Your Business Spring 2019

business your

the magazine of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

spring 2019 ÂŁ2

Ayrshire tourism lots to be excited about!

Business Excellence Awards Page 3 Tourism Focus

Page 4

Annual Dinner

Page 20

PARTNERS FOR BUSINESS Ayrshire Chamber wishes to acknowledge the support of the following companies as sponsors of our Partners for Business programme.

CONTACTS

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.

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

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

President...............................................Lorna Gibson Chief Executive....................................Valerie Russell Development Manager.......................Helen McBride

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.

Please join us in welcoming our newest Partners for Business J&D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd. We look forward to working with you.

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.

CHAMBER EVENTS DIARY CONNECT @ RUGBY PARK HOSPITALITY SUITE, KILMARNOCK 22nd March 10.00am-11.30am Venue: Rugby Park , Kilmarnock

FREE

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

BUSINESS BOOSTS - TEAM BUILDING DYNAMICS – WORKING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE 27th March 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room £40 Facilitated by Arena HR TICK TALK NETWORKING @ FAIRFIELD HOUSE HOTEL 17th April 5.30pm - 7.30pm £15 Venue: Fairfield House Hotel BEHIND THE SCENES @ MCCALLUM BAGPIPES LTD 23rd April 10.30am – 12.30pm Venue: McCallum Bagpipes, Kilmarnock

£18

BUSINESS BOOSTS- REMOTE AND FLEXIBLE WORKING WITH SHAREPOINT ONLINE 24th April 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room £40 Facilitated by AHB Training CONNECT WITH DONNINI 26th April 10.00am-11.30am Venue: Links View, Donnini Penthouse

FREE

BUSINESS BOOSTS - THE CLOUD PLATFORM AND WHAT MTD MEANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS 3rd May 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room £40 Facilitated by William Duncan BUSINESS BOOSTS - THE CREAM OF THE CROP – EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES 28th May 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room £40 Facilitated by Balance HR

CONNECT @ ALL NEEDS RECRUITMENT 31st May 10.00am-11.30am Venue: The Boardroom, The APL Centre

FREE

BUSINESS BOOSTS - THE ENVIRONMENT – SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS RISK & OPPORTUNITY 7th June 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room £40 Facilitated by P-Block BUSINESS BOOSTS - CUSTOMERS – LOVE THEM OR LOSE THEM 26th June 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room £40 Facilitated by Insight 6 CONNECT @ VENUE TO BE CONFIRMED 21st June 10.00am-11.30am Venue: Venue to be confirmed

‘MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP!’ 20% discount can be applied to all Premier, Enhanced and Corporate Chamber members.

Also, all Corporate members are entitled to two FREE Business Boost sessions!

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If you wish to host an event email Yvonne Munro at events@ayrshire-chamber.org

FREE

Price shown are Chamber Members rates and include VAT unless otherwise stated.

To book or for more info visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org or call 01292 678666.

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE SPRING EDITION OF YOUR BUSINESS

It has certainly been a busy start to 2019.

We have of course enjoyed the highlight of our events calendar, the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, held at the magnificent Trump Turnberry on 8th March. I am sure many of you that attended will agree the dinner was again this year a great success and provided the perfect opportunity for Ayrshire businesses to get together, celebrate success and network in a very enjoyable format.

Although we are only in March, so far 2019 has been an interesting year.

Particularly with the uncertainty of Brexit, which at the time of writing is still causing worry and concern for many of our members, and also of course with the more

positive news of the formal announcement and official signing of the heads of terms for the Ayrshire Growth Deal. This £200 million investment will have a transformative effect on our economy and in sustaining future growth for our region.

The Chamber Board has also been very active with many initiatives, including the enhancement of Future Chamber, partnering with the Royal Bank of Scotland for our new Women in Business programme and further enhancements to our Membership Model. Many thanks to all our Board Members for their contribution which is given on a voluntary basis and is very much appreciated.

I look forward to seeing some of you

LOCHSIDE HOUSE HOTEL, LODGES AND SPA WIN PRESTIGIOUS BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD 2019

Lochside House Hotel, Lodges and Spa were announced as winners of Business Excellence Ayrshire Award 2019 at the Ayrshire Chamber Annual Dinner at Trump Turnberry Hotel.

“The judging panel were impressed with the standard of all of this year’s finalists. However,

THIS YEAR'S FINALISTS

at our many events and would very much welcome any feedback or suggestions you have on the Ayrshire Chamber, your membership or anything else!

CHAMBER NEWS

2019

The winners impressed the judging panel with their commitment to continuous improvement and striving for excellence.

Lisa Stewart, Project Executive, Business Excellence Ayrshire said “I would like to congratulate the team at Lochside House Hotel, Lodges and Spa on winning this prestigious award”.

LORNA GIBSON ACCI PRESIDENT

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AYRSHIRE AWARD 2019 WINNERS

the 2019 Award produced an outstanding winner who demonstrated an exceptional level of excellence”.

“The award is all about recognising excellence, quality and continuous improvement, all vital ingredients in any company’s long term success and growth”.

“Special thanks to the sponsors and the judging panel for their support and input to the 2019 award”.

Brian McGilvary, head judge of the award said

“Lochside House Hotel, Lodges and Spa provided exceptional examples to the judging panel of the enablers that are the backbone to their business.

This complemented with the outstanding results that were shared will allow the business to grow in the market sector they are obviously excelling in.

They are another example of a business who draw customers not only from Ayrshire but from further afield. Exiting times ahead and congratulations on behalf of the judging panel in winning this prestigious award”.

This year’s judging panel consisted of Brian McGilvary, Spirit Aerosystems, Steve McGhee, LMA Architects and Tom Martin.

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

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TOURISM FOCUS

GOLF TOURISM GROWING IN AYRSHIRE

Ayrshire Golf Scotland is an industry led Marketing group. The aim of the group is to raise the profile of the region as one of the best golf destinations in the world.

Golf in Ayrshire is synonymous with some of the finest collections of golf courses in the world, including three internationally recognised Open Championship courses. It is of course the ‘Birthplace of The Open’, where championship golf began on October 17th 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club.

There are over 45 courses throughout Ayrshire and Arran and golf can be played amongst the rolling green hills or along its famous coastline. Links golf is what the region is

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

HOW TO AMPLIFY YOUR TOURISM BUSINESS THE EFFICIENT WAY

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Although we all understand the value of the tourism £, how to access it and exploit it in a meaningful manner can be a little more elusive, not to mention expensive on resource. That is - until now! amp>it, based in Ayrshire, is a local business specialising in the amplifying of tourism opportunities, delivering real world measurable results in the form of actual paying customers.

most known for though, you could almost play golf all the way along the coastline with just a short drive between courses. You can play Open Championship venues such as Royal Troon, or next door at some of Scotland’s finest public links courses such as Darley and Lochgreen.

