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MGI Board of Directors meeting

The MGI Board of Directors (formerly the International Committee) met on 9 June. There was some discussion continuing from previous meetings about a couple of firms whose membership was questioned, although the action to be taken still seems a little uncertain, particularly based on the emails that have followed between members after the meeting.

The collection of international subscriptions has in previous years been difficult, with many slow payers. This year, however, there appears to be a much smaller list of slow or non-payers and those that have not paid are being followed up, with a few firms leaving.

The lack of representation for the Middle East is an ongoing issue, and was highlighted as one of Thierry’s areas of concern going forward. It was further agreed that Asia would be Thierry’s overall priority, to try to expand membership and get an improved quality of members in that region. In the meantime, it was noted that the Sydney office of MGI had built up a list of alternative non-MGI firms who they are working with in that region, so anyone needing support in Asia may find Gil Levy a useful source of information.

Branding was again a point of discussion, with different regions of the world having very differing views – quite where this will lead, I am not sure.

The various area reports highlighted that some previously quieter regions are becoming more active. A fruitful meeting of the South Africa firms was held earlier this year and the Latin American region has now appointed a co-ordinator and part-time marketing manager to assist with the development of the region and find new members.

The forthcoming online practice review programme was raised and I am sure members will be hearing more about this in the near future. The desire to update the ‘Doing Business’ guides was again touched upon, and the fact that the board were still waiting for a quote from CCH to finalise this.

If anyone wants a full copy of the minutes, Robin or I can send over a set. In future, Robin will have to write these reports as non-board members have now been excluded from these meetings, for which I am sure I should be eternally grateful!

Paul Winder