Your Business Autumn 2020 by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry

autumn 2020 ÂŁ3

the magazine of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

INSIDE: Business Week

page 3

Chamber Customs

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PLATINUM PARTNERS CONTACTS Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry, The Mezzanine, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Prestwick, KA9 2PL Mail enquiries@ayrshire-chamber.org Call 01292 678666 Visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org President...........................................Lorna Gibson Chief Executive.............................. Valerie Russell Development Manager...................Helen McBride

Ayrshire Chamber wishes to acknowledge the support of the following companies as sponsors of our Platinum Partners programme. The Chamber in Ayrshire represents businesses of all sizes and all sectors and is particularly effective in representing the voice of businesses at local, national and international level. The Partnership aims to cement the relationship that companies have with Ayrshire Chamber, making sure they get the most out of membership and in turn contributing to the work of the Chamber, so supporting other business in Ayrshire. Partnership members have access to a comprehensive package of benefits, while at the same time assist with the development of the Chamber movement. If you would like to discuss the mutual benefits of becoming a Partner for Business please contact Helen McBride our Business Development Manager.

MAGAZINE Editorial........... aclayton@ayrshire-chamber.org Ad Sales............lstewart@ayrshire-chamber.org Design/Typesetting........advertisingworks.co.uk Print/Distribution.......................brown-bros.com An Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry publication. No part of this magazine may be copied, scanned or reproduced without the express permission of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed in editorial and/or advertising in "Your Business" are not necessarily those of the Editorial Committee of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Articles submitted for publication will be considered at the Committee's discretion and may be subject to editing. Publication is not guaranteed.

MSP MESSAGES

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

Jeane Freeman, MSP Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley

I’d like to take this opportunity to offer my support to businesses in what has been the most challenging period in recent history. The Scottish Government is doing all it can to support business and is passing on every penny received from the UK Government for this purpose, and more, directly to businesses. I continue to listen to concerns from businesses and my colleagues in Government continue to explore how best to support the economy through the unprecedented challenges presented by this pandemic. As individuals, we are all the frontline in making sure the virus does not get any

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opportunity to spread and businesses also have their role to play in helping to prevent the spread by putting in appropriate riskmitigation measures, and collecting contact details, where applicable, to assist with the Test and Protect program and I thank all businesses for assisting with these matters. We all acknowledge the scale of the challenge facing Scotland’s economy as a result of this pandemic, but I think we can all agree that this is an opportunity to perhaps do things differently and crucially to rebuild a stronger, fairer and greener economic future for Scotland.

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INSIDE:

Excellence r Business Winne Ayrshire Award News Chamber Annual Dinner

page 5 page 6 page 22

INSIDE: Business Week

page 3

Chamber Customs

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INSIDE: Business Support Chamber News

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Every edition of ‘Your Business’ is directly mailed to all Chamber members and a selection of businesses across Ayrshire. With a digital copy also available on the Chamber website we have an estimated readership of over 6000. Find out more about how advertising can help you raise the profile of your business: email lstewart@ayrshire-chamber.org or aclayton@ayrshire-chamber.org

RESPONSIBLE, RESET, READY These three words have become our Three ‘Rs’. No-one could have planned for the changes that we have all gone through over the last five months, but as a Chamber and membership organisation, we must plan for the changes that we will all experience over the coming months, and years. We must be responsible, we must reset and above all we must be ready. We must be responsible and reset our operations and future strategy to ensure we are ready to support our Members through our Ayrshire Chamber Vision… To bring our business community together, enabling members to grow their organisation both locally and internationally, supporting economic development activity across Ayrshire and beyond.

Although there is still much uncertainty around COVID-19 and the impact this pandemic will continue to have on businesses, there is starting to be signs of some sort of return to normality, or as we all now refer to, the ‘new normal’. We all now need to reset and plan for this recovery. Ayrshire Chamber is currently working on our own Strategy for the next three years and how that will focus on supporting growth and economic development in Ayrshire. The Ayrshire Growth Deal is still very much a positive for our region and we will be keeping our members involved and updated on progress as this develops. Although the last five months have been incredibly difficult for every business it has been some comfort to see how many of our Ayrshire businesses have shown so much resilience and strength, many small and local businesses have risen to the challenge and diversified their services, supporting their local communities and becoming an essential lifeline for many. We have

LORNA GIBSON Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce President

also seen businesses working together, rather than in competition, and supporting each other. This proves the strength of our Ayrshire business community. We all certainly now have a challenge to rebuild and grow, The Ayrshire Chamber is here to support, assist and advise so please continue to call on us and together we will recover and rebuild.

AYRSHIRE BUSINESS WEEK 2020

OCTOBER 5TH – 9TH

Ayrshire Business Week has held a prominent slot on the Ayrshire Chamber events calendar for the past 12 years and we are delighted to announce we will continue to do so this year via the digital events platform OnAir. Working with The Events Hub and in partnership with our sponsors and members we will provide a varied programme of events, workshops and our popular B2B Exhibition “Stay Connected” on Wednesday 7th October. The event will open with a networking session followed by the exhibition itself, sector specific sessions and arranged 1 to 1 meetings. Exhibitors ‘stands’ will be fully interactive with the ability to manage virtual attendee queues, capture visitor details, share brochures and video links and record 1-to-1 instant video meetings. Each exhibitor will be invited to attend a pre-event session to get a feel for the platform and there will be video links for delegates to use before joining/visiting the exhibition. To view how the platform will bring the exhibition to you, take a look at their video at www.ayrshire-chamber.org/events/ayrshire-business-week Val Russell, CEO said “We are excited to bring Business Week to you this year instead of the other way around. It’s another ‘new normal’ to embrace and we are looking forward to working with The Events Hub to provide a professional, slick event via the well tested, robust OnAir platform and the technical expertise they will provide.” The prominent Women in Business Lunch will feature on the virtual

programme on Thursday 8th October. This year, held in partnership with Barclays Bank, there will be speakers from the Investing Women and Accelerate Her Programme. More detail will follow soon. The full programme of events for Ayrshire Business Week 2020 will be launching on our website soon with discounts available for early exhibition virtual stand bookings. www.ayrshire-chamber.org/events Make sure to ‘Save the Date’ and block off some time in your diaries to join our first ever online Ayrshire Business Week 2020. For further details and sponsorship opportunities contact Yvonne Munro yvonne@ayrshire-chamber.org

3 YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME

MEMBERS NEWS

NEW GROWTH-FOCUSSED EVENTS AND NEWSLETTER LAUNCHED BY AYRSHIRE’S HALO HALO Kilmarnock, the urban regeneration company behind the ongoing redevelopment of the former Johnnie Walker site, are launching RockMe Growth online in September. The free-to-use service will offer virtual Masterclass events, featuring interviews with international business leaders, and an accompanying insightpacked Newsletter, all focussed on getting Scottish businesses back to growth post Covid. Each month, the entrepreneurial team behind HALO Kilmarnock focus on a different industry, starting with the Music Industry in September. Members of the RockMe Growth community will gain exclusive access to online Masterclass events featuring international business leaders and a

twice-monthly Newsletter packed with original content from HALO and our expert corporate partners. Visit growth.halo-projects.com to sign up to

exclusive content focussed on how to achieve growth in the post-COVID world, such as how to better use data to connect with your customers during lockdown.

