ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 11 crucial purpose in terms of shining a light on our venue in the eyes of the world, from a financial perspec- tive it is Test cricket that makes the most significant difference. With the future tours programme having provided us certainty of supply from 2020 to 2024, we have been able to budget on the basis of multiple-year cycles accordingly. It is, therefore, pleasing that in a year without a Test match, and hav- ing invested in the development of our facilities, we have posted a small pre-tax surplus. At strategic governance level, I can- not recall a more pivotal year during my time on the General Committee than 2019. The crucial interface between the counties and our governing body, the England &Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has – during the course of the past 18 months – been comple- tely overhauled, with huge implica- tions for our club and the game as a whole. The reshaping of the agreements that underpin the relationship between the counties and the ECB has been an enormous piece of work, occupying a great deal of Lisa’s time in particular. The result, I believe, is a transform- ative set of agreements that will help take the game forward during the next five years. As you will already be aware fol- lowing our recent consultations, the ECB is holding counties to account for the robustness of their corporate governance in the light of Sport England guidelines, through the requirements of the new County Partnership Agreement. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those members who contributed to our own governance review, either in writing or by attending one of our consultation sessions. My General Committee colleagues, in particular, Jeff Moore and Kate Davies, have my sincere thanks for their help in driving this important project. With the feedback having been collated and considered, a set of proposals is currently being consid- ered by the members with a view to changes being made to the consti- tution that would amend our model of governance. At the time of writing, members have been overwhelmingly sup- portive, which I hope is an indi- cation that the outcomes of the 2020 AGM will herald a new era of improved skills, experience and diversity within our corporate gov- ernance – readying the club for the challenges that lie ahead. As we move forward with the times, it remains extremely important that we continue to celebrate and pro- tect our history and heritage. Our Heritage Officer, Steve LeMottee – working with General Committee representative, Paul Ellis, and a team of volunteers – is continually striving to achieve those objectives. This work has included a succession of digital content pieces, in-ground displays and matchday talks, as well as commemorations surrounding use of our Pavilion as a Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital during and after the FirstWorldWar. I’m also exceptionally proud that, ten years on from its inception, the work of the Trent Bridge Commu- nity Trust is continuing to expand. From helping youngsters find the right path on life’s journey to offering support to those living with dementia, the Trust has touched the lives of so many during the past decade. A special word of thanks should go to Mark Clifford and his team for their work in delivering pro- grammes so successfully. I would also like to thank my fellow members of the General Committee for their support during the past 12 months. It’s a year that’s not been without its challenges, and their assistance in overseeing all aspects of the club has been greatly valued and appre- ciated. In particular, I would like to thank Stuart Foster as he steps down from the committee following 30 years of service. Stuart has twice beenVice Chair- man of the club, was Chairman of Cricket for several years and has played a major role in a number development projects during that period. As my Vice Chairman, Stuart has helped me enormously. His experi- ence and knowledge of the club has been invaluable and I hope he will continue to support Nottingham- shire long into the future. I would also offer my thanks to Bill Taylor for his contribution in the role of President. Guests of the club have certainly enjoyed his company as a host and – as an ex-player and former Chairman of Cricket – he has been a valued contributor to debates on cricket, as well as being a regular supporter of the team both home and away. And finally, as ever, my biggest thank you goes to you – the members – for your support, patience and loyalty during another rollercoaster season. I wish you all an enjoyable – and ultimately, we hope, successful – 2020. Thank you.