DACC Magazine Winter 2017/18

Dundee & Angus is full of ambitious, inspiring businesses which form the beating heart of a community seeing investment in projects, workforce and development.

DACC MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017/18

www.dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk Member Helpline 01382 228545

DACC MEMBER BENEFITS We work hard for our members and provide them with the connections and opportunities they need to flourish.

RAISE YOUR PROFILE > Promote your services through

our communication channels –

website, e-news, social media,

business magazine. > Free entry in the Chamber of

Comerce Angus & Dundee Online

Business Directory. > Use of the Proud to be a Chamber

Member logo on your own

promotional material. > Automatically become part of

the Scottish Chambers of Commerce

network, which represents 26

chambers, 12,000 businesses and

their half a million employees –

providing a powerful voice for

business at a national level.

JOIN US AND ATTRACT MORE BUSINESS > Meet with the right people at

our networking events to establish

or raise the profile of your business,

including referrals and introductions

to other local businesses, decision

makers and suppliers. > Password access to the Chamber

Members area of our website for the

current full members contact list at

any time. > Opportunity to network at our lively

and popular events – all at low or

no cost.

JOIN US AND IMPROVE & INVEST IN YOUR ORGANISATION > Free Business Mentoring on the

highly successful Scottish

Chambers scheme. > Improve your business skills at our

popular training events.

JOIN US TO PERSUADE & INFLUENCE > Persuade and influence opinion

makers – being part of our Chamber

will provide you with real clout

and the opportunity to get your

voice heard. > Have your say on issues affecting

business at events via our active

engagement with the media and

by participating in Chamber

business surveys.

JOIN US FOR EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SERVICES > Chamber HR. > Chamber Health & Safety. > Chamber Legal. > Chamber Tax. > Chamber Westfield Healthcare –

discounted dental, optical care plus

hospital stay payment for you and

your employees. > Free meeting room use at City Quay

for up to 1 hour. > 50% discount on export certification

documentation – if you regularly

export this could save you a lot

of money. > Competitively – priced meeting room

hire – weekdays and weekends. > Wide variety of Member to Member discounts.

Chamber Magazine Information Want to learn more?

Alison Henderson Chief Executive

08

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce 27 City Quay Camperdown Street Dundee DD1 3JA

Coca-Cola 5by20 Dundee

Want to advertise?

For advertising contact Paula Elvin | Director | Astute (Scotland) Ltd T: 01307 464467 or 01224 212255 M: 07957 891738

Editorial enquiries Contact the Editor, Alison Henderson E: alisonhenderson@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk T: 01382 228545 M: 07752 167801

18

12

Schools Enterprise Challenge

24

Chamber Golf Day

Forfar Indoor Sports

DACC Magazine is published by Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce 27 City Quay Camperdown Street Dundee DD1 3JA Telephone: 01382 228545 DACC Magazine Dundee & Angus is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be printed wholly or in part without the written permission of the publishers.

The proprietors of this magazine are publishers and not agents or sub-agents of those who advertise therein.

They cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication.

34

International Week

The views expressed by authors of articles published in this magazine are solely those of the authors and are not necessarily the views of or shared by the editor, nor the publishers or the directors, shareholders and/or employees of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce.

www.facebook.com/ DundeeandAngus

twitter.com/ DundeeandAngus

Linked.com/ DundeeandAngus

Instagram.com/ DundeeandAngus 3

Alison Henderson CEO Dundee & Amgus Chamber of Commerce Colin Loveday President Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce

CEO'S WELCOME

UK Chancellor praises valuable opportunity to meet Business Leaders in Dundee If he wanted a backdrop that symbolised renewal, energy, imagination and optimal public-private partnership, the Chancellor of the Exchequer couldn’t have chosen a better UK city than Dundee, or a more appropriate dialogue partner than Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce.

During his visit to the city in the autumn of 2017, the Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP was briefed on the progress of Dundee’s waterfront development and saw for himself the outline of architect Kengo Kuma’s V&A Museum of Design, fully emerged from its promontory on the Tay and a striking symbol of the city’s culturally-led regeneration.

After 20 years and around £1bn of investment the waterfront development is physically and psychologically reconnecting this ancient trading city to its maritime past, a development echoed by DACC’s increasing forays abroad, including to the Nordic countries and as a participant on the SCC’s important trade visit to China earlier this year. Our Chamber, like many in the SCC Network, wants stronger links with the Department for International Trade to support its increasingly active international trade profile.

4

Mr Hammond was not in Dundee just to witness the continuing transformation of the city, but also to gauge business morale via one of the UK’s most dynamic and fast-growing Chambers, no doubt seeing attendees' concerns as an important indicator of wider Scottish business sentiment. DACC members used this rare round table with the Chancellor to promote their priorities.

As a successful businessman-turnedpolitician Mr Hammond might have anticipated what these might be, and attendees were content that he listened carefully and engaged without recourse to generalities. They included assurances about the future of the Tay Cities City Deal (he is a strong supporter) and of course their need for reassurance on the state of the UK economy (which he gave).

Other issues included frictionless future access to the EU single market, the need for a continuing supply of migrant labour after Brexit, and the related need to improve local employability and skills.

As I underlined in my speech of welcome, the Chancellor’s visit coincided with exciting times for Dundee, and its Chamber, whose spectacular addition of 131 members over 12 months earned “an approving smile and raise of the eyebrow” from the understated Mr Hammond.

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2017/18

Part of that growth can be ascribed to the fact that DACC is able to make its members' interests known where it counts. This point about the access that membership offers was reinforced by the presence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer himself, listening to members’ concerns and answering them in thoughtful and specific terms.

''After 20 years and around £1bn of investment the waterfront development is physically and psychologically reconnecting this ancient trading city to its maritime past.''

Colin Loveday President

Building for the future The last year has been a time of signifIcant growth for the Chamber and our region is full of ambitious, inspiring businesses who form the beating heart of a community which is seeing investment in projects, workforce and development.

The Chamber enjoyed a very successful 2017: 70+ events in our programme, which saw over 3,000 attendees meet a range of speakers, such as Michael Russell, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe discussing Brexit and Scotland’s voice in the negotiations; Wendy Alexander Vice-Principal of Internationalisation at Dundee University, or our visiting Swedish speaker, Fredrik Häggblom who came to our International Week from Stockholm to deliver a Masterclass in Designing your Customer Journey, and to speak at our first ever International Dinner.

Our DACC123 Lunch series continues to be very popular and we have been to a variety of member premises for these events, from Kinnettles Castle, Montrose Football Club, Johnston Carmichael and Forfar Indoor Sports all taking place in Angus to Lindsays, Dundee Carers Centre and Henderson Loggie in Dundee. We facilitate topical group discussions at these events, taking in business themes, highlights from attendees’ businesses and calls for action, such as an introduction to a specific contact.

Our team continues to drive the Chamber business forward and we have seen sustained progress in retention of our members during the year, moving from 89% retention at the beginning of the year to 91% for Q4. And new members continue to join us in significant numbers, seeing us grow our net membership by over 100 businesses last year alone.

We facilitated over 50 business mentoring pairings during 2017, which gives a business a dedicated mentor for a year who will support on a particular issue, but also help with other challenges as they arise.

Our news channels remain as popular as ever, with over 110 news & events articles published each month on our website on behalf of our members and then shared on our social media channels to a cumulative audience of nearly two million.

We’ve continued to input to many of the key strategic economic activities in the region, from the Tay Cities Deal to the Local Outcome Improvement Plans for Dundee & Angus and to gather member views for a number of Scottish Chamber of Commerce key campaigns.

And our International activity is gathering pace, with connections being made in Shandong Province China, Aarhus in Denmark and Vasteras in Sweden. These Chamber connections are leading to knowledge transfer, information sharing and business to business connections – increased international capacity and export activity remains a key goal for the UK & Scottish governments and we are proud to be involved for the benefit of local business.

Alison Henderson CEO

5

| WINTER 2017/18

Apex Hotel teams up with Dundee company for refurbishment

MEMBERS' NEWS

ANGUSalive has something for everyone

Angus is at the heart of all things healthy, active and creative. Suzanne Steele from ANGUSalive’s marketing team reveals what’s coming up.

“In our What’s On Guide there are many events to choose from, including our library coding workshops, history and heritage events at our museums and the Festive Fun Weekends at Monikie Country Park. Engage with our visual arts programme, encourage your team to get involved with volunteering opportunities, or why not try a new activity at one of our sports centres.”

Dundee hotel, Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, has teamed up with another local business as it undergoes a £2.4 million refurbishment. The four-star hotel is transforming 152 bedrooms and suites, and has selected Dundee company Dovetail Enterprises to carry out all furniture works.

ANGUSalive invites you to get creative and involved this winter at the Meffan Museum and Art Gallery’s Winter Exhibition.

Submissions are open to both amateur and professional artists.

Email ForfarMuseum@angusalive.scot for further details.

Dovetail Enterprises was appointed following the tender process thanks to its locality, expertise and its policy which sees the business support individuals with disabilities through employment opportunities.

The ANGUSalive Sports Awards 2017 takes place on Friday 16 March 2018 at the Reid Hall, Forfar. There’s a range of sponsorship opportunities to help businesses give back to the community. For more information phone 01307 473855.

As well as working with Dovetail Enterprises,

The Angus Glens Walking Festival takes place from 31 May to 3 June. There are 18 spectacular walks. Bookings opened in January and sponsorship opportunities are available.

For bookings for any of ANGUSalive’s events, go to www.angusalive.scot/tickets

71 Brewing expands portfolio Six months after launching 71 Lager and securing over 60 listings for its flagship brew, Dundee’s 71 Brewing has expanded its portfolio with the release of an India Pale Lager (IPL) and a Munich Dunkel Ferrous Red. Managing Director Duncan Alexander said: “From a standing start we’ve gained over 60 accounts for 71 Lager, far exceeding the targets we set ourselves at the beginning of this venture. We’re pouring at The Huxley in Edinburgh and across the Innis & Gunn Beer Kitchen chain.

“In many places, we’re outselling the stalwart continental imports. We trialled these brews as limited editions at various beer conventions over the summer and the feedback was so phenomenal we decided 6

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2017/18

to make them a part of our permanent portfolio.

“Our inspiration from the start has been the great lager brewing traditions of Central and Eastern Europe and our aim is to explore and celebrate these classic beers in an innovative way.”

The Dundee start-up had a busy opening campaign as headline sponsors of Carnival 56, the largest music festival to hit Scotland this year. The brewer was also part of Brewdog’s fifth annual Collabfest for which it created a special edition beer for each of Brewdog’s UK and European bars.

IPL and Ferrous Red are available in 30 and 50-litre kegs and in 330ml bottles (£2.10 RRP) from the brewer:sales@71brewing.

the hotel will also donate the furniture being removed to social enterprise Transform Community Development. The local charity provides donations to people throughout the Dundee area who need essential furniture.

