1.0 NAME

1.1 The group shall be known as KINGS HEATH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

2.1 To gain active support and involvement of local businesses, so that the Association can represent their interests and concerns.

2.2 To promote improvements to the Kings Heath Area particularly in terms of infrastructure (road access, parking, etc.) thus providing a better environment for business operations and protecting the safety and security of everyone working in the said area.

2.3 To act as a focus for lobbying and discussion with the City Council, Business Link, TEC, Government Offices, Police and other bodies thus enabling a provision for practical and financial advice and security for business improvements.

2.4 To create a 'network' involving all businesses, thus facilitating skill exchange, training, business opportunities, networking, website and the sharing of information relevant to local businesses and their problems.

2.5 To encourage good relations between local businesses, the local community and to help reduce the cost of crime.

2.6 To encourage and support investment in the area. To help generate new jobs and prosperity and to generally raise the profile of Kings Heath.

2.7 To promote (be strong ambassadors) and support businesses in the area.

3.0 MEMBERSHIP

3.1 Full membership is open to businesses in the Kings Heath district (see appendix) who either:

3.1.1 Submit a completed application form and subscription, or:

3.1.2 Make a sufficient contribution to the CCTV operating fund. Upon expiry of the first year's membership, the normal subscription will be payable for the second and subsequent years.

3.2 Associate Membership is now available only to existing Associate Members, upon renewal of their annual membership fee.

3.3 Hon Membership is open to anyone who, by virtue of his/her considerable and broadly recognised deeds, has made an exceptional and significant contribution to the Association.

3.4 Those who cannot or choose not to join the Association but wish to assist it in its work, may apply to become a "Friend of Kings Heath Business Association" (see 4.4).

3.5 Membership application forms are available from the Association's Secretary.

4.0 SUBSCRIPTION

4.1 Full Membership is £25 p.a. payable on 1st September.

4.2 Associate Membership (see 3.2) is £20 p.a. payable on 1st September.

4.3 Hon Membership - no sub is payable.

4.4 Friend of the Association - a minimum donation of £10 is required.

4.5 Members joining other than in September pay £25 and upon renewal receive a pro rata rebate given in the form of a reduced renewal premium for the following year.

5.0 RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS

5.1 All Members or their representatives are entitled to attend all open meetings of the Association.

5.2 Full Members have one vote on any motion put to an AGM or any other meeting of the Association.

5.2.1 Full members will have an entry in the current KHBA Business Directory (additional space is subject to availability and costs determined by the Committee).

5.3 Hon and Full Members are eligible for election as officers or ordinary members of the Committee.

5.4 All paying Members are eligible to have their own web page displayed on the KHBA website for a period of at least one year and more at the discretion of the Committee.

5.5 Friends of the Association will not qualify for free publicity on the Association's website or an entry in KHBA Business Directory. However, they will receive regular updates on current issues.

6.0 COMMITTEE

6.1 The Association shall be directed by a Committee, which shall, subject to these rules, have powers to conduct all such affairs of the KHBA as are not required to be conducted by an Annual General Meeting.

6.2 The Committee will have a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 members, and its officers will be Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and Press & PR Officer.

6.3 The appointment of Committee members and officers will be on an individual basis, so businesses must make individual nominations (See 7.5.2).

6.4 In the event of an unforeseen vacancy arising in the duration of the Committee, the Committee may co-opt a member to fill the casual vacancy.

6.5 The Committee may appoint sub-Committees with such terms of reference as they may consider appropriate.

6.6 At each AGM all Committee members will stand down, followed by the election of officers.

7.0 MEETINGS

7.1 Convening of Meetings

7.1.1 Committee Meetings will be convened as determined by the Secretary and Chairman at the preceding meeting or, if a Special Meeting is needed, at their discretion.

7.1.2 Open Meetings will be convened if 75% of the Members of the Association give notice to the Secretary, in writing, requesting a meeting, provided the purpose of the meeting is clearly stated and it is considered by the Committee that such purpose conforms to the objectives of the Association. Other Open Meetings will be arranged by the Committee as and when they deem appropriate.

7.2 RESOLUTIONS

7.2.1 All resolutions at Committee meetings will be by majority vote by show of hands unless ballot is requested and approved by the Committee, in which event, a secret ballot will be held. In the event of a ballot, the Officers will ensure the voting and counting is conducted correctly and impartially.

7.3 QUORUM

7.3.1 No Committee or Open Meeting will be held unless there is a minimum of 50% of the Committee present.

7.4 MINUTES

7.4.1 The Chairman will ensure that Minutes are taken of all meetings, and copies of such Minutes will be made available at the next meeting, or otherwise circulated with the notice of the next meeting. Minutes will be available to any member upon request.

7.5 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

7.5.1 An AGM will be held within three months of the end of the financial year or at the Secretary or Chairman's discretion. The AGM will be open to all members, will include a report from each of the Officers, and will be the occasion for the election or re-election of all the officers and members of the Committee.

7.5.2 Nominations must be received by the Association Secretary in writing at least one week before the date of the AGM.

8.0 SUBSCRIPTIONS / FINANCE

8.1 Although a non-profit making organisation, the KHBA Committee will decide whether it is necessary to ask members to pay subscriptions or donations to meet operating costs, viz. stationery, postage, advertising of meetings, hire of rooms or other costs as the Committee consider justified.

9.1 ACCOUNTS

9.1 The Treasurer will ensure that proper accounts are maintained, and that annual accounts are made up to 31st March each year and presented to a meeting of the Committee within the first three months of the ensuing year. The books will be opened to inspection at the AGMs.

10.0 AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION

10.1 This constitution may be amended at any AGM by a 75% (Seventy Five per cent) majority vote of members present.

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