Explore a hidden gem such as Western Gailes or Irvine Bogside, all along a stretch of coastline steeped in golfing history.

Ayrshire Golf Scotland began in 2015 and to date have attended many golf shows, hosted many of the worlds golf media and developed exciting marketing content that has seen Golf tourism grow in the region and is now recognised to be worth nearly 20 million pounds per annum to the local economy.

amp>it are about bringing the tools to deliver a true 360 approach to tourism business development, with the defining of strategies and writing of business plans being just the start of the potential service offerings.

Where amp>it excels is in evaluating the business, its products and customer base and then identifying opportunities to develop new product, new target markets and new sales channels. All can then be supported with the appropriate marketing collateral and event representation along with promotion via tourist bodies such as Visit Scotland, Visit Britain, Ukinbound and the Coach Tourism Association, to name but a few.

Why now? For years Ayrshire, an area we are all passionate about, has been under represented on not only Scotland’s tourism landscape but has received virtually no visibility internationally, hopefully this could be about to change. The COIG (Gaelic for 5) is to be launched, offering five routes, one

It’s not just about the Golf, many accommodation providers, restaurants and other industry interested in attracting the visiting golfer have joined the group and many are encouraged with what the future holds with golf tourism in Ayrshire. A recent survey from Scottish Enterprise issued that 22% were ‘very optimistic’ and 52% were ‘quite optimistic’ on future performance of golf tourism to their business.

With recent news of the Women’s British Open coming to Troon for the first time in 2020 and the possibility of another Open not far away, Golf Tourism in Ayrshire is trending in the right direction.

great adventure, throughout this spectacular region. With growth funds being made available and noise being created by various tourism bodies and associations, now is the time to ensure that your business is correctly positioned and supported to capitalise on this business changing opportunity - the time is now. amp>it are ideally placed to work with you in delivering your tourism based growth strategy whilst ensuring maximum Return On Investment. To find out more about how to amplify your business to achieve its maximum potential in tourism, contact paul@ampit.co.uk, or call for an informal chat on 07876 330 401

TOURISM FOCUS

EXCITEMENT SWEEPS THE REGION Gordon Smith, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “From world class golf courses to top attractions, superb events to outstanding food and drink, awe-inspiring landscapes to stunning scenery, the region has so much to offer visitors.

Looking forward to the rest of 2019 and beyond, there’s lots to be excited about.

“The Scottish Government have provided a £300,000 funding boost for tourism across Ayrshire, Firth of Clyde and Clyde islands which will support development of the new tourism driving routes initiative ‘Five Routes – One Great Adventure’ showcasing the natural beauty of the region.

“Over £240 million is being invested in the Ayrshire Growth Deal, which will help grow a number of industries in the region, including tourism.

“New attractions include the Lagg Distillery and Visitor Centre on Arran. One in five people go to a whisky distillery during their holiday to Scotland, so I’m sure it will encourage visitors to come to this special island.

“Planning is already underway for the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, which will shine a spotlight on the impact our waters have on our country.

With its remarkable marine and coastal tourism offering, this Themed Year is an excellent opportunity for Ayrshire & Arran to showcase itself as a top visitor destination.

“We can also look forward to Royal Troon hosting the British Women’s

Open in 2020. Golf Tourism is valued at £17.1m to Ayrshire’s economy so this event also presents a fantastic opportunity.

“I am optimistic for what 2019 and beyond has in store for the region.

Tourism is at the heart of Scotland’s economy and VisitScotland wants it to go from good to great to world class. In Ayrshire & Arran we want to champion collaboration, promote local areas and ensure tourism is recognised for the ripple effect of success, well-being and prosperity it brings.”

SPRING ONTO ARRAN There's lots of exciting things going-on on Arran this Spring. The new Lagg Distillery will open, providing a perfect compliment to it's well-established sister up in Lochranza. Both distilleries are independently owned by Isle of Arran Distillers and have fabulous visitor centres. In addition, Brodick Castle will also reopen its doors for the first time in over two years, with a revitalised look at the history of the Hamilton dynasty.

Sheila Gilmore of VisitArran said "These attractions will greatly complement Arran's existing visitor offering, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from Ayrshire to experience them!"

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

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TOURISM FOCUS

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK… Ayrshire is well known for its coast and castles but venture off the beaten track and discover first class attractions and unique experiences. Slow down the pace and take time out amidst stunning landscapes or get active in the great and magnificent outdoors. With lush rolling countryside, hills, lochs, rivers and networks of walking and cycling paths, there’s every chance to enjoy the great outdoors. It’s all right here waiting to be explored!

Some fantastic examples of what Ayrshire has to offer includes: Step back in time to a key period in Scotland’s history at the dramatic wilderness setting of Loch Doon Castle, built by the family of Robert the Bruce in the late 1200s. The castle was originally located on an island in the loch but was moved stone by stone to its current location in the 1930s.

There are many opportunities for walkers including an extensive network of footpaths at Craigengillan Estate which lies within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire biosphere. The estate encompasses an area of spectacular scenery, waterfalls, woodlands and wildlife.

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is located within one of only a few ‘gold tier’ Dark Sky Parks in the world.

It boasts some of the darkest skies in the UK sitting upon a fantastic hilltop site within Craigengillan Estate. The roll-off roof observatory, dome-housed telescope, viewing deck and activity

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monument celebrating the mining past of the region with spoken stories from some of the men who worked there. It is the last remaining example of its type in Britain, and was restored in 2007 by the Barony A Frame Trust.

room are all designed to inspire visitors about the wonder of the universe.

The Ballochmyle Viaduct built during the 1840s is situated on the River Ayr Way close to Mauchline and featured in the Tom Cruise film Mission Impossible.

Saved for the nation by the intervention of His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, Dumfries House is one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes with an unrivalled collection of original Chippendale furniture. Visitors can explore this stunning 2,000 acre estate, enjoy a woodland walk or take a guided tour of the house.

The New Cumnock outdoor swimming pool was fully refurbished in 2017 and offers a wonderful experience for everyone to enjoy. There are various classes on offer as well as public swimming, so check ahead for opening times.

For industrial heritage, the magnificent Barony A Frame near Auchinleck is an outdoor

The Dick Institute in Kilmarnock is one of the most important cultural venues in the south-west of Scotland, featuring the largest museum and galleries space in Ayrshire. It has a programme of nationally important exhibitions, permanent displays of the museum's own diverse collections and innovative work by contemporary artists, film makers and young people from the area.