Brett Davidge, General Manager of Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re delighted to start work on the multi-million pound refurbishment which will see our 152 guest bedrooms transformed.

“Not only will the refurbishment improve our guests’ experience, the work has given us the opportunity to work closely with

Dovetail Enterprises – a respected local business with a proud history within the city of Dundee, which was introduced to us thanks to our mutual connection with Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce.

“It will also be wonderful to see people throughout the area in need of help and support receive furniture donations thanks to our partnership with Transform Community Development. The Dundee business community is a close one and we’re proud to be part of it, working with fellow companies and charities for major projects like this.”

Avian and Blue2 blazing new trails with Maggie’s Penguin Parade 2018 Avian and Blue2 announced their partnership with Maggie’s Penguin Parade as creative and digital sponsors. They are delighted to support this innovative and exciting project which aims to further increase awareness of the need to raise funds for people affected by cancer.

Over the summer months of 2018, it’s planned the streets of Dundee and surrounding areas will be home to a unique trail of individually-designed and imaginatively-decorated giant penguin sculptures. The inspiring concept is brought

by Maggie’s Centre Dundee in partnership with Wild Art and it aims to raise significant funds to support the vital ongoing work carried out by Maggie’s.

Nial Chapman, Digital Director at Blue2 said: “It’s great to be able to contribute to such a worthwhile cause in a truly meaningful way.” Avian and Blue2 were digital sponsors of the successful Oor Wullie Bucket Trail that ran in association with the Archie Foundation, raising over £883,000. They are confident Maggie’s Penguin Parade will be another great success story, showcasing the talents of local artists and one which will capture the imagination of the people of Dundee and encourage many to support and get involved in this creative project.

Wild Art is the global leader in the organisation of mass participation public arts events, bringing together local artists, communities and schools in conjunction with private and public sector organisations to create major events for everyone to enjoy.

Dundee has had a long association with penguins and Antarctica. RRS Discovery which is berthed at Discovery Point in Dundee transported Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton to the polar region famous for its various species of penguins.

The 100-strong ‘waddle’ (the collective noun for penguins!) is sure to turn heads and become a real topic of conversation throughout Tayside and beyond – and raise significant funds for Maggie’s.

We wish the project every success!

7

| WINTER 2017/18

FEATURE

Coca-Cola 5by20 Dundee celebrating success

Coca-Cola 5by20 has a vision to economically empower 5 million women globally by 2020. This is a 10-year initiative that forms part of Coca-Cola’s leadership priorities. To date it has reached over 2.2 million women from over 60 countries.

FEATURE

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce announced an Enterprise Partnership with Coca-Cola Enterprises to deliver the 5by20 Dundee programme in 2018 and beyond at an event at Dundee City Chambers which celebrated the previous programme participants.

In 2017 alone the programme delivered 10 Business and Enterprise Programmes to 56 participants. 70% of these participants have successfully started up their own enterprise or entered in to self-employment, creating around 45 new jobs. In addition, the programme welcomed over £70,000 of in-kind support from many local and national businesses and experts who willingly give their time and support for the advancement of Women in Business.

Dundee and the wider Tay Cities Region are in the midst of a period of economic regeneration and the sense of ambition and energy is palpable. It is vital that all parts of our community are given the opportunity to be part of this regeneration.

For many women, running their own business is a means to independence, confidence and participation in their communities. It gives a real sense of self-direction and empowers those women, their families and those around them to aspire to do more for themselves.

In Scotland, if the numbers of women-led businesses increased to equal those of men, our national bank balance would grow by at least 5% or £7.6 billion. Small and medium-sized businesses are essential to economic recovery and femaleled enterprises will play a key role in this area.

However, access to enterprise education, training and support is the key to supporting this growth.

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce CEO Alison Henderson said: “We are looking forward to helping further develop the programme and support the creation and growth of women-led businesses in the region, helping manage national progression. ''Stimulating economic growth and job creation in Dundee is vital in building capacity and capability of businesses and supporting those in our communities to create their own futures.”

At the event on 1st December, Dundee’s Depute Lord Provost Bill Campbell welcomed the attendees and visited the showcase stands to see the array of enterprises being run by programme participants.

Convener of City Development in Dundee, Councillor Lynne Short closed the speeches with a commitment to seeing the City grow and develop its support for business and enterprise, and a heartfelt thanks to the women who told their stories of how the programme has helped their business journeys.

8

The programme’s aim is: “To increase the economic empowerment of women through a collaborative and supported business and enterprise training framework and business support network that will increase confidence, unlock potential and drive innovation and growth.”

This programme was brought to Scotland in 2016 in support of the Scottish Government’s Business Pledge. Dundee was selected as the first city in Western Europe to run it.

In May 2016 Coca-Cola set up a partnership with local charity Showcase the Street. This partnership saw the successful roll-out of the first delivery phase of the programme. During 2018 and beyond, the Enterprise Partnership with Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce will see increased delivery and plan for the wider national roll-out into other communities across Scotland and the UK. Jim Fox, Head of Public Affairs at CocaCola European Partners said, ‘We are very excited by the progress of our 5 by 20 programme in Dundee. ''Thanks to our many fantastic supporters in the city, we now know how best to use this international programme in a UK environment to make a really positive impact on gender inequality. Partnering with Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce will enable us to accelerate this initiative and economically empower many more women in 2018.

9

Blaze named as one of UK’s most inspirational companies

DACC123 is an initiative to help us understand the top three most valuable benefits that you would like from your membership.

As a DACC member you can take advantage of a wide range of services:

Family-owned Blaze Manufacturing Solutions, based in Laurencekirk, was named as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2017’.

• Connections and networking

• Raise member profiles

• Lively events programme

• Training Academy

• Introductions

• Meeting room use

• Providing a strong voice for business

• Member to member offers

• Business directory listing

• Persuade and influence: have your opinion heard

• Promotion as a new and renewed member

• International and export services - member discount ...and much more!

We help members to connect, communicate and develop for business benefit and economic prosperity

MEMBERS' NEWS

@dundeeandangus www.dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk Member Helpline 01382 228545

Blaze was established in 2006, providing technical fire safety and loss prevention solutions predominantly to the brownfield oil and gas market.

This involves everything from design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintaining of active fire extinguishing systems and fire alarm systems in the UK and internationally.

Following the downturn in oil and gas, the company diversified and today Blaze provides fire safety solutions in the renewable energies, mining, commercial and industrial sectors, as

well as retaining oil and gas clients.

To be included on the list, companies need to show consistent revenue growth over a minimum of three years, significantly outperforming their industry peers. Blaze recorded a 500% growth in revenue over a fouryear period.

Howard said: “It is an honour to have been recognised in the Stock Exchange Group’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain. We have continued to invest heavily in research and development to enable us to enter new markets which makes us more competitive than some of our European counterparts.

Blaze owners Howard and Ann Johnson attended a special ceremony held at 10 Downing Street to celebrate the achievements of the UK’s fastestgrowing and most dynamic SMEs named in the 2017 report.

“Having the correct people in place is vital as we diversify and we owe a huge amount to our dedicated team who play a major role in the success of the company.”

Can you afford to lose half your workforce?

DACC 123 Member Promise Is three the magic number? We think so, however we’ve been putting that theory to the test. It’s been three years since the launch of our DACC 123 programme.

This is our initiative aimed at making sure members get what they want from their Chamber membership. We want to know that members have got real value out of being part of our network.

What are the top three things that will benefit your organisation most this year?

Perhaps you would like an introduction to key contact in a member organisation or to sponsor or host an event for fellow members.

Well, let us know and we will do our very best to help achieve this.

To help us gather all of the responses, we’ve designed a programme of DACC 123 Lunches.

Taking place at a member’s premises, they are a chance to grab some lunch, network, hear about the host’s business, take part in a facilitated topical discussion and then complete that allimportant DACC123 card.

We’ll then follow-up with members to discuss how we can achieve what they are looking for…and then we get on with it!

Come along and enjoy these events in 2018 – here are some dates for your diary. As always, booking can be made at www.dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk – see you there!

Journeycall, Arbroath 7th March

Dundee Museum of Transport 16th April

Aberlour Children’s Charity June

Research conducted by Citation* has revealed a whopping 50% of employed people want to leave their job in the next 12 months. With the average cost of recruitment coming in at a staggering £30,000, there’s a hefty price tag attached to the turnover. But that’s not all! From morale and productivity slumps to potential reputational and recruitment damages, there’s a lot to be lost alongside the employees themselves.

Citation delved a little deeper into the minds of those looking to leave their current employer to find out what’s pushing them out of the door and what’s most important to them when job hunting: >

>

>

>

50% of employed people want to leave their current job 64% of 25 to 34-year-olds are most likely to jump ship Men (54%) are more likely than women (45%) to leave 52% of employees in Scotland are looking to leave their current role

Why? > 1 in 5 is looking for more career prospects > 1 in 10 dislikes their manager > 2 in 5 want a better salary What’s most important when applying elsewhere? > >

19% say location 14% focus their attention on flexibility – women are more likely to look for this than men

>

> >

40% say salary – men are 10% more likely to say this than women 14% say career development 7% say a business’s values and culture are most important.

To find out more about how Citation could help support you with HR call 0345 844 1111 or visit www.citation.co.uk *3gem questioned a nationally representative sample of 2,000 working adults aged over 18 in July.

Kilmac Group September

11

FEATURE

George R Donald Fund Schools Enterprise Challenge

Local schools work with businesses to address Food Waste & Food Poverty via social The Chamber is innovation & enterprise. committed to Our thanks go to judges Councillor Lynne Short, providing opportunities Schools from across Dundee and Angus created Alison Smith of Business Angus and James enterprising solutions to food poverty at the to connect businesses third George R Donald Fund Schools Enterprise Buchan, Trustee of the George R Donald Fund. with young people Challenge on Wednesday 8th November.

Alison Henderson, CEO of Dundee & Angus The one-day challenge activity is operated by across Dundee & Chamber and Trustee of the George R Donald Abertay University’s Dundee Business School, Fund said: “We are proud to be once again Angus, showcasing delivered in conjunction with the Chamber. working with Abertay’s Business School to the range of careers deliver a unique schools challenge, based This year’s theme was about addressing around enterprising activity which inspires available locally. food waste and food poverty through social innovation and enterprise. Held at the Michelin Sports and Social Club in Dundee, the event was inspired by Dundee philanthropist and previous Chamber Secretary and Treasurer, George R Donald and sponsored by Dover Fuelling Solutions and Business Angus, who provided the annual trophies for best overall team and pupil’s choice.

career choices.

In addition to the main sponsors, more than 20 local firms offered support and mentoring.

On the day we were joined by representatives from Blackadders, Dover Fueling Solutions, EQ Accountants, Fairways Business Support and Recruitment Specialist, Journeycall, KTP Works, McDonalds, Michelin, MMG Archbold Accountants, Pert Bruce Construction, RSB Lindsays Solicitors, Thorntons Solicitors – we couldn’t deliver this event without their support!