MSP MESSAGES

John Scott, MSP AYR

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

Our post-Covid economy may be changed beyond recognition, says Ayr constituency MSP John Scott, and it’s up to government to help guide businesses through these new challenges.

“Covid-19 began as a health crisis, but within weeks had become an economic crisis too, provoking a global shutdown on a scale never before seen, reaching into every corner of the country, and impacting us here in Ayrshire acutely as anywhere else,” says Mr Scott. “Huge interventions by both the UK and Scottish Governments have kept many businesses afloat which would otherwise have sunk, but the task of rebuilding the economy and building it back better, has barely started.

“For a start, for many the very nature of work has turned in a wholly new direction. Home working where possible has become the rule, physical meetings being replaced by virtual contact. It seems probable that these new habits and ways of working will over time be ‘baked in’, becoming part of the ‘new normal’.

“Investing in our nation’s infrastructure will also be central to this rebuilding, and that must happen here in Ayrshire where transport networks need improved and digital connectivity further enhanced. It will mean ensuring expanded opportunities for re-skilling, it must mean re-examining the support provided to businesses through existing structures like Scottish Enterprise and Business Gateway, and the way in which public sector procurement is delivered must be re-evaluated, to give small and medium sized companies a fairer go at securing contracts. “The road back seems set to be a long one, accompanied by further dramatic changes, but I believe that by working together we can lay the foundations for lasting recovery here in Ayrshire and across the country.”

CHAMBER NEWS

These are certainly the most challenging times we have seen for many years. As your Chamber of Commerce we have endeavoured to support, not only our members, but all businesses in Ayrshire who have come to us for help and advice. We have been actively involved with the wider Chamber network in Scotland, UK wide and internationally. We have lobbied for funding support to help businesses during lockdown and for schemes to have a phased end to help those sectors unable to open fully, if at all. With Brexit approaching, we have asked the UK Government to ‘Call Time on Tariffs’ to aid those businesses trading internationally. Our own International Trade Team have undergone training to be able to meet the additional demands Brexit will bring and to offer a full Customs Declaration Service - see page 7. Our events programme, like many other aspects of our services has moved online and we will continue to find new ways to bring our support to you, our members, in as many ways as we can. Some events are now being offered in the ‘real world’ although still physically

CHAMBER EVENTSDiary

Although our normal events diary is currently postponed, we are still providing opportunities for networking, training and business support online. To keep up to date with what we have coming up make sure to regularly check our events page at www.ayrshire-chamber.org/events

If you have any topic suggestions or there is something you have a particular interest in, please email yvonne@ayrshire-chamber.org

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

HELPING AYRSHIRE GROW

distanced, such as our first Net-Walking event in Troon. Others will be available through online platforms and we are excited to be bringing Business Week to you this year with a mix of both. See page 3 for more details and how to book your virtual exhibition stand. It is encouraging to see so many businesses returning and we would urge you all to continue shopping and trading locally to help our Ayrshire economy recover and grow. Ayrshire Chamber will shortly be launching a new project ‘Ayrshire Connect’ with support from Scotland's Towns Partnership and Scottish Government to promote town centre businesses as well as tourism, food and drink. The project will be developed in partnership with local company Plan B and work closely with local authority town centre regeneration and economic development staff as well as community councils and local businesses. Chamber CEO Val Russell stated “by working together we give Ayrshire the best chance to Restart, Rebuild, Renew.” If you would like to be involved please contact Val by email vrussell@ayrshire-chamber.org

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Many thanks to Alister Firth Photography for capturing and supplying the image which makes up the front cover of this edition. Alister was asked if he had an image that would represent growth. A quick trip to his garden and this beautiful image was created. We hope you agree that it symbolises the regrowth of Contact: www.actioncoach.com/andrewgoldberg Ayrshire very well.

MEMBERS NEWS

LOCAL COMPANY SUPPLIES WORLDWIDE MARKETS

MSP MESSAGES

Kenneth Gibson, MSP Cunninghame North “As we continue to ease out of lockdown and businesses re-open, this is a great opportunity to focus on how far we’ve come.

Nuline Medical, based in Patna, East Ayrshire, has been supplying surgical gowns, face masks and face visors during the Covid-19 pandemic. The company also assemble customised single-use dressing and procedure packs and have developed an extensive range of singleuse instruments. Nuline Medical operates from a 32,000 sq ft facility in Patna with full accreditation including ISO13485, ISO9001 and 93/42/EEC(MDD). Colin Moore, Managing Director, says “this has been a great opportunity for Nuline to demonstrate how we can support the NHS. Not only have we supplied product locally to NHS Ayrshire and Arran and the National Distribution Centre in Larkhall, which supplies

“The Scottish Government’s comprehensive package of measures worth £2.3 billion to help sustain businesses and, crucially, pay and treat staff fairly in recent months has been vital in helping keep businesses going. “Key sectors, from hospitality and tourism to all of Scotland’s NHS, but we have also exported aerospace and aviation face particular concerns and product to countries such as Ireland, Switzerland and governments, Scottish and UK must work together to the United States. Our vision was to create a medical tackle them. business based in Ayrshire that makes a difference, “However, we’ve only been able to reach this point delivering high quality, competitively priced product thanks to the hard work and dedication of people living with outstanding customer service. A local company, in Scotland and the good practice and forbearance of employing local people but with the world as our Ayrshire’s businesses. marketplace”. “The health and wellbeing of individuals, communities Shirley Lawtie, Acting Head of Procurement at NHS and the economy has always been a priority for Scotland. Ayrshire and Arran said, “We were delighted to be able “There is no doubt that Scotland’s economy faces an to use a local, Ayrshire based, medical company for enormous challenge as we emerge from the coronavirus the supply of surgical gowns during the pandemic. We crisis. Nevertheless, with employers across all sectors wish Nuline Medical continued success in the years to of the economy working in partnership staff, unions and elected representatives, we can use the crisis as an come.” Nuline Medical would be delighted to hear from you opportunity to build fairer and more inclusive workplaces, if you have a requirement for PPE or single-use surgical and continue to make Ayrshire one of the best places in the world to do business.” product. Please contact info@nulinemedical.com

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7 YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

CHAMBER NEWS

NO MORE TRANSITION AT THE UK BORDER The UK left the European Union on 31st January 2020, and the transition period comes to an end in December this year. It is vital that businesses take action now to get ready for a new border operating environment from 1st January 2021. Until the new border operating model was published on 12th July, we could only speculate on how goods would be controlled at our borders once we left the EU. It’s now clear – and the new model brings this into stark reality – that businesses need to prepare for a significantly higher level of customs declarations and associated administration. It candidly states "customs declarations are complicated". Declaration volumes will grow from 55 million now, to almost 300 million next year. The cost to business is estimated at around £7bn per annum, and the customs intermediary market lacks the necessary capacity to deal with the increase.