Widely considered as Scotland’s national poet, Ayrshire’s Robert Burns lived in Mauchline between 1784 and 1788, a period regarded by many as being his most creative. His home there is now the Burns House Museum. Full of rare collections, original objects and documents relating to Burns’ time, the museum also brings the Burns story up to date. There is also a Burns audio walking tour of the village with handsets available from the museum.

Dean Castle Country Park is a fantastic free day out for all the family. The country park, covering over 200 acres, is nestled in the heart of Kilmarnock and offers something for all ages to enjoy.

TOURISM FOCUS

AYRSHIRE GIVEN MAJOR JOBS AND INVESTMENT BOOST AFTER GREEN LIGHT GIVEN FOR GROWTH DEAL Ayrshire is set for a major jobs boost after it was confirmed that over £240million is set to be ploughed into the local economy.

The three Ayrshire Councils will commit financially to the Deal with their investment likely to be around 20% of the overall package.

“It’s all paid off and as this is the first Scottish non city deal to secure funding from the UK Government, it brings us ever closer to finalising the right deal for Ayrshire.

The long-anticipated Ayrshire Growth Deal will now become a reality after the UK and Scottish Governments confirmed they would each invest £100m into a package of projects.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire, said: “This has been a real collective effort by the three Ayrshire Councils, cross-party politicians, the public and private sector and many other partners.

“The Ayrshire Growth Deal will transform our communities for generations to come.”

The Deal is likely to create thousands of jobs, bring £2billion of investment into the area, improve local infrastructure and breathe new life into the Ayrshire economy. It will also help support the wider Scottish and UK economies.

“We are thrilled to have now received this confirmation of funding from the UK and Scottish Governments and are excited to say that work will start on these projects this year.

At a visit to the Halo site in Kilmarnock, Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell MP confirmed the financial package agreed by the UK Government.

And in parallel the Scottish Government, who had already made clear their commitment to the Growth Deal, announced that they too would match the funding confirming they would also invest £100m.

Mr Mundell MP was joined on his visit by the three Ayrshire Council Leaders, chief executives and representatives of the Ayrshire Growth Deal team from both the public and private sector.

“We have all worked incredibly hard and can now look forward to some really exciting times for Ayrshire. It’s up to us now to deliver these projects and create the jobs and investment this area so desperately needs.”

Councillor Elena Whitham, Depute Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: “This is tremendous news and is a real testament to three years of hard work, commitment and determination as we sought to demonstrate the economic growth potential of the Ayrshire Growth Deal for the Scottish and UK economies.

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South Ayrshire Council leader, Councillor Douglas Campbell: “This announcement is fantastic news and delivers the input from the UK and Scottish Governments that we’ve been working towards for the past three years.

This is a ringing endorsement of Ayrshire’s potential and the economic impact we will have by delivering investment, jobs and business growth that will create a legacy for generations to come and make a real difference not only for our own people and places, but for those right across the UK. “This funding will kick-start a wider investment programme across both the public and private sectors that will give us the chance to innovate, prosper and succeed and ensure Ayrshire is recognised as a world-class business region for the aerospace and space, energy, marine, manufacturing and tourism industries. This really is a milestone for Ayrshire and a foundation for a bright, prosperous and successful future for all.”

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

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TOURISM FOCUS

STAGECOACH WEST SCOTLAND SERVING LOCAL COMMUNITIES Stagecoach West Scotland provides local bus services in Ayrshire, Arran, Dumfries and Galloway, Glasgow and parts of Lanarkshire.

As a major employer in the local economy with 1003 staff of which 766 are drivers, 153 are engineers and cleaners and 85 are administration and managerial staff. The majority of employees live within the local communities in which Stagecoach West Scotland buses operate.

We are committed to staff training. Our drivers attend classroom training sessions during the year as part of their Certificate of Professional Competence; in 2018 we recruited 135 new drivers. We

are also active in encouraging young people to join our team through our apprenticeship scheme; we currently employ 10 engineering apprentices within the local community.

Our Fleet We operate a fleet of 375 buses and in the past year, we have invested ÂŁ5.6 million in 27 new buses for local areas, all of which are full accessible and meet the latest European emissions standards. Our vehicles are inspected by our engineers approximately every 28 days, and maintained to a much higher standard than the legal minimum to ensure safety and comfort. Every vehicle is cleaned internally and externally on a daily basis.

Our Services We operated a total of 20 million miles over the last year, over some 1.2 million journeys. Our key measure of performance is the reliability and punctuality of our journeys.

The Environment We used over 14.8 million litres of fuel last year. On the mainland, we run on ultra-low sulphur diesel with 30% sustainable bio content. In addition to this, we use high tech fuel additive Envirox to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

In East Ayrshire we operate 8 buses that run on 100% biofuel from sustainable sources such as recycled cooking oil.

Trust Stagecoach To Get You Home!

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

You might be heading to meet friends, visiting family, shopping or heading to work. Wherever you’re travelling, we can help get you there.

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Planning your journey is simple, the Stagecoach bus app lets you find live bus times, your closest stop or even buy your tickets online.

@StagecoachWScot

www.stagecoachbus.com

TOURISM FOCUS

COS SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANCY HELPING TO BOOST AYRSHIRE TOURISM

Tourism is a growing business. In 2017 Visit Scotland reported that seventy four thousand people visited Ayrshire. And the boost to the local economy was forty one million pounds. These statistics prove that local businesses should reach out to people to visiting Ayrshire and benefit from their custom.

When it comes to promoting any business Digital Marketing is an essential tool to promote your company. It is even more important in the Tourism sector, when people are not familiar with the area. So, where is the best place to start?

A good Social Media presence is an essential marketing tool for any business.

Facebook is a good starting point, with over 1.74 billion users worldwide. It is a great place to establish your business brand, share reviews and images, as well as promotions and special events. Many tourists want an authentic experience.

Good reviews and interaction can really promote that.

Instagram users will often research everything from restaurants to the best spot for a selfie in advance of their trip, all those beautiful images can really hook potential customers. Encourage visitors to share images of your business. By doing so, you gain excellent customer engagement and a post to share.

Twitter is a useful networking tool for business to business communications.

Establish your business page by tweeting relevant blogs, news articles and

David Long Photography

industry updates. Take the opportunity to promote other local businesses by liking their posts and retweeting posts.

Make time to use the Analytics tools with these platforms to collect valuable information about who your customers and identify future business opportunities.

Use just one, or all, of these platforms to access the Tourism sector. Ayrshire businesses should start by following and supporting each other. Remember, one little like can go a long way.

