Cowes Harbour Commission Annual Report 2017-2018 | Page 40

Core Policy

Ensure CHC utilises all appropriate communication channels to consult and be accountable to the stakeholders whilst also promoting the harbour and its marine services .

Strategic Plan Objectives

Outer Harbour Project and East Cowes Development : Ensure effective and transparent communications with stakeholders and relevant parties regarding the next proposed stages of the development . 2016-2021

CHC is still awaiting a final investment decision from Homes England and their development partner for the East Cowes and Victoria Quay marina project , as detailed in the “ Port & Harbour Development ” chapter . CHC works to ensure that stakeholders and all key parties are kept fully briefed and up-to-date via E-newsletters and Minutes from the Board of Commissioners ’ meetings , as well as presentations to clubs , and other relevant Solent marine / local associations or organisations .

Advisory Committee : Encourage and support wider stakeholder engagement with the CHC Advisory Committee . 2016-2021

CHC continues to facilitate regular stakeholder consultation and two-way information flow through the Advisory Committee ( CHAC ). An updated CHAC Constitution has been approved by CHC that allows for an increased number of stakeholder representative members to assist wider stakeholder engagement .

Marketing and promotion : CHC will work towards a goal of more effective , impactful and measurable communications and marketing of the harbour and River Medina . 2016-2021

CHC has a policy to work with partners to effectively promote Cowes Harbour and the Medina estuary ’ s marine services and facilities for the long-term benefit of the harbour and its stakeholders .

CHC is closely involved in marketing initiatives with Destination Cowes and Visit Isle of Wight that highlight Cowes as a unique visitor and eventing destination , and cruise ship port-of-call . In 2017 a new Destination Cowes web portal was launched utilising CHC ’ s domain name Cowes . co . uk .

Stakeholder and media engagement : Encourage increased take-up and subscription to CHC ’ s stakeholder E-newsletters , Notices to Mariners and media communications . 2016-2021

New sign-up facilities have been successfully trialled at CHC sites to encourage stakeholders and customers to subscribe to our E-newsletters for harbour news , safety , navigation and event information , as well as CHC marine services customer news : cowesharbourcommission . co . uk / sign _ up _ to _ newsletters

CHC continues to promote subscription to receive direct email notification of new Cowes Local Notices to Mariners , with over 500 harbour users now registered : cowesharbourcommission . co . uk / subscribe _ to _ notices _ to _ mariners

CHC press releases are regularly issued to a growing number of media personnel , with currently 500 local , national , and international press listed in our stakeholder communications and cruise industry databases .