''It’s a great way to engage our young citizens in solving a social challenge with their fresh perspective and inspiring viewpoint. The businesses which work with the teams on the day always find it very worthwhile, too.”

''This year the challenge asked the young people to look at Food Poverty & Food Waste, identify a group which needs help and design a sustainable enterprise to deliver a new product or service to be income-generating and solve that need.''

''We are proud to be once again working with Abertay’s Business School to deliver a unique schools challenge, based around enterprising activity which inspires career choices.''

Alison Henderson, CEO of Dundee & Angus Chamber, and Trustee of the George R Donald Fund.

The day culminated in the presentation of the awards: Pupils' Choice went to Webster’s High School sponsored by KTP Works, while Forfar Academy sponsored by Dover Fuelling Solutions took home the overall Winning Team.

13

| WINTER 2017/18

MEMBERS' NEWS

DC Thomson Publishing rebrands as DC Thomson Media

Publishing has been at the heart of DC Thomson since 1905.

Today, the DC Thomson Group has expanded and diversified to include international businesses ranging from premium gifting business Wild & Wolf to genealogy business Findmypast.

Mike Watson, Managing Director of DC Thomson Media, said: “We’ve long been referred to as publishing and while this is still at the heart of our business, we are continually developing and growing.

“A recent example of this is our acquisition of Fifth Ring, a B2B marketing agency based in Aberdeen.

This acquisition allows us to enhance our existing offering to advertisers for example, but also opens up new market sectors.”

DC Thomson Media will build upon the many strong brands it has, such as The People’s Friend, The Press and Journal and Beano, developing these through associated revenue streams that complement the existing business.

Director of DC Thomson, David Thomson said: “As the DC Thomson

Member Spotlight Jonathan Gibson of Wells Gibson Limited Jonathan is Managing Director of Wells Gibson Limited. The firm has been authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority since April 2016.

To reflect the transformation from traditional publisher to modern media creator and distributor, the publishing arm of the business rebranded as DC Thomson Media (www.dctmedia.co.uk).

With a portfolio of over 25 newspapers and magazines, print publishing is still a core offering and this now sits alongside other teams able to adapt to a changing marketplace environment, including events, e-commerce and digital.

Group has grown, so has a need for the newspapers and magazines business to develop a separate identity. ''The rebranding of our publishing business to become DC Thomson Media is representative of our ambitious and innovative goals.

“We have a strong family of businesses covering a variety of sectors and it is important to us that we continue to evolve and adapt to support the needs of our customers in all areas.

I’m confident DC Thomson Media will be well placed to do that.”

Further diversification across sectors will help the business take advantage of strong connections with international partners, expanding their network and opportunity for growth.

Mike concluded: “Exceptional editorial content is at the heart of what we do – whether it’s print, digital or supporting that with great events, products and activities. We have hugely-talented and creative teams within the business and when we harness this power the opportunities are endless.”

Mike Watson Managing Director of DC Thomson

Buckler Boots nominated for major award Buckler Boots has been shortlisted for Boot Company of the Year by the On The Tools website, the biggest trade website in the country.

The company is up against global names including Dr Martens and Scruffs, so it’s significant to be nominated.

Q: Jonathan, can you tell us about your role within the company?

Wells Gibson delivers ‘Proper Wealth Management’ and ‘Sensible Investing’ to private clients and their families.

I am Managing Director and Chartered Financial Planner, responsible for advising around 40 private clients and their families.

Q: Learning more about WHY people do what they do is really insightful and helps us see beneath the surface.

What encapsulates that for you and Wells Gibson?

Our vision is to see lives changed, one client, one family at a time and our mission is to bring clarity, contentment and certainty to your financial life.

We believe real wealth is about much more than money and possessions and believe it’s about the whole of life, fulfilling your purpose and achieving your true potential.

Q: Jonathan, can you tell us a little about your journey prior to starting Wells Gibson?

Between 2005 and 2015, I was cofounder and director of Verus Wealth, Dundee and AAB Wealth, Aberdeen – Verus Wealth was a joint venture with

14

In this new feature, Chamber Members tell us about their business, what makes them stand out from the crowd, and why they do what they do!

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2017/18

Jonathan Gibson, Managing Director and Chartered Financial Planner

MMG Archbold Chartered Accountants and AAB Wealth was a joint venture with Anderson, Anderson & Brown Chartered Accountants.

Wells Gibson represents my career goal to own, manage and lead an independent financial planning and wealth management business.

Q: In a relatively crowded and complex marketplace, what do you believe makes your company stand out?

Wells Gibson is the only CISI Accredited Financial Planning FirmTM in Dundee.

As a boutique, family-owned independent business, we: >

>

>

focus on what and who is important to you; answer your big questions such as, ‘how much is enough?’ and make it easier for you to visualise and achieve the life you want; and create a plan which will give you the greatest chance of a successful investment outcome.

Q: Tell us more about Wells Gibson’s area of expertise.

Wells Gibson helps client families to identify, achieve and maintain the life they want. We’re passionate about telling people the truth about money and evidence-based investing.

How to get in touch with Jonathan: E: Jonathan.Gibson@wellsgibson.uk T: 01382 722 989 www.wellsgibson.uk

Q: What are your plans for the future?

We would like to serve and advise around 70 client families so we can continue to deliver a dedicated and specialist director-led service.

Q: Finally, what is the thing that really inspires or motivates you?

Our vision, to see lives changed, one client, one family at a time and our mission, to bring clarity, contentment and certainty to your financial life.

Jonathan is joined at Wells Gibson by a team with over 40 years of experience in financial and client services industry roles: Rachel Morrison and Lucy Homer in Client Services; Kim Bendall, Paraplanner; Josh Smith, Associate and Sarah Kay, PA. Jonathan also has the support of Tim Hale who is a Guest Member of the Wells Gibson Investment Committee.

“Many people ask what’s in the name and why our company is called Wells Gibson. In 1988, I was introduced to the world of banking by my late grandfather, James Wells Gibson and in 1991, I was introduced to the financial advisory sector by my late father, Terry Wells Gibson.”

@WellsGibsonUK www.facebook.com/WellsGibsonUK/ www.linkedin.com/company/wells-gibson/ 15

Health & Safety Consultant

CMIOSH, MIIRSM

     

General health and safety consultancy & risk assessments Preparation and revision of health and safety policies Health and safety compliance audits and gap analysis

Accident and incident investigations

Bespoke and accredited training courses for all your needs Liaison with Enforcing Authorities

Tel: 01764 679757 Mobile: 07940 536517 e-mail: brianchristie55@gmail.com

Suicide Prevention Embraces Early Intervention LISTENING AND TALKING CAN HELP

Download the “Suicide? Help!”

App from the Apple App Store and Google Play

Safety Plan

How to Help

Contacts

About Suicide

www.suicidehelp.co.uk Samaritans 116 123 Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87

Scotland’s helpline for older people

0800 12 44 222 Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm

The Age Scotland helpline offers information, friendship and advice to older people, their carers and families.

Call us for advice about benefit entitlements, care homes, care at home and legal issues such as Power of Attorney. We will provide you with the right information and advice to answer your questions or point you in the direction of someone who can.

We are here to lend a listening ear and are always happy to have a chat.

If you want to be more involved with what’s available in your community, call us and we will do our best to find what is available locally. This could include opportunities to meet new friends with shared interests, walking groups, Men’s Sheds, befriending or lunch clubs.

We can send you a guide to what is available within your local council area or our friendly volunteers can keep in touch with you for a few weeks with regular calls.

Age Scotland, part of the Age Network, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Registration Number: 153343 Charity Number: SC010100 Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR. THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • ISSUE XX • WINTER 2017/18

Contact Us

Chris Sco�—07931 098 041 chris@1stsafetysolu�ons.co.uk Ian Sco�—07891 725 794 ian@1stsafetysolu�ons.co.uk

Advisory and Compliance Service

1st Safety Solu�ons is a mul� and disciplined consultancy focussing heavily on Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality management services to any organisa�on in any sector throughout Scotland.

By working with you and becoming part of your organisa�on we can assist you in developing and enhancing your Health, Safety and Environmental management systems.

My-Compliance

MY Compliance Management provides clients with a simple and easy to use method of managing their compliance management systems. MY Compliance Management provides you with a simple powerful approach with a low cost and easy to use compliance portal that give you control and peace of mind My compliance is a modular compliance system that fully complies with ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001.

Services

- Advisory Service - Tailored Training - IOSH Training - Compliances - Management Systems - Face Fit Tes�ng - Audi�ng

www.1stsafetysolutions.co.uk

DACC 123 Lunch - Forfar Indoor Sports

FEATURE

Events continue to be a key activity for the Chamber and our DACC123 Member Lunches always prove a great draw.

We’ve been to many member premises, enjoying the hospitality and chance to see inside their business. The event at Forfar Indoor Sports was another highlight in that programme and as you can see, the curling and indoor bowls saw attendees having lots of fun!

Thanks to Mike Ferguson and his team for looking after us so well.

This is a great way to either get involved individually in a great sports venue, or take your team along for a brilliant time away from the office – we can thoroughly recommend it! Our thanks for the photos go to Alan Morrison of ASM Media & PR.

“It was good to be able to have a go ourselves and experience what was a brand new sport for most of us. We had a brilliant time.”

Dan Cargill, DACC Membership Engagement Executive enjoying the curling.

18

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2017/18

19

| WINTER 2017/18

MEMBERS' NEWS

Dundee author to launch new novel

As well as offering executive coaching and team facilitation, Eleanor also leads a Leadership Focus Group meeting every month for senior leaders who’d like to stretch their thinking.

Dundee Accelerator shapes business leaders of tomorrow

Dundee author J.M. Robson was first published in February 2017. Her debut horror novel Three Little Words is doing well and receiving great reviews from reads around the world. J.M. Robson was recently featured in the digital magazine Scotland Independent and discussed her next novel which will be out in the next few months.

Three Little Words was set in and around Death Valley, California, but her new novel I am the Walker is set in Scotland.

It’s a thriller-cum-horror story about a troubled young man who is rejected by his parents for not being the son they wanted.

Does Billy Davidson adapt to a life lesser than he deserves or does he take matters into his own hands? Does he snap? Does he finally get revenge on all those who think his life is meaningless? In the next couple of months, you’ll find out what happens to Billy and all about his heartbreaking secret.

J.M. Robson plans to hold a launch in Dundee for I am the Walker and will reveal details in due course. Three Little Words is available from Amazon, Waterstones and the Book Depository.

Entrepreneurs in Tayside with ambitions to grow their business are benefiting from Elevator’s prestigious Accelerator programme being delivered at the new Centre of Entrepreneurship – a unique partnership between Elevator and Dundee University.