AWARD WINNING MARITIME MUSEUM Home to Scotland’s national maritime heritage collection, the awardwinning Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside is the first port of call for visitors looking for a great day out.

Stepping into the ‘cathedral of engineering’, as the spectacular and vast Linthouse is fondly known, visitors discover some of Scotland’s most historic, beautiful and innovative vessels charting the past 150 years of shipbuilding.

Highlights include SY Carola, possibly the world’s oldest seagoing steam yacht; sailing boat Lady Guilford, possibly the oldest surviving Scottish built boat; MV Kyles, the oldest Clyde-built vessel still afloat in the UK and recognised as one of Britain’s most important historic vessels; and the only surviving Scottish-built puffer, Spartan.

Supported by huge iron girders, streaming with light through some 2,100 panes of glass, and ranging over 40,000 square feet, the former Engine Shop of Govan shipbuilders Alexander Stephen and Sons, is also home to the country’s largest collection of shipbuilding and marine engineering tools and maritime inventions.

Sitting alongside the vessels, engineering and interactive exhibits are works from the Museum’s stunning new national art collection which captures life along Scotland’s coastline in all its grit and glory. Highlights include works by renowned artists such as FCB Cadell, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Muirhead Bone, Kate Downie and John Bellany.

After taking in everything the Linthouse has to offer, visitors also enjoy a tour along the Harbourside to climb aboard the coaster MV Kyles and visit the Shipyard Worker’s Tenement Flat restored to 1920s appearance.

With all this and an exciting and burgeoning exhibitions and events programme beginning with artist Sue Jane Taylor’s vibrant Age of Oil exhibition, this year is the time to visit!

Scottish Maritime Museum Harbour Road, Irvine, North Ayrshire KA12 8BT Open daily, 10am – 5pm Up to three children FREE with each Adult/Concession Admission www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org Facebook & Twitter @scotmaritime Tel. 01294 278283

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

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TOURISM FOCUS

FOOD AND COMMUNITIES TOURISM - AUTHENTIC MAXIMISE EXPERIENCES WITHIN YOUR AYRSHIRE

POTENTIAL WITH A MENTOR

As a long standing authentic food tourism destination, Ayrshire has a unique “Terroir” (set of environmental factors), largely a result of the West of Scotland climatic conditions, and the long coastline.

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce offers the local business community a wide range of services to benefit their business and one of the most popular and beneficial is the Business Mentoring programme.

The relatively mild wet weather produces conditions highly conducive to flavoursome tatties, vegetables, rich milk, cheeses and good grazing for livestock, whilst the cool seawaters provide a marine environment supporting excellent fish and specialised seafood.

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

Harvesting this natural larder means bringing the provenance food and drink into the short and long supply chains.

Thereafter public provision, supply and usage requires determination, collaboration, skills, knowledge among farmers, producers and providers and at the same time encouragement to people to develop an interest in local seasonal produce and home cooking skills.

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Proactive engagement and close working with schools, educational establishments and community groups is an ongoing opportunity and priority.

Recent innovative Scottish funding initiatives are helping to make this a reality. Also, changing technology should accelerate and enhance visitor and resident experiences by linking, food and drink experiences and the local cultural scene via mobile technology.

The COIG project is likely to bring to bear technology based on GPS interactivity.

Three organisations in Ayrshire have received funding so far from Connect

Local, helping to drive these initiatives forward. They are The Newmilns Food Festival; The Ballantrae Food & Drink Festival; and the Cook Ayrshire initiative, facilitated by The Home Cook School in Maybole.

Cook Ayrshire aims to bring members of the community together through a shared learning activity of cooking and eating local produce and building knowledge of the Ayrshire area having a strong heritage of high quality produce.

For more information regarding these opportunities and an upcoming interregional food groups conference on April 30th, please contact Howard Wilkinson, Chair, Ayrshire Food Network via howard.wikinson2@btinternet.com or 07765 606848 or check out www.ayrshirefoodnetwork.co.uk

Delivered in partnership with Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scottish Enterprise, the Business Mentoring idea is simple; it matches experienced mentors who come from all business areas and sectors with growing businesses.

By sharing the entrepreneurial experiences of mentors, this service gives the business the confidence to develop and grow, and opens up a great network of contacts that can open doors and inspire new thinking.

With a large and diverse pool of mentors across all sectors, the business is matched with a mentor that has the right skills and experience to add value to the business.

You can find out more about Business Mentoring by contacting Gill Savage at Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce: 01292 678666 businessmentoring@ayrshire-chamber.org or visit ayrshire-chamber.org/supportingbusiness

MEMBER NEWS

LAUNCH SCOTLAND AND YIPWORLD

Yipworld is an award winning charitable enterprise, based in Cumnock, East Ayrshire. The organisation was established in 2000 as a social enterprise model for youth and community services which complements the East Ayrshire Council Social Inclusion Partnership and the aims and objectives of Scottish Parliament.

Yipworld is recognised as an innovative and creative model of youth provision providing a wide range of formal and informal activities that promote the social, emotional, personal and educational development of children and young people. The organisation is governed by a voluntary board of directors.

It was realised that Yipworld needed to create a new online presence in order to showcase the great services that they provide to youth groups. Yipworld approached Launch Scotland, a Digital Marketing agency based in Ayrshire and Glasgow, who provide a vast amount of marketing services including branding, web design, graphic design, social media and search marketing.

The team at Launch were keen to get involved in this project and help promote Yipworld. Launch worked with the team at Yipworld to create an inspirational website in order to showcase the services provided by the enterprise to young people. A new visually engaging, attractive and mobile friendly website that reflects and promotes the values of Yipworld was developed and recently launched.

Check out the new website: www.yipworld.org

A GREAT START TO THE YEAR FOR THE AYRSHIRE CHAMBER

CHAMBER NEWS

We’ve had a fantastic start to 2019 and are pleased that the membership model introduced last April continues to be well received as is evidenced by the fantastic number of new members this quarter as detailed on page 39.

Our events continue to be popular and we are looking forward to seeing many of you throughout this year. We have a great mix of networking, training and behind the scenes scheduled, not forgetting the Annual Business Awards and Business Week in October. All events are posted on our website www.ayrshire-chamber.org.

The British Chambers of Commerce Awards are now open for applications and we would encourage you to take a look at the categories on offer, especially the two new categories for Family Business and E-Commerce Business, visit www.chamberawards.co.uk for full details.

Following on from the success of our Future Chamber initiative launched last year, we are pleased that will continue for 2019 with a new intake of young businesses benefitting from one year’s FREE Enterprise membership.

