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Chief Executive’s INTRODUCTION The B Word! I’m writing this knowing the magazine will be distributed on or around the date that was set for the UK to be leaving the EU, and in the 1,000+ days since that fateful referendum we have watched and waited for information to be made available to businesses to plan for their future. What is clear is that the fairly simple vote by the UK electorate on 23rd June 2016 has not led to a straightforward exit or path forward - and that’s definitely not been good for anyone. Therefore, we chose to focus our magazine this issue on the best B word we know: Business-as-usual, as uncertainty has become the new norm. We’re showcasing the very best of internationally focused businesses in our area and telling the stories of many others who are our members: doing amazing things and aiming to carry on, regardless of the uncertainties that surround us. Our own International Trade Team are supporting a great number of businesses to trade overseas and working with partners to stimulate the ambitions of many others to reach new markets, driving business growth. In the world of international trade, tariffs, customs documentation, access to a flexible workforce and supply chain issues remain at the top of what is a long list of business critical factors where there are many questions – and few answers to date. Our International Members Group is a perfect forum for sharing best practice, connecting global businesses to other sectors and reaching out via the Chamber to Chamber links that we have. We meet quarterly: if you are interested in joining in the conversation, please get in touch. As the membership at Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce continues to grow, that gives us access to a very diverse range of businesses, all of whom want to grow, raise their profile and make connections. The key reasons for organisations joining the Chamber are: Business Profile/Visibility, Events and Networking. We surveyed members recently on a wide range of topics and you can read more about the responses on Page 46. I am particularly pleased that a resounding 93% of respondents felt that the Chamber fulfils its role in connecting members, campaigning and championing the region on their behalf. This magazine is jam packed with editorial from over SIXTY organisations shining a light on the things that make them such a great part of the Dundee & Angus Chamber community. I’m immensely proud of the work that has gone into the Spring Issue of ConnectED magazine – the home for business news in our region. Enjoy!
Alison Henderson, CEO Want to get in touch? Have comments about the magazine? Email us on Magazine@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk
CONTENTS
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cover story: international trade
31
member news: people
14
international news
33
member news: new biz
21
new member news
34
member news: celebrations
23
new member spotlight
36
our partners’ news
25
members’ news
43
key events
48
the last word...
CREDITS Publisher: Volpa Editor-in-chief: Alison Henderson Editor: Gillian Drummond Member News Editor: Dan Cargill Contributor: Irene Duncan, Take My Word Creative Director/Design: Gordon Low Advertising Director: Sarah Young
Published by Volpa Ltd, Rhum Suite, King James VI Business Centre, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DY. Printed by J Thomson Colour Printers Thanks go to all of our contributors, including the many member photographers we work with to document our lively event programme.
www.dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk DACC • CONNECTED | SPRING 2019