Over 20 business founders, representing 15 innovationdriven businesses, were selected to participate in the inaugural 2017 12-week flagship programme to test, research, develop, launch and refine their product or service-led business to become pitch and investorready fast.

Professor Gary McEwan, chief executive of Elevator, said: “During the programme we challenge the business founders’ goals, their plans and their business ideas.

“At the same time, we will dedicate ourselves to supporting their aspirations for scale and growth, teaching entrepreneurial disciplines and best practice for business growth.”

In addition to an intensive programme covering a range of entrepreneurial themes, the founders will have access to thought leaders and established entrepreneurs who will impart their knowledge and experience through a series of inspiring talks, workshops, practical help and tailored mentoring support.

The next 2018 Accelerator programme is currently open - budding business leaders of tomorrow can register their interest by going to: www.elevatoruk.com/ accelerator/12weekprogramme/apply-for-the-12-weekflagship-programme/

Dundee Carers Centre gains national recognition

20

Dundee Carers Centre based in Seagate has become the latest organisation in Scotland to gain national recognition for its commitment to customer service after being awarded WorldHost Recognised Business status.

WorldHost Recognised Business status is awarded to businesses that have trained 50% or more of their front line staff using any of the WorldHost training programmes and signed a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

WorldHost is a suite of world-class customer service training programmes that have already been used to train over 10% of Scotland’s tourism workforce.

On receiving the recognition, Stacey Clark, Team Manager commented: “We are passionate about service standards and are incredibly proud to have achieved WorldHost Recognised Business status.

''When people see the WorldHost logo displayed in our Centre they’ll know we have made a commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for them.”

Dundee Carers Centre is a local charity providing services and support to unpaid carers and disabled people of all ages in the city through practical and emotional support, access to breaks from caring, benefit checks and information and training.

This is three hours once a month to have peer coaching and work on your business rather than in your business.

“The LFG really helps me get to grips with my thoughts and the challenges that I am facing.

Even when I’m time pressured, it’s a great use of my time.”

Ken Scobie, Operations Manager, Tokheim

www.ktpworks.com • eleanor@ktpworks.com Telephone: 01828 632199

WEDDING VENUE

| WINTER 2017/18

MEMBERS' NEWS

Expansion at SME Technology Consultancy Employers win awards It’s a busy time for the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (HRFCA) with local employers being awarded their Silver and Gold Awards for outstanding support to our Armed Forces.

honoured. HRFCA team congratulate them on their success.

In October, the team travelled to London with Scotland’s two Gold Standard Award winners – NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital and Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Gold Awards were presented by Prince Harry, generating some great PR for the winning businesses.

They go out of their way to work in positive partnerships with the military community. In return, as well as national awards, they have access to a highly-skilled workforce of trained men and women who add huge value to their businesses. It’s a win-win situation.

In November, it was the turn of the Silver Award winners to receive their certificates at a black tie dinner in Edinburgh Castle. Local employers Driver Hire was one of the companies

If you would like to find out how your organisation can work with the HRFCA, based in Dundee, please contact Michelle at hi-reed@rfca.mod.uk

All the winners share an active commitment to support our Reserve Forces and Cadets through employment, engagement and support activities.

Long-service awards at Glendoick Garden Centre At Glendoick Garden Centre, 15 members of staff were recognised for their loyalty to the business. They were presented with long-service awards for five, 10 and 15 years.

Presenting the awards, directors Ken and Jane Cox said: “We are delighted so many of our staff have been with us for significant periods of time. ''The experience and knowledge they have accumulated is an invaluable asset to the organisation and we are very grateful to them for their hard work and loyalty over the years.”

The total number of years worked by the employees amounts to 115, giving an average of 7.67 years against the typical median of 3.2 years.

22

Technology Consultancy Appetite is delighted Andy Ross has joined the company in the newly-created role of SharePoint Consultant as part of its ongoing growth strategy to meet customer demands.

It’s an exciting time as Appetite begins to see a shift in companies which have invested in the Office 365 and SharePoint technology – wanting to drive best practice and use it to best advantage to integrate systems, drive efficiencies and operate in a digital space. Andy will be tasked with supporting clients’ ambitious growth plans for 2018 and helping them implement best practice and work on their digital roadmap. In September, the company launched a new website

www.appetiteforbusiness.com as part of its commitment to supporting SMEs sharing knowledge, best practice and impartial advice.

Appetite is one of the leading experts on Office 365 and SharePoint for the SME community. The company’s knowledge and experience of using it to best business advantage is vast. As a small, young company, it believes it can truly help start-ups and more-established businesses to use the technology to their best advantage. Appetite fully understands the struggles they may be facing. Driven by client demand, the company has been working with innovative businesses in the Dundee area and is looking forward to getting to know more people and businesses operating in the city.

Every little helps . . .

When it comes to finding a job, that phrase couldn’t be truer than for those taking part in Dundee and Angus College’s 2017 bespoke retail academy.

Take a little bit of encouragement, mix it with some solid training, add in a sprinkling of confidence-building and you’ve got a real recipe for success.

The ‘master bakers’ in this collaboration were Tesco, Job Centre Plus and D&A College, working together on an initiative designed to meet Tesco’s in-store recruitment programme in preparation for the Christmas rush.

This consisted of a week of intensive customer service and retail environment training followed by a one-week work placement within a Tesco store.

The course began with an initial information session and selection process led by the college and Tesco and held within the Job Centre. During the college week the candidates worked towards a nationally-recognised qualification to add to their CV.

An impressive 92% of those who successfully completed the programme moved into work with Tesco.

A great result all round and just one example of Dundee and Angus College’s Future Talent initiative which enables businesses to recruit, retain and grow their future workforce.

Over the last year the college has supported more than 800 apprenticeships, and upskilled staff within around 650 businesses.

If you are planning to recruit and would like some support, contact employability coordinator Kathryn Simpson at k.simpson@dundeeandangus.ac.uk

23

| WINTER 2017/18

FEATURE

Chamber Golf Day The Chamber Golf Outing in 2017 took place at Scotscraig Golf Club. Founded in 1817 by some members of the St. Andrews Society of Golfers (later to become the Royal and Ancient Golf Club), the club is the 13th oldest golf club in the world.

Our teams walked in the footsteps of many greats of the game: Braid, Locke, Nicklaus, Norman, as well as Sam Torrance, past Ryder Cup Captain.

Scotscraig has so much history and in 2017 celebrated its bicentenary. 200 years is a massive achievement with many fantastic landmarks including: > The 13th Oldest Golf Club in the world > Championship course, designed under the guidance of Tom Morris & James Braid > A unique mix of Heathland & Links > A 6-time former Open Qualifier venue (1984-2010) During the event we had Foremost Golf Photography on hand – what a great way to remember the day!

This year, we were delighted to have EFM Financial Management as our main sponsor.

They are one of the UK’s largest and fastest growing Accountancy and Financial Professionals networks, aiming to shift the accountants’ focus away from statutory and audit services to a much greater value adding proposition.

With a national team consisting of nearly 60 Finance Directors and Non-Executives, plus a fast-growing team of Financial Controllers and Management Accountants, their mission is to provide businesses with world-class finance and accountancy services on a fully scalable and tailored basis, without the associated costs.

As can be seen from this selection of photos, our teams thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

The day was also captured in magnificent style

by Chamber member Rising View-aerial video and photography specialists who utilise remote controlled quadcopters/drones. If you’ve not already seen the footage, it can be found at www.facebook.com/DundeeandAngus/

24

25

| WINTER 2017/18

MEMBERS' NEWS

Murray Taylor team climbs Schiehallion for children’s charity On 29th September at 10.30am the Murray Taylor team began its climb of the 3,553 foot Munro Schiehallion in aid of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, in particular the Schiehallion Ward. Professor Brenda Gibson, Professor of Paediatric Haematology at the Royal Hospital for Children explains the naming of the ward.

“We named the ward after the mountain Schiehallion to mirror the journey for children with cancer. We recognise it’s an uphill struggle, but we also recognise you can walk up a path with lots of people who will get you to the top.”

Thankfully, on the day, the skies were blue instead of the rain that had been predicted. Everyone was in good spirits and eager to get going.

The team started off together, walking along the two-mile path. As it became steeper people started to go at their own pace in smaller groups, but still working

together and motivating each other in their climb.

The middle area of Schiehallion is steep and unsheltered, often with vigorous winds. This was when the team began to appreciate their proper hill-walking gear.

The grip of the proper boots aided in the muddy incline and the layers under the windproof jackets, along with a cosy hat to top it off, was definitely needed for keeping warm!

Climbing steeper everyone began to realise the deception of Schiehallion.

Every time you think you’re reaching the

summit a higher point appears in the distance. As you reach the final stretch, the terrain changes drastically with the path completely disappearing. You find yourself literally scaling boulders of all shapes and sizes to reach the top.

Although the climb was tough, everyone agreed the view at the top and the feeling of achievement was definitely worth it. The team would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated and helped them reach the amazing total of £3,602.50 (plus £454.38 gift aid).

Nicola McCafferty

Katy Williams

Thorntons

Thorntons

Changes in employment law Employment law and procedures are constantly changing. Thorntons Employment team considers two of the most recent changes.

Tribunal Fees In the recent case of R (on the application of UNISON) v Lord Chancellor, the Supreme Court decided the issue and hearing fees, which were introduced to the Employment Tribunal in 2013, were unlawful and the legislation which introduced them should be quashed. As such, all fees were removed from the employment tribunal with effect from 26 July 2017.

It was consequently determined that parties who had previously paid these fees should be eligible for a refund.

Recent information from Westminster 26

suggests that those eligible for a refund will be contacted directly.

Holiday Pay In the recent case of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council v Willetts and others, it was held that regular voluntary overtime should be included in the calculation of holiday pay.

As such, any overtime which is deemed to be ‘regular’ should be viewed as being part of an employee’s normal hours. Unfortunately, there has been no clear definition of how

often overtime has to be undertaken to be considered to be ‘regular’ and therefore it will be decided on a case by case basis.

Employers who currently do not take regular voluntary overtime into account for the calculation of holiday pay are advised to change their practice, otherwise they could face legal action against them for underpayment of holiday pay. If an employer is made aware of any future claim, legal advice should be sought as soon as practicable.

Exciting times at Community interest company ACK, formerly known as Along Came Kirsty, completed its rebrand and introduction of the new website (www.weareack.org.uk) in 2017.

The new board members Louise Valentine (DJCAD), Donald McPherson (formerly Alliance Trust plc) and Rod Mountain (NHS Tayside) have been involved in the busiest period since the team of charity consultants was established four years ago.

Managing Director Kirsty Thomson spent eight weeks in the USA with Entrepreneurial Scotland’s Saltire Fellowship Programme, which is run in partnership with Babson College in Boston, Massachusetts. Kirsty had access to a world-class executive leadership development programme, which included a week-long learning journey in the Silicon Valley networking with some of the most entrepreneurial organisations in the States.