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

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Suppliers to the rail industry since 1992

FLASS

Accurately aligns and spaces 15 sleepers per lift with an average rate of 8-10 lengths per hour, making rail installation and clipping easier and faster without the need for isolations. Track laid using the FLASS machine eliminates manual handling and snagging works. It also reduces tamping requirements, making a saving to the overall cost of renewals.

Rail Moving System

McCulloch Rail’s high capacity Unimog and trolley system is the safest and most efficient method of moving/clearing both new and scrap rail on the rail infrastructure from 6 metre to 216 metre lengths without isolations being required.

Track Rail Transposer (TRT)

Safe and accurate rail installation every time. The TRTs in multiple can move and install switches, crossings and LWR lengths - completely eliminating manual handling. Suitable for all types of rail and conductor rail. Only occupies the line it is working on, enabling the adjacent line to be still used for passing movements.

Panel Lifter

The Panel Lifter can lift, remove or install all types of panels without the need for isolations. This completely eliminates crane tandem lifting and manual handling.

All McCulloch Rail equipment has been designed and manufactured specifically with the rail industry in mind. All equipment has full Network Rail approval.

McCulloch Rail THE SAFEST CHOICE Main Street, Ballantrae, Ayrshire, KA26 0NB Phone: 01465 831350 E-mail: enquiries@mccullochrail.com Website: www.mccullochrail.com

McCulloch Rail’s International Presence set to grow McCulloch Rail, with its head office in Ballantrae, have established itself over recent years as a UK leading specialist in handling rail and railway components utilising their uniquely designed machinery with innovative technologies and solutions that eliminate manual handling and improve safety, accuracy and efficiency of installations specifically for the tasks required.

The benefits from their use has seen the company expand throughout the UK with further depots in Doncaster and Luton now well established and serving their clients daily.

This then prompted the company to explore any International interest and following some extensive dialogue and demo’s in New York of all places, New York City Transit eventually leased, then purchased seven of their Track Rail Transposers (TRT’s) and presently are using them in a major re-railing programme throughout the 708 miles of their infrastructure. This proved to be a great move as following attendance at a Rail Exhibition in Chicago, interest in McCulloch Rail products has been spreading throughout the States. This resulted in several enquiries, cumulating in the 3rd biggest Railway Contractor, CSX Construction, in the east side of the States following NYCT example having purchased four TRT’s and leasing a further two with the intention to buy later in the year. McCulloch Rail’s reputation is now spreading with the level of enquiries increasing therefore the future certainly seems very positive over the pond.

technology and supply chain solutions to the Rail Industry for Global Sales and Distribution. Unipart presently have a presence in over 100 countries with a turnover of approx. £750m and with the combined design and manufacturing capability of Unipart Rail and McCulloch Rail, will come a wide range of solutions for the installation, movement and removal of sleepers and rails on a worldwide basis.

Off the back of their success in New York, interest from around the globe has been ever increasing over recent years, especially where ex-pats, having knowledge of the equipment, are realising that introducing them to their respective market places would prove beneficial for all concerned. To seize this opportunity fully McCulloch Rail realised that the potential could not be fulfilled without external assistance and they are delighted to announce that they have just signed a Partnership agreement with Unipart Rail, a leading specialist provider of

Colin Neil, Business Director, McCulloch Rail, commented:

Kelly Warburton, Managing Director, Products of Unipart, commented: We are very proud to have formed this alliance with McCulloch Rail, experts in rail handling. The partnership provides us with the opportunity to enhance our portfolio of innovative products and technologies and to offer substantial benefits for our customers in terms of reducing project lead times and operational costs.

We are delighted to form the partnership with Unipart Rail as this will give McCulloch Rail the opportunity to meet our ambitions of bringing our current and future unique products to a world -wide market and to further enhance our present UK reputation for innovation. International opportunities are already been realised however this partnership will accelerate this growth using our combined strengths.

MEMBER NEWS

BRIDGEND MOTOR GROUP & GREEN CROSS TRAINING INVESTING IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

In the UK 30,000 people have an Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest every year.

With CPR and the presence of an AED a person’s chance of survival can increase from 6% to 74%.

Local family owned business Bridgend Motor Group recognised the importance of having an AED and have invested in the community with 6 AED devices located at their branches throughout the Ayrshire area.

Alison Mitchell led this project on behalf of Bridgend Motor Group“We wanted to invest in our staff’s wellbeing and purchasing the lifesaving equipment gave us that peace of mind. Our family owned business has been serving this community for over 90 years and as our branches are located in the heart of their communities, it also made sense that we would make this investment to our customers and the surrounding areas.

Really these are devices we hope we will never see used, but we know that if they were used that they really would be priceless.

Bridgend Motor Group have partnered with Green CrossTraining to place the Cardiac Science G5 devices and offer First Aid training.

Green CrossTraining Managing Director Ayrtam Ryall said“We are increasingly seeing community focused companies throughout Scotland partnering with us to

place these life saving devices on their business premises and I am delighted to be working with Bridgend Motor Group to place these devices. It was a great Christmas present to the local community as we remember the reality that there will be empty seats at the Christmas table because of Cardiac Arrest.We know that the presence of an AED hugely increases the chance of survival and we know that this will provide peace of mind to the local community.

For more information on how Green CrossTraining can help you, your business or your community, contact Clare Slater clare.slater@greencrosstraining.co.uk 0330 120 0105 (ext. 237) www.greencrosstraining.com

PARTN

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

4 BUSI ER NESS

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MEMBER NEWS

ALLNEEDS RECRUITMENT CO LTD CELEBRATE TWENTY YEARS

DEBBIE Hunter is celebrating 20 years of success as Director and owner of AllNeeds Recruitment and puts the survival and the longevity of her business down to a trust with clients and competitive pricing.

Against a difficult economic backdrop at certain times since the company was formed in April 1999, Debbie has made sure AllNeeds thrives by adapting to changing financial climates and that is what sets them apart from their rivals.

Debbie says: "I recently interviewed a candidate who was born in 1999 and it immediately hit me that the person in front of me was the same age as my business.….20 years old!

“My first thought wasn’t about AllNeeds…it was ‘surely I can’t be that old!’ It’s surreal to think I have been doing this for 20 years! I am very proud to still be going strong and making plans for the future.

"We are a privately owned company in Ayrshire and proud of our roots. We give our maximum to provide a first class service for our clients, old and new.

"One of the main things I pride myself on is AllNeeds’ reputation. Some of our customers have been with us since the beginning and that’s because of the relationships and trust we have built and earned over the years as well as our extremely competitive pricing.

"We are also flexible and can adapt quickly to the individual needs of any particular client. " As well as the shift from mainly temporary contracts to a significant increase in permanent positions, one of the other main changes Debbie has seen in recent years is that more large organisations are now utilising the services of AllNeeds.