The detail New border procedures for importing and exporting goods to and from the EU will be in place. Traders importing ‘standard goods’ – covering everything from clothes to electronics – will need to prepare for new customs paperwork. You will need to keep specific records of imported goods and you can opt to take up to six months to submit a full customs declarations for goods arriving from the EU. Taxes will need to be paid on all imports, but payments can be deferred for up to six months until July. This will help trader cash flow until the end of 2021, but only if you or your agent have the correct approvals in place to use simplified procedures. Full customs requirements will apply to controlled goods from 1st January 2021 whether they arrive from the EU or elsewhere.

Businesses will be able to account for VAT on goods imports using Postponed VAT Accounting from the start of the new year. This means that once the staged introduction period ends, payment of VAT due on imported goods can be delayed until the next VAT return.

What does this mean for business? Despite the much needed clarity on customs procedures, and a welcome delay through staged introduction of full customs controls, big challenges remain for most businesses. Declarations volumes will increase, costs will rise, traders need to skill up to deal with new procedures and time is incredibly short. Companies trading across the globe will need to make a choice. Should they take advantage of the staged introduction of measures for EU imports and gain a cashflow advantage through delayed duty and VAT payments? Or, stick with the systems and processes they already know, and use the newly introduced postponed VAT accounting and guarantee free deferment accounts to delay border taxes by up to six months? Whatever you decide, businesses that export and import goods have change coming and it’s inevitable. The wise amongst you will wake up to change and plan your level of readiness. There is much to do and qualified and compliance led customs experts are becoming a rare commodity. Our expert team at Chamber Customs, our international trade training programmes and our overseas connections make us an ideal customs partner. As your business gets ready for the end of the transition period, our customs agents are ready to help you clear your goods at the border. Give us a call to arrange a chat. Whether here in Ayrshire or across the UK, the Chamber network is here to support you and to help you to trade with confidence.

LIAM SMYTH ChamberCustoms

@chambercustoms www.chambercustoms.co.uk

Dear Chamber Member

We are writing you this open letter in the hope that your business is surviving through the most challenging economic times in living history. Sales across all sectors have been badly hit due to the virus, and sadly, it looks like it will get worse towards the end of the year and into 2021. In times of economic stress, it is normal for businesses to cut their marketing effort in order to reduce costs, but this has been proven time and time again to have the opposite effect. Reducing or ending your marketing effort will very quickly reduce or end your sales. The only way to maintain sales is to maintain your marketing effort. Now might be the time to have a fresh look at how you promote your company, what platforms you market on and how you can maximise sales from a reduced marketing budget. CoshNiven is Ayrshire’s dedicated marketing company. Stephen Cosh and Graeme Niven have been responsible for the marketing of literally hundreds of Ayrshire companies over the last 25 years. This partnership consistently delivers increased sales and heightened brand awareness through solid strategy, copywriting, photography and advertising. During the crisis, we are offering all Chamber members a free marketing consultation where we will audit your sales process and suggest more efficient methods not only to survive the downturn, but to come out of it fighting fit. It’s free to talk, and we’d love to hear from you, so call us on 0800 0854 101, and we’ll do our very best to get your sales back on track.

Yours optimistically,

Stephen Cosh

Graeme Niven

Director

Alloway Mill Studios, 57 Greenfield Avenue, Ayr KA7 4NX 0800 0854 101 info@coshniven.com www.coshniven.com

ARENA HR IS HERE TO SUPPORT FELLOW CHAMBER MEMBERS Arena HR were doing well in early 2020, like many other SMEs recruiting new staff and settling into their new offices in Kilmarnock.

Arena HR for specific advice. This grew and before long Arena HR had taken on new clients. Now many clients have returned, and new clients have joined. One of these new clients is fellow Chamber member Peacock Salt, who are one of the oldest salt company’s in the world. Anne Lane, Finance Director, thought it was time to move many of their HR operations to an outsourced company and after completing their research of local and national consultancies felt Arena were the right fit “their HR knowledge and approachability was exactly what we were looking for”.

Then COVID-19! MD, Laura Rennie explains “We received a call from a client looking for an emergency meeting immediately. We met them and started planning their survival. Little did we know we would be the same 4 days later, fighting for our survival. Within a week, we lost a number of well-established clients, many within the events industry and others were deciding that they could not renew their contracts which were coming to an end.” Quickly Arena HR made use of the CJRS by furloughing staff and home working. Home schooling and providing advice to a reduced client base was a worrying time for Arena, like many other businesses.

LAURA RENNIE MD of Arena HR

Due to run a Chamber workshop, this was moved online which was the catalyst for change. Members who attended started to call

Businesses are not out of the woods yet, but thankfully Arena HR continues to support Chamber members with bespoke HR advice and guidance. If this is something that could benefit your business then please contact Laura Rennie at laura@arenahr.co.uk who would be more than happy to help out fellow Ayrshire businesses.

ROBERT MACKIE OF SCOTLAND CELEBRATES ITS 175TH BIRTHDAY Established in 1845, Robert Mackie of Scotland are still going strong 175 years later. Located in Stewarton, Scotland’s famous ‘Bonnet Toun’, the company who began making traditional Scottish Glengarry and Balmoral headwear known as “Bonnets”, have grown over the years to become a leading Scottish knitwear manufacturer of luxury hats, scarves & gloves. Supplying some of the UK’s best known high street brands through their Customer

Own Design service, they have in recent years expanded into the wholesale area and support many smaller businesses with their own branded MACKIE products. With designs that draw on the rich textile heritage of Ayrshire, MACKIE products have become famous for quality and use of vibrant colour, and with everything made in-house at their factory in Stewarton, everything is 100% “Made in Scotland”. Graeme Haddow, owner & Managing Director of the company said “For a company to reach a milestone birthday such as 50 these

days it is a great achievement, but 175 years is almost unheard of and we are exceptionally proud of this. We have a great team of dedicated and skilled staff, most of who live locally and whose knowledge and expertise has in a lot of cases been passed down through generations. Keeping these skills alive has been a great focus for us, as has been supporting the community. We only hope that we can continue to do this for another 175 years.” www.robertmackie.com

9 YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

MEMBERS NEWS

@StagecoachWScot

@StagecoachWScot Ayr Survey Event Plan Location

â&#x20AC;¢ Outside Cafe Nero, Ayr High Street (See attached photo).