Back in Dundee, the rest of the ACK team continued its work with a portfolio of local charities and social enterprises, and welcomed exciting new clients including Dundee Museum of Transport and the Scottish Men’s Shed Association.

A second cycle of the ACK Champions initiative was completed, which aims to support young people with workplace skills and encourage them to consider the third sector as a career destination,

culminating in a Volunteering and Employability Fair.

Currently supporting the feasibility of potential new developments in the area, ACK is looking forward to sharing exciting news which will add to the growing number of entrepreneurial organisations in the city working towards benefitting the community.

Exciting developments at Gleneagles Continuing the 20-month, multi-million pound investment project at Gleneagles by new owners Ennismore, two brand-new aspects of the estate were launched: The Little Glen & The Den and Bob & Cloche.

The Little Glen & The Den replaced The Playroom and The Zone. It’s a dedicated play area with fun times guaranteed! Bob & Cloche is an exciting new beauty destination.

Formerly one of the hotel’s gate lodges, it’s been transformed into an elegant beauty lodge.

Bob & Cloche’s team of expert therapists and stylists are putting the glamour back into grooming through a unique range of beauty treatments and packages for individuals, couples and groups of friends.

Gleneagles has also developed an exciting new hotel wing, creating a

flexible range of meeting spaces, breakout rooms and event zones for groups of up to 70.

For more information please contact val.eglinton@gleneagles.com or call 01764 694217

27

MacRoberts strengthens its family law team and is nominated for top awards MEMBERS' NEWS

MacRoberts strengthened its family law team in 2017 with the appointment of Marika Franceschi as a partner.

With over 12 years’ experience in the legal sector, Marika joined from Shoosmiths, bringing extensive expertise advising on complex ante-nuptial contracts and high-value claims for financial provision on divorce. She also deals with a wide range of issues including child residence and contact disputes, child relocation and Petitions under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction.

Marika is a member of the Family Law Association, Scotland. She is trained in Collaborative Law and Accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Family Law. She is also a Legal Adviser to the Italian Consulate General and regularly assists Italian clients with legal and business-related queries in Italy and Scotland.

Marika brings with her senior associate Karen Nicol who has particular expertise in permanence orders and adoption for local authorities and also private individuals.

Jacqueline Stroud, Head of Family, said: “We have been delighted to see our growth plans come to fruition with the arrival of a fantastic new team and the launch of our new family law website.

We are looking forward to the year ahead and providing our clients with an expanded range of important family law services across Scotland.”

Marika Franceschi commented: “Joining a firm with the history and heritage

of MacRoberts is a huge privilege and I look forward to further developing an outstanding family law service to our clients throughout Scotland and beyond.”

There’s more good news for MacRoberts. The firm has been shortlisted for Corporate Deal Team of the Year and Family Law Team of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2018. Corporate Partner Michael Kelly has also been named as a finalist for Lawyer of the Year.

The Corporate team enjoyed an exceptional year working on a fantastic range of deals right across the Scottish economy. Michael Kelly, as instrumental in many of these deals and is recognised as one of Scotland’s most innovative and unique corporate lawyers. He advises on the full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters for some of the firm’s most significant clients, including blue chip organisations, SMEs and UK PLCs, with a particular focus on M&A and investment work.

John Macmillan, Managing Partner said: “It is a fantastic achievement to make the shortlist at the Scottish Legal Awards and we couldn’t be more delighted. It is testament to the high-quality work and client base that we have throughout the firm. This is very much a team effort and we are delighted to be recognised at a national level.”

Neil Kennedy, Head of Corporate, said: “2017 was a very interesting and busy year for the Corporate team. We acted for a wide range of businesses in their corporate transactions, including large UK PLCs, a number of successful Scottish SMEs and some of Scotland’s most exciting up-and-coming businesses. It is a privilege to make the shortlist and we are looking forward to the ceremony in March.”

BOWMANS SOLICITORS ESTATE AGENTS NOTARIES PUBLIC Bowmans 37 East High Street, Forfar DD8 2EL. Tel: 01307 464088 Fax: 01307 468868 Email: forfar@bowmansolicitors.co.uk Also at 27 Bank Street, Dundee DD1 1RP

For all your legal needs

Looking for a sign?

SOLD 01307 462

bellin

gram. 516 co.uk

This is it.

It’s time for a free market appraisal.

Call us on 01307 462 516

Blue2 Digital consolidates with Hit Reach Blue2 Digital, the award-winning Broughty Ferrybased web and digital agency, purchased the goodwill and work-in-progress of Dundee-based Hit Reach.

Chris Gilchrist, former Managing Director of Hit Reach, along with the company’s six employees, joined Blue2 Digital.

Chris Gilchrist said: “I am thrilled to be part of an agency with the calibre of Blue2. Everything about the company is enormously impressive as is their blue-chip client base. This is a fantastic opportunity and I’m confident we will have an exciting future together.”

This has been an exciting development for Blue2 Digital and facilitates rapid expansion of our team in line with recent client wins and our expanding client base. We look forward to working with Chris over the coming years.”

This expansion consolidates Blue2’s position as Dundee’s leading digital agency.

Scott McCallum, Managing Director of Avian and Blue2 Digital commented: “We have always admired Chris and the quality of work he and his team have achieved. Hit Reach was a highly-respected firm working with a high-calibre client base.

Our priority is to provide a seamless transition for clients and to safeguard the employment of Chris and his team.

29

| WINTER 2017/18

MEMBERS' NEWS

Offshore project lands national award for DF Communications

Employee ownership launched at STAR-Dundee

DF Communications, a leading business communications specialist, was named a winner at a national awards ceremony in London. The Aberdeen-based business scooped the Best Enterprise Unified Communications Solution at the 2017 Comms National Awards at the London Hilton on Park Lane. It was also highly commended in the Best Enterprise Cloud Solution category.

Both award entries focused on project work completed for North Star Shipping – part of the Craig Group – which reduced costs and improved communications for the client.

DF Communications connected 136 hosted IP phones on 31 vessels in North Star Shipping’s fleet, which supports up to 48 offshore installations in the North West European Area (NWEA).

The company, which delivers mobile phone and landline products and services, collected the award at the event which was hosted by actor James Nesbitt OBE. Sales Director Craig Forsyth said: “We’re thrilled to win this national award. It recognises the importance of building trusted relationships – we’ve been working with the Craig Group for 20 years. In addition, the win highlights the level of

expertise within the business to deliver projects that require our experience and collaborative approach.”

DF Communications created a hosted solution that could seamlessly connect to three different networks – Vessel 4G, offshore installation 4G and V-SAT (satellite communications).

The technology provides the client with the option of installing any number of users depending on the requirements of each vessel.

The Comms National Awards recognise excellence and innovation in the ICT (integrated communications technology) sector.

For further information visit www.dfcommunications.com

Rebranding is a great success Executive business coaching firm ktpworks, which helps companies adapt to changing environments, has undergone changes of its own after rebranding from Key Talent Partners with the help of Wendy Maltman at Maltinghouse Graphic Design.

Eleanor Yearwood felt the shorter, snappier name and an upgraded website would streamline communication with clients and give her business a fresh outlook.

She said: “I'm passionate about helping people develop their strengths and use their potential.

The new name reflects that what we do ‘works’.”

Eleanor has been working with DACC member Dover Fuelling Solutions, a major Dundee employer and one of the world’s leading petrol pump manufacturers.

30

The company was acquired by a US manufacturer and General Manager Ken Scobie saw this as an opportunity to continue to work with Eleanor to enhance teamwork and collaboration skills among his senior management and the wider teams.

Eleanor started working with Mike Gilbert, Mechanical Engineering Manager, in September 2015 before facilitating a series of workshops with Ken and his senior team to help meet the challenges of being bought not once but twice in just over a year.

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • ISSUE XX • WINTER 2017/18

The Dundee team has gained a reputation within the new parent company for business excellence and having a connected team with a clear direction and a determination to support each other.

Ken said: “Eleanor's skills and energy were absolutely critical to making us see the gap between our current performance and where we could be. Everyone agrees work is a lot more fun and energy that had been wasted on needless arguments and in-fighting was now going into making the business even better.”

STAR-Dundee, a world-leading provider of spacecraft on-board data handling network technology for the aerospace industry has completed its transition to employee ownership.

STAR-Dundee is an aerospace engineering company which designs electronic components and test equipment for spacecraft. Operating from a beautiful townhouse close to the University of Dundee, from which the company spun out in 2002, STARDundee provides the international space agencies and space industry with important equipment.

Technology that originated in Dundee is now being used across the world on more than 100 spacecraft which are monitoring the Earth, exploring nearby planets and asteroids, mapping out the galaxy and sensing the further flung parts of it.

The ‘SpaceWire’ network technology interconnects sensors and electronic equipment on-board a spacecraft, providing an efficient and versatile means of integrating the equipment.

This is similar to the way in which USB connects peripheral devices to a laptop.

Originating primarily because several organisations wanted to use technology developed by the University of Dundee, STAR-Dundee has grown from an academic and a few enthusiastic research students who initially worked in their spare time to design and develop the first products.

The company now employs 25 people and has offices in Dundee and Barcelona. STAR-Dundee focuses on what it is good at – the design of electronic equipment and related software, and sub-contracts appropriately-skilled manufacturing partners in the UK. This year, after celebrating its fifteenth year in business and to secure the long-term future for the company, STAR-Dundee was transformed from a company run and majority owned by the founding academic, Prof Steve Parkes, to an employee-owned

company. Facilitated by a succession planning project initiative by Scottish Enterprise, various options were considered and it soon became clear that employee ownership was the way forward.

Prof Steve Parkes said:

10 years, SpaceFibre is designed for high-performance, high-availability applications. SpaceFibre is designed primarily for spacecraft applications, but is creating interest in the robotics, medical equipment and other industries where performance and availability are critical drivers.

“Having formed STAR-Dundee and forged it over 15 years into a company with a worldwide reputation, I realised I was not going to be around to see it through the next 15 years. It became clear the future for the company was about the people who had helped make it a success and the culture we had developed to support that success.

Stuart Mills, STAR-Dundee’s CEO, said: “STAR-Dundee has been a great success because of its people. Our move to employee ownership allows these individuals to have a greater say in the running of the company and to further benefit from the company’s success.”

“Selling the company to another organisation, which would inevitably change the culture and might even move it from its Dundee base, was not a very attractive idea.

Employee ownership retains and strengthens the culture and will ensure it always has a base in Dundee.”

“STAR-Dundee’s main priorities when considering its succession options were to secure and strengthen the business, both in terms of its culture and success, and also to ensure the business remains rooted in Dundee. All of these objectives have been achieved through employee ownership, as well as making sure the staff all have a meaningful stake in their company and its future success.”