She pointed out: "Companies are streamlining so rather than have a dedicated resourcing department, when it comes to hiring new staff, whether it be for a temporary contract or a permanent position, it makes sense to use us."

Unlike other agencies AllNeeds doesn't specialise in any one particular skill area. Over the years there aren't many sectors they haven't been asked to recruit for so they have a good knowledge and understanding of a wide range of industries, making it a one stop shop for all your recruitment needs.

During the remainder of 2019 and into 2020, Debbie is looking to add to her experienced team of recruiters giving her customers an even better service.

She said: "You must never stand still in business and never take your clients for granted. We are always looking at ways to improve and grow and that's what we'll be doing in the weeks and months ahead."

Debbie and her AllNeeds team don’t merely bring both professionalism and enthusiasm to their search for the ideal candidates but they have consistently worked with us to provide candidates of the highest calibre. We have used them since day one and will continue to do so.

We congratulate AllNeeds Recruitment for their first 20 years and wish Debbie and her team all the very best for the next 20 years.

Charlie Berry MD, Andrew Wright Windows I have worked with Debbie and AllNeeds for the past 11 years and they have been honest and true to their word in the services they have provided our company.

Debbie is a straightforward, hard working businesswoman who wants to provide the best service to the Ayrshire area using Ayrshire people.

I find her attitude excellent and her approach to fulfilling our business needs has always been 1st class.

I would like to congratulate Debbie and her company for their 20 year anniversary and look forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come.

Rob Cooper, Site Manager, Origin Fertilisers UK Congratulations to Debbie and her team on their 20th anniversary. We have worked with AllNeeds for most of that time and have employees now who started through Debbie and her team with over 15 years service with us. Keep up the good work.

Logan Collins, Operations Director Wallace McDowall Ltd

AllNeeds Recruitment Co Ltd Ayrshire and Glasgow AllNeeds are a long established recruitment and staffing agency, operating predominately in Ayrshire, Glasgow and the Central Belt since 1999.

We deal with all aspects of recruitment for a wide variety of skill areas including:

• ALL TRADES AND LABOURERS • WAREHOUSE/FORK-LIFT • SUPERVISORY/MANAGERIAL

• ENGINEERING • PRODUCTION • HOSPITALITY

• OFFICE/ADMIN STAFF • CALL CENTRE • SALES • DRIVERS • IT • CLEANERS • FINANCIAL

We match the right people to the right people The temporary staff we supply would be employed by AllNeeds, so all Tax, NI, Employers NI, Holiday Pay, Pension Enrolment etc. would be handled by us, leaving you to concentrate on your business.

If it is a permanent staff member you are after our prices are extremely competitive and well below the industry average.

AllNeeds Recruitment, for all your recruitment needs…..

Call 01294

473263

Email enquiries@allneeds.co.uk Web www.allneeds.co.uk

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MEMBER NEWS

SCOTTISH WEDDING AWARDS CHOOSES LEANNE AS HIGHLY COMMENDED WEDDING ACCESSORY PROVIDER OF 2019

Ayrshire based, Leanne Cairns Millinery became a winner at the highly acclaimed Scottish Wedding Awards Ceremony in Glasgow. Winning the accolade of Highly Commended Wedding Accessory Provider of the Year 2019. Even though she did not walk away with the title award it is clear her talents were recognised with getting the highly commended winner, which is brilliant for a business in this industry, at only 1 year trading.

Leanne had this to say about her achievement, - “ I never thought I would ever be nominated for such an award at this early stage of my business but to walk away with Highly Commended, especially as it was my clients that voted me, then judges, is just overwhelming and I cannot thank them all enough.

I was up against some companies that have been trading for 10 years and so never thought I would win

anything. I congratulate all the other winners in their category too, it was a wonderful celebration of the wedding industry in Scotland.”

Working from their studio in Galston, Ayrshire, Leanne Cairns Millinery focusses on designing and creating luxury hats and fascinators of all types that will guarantee a quality product for the wearer to stand out from the crowd and make a real statement.

all hand-made and finished.

They offer a bespoke service, hiring of unique collection and re-modelling of old to new pieces.

Leanne believes “everyone suits a hat but many have just not found theirs yet”. I am passionate about wanting to encourage, influence and show people just how good a hat can make you feel.

The new website www.leannecairnsmillinery.com will be launching at end of March 2019 but appointments can be made through contact details below:-

1-1 appointments are made with the clients, initially advice is given on what can and will suit them and then the creative process of making a unique design begins using traditional and modern methods,

Tel 07443925995 hello@leannecairnsmillinery.com www.facebook.com/leca76 www.instagram.com/leannecairnsmillinery

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

GOSH CREATIVE 3RD ANNIVERSARY WINNER

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To celebrate 3 years since Gosh Creative launched, Ayrshire businesses were given the chance to win £2000 worth of branding, print and digital.

Entrepreneurs were invited to submit a poem or verse about their business for a chance at the prize.

They received funny poems, clever poems, touching poems - some rhymed and some didn’t but they all had passion.

The winner was revealed at a special Burns Supper, where a local piper piped the haggis in. It was cut open to reveal the winner, Leanne Cairns Millinery (previously Fascinators

by Leanne).

Winner, Leanne Cairns said: "I am thoroughly delighted to have won the competition and be working with Mary at Gosh. So far she has been extremely dedicated to my timescales for my new brand, Leanne

Leanne’s fantastic poem is below: Makin’ time fur yer ain Bunnet Wee sleakit cowrin tim’rous bunnet Whiy ye still no oan ma heed?

The winters nearly oor And yer still a piece o’ tweed

Cairns Millinery. Gosh has been excellent at visualising and designing what my company goals are. Mary has great creativity and excellent skills, making my whole re-branding journey exciting and enjoyable too. Mary and I both look forward to introducing the new brand and website very soon."