MEMBERS NEWS

The current COVID-19 crisis has brought untold challenges for all businesses. Not only is there economic uncertainty but the behaviours of customers have changed. The consequence of this crisis is an acceleration in need for digital marketing. According to Google Trends, searches for ‘SEO Agency’ and ‘Digital Marketing’ have never been higher. Here are five top digital marketing tips for SMEs: 1) Invest in SEO The industry built around Search Engine Optimisation is worth £80 billion. Online shopping and searching are not only here to stay but is likely to grow and evolve. Consequently, investing in SEO expertise is going to be an essential step in securing market share for SMEs.

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

THE TOP FIVE DIGITAL MARKETING TIPS FOR SMES 2) Put the user first Free tools like Google Analytics help businesses to put the consumer behaviour at the heart of decision making. Taking time to understand how users move through a website can increase the success of the sales funnel. For instance, one metric that businesses often get wrong is slow site speed. 3) Utilise free tools

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MEMBERS NEWS

The HALO Kilmarnock Limited is one of the newest companies to join the Chamber and is led by one of the leading figures in property development and regeneration in Scotland, Dr Marie Macklin CBE.

SAFE FISHING IS NO ACCIDENT Commercial fishing is currently the UK’s most dangerous industry, and fishermen and women are around 110 times more likely to meet with a fatal accident at work compared to the average employee.

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

While many recognise the dangers, it is not always obvious what the major problems are, and how they should be overcome. Hook Marine carried out a detailed examination of accident records, such as those produced by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch and by the US Coast Guard. From these statistics, it can be seen that the major cause of flooding, capsizing, and foundering is insufficient stability.

The stability of a vessel is often defined as the ability of the boat to return to an upright position after being displaced by wind or waves. Stability at sea is largely dependent on any movement in the centre of gravity of the vessel, and this can be influenced by consumption of fuel and water from tanks as well as abnormal conditions such as load shift, water ingress, icing on the superstructure and overloading. Overloading is often caused by unapproved alterations to the vessel, such as the addition of gantries, winches and cranes. Hook Marine has developed a real-time stability monitor, trade name SeaWise®. The device is intended to give the crew early warning of declining stability reserves by providing an accurate measure of the rolling

period at sea which is readily related to the stability of the vessel. Installation and calibration of a SeaWise® unit is carried out on board in less than 30 minutes. It is equally suitable for new or existing vessels. Support for the development was obtained from Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Trinity House, Seafish, and Scottish Enterprise. Hook Marine looks forward to hearing from anyone sharing their commitment to safety.

www.hookmarine.com

The HALO Kilmarnock is a 23 acre development on the site of the former Johnnie Walker bottling plant which was controversially closed in 2012. From the debris of that site a 3-phase, £75 million project is emerging, with construction of the HALO beginning last autumn. The HALO concept will see a dynamic commercial, educational, cultural, leisure and lifestyle quarter creating jobs, promoting learning, stimulating the local economy and encouraging good health. The ultimate vision is for a net zero carbon dynamic commercial, educational, cultural, leisure and lifestyle quarter where people can ‘Live, Work, Learn and Play’. This project will generate over £53 million in GDP for Kilmarnock and £145 million for Scotland. The development will stimulate some 1,300 jobs. Marie Macklin CBE The driving force behind the HALO is its founder and Executive Chair, Dr Marie Macklin CBE. Before launching the HALO, Marie worked in construction, financial services and banking which has shaped her emergence as a successful businesswoman with expertise in economic and social transformation. Marie said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce at such an important time for all businesses across Ayrshire. “The HALO will lead the way in tomorrow’s world by delivering sustainable, long-term economic and social benefits and creating jobs, not just for Kilmarnock and Ayrshire but also the wider Scottish communities. “I’m looking forward to the HALO being a part of the Ayrshire Chamber’s support network of local business stakeholders and playing a role in driving economic growth opportunities and building business relationships across Ayrshire.”

MEMBERS NEWS

The Maybole Regeneration Project is a unique partnership between Maybole Community Council and South Ayrshire Council. The project is focused on delivering five projects which will make the town an even better place to live, work, visit and do business. Working with the local community, the Maybole Regeneration Project seeks to create an even better town with restored historic buildings, a greater sense of place and civic pride, a strong local economy and a thriving town centre that will better serve the local community, businesses and visitors.

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

LAUNCH DIGITAL MARKET THE MAYBOLE REGENERATION PROJECT

Launch are a Digital Marketing agency with Studios in Ayrshire and Glasgow. Launch focus on creativity and provide a vast amount of marketing services including branding, web design, graphic design, social media and search marketing. Quality and customer satisfaction are priority and the team at Launch are proud of their many long-standing clients in the local area who they continue to work closely with.

Check out the new website: www.regeneratingmaybole.scot

Over the past few months, the project team have been working closely with local marketing agency Launch Digital on developing a new, interactive website to showcase the project aims, progress and history of Maybole. The team at Launch were keen to get involved and worked with the project team to develop a website which will encourage more people in the local community and within the project area to apply for available grants.

AYRSHIRE TRAVEL AGENT WINS NATIONWIDE CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD A West Kilbride travel agent has been named as the travel industry’s Customer Service Champion for 2020. Linda Hill Miller, founder and managing director of LAH Travel, was selected for this prestigious title as part of TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative - a power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible, Travel Trade Gazette. The Customer Service Champion category is a special award to recognise the extraordinary ways in which travel agents go above and beyond the call of duty for their clients. Linda, who was selected from a shortlist of five impressive finalists, claimed the trophy for what judges described as “an incredibly moving story” of how she stepped in to help a sick client in their hour of need. Last year saw Linda arrange an urgent private jet, private medical team and private ambulance to get a terminally ill customer home to Scotland after they became severely ill abroad, even using some of her own savings up-front to secure those services. TTG group editor Pippa Jacks said: “Now in its fifth year, our TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative sees us scour the UK and Ireland to find the

hardest-working, most committed and most successful travel agency businesses in the land. "The travel industry is currently facing a monumental challenge, but the coronavirus crisis has created an opportunity for the nation’s best travel agencies - those that offer their customers extraordinary service and expertise, and do most to support their local communities – to shine. "Linda really stood out in the Customer Service Hero category this year for going well above the ordinary duties of a leisure travel agent, by sourcing and arranging various private services without any experience in this area. Judges were incredibly impressed by her resourcefulness and generosity, during what was a very distressing time for the family concerned.” Linda said ‘I am delighted to receive this award which has come at the perfect time. The past few months have challenged me to the limit so a big thank you to everyone at TTG’.

www.lahtravel.com

Feeling the pressure? Nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the time to work together

At Blue Rock Insurance Brokers, we will continue to support our clients through the highs and lows of yourÂ insurance journey. Call us on: 01292 269505 or visit www.bluerockinsurance.co.uk