The management team has been restructured with former CEO Steve Parkes now focusing on technology development as Chief Technology Officer. Stuart Mills, another company founder and previously Chief Operating Officer, is now CEO. Carole Carrie, the Administration Manager, is now Company Secretary. These changes are intended to provide a firm foundation for further growth of the company.

A new technology, SpaceFibre, is currently being launched by the company. Developed over the past

Sarah Deas, director at Co-operative Development Scotland, the arm of Scottish Enterprise that supports company growth through collaborative and employee ownership business models, added:

31

| WINTER 2017/18

VOLPA

MAGGIES

FEATURE MILLER HENDRY MAIN SPONSOR

DACC AGM & Business Showcase 2017 The Chamber AGM in 2017 took place at the Invercarse Hotel and as usual was very well attended, with a bustling Member Showcase.

Over 150 business leaders came along to have their say in the formal business of the meeting, which saw retiring Board Director David Valentine MBE presented with a gift and the thanks of the Directors, the Team and members of the Chamber for his six years serving on the Board.

Alistair Duncan, Head of the Commercial Department at AGM sponsor Miller Hendry Solicitors & Estate Agency, spoke about the work of the firm and its commitment to the local community.

Miller Hendry is a long-established professional legal practice which has served the needs of individuals and businesses in the Tayside and Strathearn area for generations.

One of the largest legal practices in the area, Miller Hendry’s team of solicitors, paralegals and support staff provide a complementary blend of specialist and more general legal expertise. Whatever the problem, personal or business, large or small, routine or complex, it will be given individual attention and handled according to the highest professional standards. Our thanks go to them for their support for the AGM & Member Showcase.

Members confirmed the appointment of three new Directors: Brett Davidge of Apex Hotels, Rodney Mountain of NHS Tayside and Susan McFadyen of Blackadders Solicitors. The Chamber team & directors look forward to working with them to represent the sectors that they work within, as well as helping shape the future direction of the Chamber and working for the benefit of all members.

DYW

HRFCA

FAIRMONT

Our thanks also go to the Member Organisations who exhibited on the day:

LIVING WAGE

FERGUSON OLIVER

Angus 3D Solutions Business Angus Angus Economics Arts & Business Scotland Barclays Bank Binn Group Concept Group Ltd D&A Developing Young Workforce

DP&LGROUP

DP&L Group RBS

Dundee Employment Law Business Gateway Fairmont Hotel

“Our AGM is always a great event with a large turnout – it’s brilliant to have such an engaged membership!”

Alison Henderson, CEO

Ferguson Oliver Wealth Management Henderson Loggie Inspire IT Services Johnston Carmichael Malmaison Dundee & Hotel du Vin Miller Hendry RISING VIEW

MTC Media Rising View Royal Bank of Scotland Scottish Living Wage Accreditation Initiative Street League (Dundee) The Dundee Gin Company Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Ass. Sales Coach Scot Vascular Flow Technologies Volpa Westfield Health

32

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • ISSUE XX • WINTER 2017/18

| WINTER 2017/18

FEATURE

''If you speak to anybody from outwith the city in particular, people are absolutely astounded by the progress that’s been made in quite a small period of time.''

John Alexander

International Week The Chamber’s Inaugural International Week took place from 28th November to 1st December and saw a variety of masterclasses with speakers such as Wendy Alexander, Vice-Principal of Dundee University, sharing their International Strategy and discussing how to access different markets, such as China and India; Justin Reid from TripAdvisor; Fredrik Häggblom of Sweden’s Agenda Retail and Andrew Cameron and Sam Edmond from V&A Museum of Design Dundee who delivered the second 59 minute Design Challenge for Chamber members.

The week culminated in an International Dinner at Malmaison Hotel Dundee which saw Tim Allan, President of Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), update business leaders on their work at national and international levels as SCC looks to encourage business growth and exporting. Also speaking at the dinner was Councillor John Alexander, Leader of Dundee City Council, Fredrick Häggblom, and Colin Loveday, President of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce.

The International Week is part of the wider Scottish Government work by the Chamber network in Scotland to support new businessled trade missions and forge new trading alliances between Chambers here and abroad, and to contribute to shared efforts to boost internationalisation.

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce CEO Alison Henderson said: ‘We have been working hard to deepen our Chamber international connections during 2017 and were delighted with the week which saw local organisations discussing their outward global strategies alongside guest speakers from outwith Dundee & Angus sharing their expertise on how to reach global markets. ''Technology is bringing customers closer than ever, businesses need to understand the overseas opportunities at their fingertips learning from business leaders who are experts in their field has been truly inspiring. This also ties into our plans with partners in the Tay Cities Trade & Investment Partnership, a fledging Tay Cities Deal regional collaboration project.”

Fredrik Häggblom said: “There’s a lot of enthusiasm in Dundee & Angus – in the masterclasses it’s been almost playful, joyful – there was a lot of energy and it’s been great to be part of. With so much going on, if you look to the future it’s very optimistic.”

Pictured: Key Speaker Fredrik Häggblom (centre) from Stockholm, alongside Alison Henderson Chamber CEO and Colin Loveday, Chamber President

34

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2017/18

Dundee Waterfront update 2017 saw record attendance at the Waterfront Update where over 200 business leaders heard from Allan Watt, Mike Galloway and Phillip Long on development progress on the site in general and on the V & A Museum of Design Dundee build and plans for 2018.

Alan Caldwell of Our Enterprise told of their plans for Studio Dundee and Plot 2 in the Waterfront – a mixture of work, play and co-working spaces for Dundee’s creative future, designed to retain talent in the city and support entrepreneurs and the creative sector.

35

| WINTER 2017/18

FEATURE Angus Business Week always sees a really great series of events being delivered all across the area and Dundee & Angus Chamber is delighted to be a part of it.

As well as thanks to the speakers, our thanks also go to our sponsors Business Angus, Journeycall, Thorntons, MacRoberts, Dundee & Angus College and Kilmac for their support of the event.

Angus High Noon Lunch 2017 September saw the return of the regular Angus High Noon Lunch where attendees heard from Margo Williamson, Chief Executive of Angus Council, who talked about young people and the Council’s approach to supporting the young workforce.

DUNDEE & ANGUS COLLEGE

Margo shared her own touching story of growing up and the impact a particular teacher had on her own journey through school.

She told us of her experience of working part-time while at school and the wide array of skills for work that she learned while doing so. Margo called for businesses in Angus who can support young people, and in particular care experienced young people, with mentoring to get in touch with her and her team.

If you feel this is something for you, contact her a chiefexec@angus.gov.uk to find out more.

Guest Speakers Paul Barrett of IED Training gave a really moving account of his own experiences that led him to leaving the armed forces and starting a business with fellow Director Ian Clark.

Paul served as one of the elite Mountain Leaders of the Royal Marines for 21 years. In 2008 he became one of our nation’s wounded warriors after stepping on an enemy landmine during a tour of Afghanistan.

He has returned to full health following a six-year journey of incredible courage, grit and determination.

These characteristics inadequately define Paul’s accomplishments. Driven to make a contribution to those most affected by war, he worked as Operations Director for Horseback UK, supporting and inspiring the welfare and rehabilitation of injured veterans and disadvantaged young people.

Paul has never been one to rest on his laurels and constantly seeks selfimprovement. He has excelled in numerous areas, including: Coaching and Mentoring Level 5; First Aid at Work Instructor; NEBOSH General Certificate and a Certificate in Training Life-Long Services Sector.

Alan Mahon, Founder of Brewgooder, spoke about his experience of launching and growing a business that now brings in over £1 million a year alongside running Scotland's leading awards ceremony which has seen the likes of George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio among its guests.

Brewgooder has a simple mission: to provide clean water for 1,000,000 people through the power of craft beer by donating 100% of their profits to clean water charities. Always passionate about craft beer, Brewgooder wanted to use this to help other people, so with the help of the guys at BrewDog – who brew beer for them at zero margin – Brewgooder was founded and on World Water Day 2016 asked craft beer drinkers across the world to help with their mission.

JOURNEY CALL KILMAC

ANGUS COUNCIL THORNTONS LAW

MACROBERTS

36

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2017/18

37

Travel by Knight – the UK’s first sleeper mini coach

MEMBERS' NEWS

New business event planned for Dundee & Angus Plans have been announced for a new business event which will shine a spotlight on businesses operating in and with links to Dundee & Angus.

Building on the success of its Granite Expo event, which has run for the last seven years, Aberdeen-based Granite

PR has announced plans to take the business showcase concept to its neighbouring region in 2018.

The creation of Dundee & Angus Expo builds on the success of the introduction of a Dundee & Angus Pavilion at the 2017 Aberdeen event where popular demand created a springboard for the new one-day celebration of business.

All the key elements from Granite Expo will make the journey, ensuring a combination of networking, cross selling, knowledge sharing – and fun. In addition, the popular VIP opening, seminars, networking café and grand prize draw will be adapted to give them a local focus.

Total Business Furniture delivers beyond expectation Total Business Furniture was established in Dundee in 1995

by Andy Flaherty and Eddie Lee. Not long afterwards, Alan Lyons joined the team with the remit of establishing a presence in Aberdeen.

Still going strong after 22 years, TBF is an office furniture and interiors business that specialises in “Transforming Your Working Environment”. It’s a tag line that runs through the company’s ethos from the point of view that no matter how big or small the project, if a client is committing to working with them they want to make a difference.

Whether it is a reception desk, a boardroom table, open-plan desking or ergonomic seating solutions, TBF has a range of products and space planning services to give clients the best option for their requirements.

38

A recent local project saw Elevator engage with TBF over a move to new premises at 75 Old Hawkhill, Dundee.

Commenting on the plans, Granite PR Founder and Managing Director and Expo creator Brett Jackson said: “We are delighted to announce the growth of the Expo concept into a new, standalone Dundee & Angus Expo which will take place for the first time in 2018.

“Granite PR will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year and in that time Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Dundee & Angus have all been very good to us – now it is our turn to create a platform for growth and share the possibilities with as many businesses as possible.”

Find out more at www.granitepr.co.uk

Retail manager Alan Aim has a dream for long-distance coach travel. The slogan of his company Travel by Knight is, “Save Your Day, Travel

By Knight”.

The concept is simple. Instead of people forking out twice – once for transport and again for accommodation – combine the two and let them sleep on the way.

The logo is a knight in shining armour, based on literature’s most chivalrous dreamer Don Quixote. Alan hopes his idea will provide a good alternative to spending either many daylight hours travelling on express coaches or lots of money on trains.

Small groups can board in the late evening, get straight to sleep, travel through the night and arrive at their destination the next morning.

The timescales were tight, allowing just a four-week turnaround to have the products costed, specified, delivered and installed. The project was delivered on time and to the required budget.

Design agency success

Company Director Alan Lyons said: “We are delighted to have successfully completed this project on behalf of Elevator and look forward to building a long-term relationship with them moving forward.”