Follow the progress of the competition winner’s journey on Facebook and Instagram @gotogosh

A hae been that busy makin’ Fur ithers oor the year Waddins’, racin’ an’ aw that Yin day, a ken ye’ll appear Ma napper noo is foonered An’ in need o’ a bonnie bunnet Ma heid needs you oot there To perch up oan ma summit Wae trimming, an’ brimmin’ Sewin’ an’ blockin’ An’ makin’ the lassies braw A ken its’s time tae get ye done Afore the February thaw

Start and grow your business with Business Gateway Ayrshire Business Gateway Ayrshire provides a comprehensive package of information and impartial advice designed to help start and develop your business. We also offer a programme of free workshops throughout Ayrshire covering the need-to-know of running your own business, including:

Start-up Workshops Making Tax Digital for Vat (using Xero) Selling Online (eBay, Amazon & Etsy) The Changing Face of Retail and How to Survive it Video Production for Social Media GDPR & Keep Your Business Safe Online Making the Most of Exhibitions Book-keeping Close More Sales Marketing Strategy for Growth Twitter & Hootsuite Digital Marketing Strategy Networking Skills Networking Events Facebook for Business Improve your Search Engine Ranking Business Planning Pinterest, Instagram & Photography For a full list of workshops and further information visit www.bgateway.com/ayrshire, get in touch with your local office on 01294 507857 (Irvine), 01292 427552 (Ayr) 01563 898433 (Kilmarnock)

MEMBER NEWS

WALK THE KILTWALK FOR THE LITTLE ART SCHOOL TRUST Would you like to have a Wee Wander or a Mighty Stride in Glasgow on Saturday 28th April? Sign up at www.thekiltwalk.co.uk to join in with thousands of walkers at this incredible fundraising event. The Little Art School Trust is now in their third year walking the Kiltwalk, with supporters ranging from tiny tots to Grannies.

This year the Little Art School Trust would love to have walkers from Ayrshire’s Chamber of Commerce signing up to walk the Kiltwalk for this life-enhancing Ayrshire charity.

The Little Art School Trust is a registered Scottish Charity which delivers free structured drawing and painting lessons to people living with dementia.

There is no drug to cure or alleviate the symptoms of dementia; the Little Art School Trust’s unique classes are a proven, effective, non-pharmacological intervention which enable people living with dementia to be present in the

moment. The Little Art School Trust also work to build self-esteem at the other end of the age demographic, working with vulnerable young people through their Scholarship Programme. This programme has had transformative effects on the self-esteem of young people, helping them to find their confidence through developing art skills.

Chamber members can help this local charity to continue their vital, life-transforming work right here in Ayrshire, by simply signing up to walk the Glasgow Kiltwalk for the Little Art School Trust. Hunt out your walking boots and encourage your colleagues to join you!

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

ASSURGO ASSOCIATES CELEBRATES ITS FIRST BIRTHDAY!

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New Ayrshire business, Assurgo Associates, set up to help healthcare practitioners get the most from their businesses, celebrates its first birthday this April. Founded by healthcare specialist Michelle Le Prevost, Assurgo offers bespoke business development expertise and a range of services to healthcare businesses such as Opticians, Dentists, Pharmacists and Vets who want to focus first and foremost on their patient and clinical services but realise that they would benefit from professional business advice and handson support.

Over the past year Assurgo Associates have provided advice and reviews to businesses looking to buy and sell practices; assisted business owners to open 7 new dental and one new optical practice; expanded and refurbished two dental practices; reviewed business plans

Assurgo has grown rapidly and now has a team of 5 highly experienced Associates who come from a variety of specialist backgrounds such as project management, marketing and communications, finance and procurement who have a shared interest in providing interim support to add long term value to healthcare businesses in Ayrshire and beyond.

Michelle says: “I can hardly believe that the business has been up and running for a year already. It’s been such a whirlwind. I am thrilled to have a team of Associates in place who provide interim help to improve operational efficiency, maximise your position for a future sale or to grow your business to the next level.

Equally if you are thinking of retiring, but are not sure how to maximise your sale, please give us a call as we would be delighted to help you”. for healthcare funding bids; written and implemented GDPR plans and launched a new website.

For more information please call Michelle at Assurgo Associates on 07810 022061 or visit www.assurgoassociates.com

MEMBER NEWS

In the course of our recent travels around Ayrshire we have inspected about 180 fire doors for compliance with the regulations.

Only 30 (25%) were compliant with the regulations.

What struck us hardest though, was the prevailing attitude that allows these findings to be the norm. Not only from those who have legal obligations for fire safety, but from everyone else who accepts it and doesn’t challenge it. From the widespread use of door wedges to blocking fire exit routes, examples of a dangerous disregard for fire safety are frighteningly frequent.

As business owners we have responsibilities for

the welfare of our staff and customers. We work hard to be inclusive, to eradicate discrimination and harassment, to develop safe systems of work.

We have mandatory safety inspections of plant equipment, PAT testing on our appliances and use PPE. And yet, we seem to accept poor standards when it comes to our fire doors.

with responsibility to understand and fulfil their responsibilities.

Is it ignorance? Often, yes. Our experience and that of many fire door professionals is that there is a lack of understanding of how the various components of a fire door work together to resist fire and smoke. Even apparently minor deviations from the standard have been shown in tests to reduce that resistance by more than 50% - which could be disastrous.

We need to understand that, where fire doors are concerned, there is no compromise, they either comply or they don’t – ‘that’ll do’ does not apply and if an (apparently) minor defect means the difference between 30 minutes and 15 minutes protection it could be the difference between life and death.

Here at Worksmart Fire Door Inspection, our mission is to improve fire safety by helping those

By working together with our colleagues in the industry, our customers and communities to raise awareness and understanding of the standards relating to fire doors we aim to make our built environment a safer place to work, play and live.

Call us on 01563 535511 or visit our website: www.worksmartfiredoorinspection.co.uk to find out how we can help you.

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

SAFE AT WORK?

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On 8th March 2019 over 450 guests attended the biggest nig

On 8th March 2019 over 450 guests attended a stunning Gala evening at Trump Turnberry Hotel to celebrate a great year of Ayrshire business.

Hosted by Fred MacAulay, guests were entertained throughout the night and were treated to an excellent musical performance by Centrestage Ambassadors.

Ayr based Blue Rock Insurance Brokers were pleased to be our Principal sponsors for the second year running.

John McQuaid, DipCll, Director said:

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

“Last year we launched our new brand at the Chamber Annual Dinner and the exposure went way beyond our expectations. What was most pleasing is the amount of new contacts we made

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ght of the year for Ayrshire business at Trump Turnberry Hotel

following this prestigious event. It was without any hesitation that we agreed to be Principal Sponsors again in 2019.”

Chamber Chief Executive Val Russell said: “Our Annual Dinner turned into the perfect occasion to announce the signing of the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

A great night of networking and celebration was had by all. Thanks again to Blue Rock and all our sponsors who help make a good night great! Also, thanks go to the Chamber team for all their hard work behind the scenes and to the staff at Trump Turnberry for all their efforts on the night.”

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You haven’t peaked yet Business insurance like you’ve never seen it before.

For insurance that supports your business whilst it ventures into new heights, call Blue Rock on 01292 269505 or visit www.bluerockinsurance.co.uk

Our own journey We’re celebrating our first year’s anniversary since we relaunched as Blue Rock Insurance Brokers on 1st March 2018 and a lot has happened since then.