Supporting our communities During these testing times, we’ve seen a silver lining in the spirit of our local communities. While COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on many, now more than ever, people are shopping locally and going the extra mile to support individuals and businesses in their area. Why shop local? Despite the Government offering support to businesses across the UK, many have struggled to survive through the nationwide lockdown and even now that it’s significantly eased, there will still be difficulties ahead. That’s why it’s important that we continue to stand by each other. When you shop local, it’s not just for the business itself, it’s for the community. When small companies are thriving, they can offer more to their employees and invest back into the local region. By making the effort to utilise the services of these businesses, you aren’t just helping them maintain their livelihood, you’re helping to establish a prosperous community. Research has recently revealed that for every £1 spent with a local, independent business, between 50p-70p circulates back into your local economy. When you buy online or further afield, this is dramatically reduced to only 5p of your £1. Why work with Blue Rock Insurance Brokers? Local to Ayr, the team at Blue Rock Insurance Brokers are proud to support our communities in protecting their lifestyles and businesses. We know that things are changing quickly, and it can be difficult to keep up, but as your insurance brokers we will be by your side every step of the way to better protect you and your business. Any way we can help you, we will. Whether you need a new policy or want to review your existing cover to accommodate changes you’ve made within your business, our friendly specialist team can help.

MEMBERS NEWS

FORTRESS ARE NOW STRONGER THAN EVER

AMPCONTROL UK HELP POWER RESOURCES TUNNELLING PROJECT IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

As a leading Scottish Manufacturer, Ampcontrol UK have been contracted as the sole supplier for a large resources tunnelling project and are set to deliver a range of equipment, cable and maintenance services throughout the construction phase of the project.

Their team has delivered a containerised substation for a new, large resources project being undertaken in North Yorkshire. Designed to supply power to tunnel surface operations including a welding factory, the containerised substation designed and built by Ampcontrol UK will act as the main distribution system on-site. Stepping down the voltage from 11kV to 433V, the substation will power on-site manufacturing facilities and all low voltage plant equipment.

The containerised solution is housed within a 20ft steel container with separate personnel access with Alphalite MAX LED lighting, 230V IP rated power points, an expandable single phase distribution board and dry powder fire extinguishers. The unit includes a 1000kVA 11/433 ONAN DYN11 transformer, a medium voltage ring main unit was also included, along with a tee-off circuit breaker, MV cable test access, self-powered VIP300 transformer protection relay, phase protection and earth leakage protection. By tailoring the unit to meet customer specifications, Ampcontrol UK were able to design and manufacture a cost effective alternative to traditional concrete, brick and mortar substations and provide the customer with a mobile and cost effective power solution, resulting in reduced installation times for their customer. ampcontrolgroup.com

The last 17 weeks at Fortress have been some of the most challenging and demanding experienced in over 20 plus years in existence. The business is extremely grateful to have been able to maintain operations throughout whilst simultaneously changing the business to reflect client’s requirements and respond to new questions and concerns quickly and without fuss or dubiety. Management are equally gratified that the business has retained the entire workforce with no redundancies. A brief furlough for the majority was sufficient. Communication was the critical element throughout as it was super important to give as much clarity and reassurance to both staff on furlough and customers alike with regards to how hitherto uncharted demands were being met. A swift review and update of methodology and risk assessment was pivotal as well as more practical arrangements such as obtaining and issuing updated PPE kit to operatives alongside cubicle installs and rivers of hand sanitiser for the office even before any staff were considered to return. Making sure everyone concerned had everything they needed to keep themselves and customers safe and making customers aware prior to attendance what to expect helped minimise disruption in a world of uncertainty. Furthermore, new products were researched in order to expand the range to include items such as thermal imaging cameras and software as well as a number of innovative solutions to small, but important issues such as access control and contactless door entry. Fast forward to today and Fortress finds themselves stronger than ever and confident for the future because if they could survive 2020, they could hopefully survive virtually anything. www.fortresssecurityltd.co.uk

MEMBERS NEWS

In addition to its serious implications for peoples health and the healthcare services, coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a considerable impact on businesses and the economy. Firms of all sizes and from all sectors are having to deal with a wide range of issues from keeping their employees and customers safe to adjusting their operations to comply with new health and safety guidelines and navigating complicated government support schemes. As an outsourced provider of Facilities Management services, Confida FM is used to responding to changing customer needs. However, COVID-19 has meant reacting to a fresh set of changes including the suspension of services, staff working from home, employee furlough scheme, safe social distancing at work, cashflow constraints and an unexpected increase in demand for services and materials. Predictably, their experienced management team and frontline workers are confronting the problems and frustrations of this difficult period to apply the necessary adjustments and attitudes needed to achieve service

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

COVID-19 NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL

continuity for their customers, employees and supply chain partners. They have also found new opportunities in unexpected places. Some services they provide are in greater demand now than they were in February, with adjustments being made to ensure they can operate safely and within the published guidelines. They have also remained transparent in their approach to pre-agreed commercial costs in line with existing service delivery models, collaborating to create conversations with customer representatives to sustain service standards and demonstrate value for money. The last few months have been some of the toughest ever experienced. Although it's not business as usual, Confida FM continues to have an upbeat approach to the ongoing challenges because positivity in the workplace is more contagious than coronavirus.

ANNABELLE'S BOOK WILL HELP YOU TO 'GET YOUR PEAS IN A ROW' Local business consultant and Chamber member Annabelle Beckwith has seen her new book ‘Get Your Peas In A Row – 5 key factors to propel your business forward’ become an Amazon Bestseller in its first week. Inspired by 20 years working as a consultant, coach and trainer to businesses of all sizes and sectors all over the world, the book outlines 5 core principles (The 5 Peas Framework ™) for leading business growth: Personal, Purpose, People, Process and Paradigms. As Annabelle explains: “These five underpin pretty much everything that’s going on in your business. Where things are going well, you’ll notice that success factors within each category are in place.

Where a business is in difficulties, you’ll see that one or more of the ‘Peas’ isn’t fully in place, whether that’s something in the overall culture (Paradigms) the people side, processes, understanding of the overall strategy and direction (Purpose) or indeed with the leadership style itself (Personal)”. She goes on to outline where the idea for the book came from: “my focus used to be on designing and delivering leadership and management training programmes” she says “but I started to realise that in many cases, training wasn’t the answer to the business’s challenges… it was something deeper and more systemic.” “I looked more closely at the actual factors that underpinned successes and failures, strengths and flaws, and the ‘5 Peas’ emerged

as consistent themes in every business”. “‘Get Your Peas In A Row – 5 key factors to propel your business forward’ has been written specially for business leaders, to help them leverage undiscovered strengths and identify and remove blockers for growth” she adds. The book is available in paperback and on kindle at Amazon. annabelle@yara-journeys.com

Business Gateway support during COVID-19 Business Gateway Covid Hub Dedicated COVID section on our website � Latest Funding & Grant Support

� Webinars & Video Tutorials

� Business News & Updates

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� Articles & Guides

Video Tutorials Step by Step guides on critical topics � How to get your business through this crisis

