate individually as they may be required at different times.

•          Barry Wilson and Kelly Privitera, Watford Community Housing

o       Watford Community Housing was running pilot projects in 96 properties using different types of devices.

o       The devices would help residents to reduce their fuel bills.  One device was a fit and leave system and the other was a remote control.  Information was received from the devices regarding how it was being used and how the household were using their heating. It was also possible to receive environmental information about the building.

o       Watford Community Housing was interested in using LoRaWAN to carry data back to their offices in Clarendon Road.

•          Paul Quinn, UTC

o       The UTC had been using ‘PaperCut’ for five years, the software gave a percentage of trees used each week.

o       The UTC was inviting partners to come and see the school, they were also providing an outreach service to primary schools to support children with coding and to develop their skills.

o       Students at the UTC used robotics and learnt about cyber security.  The College had links with partners in the industry who were reporting a skills shortage in these areas. 

RESOLVED

o          That the presentation be noted

o          That the actions identified be undertaken