The internationally-recognised brand agency FortyTwo Studio received nine nominations in the prestigious Drum Scottish Creative Awards.

Andy Campbell, Project Consultant at Elevator UK, said: “After a review of several suppliers, we selected Total Business Furniture. Alan, Eddie and the team really took time to understand our needs. They knew the design bar we were looking to hit and the timeline/budgetary requirements we had to work to.

The guys delivered beyond our expectations. From specification to install, they were the complete solution. We would have no hesitation in recommending or using TBF in the future.”

The nominations were judged by a panel of industry experts at an awards ceremony on the 26th October at The Caves, Edinburgh. The Drum Scottish Creative Awards recognises outstanding creative work delivered

by Scottish companies.

FortyTwo Studio, which is based in Aberdeen, received the Nominations across five categories – Corporate/ Promotional Literature, Corporate Identity, Packaging, Typography and Creative Strategy – for work covering their diverse list of clients, including: Aberdeen Council, Banchory Beer

Currently operating with a restricted O-Licence granted early in the summer, Alan’s full-time job is running four retail stores, but he’s always been interested in coach travel and has big dreams.

“The ultimate goal is to have a network of sleeper buses, connecting Glasgow to Beijing – a sort of TransSiberian journey but on tyres. It will allow people to travel overnight, have a day in a city and spend the next night travelling to the next city.”

Earlier this year Alan bought his first vehicle, a second-hand Ayats doubledeck sleeper coach which has 14 berths and an upstairs lounge. It’s an ex-band bus and Alan intends to continue using it for that purpose. He used it to take a group to Glastonbury in the summer with good results and has since bought his second vehicle – this one brand new.

Festival, Teasmith Gin and the Veg Company. The company’s major successes were in the Packaging and Typography categories.

The nominations cemented what has been a very successful second year for the design agency which specialises in building and developing brands across digital and print mediums for businesses internationally.

It’s a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 conversion from Swansea Coachworks, a mini coach with a difference. It’s fitted with 12 berths, each ingeniously designed in a ‘reclining’ position instead of flat, so more can be fitted in. Each berth has draw curtains, a magazine rack, a reading light and a mobile phone USB charger port. Alan calls it the UK’s first sleeper mini coach.

The new vehicle is well equipped, including air-conditioning and a microwave for warming up Travel by Knight-branded face cloths for the mornings.

Alan’s goal is to run registered services, but for now the coaches are both available for private hire for small groups. The concept is aimed at people who don’t mind the lack of shower and changing facilities onboard.

'' The nominations cement this commitment and are further testament to the quality of work and the results we’re delivering to our clients. We can’t wait to further this success over the coming year.”

FortyTwo Studio is on target for a yearon-year increase in turnover of 30%.

This year it has secured new contract wins totalling more than £200K, which includes clients from the Dundee area.

Director and Founder of FortyTwo Studio Mark Kemp said: “Having won a Scottish Design Award earlier this year, we were once again delighted to see our name on the shortlist of such a respected national award.

“We build long-term relationships with our clients – using our design practice to help them grow and make their business better.

For more information about FortyTwo Studio go to www.fortytwo.studio 39

| WINTER 2017/18

DACC TEAM

The Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce Team

We look forward to working with you in 2018 and beyond!

You’ll find details here of the contact information for each of the team members and their area of expertise.

If you’d like to meet with someone to discuss any aspect of your membership, or how you can raise your profile via our communication channels, please let us know.

Alison Henderson CEO

Simon Rolfe Membership Recruitment Manager

Sarah Young Events & Marketing Manager

Alison leads the organisation and works with the Team and Board to deliver the operational plan and the business objectives. No two days are ever the same and she regularly connects with members and Platinum Partners, plus dealing with media and influencing local and national government, to ensure that the business voice of Dundee & Angus is well represented.

Simon is responsible for recruitment of new members to the Chamber. He meets with businesses who are interested in joining the Chamber and ensures that we understand the key benefits that a business is looking for when joining Dundee & Angus Chamber. He then helps with the delivery of those benefits.

Simon also supports Dan in the renewal and engagement of existing members.

Sarah leads, manages and delivers the Chamber Event programme. She is also responsible for Marketing, including creation of web content, management of Chamber social media channels and other associated activity.

Alison can be contacted on E: alisonhenderson@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk T: 01382 443402

Simon can be contacted on E: simonrolfe@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk T: 01382 443421 M: 07799 411484

Sarah can be contacted on E: sarahyoung@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk T: 01382 443430 M: 07930 487120

Daniel Cargill Membership Engagement Executive

Donna Bell Board Secretary

Shirley Taylor Export Certification Officer & Finance Assistant

Dan focuses on membership engagement and retention. He manages the business Mentoring programme and also works on the International projects. Dan is also part of the Export Documentation team working alongside Shirley.

Donna is responsible for supporting the Board and CEO, organising Board meetings, managing key special event projects and supporting day -to-day book keeping.

Shirley leads the Export Documentation work, supporting exporters and giving guidance on enquiries from importers and exporters on trading globally. She also looks after the day to day book-keeping and accounts administration for the Chamber.

Daniel can be contacted on

Donna can be contacted on

Shirley can be contacted on

E: danielcargill@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk

E: donnabell@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk

E: shirleytaylor@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk

T: 01382 443405

T: 01382 443403

T: 01382 443419

M: 07752 167801

M: 07500 660519

40

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2017/18

| WINTER 2017/18

Esk Glazing Ltd opens new Head Office in Arbroath MEMBERS' NEWS

Dundee company Intona is first choice for restoring property on WW1 Somme battlefield

2017 a busy year for Esk Glazing Ltd. The company moved the Head Office from its base in Montrose to a 40,000-square-foot building in Arbroath. Renamed Margaret House, the building has its own Trade Centre for local businesses and tradesmen, and an amazing showroom which is open to both the public and trade.

In the Design Studio, bespoke and individualistic glass is designed and created.

Esk Glazing has remained strong to its Montrose-based roots and opened a showroom in Murray Street; the focus being to expand the brand name while remaining loyal to the existing customer base. The company is always looking for new and exciting ideas for its customers.

The mantra for Esk Glazing is simply:

“Don’t ask… Just ESK” Simple enough, but a true statement for the brand identity and the company itself.

Esk Glazing Ltd 2017 2017 has been a busy time for Esk Glazing Ltd; the innovation and productivity Esk Glazing supplies rises year on year and Esk Glazing work closely with suppliers to ensure quality, longevity, strength and security.

Esk Glazing Ltd isn’t just a brand it’s a family unit and with each new project the “family” expands exponentially.

Highlandwear specialist McCalls branch in Dundee

Esk Glazing has recently moved the Head Office from its base in Basin View Montrose into a 40,000 square foot building in Arbroath; renamed Margaret House this building now has its very own Trade Centre for local businesses and tradesmen, an amazing showroom open to both the public and trade, the Design Studio where bespoke and individualistic glass is designed and made and an in-built factory where Esk cut glass to size whilst the customer is waiting.

Esk Glazing Ltd has remained strong to its Montrose based roots and opened a showroom in Murray Street; the focus being to expand the brand name whilst still remaining loyal to the existing customer base.

Whilst other glazing companies stagnate Esk Glazing is always looking for new and exciting ideas for its customers to ensure it remains a dominant focus throughout the heart(s) of Angus and Tayside.

McCalls of Dundee, located in Whitehall Street, is the newest addition to the McCalls family after opening in 2017. Working in conjunction with the existing Broughty Ferry branch, the outfitter supplies striking tailored Highlandwear and high-quality hire outfits for special occasions.

The 2017 mantra for Esk Glazing is simply:

“Don’t Ask… Just ESK”

Simple enough but a true statement for the brand identity and the company itself.

Dundee-based timber preservation and asbestos services specialists Intona Limited and its staff are always up for a challenge, but they never anticipated carrying out work in Picardie in France where they helped restore a house situated on the infamous Somme battlefields. In July 1916, on the first day of the battle, 19,400 British and Allied soldiers died.

Morval on the Somme is a sleepy hamlet with just over 80 inhabitants.

During the Great War it was held by the Germans. The village was eventually retaken, but was virtually destroyed.

By 1921 houses were appearing on the sites of the ruins. One such house built in 1921 was on the village main street Rue Principale. Imagine the company’s surprise when a client announced he’d bought this house. It was in serious need of love and care, and the client wanted to use trusted tradesmen he knew to carry out the work. Intona was delighted to take on the challenge.

There was no shortage of volunteers to work on this unique project. The Intona

42

expeditionary force went to the location four times working on the restoration and the client is absolutely delighted with the end result.

The first visit saw the conversion of an ancient French log store into a new sitting room and boot room. An existing bedroom was turned into a luxurious bathroom with a walk-in shower. Roofs were lowered and plastered, and the existing shower area was turned into a stunning utility room.

The next visit saw several floors being replaced and the installation of a brand new kitchen. On the third visit Team Intona totally replaced all the bedroom

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2017/18

and living rooms floors. The fourth and final visit finalised the last details of what has been a major refurbishment.

Intona Director Ron Mitchell commented: “We are truly delighted to be involved in such a major project in such a poignant place. What a fitting tribute to the skills and attributes of our staff to be asked to work in rural France on the Somme. We have helped preserve a house in an area where indeed some of the original World War One very emotive battlefields are still preserved. The Somme is a must-see for any visitor.”

McCalls offers an unmatched selection of tartans from traditional clan tartans to contemporary classics and the ability to create unique and bespoke Highlandwear and accessories.

The Pride range, exclusive to McCalls, is a collection of unique, modern and eye-catching tartan designs. They are ideal for anyone not affiliated with a clan but who wants to wear tartan. In 2017 the 14th Pride tartan – Midnight Granite Pride – was launched.

The exclusive and timeless tartan in various shades of grey with a touch of navy is already proving very popular.

The Pride range isn’t limited to outfits as McCalls also offers a wide selection of coordinated accessories and gifts including hip flasks and kilt pins.

McCalls takes great pride in their high standard of service and affordability developed over the last 130 years – and this newest branch is no exception.

Carnoustie hosts the 2018 Open Championship The 147th Open takes place from the 15th - 22nd July 2018. Fans from all over the globe will head to Carnoustie to watch the world’s best golfers compete for the title of Champion Golfer of the Year and the famous Claret Jug. Carnoustie has been the provider of many memorable sporting moments, from Ben Hogan’s victory through to Jean van de Velde playing from the Barry Burn in 1999 which ended with a home-grown champion in Paul Lawrie. It’s the toughest test in championship golf and one players and fans look forward to.

There are many ways to enjoy the drama.

Soak up the atmosphere at one of the world’s greatest events and indulge in some of the finest Scottish hospitality.

Witness history in the making within the comfort of one of the specially-designed, fully-inclusive hospitality restaurants and enjoy over 10 hours at golf’s original and most international Major.