� Using Webinars & Livestreams for business

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Guidance on Funding/Grant Support Up to date info on support available during the crisis � Local Authority Grant support

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� Daily update on the latest Funding & Grant support from UK

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Webinar Programme National & local webinars including: � Start-up Webinars

� Sales & Customer Service

� Digital & Social Media

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� HR

1:1 Business Advisers We’re here to talk with you by phone or video call user Listen and discuss current challenges user Crisis business planning user Directing you to most appropriate funding/grant support

user HR support

Local Office Support Business Gateway Ayrshire offices are operating remotely � 0330 057 3934 � ayrshire@bgateway.com � www.bgateway.com/ayrshire

For more information visit bgateway.com/coronavirus

HANSEL WELCOMES VITAL DONATION

RESTART AND RESKILL FOR POST COVID-19 RECOVERY As lockdown eases and Phase 3 unfolds, many companies and organisations are returning to a new chapter of business. For many, furloughed staff are returning to work following a long period of absence, others are continuing to home work and some are adopting a more blended approach. All requires new thinking, new ways of working and a need for rapid reskilling and upskilling. As we move forward into this new world, Ayrshire College is committed to supporting employers and help rebuild the economy During lockdown, we continued supporting clients, training over 200 employees. We are ready to do more to support companies and organisations as they restart the economy. Our learning landscape has changed and we have responded, investing in new digital products, offering high quality, tutor led on-line courses across digital skills, leadership and management. Our virtual classroom is open and ready for learners and with plans to resume face-to-face training towards the end of September, we have all the bases covered to train your staff wherever they are located.

Irvine based Caledonian Paper, which is part of UPM Corporation, have donated a staggering 10,000 face masks to Ayrshire charity Hansel. The donation is part of UPM’s Biofore Share and Care programme which is involved in many causes and community projects supporting sustainable development and the prosperity and welfare of the communities in which UPM are active. Technical Director, Gordon McLean, and Communications Co-ordinator, Liz Barrie, delivered the masks to Hansel’s Operations Director Roddy Wright. The masks will be used by Hansel’s customers when out and about in the community. Roddy Wright said, “We are extremely grateful to UPM for their kind gesture and community spirit during these unsettling times. Protection of our customers and staff remains paramount and we remain cautiously optimistic as we slowly reintroduce services and increase visitor opportunities. Sourcing masks has been challenging at times and it is one less thing to have to worry about thanks to UPM’s generosity.” Liz Barrie added, “The scale of our global operation meant that we needed a large supply of protective equipment for our own employees due to the current global pandemic. UPM Caledonian were keen to donate to an Ayrshire organisation that would make good use of the additional facemasks. Hansel supports many Ayrshire families and we are delighted to have been able to help.” Hansel is one of Ayrshire’s leading care organisations supporting people and their families living with a learning disability and those with autism. Further information is available from www.hansel.org.uk

The Scottish Government is continuing to invest in the Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) supporting levy paying companies across the region. COVID-19 has disrupted every sector of the economy and has shone a spotlight on the need to invest in training and support. FWDF and other financial support is available to companies and individuals to train and retain, upskill and reskill and we would encourage all to make use of all the resources available now and in the future. Ayrshire College is keen to play its part in restarting the economy and is ready to support businesses, local authorities and charities across the region and beyond. If you’re looking to significantly invest in digital and wider specialist and technical skills training; equip your leadership and management with the soft and tech skills to effectively manage teams remotely; learn new ways to improve critical thinking, decision-making and increase productivity; learn new skills to become more agile and resilient; as well as embrace new approaches for the overall wellbeing of your staff, we offer a training portfolio capable of responding to your needs. Learn more about the Flexible Workforce Development Fund and discuss your wider training needs by emailing businessgrowth@ayrshire.ac.uk. You can also learn more about our virtual classroom and current offering by visiting www1.ayrshire.ac.uk/ employers/business-growth-courses/. Getting the Scottish economy back on track is a team effort and Ayrshire College is ready to respond and support. NUALA BOYLE Head of Business Growth

19 YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

MEMBERS NEWS

01292 678666 info@dywayrshire.com

DYW SUMMER LEAVER

Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire has been involved in creating a jam-packed programme of c A series of sessions have been created to support both young people, parents and carers

DYW Skills Academy sessions gave young people the insight, skills and knowledge they need to build their industry readiness. They learned at their own pace with weekly video content delivered by industry experts alongside bite sized e-learning and if actively applying for jobs or apprenticeships there were additional experiences just for them.

WEEK 1 - INDUSTRY INSIGHT SESSIONS The Industry Insight sessions offered young people the chance to find out about the key demand sectors emerging from Covid-19. They were able to find out about the career opportunities available within each sector and what is expected in the workplace including, key skills, qualifications and experiences. The employers who delivered these valuable sessions were Dawnfresh, Lantra, NHS, SSSC, Energy Skills Partnership, Scottish Financial Enterprise, HSBC, 4J Studios, Antibody Analytics and Servelec.

YOUR YOURBUSINESS BUSINESS| AUTUMN | WINTER2020 2019

WEEK 2 - SKILLS SESSIONS

The Skills Sessions offered the opportunity for young people to build on key skills that will support them to get the insight they need to find their pathway to industry. They learned how to build their online brand, the dos and don’ts when writing CV’s and Cover Letters, how to perform in a virtual interview, how to manage their money, what resilience looks like in the world of work and also how to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

WEEK 3 - E-LEARNING There were a few online courses to be completed as part of the programme. Cyber Security; Customer Service, GDPR, Health and Safety and Life at work. Each of the courses provided a good foundation of knowledge and support, strengthening the young person’s CV and applications for employment.

WEEK 4 - #NOWRONGPATH During exam results week, we took the pressure off to ensure young people had time to anticipate and digest their results. We signposted them to the wider #NoWrongPath support on offer.

WEEK 5 - CV FEEDBACK FROM PROFESSIONALS Young people intending to go straight into employment after school got the opportunity to have their CV checked by a professional. They received constructive feedback on how they could improve their CV to make any necessary changes, making sure their CV stands out from the crowd.

WEEK 5 - VIRTUAL MOCK INTERVIEWS Young people intending to go straight into employment after school were able to have a virtual mock interview with a professional. This boosted their confidence through practice and provided them with first-hand experience of how a real-life virtual job interview will feel.

You can still access the Industry Insights and Skills Sessions above by visiting: https://www.dyw.scot/skills-academy.html

If you are interested in future programmes please contact

RS PROGRAMME 2020

content aimed at supporting young people leaving school this summer to take their next steps in life. s delivered through our Scotland’s Biggest Parents’ Events and DYW Skills Academy.

Scotland’s Biggest Parents’ Events are a series of four broadcasts which ran throughout the summer, allowing parents, carers and guardians to hear about the things that matter to them right now. The events provided parents and carers with information about options and next steps for young people.