Whether you’re strengthening existing relationships, forging new ones or want to enhance your experience at the championship, you and your valued guests can share in the excitement of this prestigious sporting occasion.

Be at the heart of the action, enjoy Fast Track access, experience wonderful on-course locations and the finest fullyinclusive sporting hospitality from the moment you arrive at this iconic venue.

Don’t miss out on one of the world’s greatest events taking place in our region and remember to book official hospitality to avoid disappointment. Contact the team at The R&A for further details. www.TheOpen.com/Hospitality Email: Hospitality@TheOpen.com Tel: 01334 460010

43

| WINTER 2017/18

MEMBERS' NEWS

Can you support The Yard?

Dundee Kiltwalk raises £250,000

The Yard is a charity which runs adventure play services for disabled children, young people and their families. It offers creative indoor and outdoor play experiences in a wellsupported environment.

2017 was the biggest ever for the Kiltwalk, with 14,000 Kiltwalk Heroes taking part in four events across Scotland. Thanks to Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation, all fundraising receives an incredible 40% top-up, meaning over £2.3million has been raised for charities all over Scotland.

In its first service outside Edinburgh since being established over 30 years ago, The Yard began running weekend family play sessions in Dundee in 2015. The charity has already worked with over 100 local families, but there are many more across Tayside who would benefit from the whole family support it offers.

The charity is in the early stages of planning a brand-new, purpose-built centre to house The Yard Dundee. The Yard model and approach means building a new centre is only part of the solution. The aim is not only to offer more services for disabled children but also to build a community.

The Yard is currently seeking support from the local community for their capital fundraising appeal which will help generate the money needed to build the new centre. As well as financial donations, businesses can support the appeal through gifts in kind, skills and volunteering time.

If you, your company, workplace or club can help, please get in touch at fundraising@ theyardscotland.org.uk or phone 0131 476 4506.

Volpa mark 10 years of marketing The Enchanted Forest Volpa, one of Scotland’s top independent marketing agencies, celebrated 10 successful years at the helm of marketing The Enchanted Forest.

The event is known as Scotland’s industry-leading sound and light show and is the current holder of UK Event Awards’ Event of the Year. The awardwinning agency has been instrumental in transforming the one-time small Perthshire event into the top attraction it is today. 2017’s event ran from 28 September to 29 October and was completely sold out for the first time in its history, with ticket sales topping 72,500.

44

The spectacular sound and light event, which has seen an increase in visitors from 1,500 in 2002 to 70,000 in 2016, has seen a 22% rise in revenues for this year’s show. It’s estimated the event brings more than £3 million to the local economy.

A specialist in the tourism, hospitality and food and drink sectors, Volpa uses its full range of services to publicise the event including public relations, marketing, digital and creative. Over the years, Volpa has won several awards for the work it’s delivered on The Enchanted Forest, including three times winner of the Scottish Event Award for Best Marketing Strategy.

Tricia Fox, Managing Director at Volpa, said: “It’s been a privilege to work on such an exciting project for 10 years.

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2017/18

I’m proud of the work we have put in every single year to publicise this event, the evidence of which can be clearly seen in the ever-increasing number of visitors the event attracts.”

One of the major highlights of the year was the St Andrews to Dundee Kiltwalk in August. This was a new route for the Kiltwalk and as one of the most-picturesque events, an instant favourite. Over 2,000 walkers, full of that unmistakable Dundee spirit, made for a fantastic day where over £250,000 was raised for local Tayside and national charities.The Kiltwalk would like to thank all the Kiltie volunteers who brought the event to life and say a special thanks to Councillor Lynne Short whose support helped make the 2017 Kiltwalk such a success.

Setting off from the iconic St Andrews Old Course and finishing on Monifieth beach, the Dundee Kiltwalk is a unique event in the calendar and the Kiltwalk team looks forward to returning to the City of Discovery on August 19, 2018.

Thanks to Sir Tom Hunter, all of the walkers’ fundraising will once again be topped up by 40% next year. So, if £1,000 is raised through the Kiltwalk for a Tayside charity it will be raised to £1,400. There is no minimum or maximum amount of fundraising with the Kiltwalk – every penny goes where it is needed most.

Pension Auto Enrolment – increases to minimum Auto enrolment was introduced in 2012 and means most workers in the UK are automatically enrolled into a workplace pension unless they opt out.

Each and every employer was provided with a Staging Date from the Pensions Regulator and the last of these employers are now staging.

Any new employers will have to add the auto enrolment duties to their list of what they need to do when deciding to take on employees as their duties start almost immediately.

With regards to building your budget forecast, auto enrolment contributions increase in April 2018 and then again in April 2019.

If an employer elected to set up a pension scheme for its workers using the qualifying earnings minimum contribution basis, the employer contribution will increase to 2% in April, with workers increasing to 3% (giving a total minimum contribution required of 5% to be saved in the member’s pension pot).

There are points to consider in advance of the changes: >

>

Henderson Loggie Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The information in this article is of a general nature and seeks to highlight some of the issues which could be affecting you and/or your business, including changes to financial regulation and legislation. Readers should not rely on this information without seeking professional advice on its application in their circumstances.

Have you included this in your budget for 2018?

Are you planning to inform your workforce of the changes and how are you doing this?

The number of workers who were expected to opt out of a pension arrangement was around 15% but it’s actually closer to 9-10%. The increased contributions might see an increase to this opt out number, but remember this is a member decision and you shouldn’t make your company’s plans based on larger numbers opting out. Remember, too, that you can’t influence a member to opt out – that’s against the law.

If you have any questions about Auto Enrolment, please email ricky.clark@hlfs.co.uk

Ricky Clark – Financial Planning Consultant, Henderson Loggie Financial Services

45

| WINTER 2017/18

MEMBERS' NEWS

The solution to cyber security

A company’s CFO receives an unexpected email from the CEO asking for funds to be transferred urgently. The CFO requests the relevant details and sends thousands of pounds to the given account.

Later that day, the CFO bumps into the CEO and casually asks: “Did you get the money?”

The CEO never sent the request and, therefore, never received the money.

Another employee at a different firm is sent an email attachment that reads ‘Invoice’ or ‘Purchase Order’.

Within minutes all their files on the PC have been encrypted as well as all the files on the server.

The employee opens it without first checking its authenticity.

The entire company’s systems are down for two days.

According to the FBI, billions of dollars are lost every year due to these exact issues. As an SME, how can you fight these threats?

How do you identify the people who are most vulnerable to these attacks?

The NHS, Equifax, Maersk, TalkTalk and TNT Express… You know what they all have in common. In most cases, these attacks happen due to the actions of an individual user.

For instance, an employee of the company opens an attachment or clicks on a link that he/she is not supposed to. A study done

by KnowBe4 found that 16% of employees routinely click on a link from an unknown source.

Anyone who works in IT knows the story. We send out periodic emails asking our colleagues not to open attachments and links from unknown, potentially dangerous sources and many never read our emails. They go ahead and click.

46

The CEO responds: “What money?”

It doesn’t matter what software you use, what firewalls you have in place or how many policies and procedures you write, ultimately user education is the key.

So, how can you educate them?

You need to think like an attacker.

You need to phish your users and measure how many people are clicking on the links or opening attachments they shouldn’t be.

Then you need to assign them to a relevant training course.

TechForce is currently helping several companies with exactly this problem and can tell/show you how it works (strictly for IT departments). The company’s goal is to bring those who ‘click’ down from 16% to a fraction of it in the space of a few months.

Contact TechForce on 01224 516181 or email hello@thetechforce.co.uk for a no-obligation chat about how we can help.

THE DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2017/18

Support for business branding expertise Following its recent move to a newly-converted business hub in Dundee’s cultural quarter, The Malting House Design Studio was delighted to announce a partnership with Office Essential.

Office Essential offers everything a new business requires to reach its potential – with financial support available in the DD Postcode Area to provide graphic design and branding support for start-ups via The Malting House Design Studio.Office Essential works with the government agency Start Up Loans, BizBritain and UK PLC to provide finance and support to get businesses off to a great start.

As creative thinkers and visual problem solvers, The Malting House Design Studio uses its expertise to support businesses and organisations develop unique brand identities and marketing materials with the aim of improving recognition, increasing customer engagement and impacting target audiences.

Creative Director Wendy Maltman said: “A strong brand identity gives your business a firm foundation, increases its value, motivates your employees and sends a powerful message of credibility and trust to your clients.”

Over the past 15 years, The Malting House Design Studio has produced branding solutions and marketing materials for a host of businesses and charities, creating compelling and memorable designs for everything from logos, stationery and brochures to exhibition banners and websites.

Tayforth Properties delighted by interest in Water’s Edge Top industry professionals from the British Council for Offices (BCO) have praised the “scale and ambition” of Dundee’s Water’s Edge office development which is attracting a high level of interest from employers UK-wide.

“We have been delighted by the level of interest in Water’s Edge from employers as far afield as London, Newcastle and Aberdeen, all keen to hear more about the timing, scale and location of the project. UK-wide there’s a great demand for high-quality office space and Water’s Edge ticks all the boxes in terms of quality, specification and location.”

Speaking after a behind-thescenes visit to the site which overlooks City Quay marina, John Shepherd, BCO Committee Member and Director of Whiteburn Projects Ltd, said: “The scale and ambition of this unique workspace project at Water's Edge is impressive and one of those gems which occasionally emerges when you get a client as creative as Tayforth Properties and a responsive architect such as Nicoll Russell Studios."

From offices with capacity for 50 people through to individual coworking desks, Tayforth Properties is creating an open-plan, flexible workspace designed to nurture creative thinking, encourage collaboration and enhance productivity.

Stewart Clark, Managing Director of developers Tayforth Properties Ltd. and Ryan Cathro from architects Nicoll Russell Studios Ltd. welcomed the group to Water’s Edge, which has been conceived as the next generation of commercial space and a catalyst to inspire, connect and energise 21st century business innovators, entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Tayforth MD Stewart Clark revealed there’s been a huge surge of advance interest in the state-ofthe-art development from across the UK, commenting:

Original features have been retained and incorporated into Water’s Edge which boasts cuttingedge technology, co-working space and meeting rooms, plus ultrafast broadband and temperature control.

In addition, what will ultimately become Dundee’s largest restaurant and café, with inspiring views overlooking the water, will complete the development.

Businesses interested in finding out more about Water’s Edge should contact Stewart Clark on 07782 637 420 or email stewart.clark@tayforth.com

The studio’s portfolio includes Fairways, Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum at Stirling Castle, University of Dundee, Ewgeco, Dundee Science Centre and Cambus O’May Cheese Co. To access graphic design and branding support for your new business please visit www.officeessential.co.uk or contact Wendy@themaltinghouse.co.uk.

47

The heart of our business, our staff are experienced, multi-skilled teams with significant and proven transport industry knowledge making us an award-winning team.

We are proud to be one of the largest employer in the Angus area, being part of the community and supporting our staff and their families.

Proud to support