EVENT 1 - PATHWAYS TO INDUSTRY 'Pathways to Industry' event premiered on Tuesday 7th July providing parents, carers, guardians and young people the opportunity to hear from a range of experts from the organisations: SQA, Young Scot and Tennent’s covering topics such as exams, wellbeing and industry insight from a range of employers.

EVENT 2 - VOCATIONAL PATHWAYS TO INDUSTRY 'Vocational Pathways to Industry' event took place on Tuesday 21st July providing an opportunity to find out more about the vocational education opportunities within Scotland’s college sector as well the benefits of Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships.

EVENT 3 - #NOWRONGPATH TO INDUSTRY #NoWrongPath to Industry event premiered on Tuesday 4th August which featured the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, as well as SQA, Young Scot, employers and young people. The broadcast is part of DYW's wider #NoWrongPath campaign, which aims to highlight the options that are available to young people and to show that exams results are not necessarily the key to unlocking future success.

EVENT 4 - PATHWAYS TO PRIORITIES INDUSTRY The Pathways to Priorities Industry event on Tuesday 15th September was delivered in partnership with Skills Development Scotland. Providing an opportunity to learn about Scotland’s predicted employment by key sector and the chance to hear from a range of industry experts about the types of jobs and skills that are in demand.

If you missed any of the Scotland’s Biggest Parents’ Event (SBPE) it's not too late! Access the above events via Young Scot’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/Youngscottv/videos

t info@dywayrshire.com

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

01292 678666 info@dywayrshire.com

DYW PROJECT SEARCH AT CULZEAN CASTLE IS A W

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2019

It was announced at the Project SEARCH 2020 Global Spotlight Awards in Baltimore that the Culzean Castle Site were the winners of one of only 4 awards given. This was for the ‘Spotlight on Innovative Internships’. There are over 600 Project SEARCH Sites around the world and Culzean was the only UK site to win an award. An amazing accolade for all the partners who have worked together to make the Project at Culzean the success it is today. Project SEARCH helps young adults (17–30yrs) with learning disabilities and/ or those on the autistic spectrum who can benefit from intensive, personalised support in preparing for and finding work. It provides 3 ten week work placement opportunities for interns with learning disabilities and/or on the autistic spectrum in their final year of education and want their next step to be employment. In 2016 the local charity Girvan Youth Trust (GYT) recognised the Project SEARCH model as one that would be a successful and sustainable way to support young people with Learning Disabilities in South

Ayrshire in to employment. In 2017, GYT launched Project SEARCH working in partnership with Ayrshire College and Culzean Castle to deliver Project SEARCH within the host site at Culzean Castle. Each intern is supported with classroom tuition, job coaching, work placement opportunities and employment support. Project SEARCH at Culzean is very unique to other sites around the world. It is the very first National Trust site, and is the only site which runs during the summer period to meet the demands of Culzean’s peak season, all other sites run during term times. The work placement opportunities at Culzean also vary from those provided by other sites and cover a broad range of skill sets; including opportunities to work with the Rangers, within the Castle Collection Team, Gardening, Retail, the 5 star Hotel and Catering. The interns gain invaluable transferable skills from these work placements which they carry forward with them into employment with 8 out of the 10 2019 graduates having successfully gained employment. Now in its third year, the staff at Culzean Castle have embraced every aspect of Project SEARCH. Taking part in Autism Training prior to Interns commencing. Going above and beyond to assist the interns to achieve not only practical experiences but ensuring that the interns feel part of the team from day one; supplying uniforms and also making online training available to support the learning experience. The staff teams also conveyed positive aspects, in terms of interns becoming valued members of the team, as well as the reward of supporting

WINNER

DYW #NOWRONGPATH 2020 On Tuesday 4th August, results day in Scotland, DYW Ayrshire supported the #NoWrongPath campaign.

the interns to achieve their potential. A quote from one of the Rangers: “It’s a wonderful feeling of satisfaction when we see an intern improve in their communication, confidence and skills, and see them achieve employment”. The team at Project SEARCH and interns feel incredibly privileged to not only work at one of the most scenic NTS sites on the South Ayrshire coast, but combining this with the commitment that the staff bring to this, makes the project the success it is today.

#NoWrongPath is a social media movement which aims to provide inspiration and reassurance to young people receiving their results.

people in interesting job roles across Scotland may not have taken a straight, obvious or traditional path to get there.The campaign shows young people the options that are available to them and that exams results are not necessarily the key to unlocking future success.

We recognised that some young people may have been disheartened by their results this year particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption that has been caused, so #NoWrongPath demonstrates to young people that many

The campaign was a tremendous success with the #NoWrongPath trending #1 in the UK on Twitter. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and sent such a positive and inspiring message to young people across the country.

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

WORK PLACEMENTS

EI St M LIDH att Acad hew’s emy

WHILE THERE HAVE BEEN NO WORK PLACEMENTS, HERE ARE A SELECTION OF SOME RECENT ONES BEN Ayr emy Acad

Ben from Ayr Academy recently attended his week-long work experience placement with William Kennedy Plumbers Ltd in Ayr. “This is this second year Ben has been with us. He enjoyed it so much the 1st time around that it’s made his mind up that this is the trade he wants a career in. The programme has already benefitted one young person from Carrick Academy who started his apprenticeship with us this year.”

YOUR YOURBUSINESS BUSINESS| AUTUMN | WINTER2020 2019

HEAT HE Largs R Acad emy

Heather of Largs Academy previously attended County Homes in West Kilbride on her week-long work experience placement. “I’m enjoying shadowing Alan, visiting properties then inputting all the relevant information in the company database.”

Eilidh from St Matthew’s Academy spent her week-long work experience placement at Scott Engineering in Stevenston. #developyourfuture #workexperience

EVAN al Roy Irvine emy Acad

Evan of Irvine Royal Academy recently attended his week-long work experience placement with William Laird Double Glazing.

JOSS Stew LYN a Acad rton emy

Josslyn of Stewarton Academy recently attended her week-long work experience placement with Dekors in Irvine.

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF AN END OF LIFE COUNSELLOR? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Linda McCurrach is. So what exactly does it mean and how does it help people?

happily and peacefully. Working in a person centred manner offering preparation techniques to help people prepare for the journey ahead with knowledge of the stages of dying and what to expect. She can also provide alternative therapies.

Providing a break and respite for all concerned to release some of the pressure, it gives each person involved a safe and confidential space to share their worries and fears, which is very important as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s common for many people not to want to burden loved ones with their thoughts and fears.

Multiple sessions can be arranged with support for family and friends which helps their loved ones pass feeling peaceful and unburdened. Linda can be contacted on 07771 989493 or via Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook under the name of Linda McCurrach End of Life Counsellor.

The deep heart centred listening Linda offers is very therapeutic in itself and often allows people to find their own answers to questions much of the time - or they can be gently guided to explore issues by being asked leading questions. Linda is a trained end of life counsellor and has helped hundreds of people to pass

LINDA MCCURRACH End of Life Counsellor

Each session last as long as required with discounts for multiple sessions booked in advance. Linda also offers Ayrshire Chamber members 20% discount.

CHAMBER HEALTH & SAFETY AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS CALL 01455 852037 DURING OFFICE HOURS

25 YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

MEMBERS NEWS

FUTURE CHAMBER FOCUS

REBEKAH DONN – MUSIC TUTOR Rebekah runs a music tuition business in South Ayrshire which is currently part of the Future Chamber programme for young business owners.

YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

She teaches piano, woodwind instruments and music theory to children and adults of all ages and, like all private music teachers, was forced to move her teaching online at the beginning of lockdown. Initially she had some doubts about this approach but has been really surprised by how well it has worked and by some of the unexpected benefits of online learning. Throughout lockdown, her pupils have been well-focused during lessons and have continued to make exciting progress on their instruments. She has even gained new pupils who would not normally have been able to attend lessons due to their location! One advantage of online learning is the bank of teaching resources it has helped Rebekah to build up. In future, she anticipates using many of them in all areas of her teaching, and especially for SQA pupils who receive extra help with their schoolwork. Another aspect of online learning which many of her pupils have loved is the opportunity to play recorded video duets. This means that pupils

can send her videos of themselves playing which she then combines with videos of herself playing via video editing software. While she looks forward to welcoming most pupils back to face-to-face lessons as restrictions ease, some will continue with online lessons while others intend to opt for a blended approach. Rebekah is really thankful to have been able to continue working throughout Covid-19, and is looking forward to expanding her practice to include more pupils from further afield as well as putting the skills and resources she has gained during the last few months to good use!

Visit RebekahDonnMusic on Facebook or email rebekah94@live.co.uk

NA BRÀITHREAN’S [NAB RAH-RIN] FIRST BROTHER MALTS ARE HERE! Future Chamber member Na Bràithrean have realised their first pair of single malt scotch whiskies distilled at Caol Ila distillery on Islay. The Wee Brother bottle has been matured for 8 years in a refill bourbon hogshead giving this dram a creamy sweetness but still strongly supporting that classic Islay peat smoke flavour. The Big Brother aged a total of 9 years is the same liquid but finished in a PX sherry quarter cask for 6 months to give dark fruits and oaky flavours. Both malts are bottled at cask strength with no colouring added to them to showcase our national drink in its pure and natural form. Na Bràithrean will continue to produce whisky that allows the drinker to see, smell and taste the influence the cask has on whisky. Enjoy the unique characteristics of these two whiskies by visiting their website to find out more. www.nabraithrean.com Slàinte!

NEW COLLABORATION HATCHES FOR FUTURE CHAMBER MEMBER Future Chamber member Nephtali Couture is delighted to announce that they are collaborating with HATCH! They will be retailing their African inspired handmade clothes for the first time, along with over 30 independent UK designers, in Hatch's Glasgow based Boutique.

Nephtali Couture is a ready-to-wear African print clothing line, founded by the French and Congolese designer Belocine Musolo. This Prince's Trust award winner of "The Most Promising Newcomer", showcases fun, bold and elegant outfits and accessories, aiming to bring more colours to your world! They want to inspire Scottish people to feel happy, confident and unique with their African touch. Each one of their products are handmade in Ayr, with traditional fabric ethically sourced from East Africa. www.nephtali-couture.com "Life is too short to wear boring clothes!"

The Board of Directors is delighted to welcome the following companies as recently joined members of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry: ABILITYNET Reading Mr Chris Grant enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk

GROFUSE Kilmarnock Mr Stephen Emerson stephen.emerson@grofuse.com

MYLASH Barr Dr Tom Walker info@mylash.org

SOPHIE HENRY CANDLE CO Stewarton Miss Lisa McLaughlin lisajmclaughlin@hotmail.co.uk

ANTHONY DAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY Girvan Mr Anthony Dawson bdawson-photo@hotmail.com

HALO KILMARNOCK LIMITED (THE) Kilmarnock Dr Marie Macklin info@halo-projects.com

PROSPERUS CONSULTING Prestwick Miss Julie Marshall prosperusconsultancy@gmail.com

UK SAFETY MATS Mauchline Mrs Julie Queen julie@uksafetymats.co.uk

AYRSHIRE MEDIA SERVICES Troon Mrs Jennifer Dunn info@ayrshiremedia.com

LINDA MCCURRACH HOLISTIC COMPANION/ SOUL MIDWIFE AYRSHIRE Newmilns Ms Linda McCurrach soulmidwifeayrshire@hotmail.com

SAFETY BY 286 Dundonald Mr Douglas Browning info@safetyby286.co.uk

ZOONO SCOTLAND LIMITED Kilmarnock Mr Dennis Montgomery dennis@zoonoscotland.co.uk

MCEVOY ENGINEERING LTD Stevenston Ms Alison McEvoy documents@mcevoyengineering.co.uk

SANITISER EXPRESS LTD Kilwinning Mr Kenny Wilson kenny@sanitiserexpress.com

MUIR SLICER LIMITED Paisley Mr Allan Slicer a.slicer@muirslicerltd.com

SOLWAY PRECAST PRODUCTS LTD Barrhill Mrs Sally Donnelly sally.donnelly@solway-precast.co.uk

We want to recruit more members to strengthen your business network and create more business opportunities for you. We are asking you to help by referring companies you know to us. When they join, we’ll reward you with a choice of special offers to help your business. Call the membership team on 01292 678666 or visit the referral page on our website.

ELSAY MAY CABINS LTD Turnberry Mrs Margaret Hornsby Info@elsaymay.com ENLIGHTENED PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELLING SERVICE Ayr Miss Gemma Holmes info@enlightenedpsyc.co.uk

YOUNG LOCAL COMPANY ENJOYS STEADY GROWTH Future Chamber member Dex Contracts Limited is a young company based near Kilmarnock which can undertake a range of construction specialities. The company commenced trading in 2018 and since then has grown steadily. The strength of Dex Contracts comes from its ability to undertake multifaceted projects without the customer having to go to the trouble of sourcing numerous different trades.

Some of their recent varied projects have included equestrian arenas and turn out areas, landscaping, drainage, groundworks and fencing. This is, by no means, an exhaustive list of the work and services that can be undertaken and Dex Contracts are just as willing to install a simple garden gate as to building an equestrian centre.

Dex Contracts pride themselves on giving the customer fair and honest advice and a fair and honest price. To see more examples of the company’s varied work, visit their Facebook page or call on 07908 498982. So, remember, Make your next contract a Dex Contract.

27 YOUR BUSINESS | AUTUMN 2020

NEW MEMBERS

We make brands fly. Meet Richard our Creative Director. Chat to Richard about building your brand, marketing strategy, creative design and how to get noticed. @launchscotland