We won Ayrshire’s Best Business in our category at the Chamber Awards.

On top of this, Blue Rock has achieved Chartered Insurance Broker status; a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to excellence.

During our time as brokers, we’ve helped hundreds of clients secure the future of their business with in-depth cover and support. We’re certain we can help yours, too.

MEMBER NEWS

SCOTLAND IS ON THE MAP FOR DELIVERING GREAT CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Stuart Shepherd and Harriet Forster have been recognised for their outstanding work with local businesses by being named ‘Customer Experience Directors of the Year’ at the National insight6 Awards Dinner.

Left to right: Jonathan Winchester – Chief Executive of insight6, Stuart Shepherd, Harriet Forster, Graham Seymour – Former Regional Director who presented the pair with their award)

Working with clients across the UK and Ireland, insight6 helps businesses to improve their customer service, sales and profitability through its six-step programme.

Engagement solutions and training amongst other services.

Jonathan Winchester, Chief Executive, commented: “Stuart and Harriet have done an amazing job since the insight6 Scotland journey began in 2017 and tripled their turnover within 18 months. Gaining the Gold Award out of 24 Customer Experience Directors is a fantastic achievement. I am delighted for Stuart and Harriet and equally so for all the Scottish based businesses that they have and continue to support.”

John Gall is the Managing Director at Brownings Bakers, a client of insight6 Scotland. He speaks very highly of the winning team: "We have had excellent service from insight6. Since working with Stuart, Harriet and their team we have enhanced sales and staff engagement positively. Customer Experience Reviews have helped us identify where extra training is needed and insight6 has delivered this too."

insight6 Scotland partners a wide range of clients including high street retailers, hotels, opticians and legal firms offering Customer Experience Reviews and Journey Mapping, Employee

If you want to learn more about the services Stuart and Harriet offer to improve your business performance and to get in touch with them, please go to https://insight6.com/contact-us/

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

CJM Accountancy have had a busy 10th year in business.

Now located in offices at the Ingram Enterprise Centre, this has proved to be a great move for both CJM and their clients in terms of accessibility and providing a high quality office environment. This provides a complimenting office to the one they have in East Renfrewshire, supporting the Economic Development team deliver their Business Gateway contract.

CJM have expanded their accountancy function with a new recruit Stacy, who is studying for her accountancy qualifications. This has further added to the range of end-to-end accountancy support for small and medium businesses. To that end CJM have now become a certified Xero partner. This has allowed them to support clients during their transition to Making Tax Digital.

The Economic Development Support consultancy continues to grow including their recent inclusion on the framework for Fife Business Gateway. This contract has provided a very quick supporting role to clients on RSA, Business Loan Scotland and also financial forecasting and planning.

Supporting the third sector has also been an area of growth in 2018

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and into 2019. Their Just Enterprise contract supports accountancy, consultancy and training for a wide range of third sector organisations.

By investing in technology, through signing the Scottish Business Pledge and becoming Living Wage Accredited CJM are looking forward to the years ahead. www.cjmaccountancy.co.uk

MEMBER TESTIMONIAL

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For us, we think it’s pretty amazing when you consider all the Ayrshire based business. It’s even more amazing when you find out how many of them are Ayrshire Chamber members. If you are like me, you joined the Chamber because you thought that’s what you do, maybe someone referred you as part of their rewarding referral scheme. I became a member about one month after incorporation, just over 3 years ago now. I didn’t really know what they did I just got a good feel for them and thought I’d like to be part of something bigger in Ayrshire.

Time has passed now, and I’m far more experienced in business and certainly far more aware of the great benefits of Chamber membership. I probably can’t fit it all in, but I’ll try.

My first experience was the support I received from DYW when I was looking to ‘give back’ to the local community with education being the first thing on my mind. I have now helped lots of students and pupils in different disciplines providing work experience, learning about business ownership, event management and of course HR as a career. Has that built my business?

It didn’t bring in more clients, but I did end up on West FM with Kilmarnock Academy on the day of one of our events - free radio coverage!!

Business Boost –the clue is in the title. As part of their new membership programme, I am a Business Boost partner – teaching the member organisations our take on #doingHRright.

We have run three sessions over the last year. Has that built my business? Well yes, it has increased our credibility and put a spotlight on what we can offer. But the best bit – we attracted more clients directly from our sessions. In one session alone we had 14 different businesses attending – of that 5 have now engaged us to work for them. Not bad for a 2-hour training session.

Make the Most of Your Membership event – Wow what a great event. We decided to go along to find out if

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

DOES THE CHAMBER BUILD YOUR BUSINESS?

the Chamber could enhance our business. Has that built my business? Yes, we learned about so much more that was on offer and we got a new client too. Someone who was happy with Chamber HR but wanted a local face to face HR practitioner. We didn’t even know about this globally successful business here in Ayrshire!

Chamber Events; Connect, Award Nights and Annual Dinner – all great events for networking and meeting new business and old favourites. If you are lucky enough to win an award – fantastic marketing for your business. Great networking if you don’t. Has that built our business?

Well we did attract new clients, but for us, watching one of our client’s win was such an honour – knowing we played a part was truly amazing.

Mentoring – the last service we have engaged with, but not the least. We have been extremely lucky to have been matched with a cracker of a mentor. Does she push us out of our comfort zone – yes! Has that built our business? Yes, helping us to work ON the business and focus our attention.

If you haven’t engaged with all the services that the Chamber has to offer, you really are missing a trick. We have met great, new people who have helped us lots but the best bit, we have won so much business through Chamber events and activities that we can confidently say we wouldn’t be where we are without them. If you read this article and think the Chamber is for you, remember to quote us, the referral scheme is also pretty damn good. And if you are looking for a commercially driven, Ayrshire based HR Consultancy to help you enhance and support a positive working environment – lets get a coffee.

Things have changed and it’s for the better!

Laura Rennie Arena HR

#doingHRright

MEMBER NEWS

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST SEES NEW SEEDS ARE SOWN A BRIGHT FUTURE WITH AMBITIOUS FOR THE GAIETY RESTRUCTURE The Gaiety have announced a budding new direction for their pantomime this year, as the seeds of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ - their first in-house pantomime since re-opening in 2012 - begin to grow.

Following the success of M. A. Productions for the last seven pantomimes, The Gaiety are turning over a new leaf with their first inhouse pantomime with brand new writing duo Ken Alexander and Fraser Boyle.

Michael McMillan, a 30-year veteran of the industry, joins as Managing Director. And Steve Smith, who first invested in Silver Cloud in February 2015 and has played a key role in its recent growth, is appointed Chairman.

This change in operations will see a uniquely Ayrshire pantomime, catering to the young, old and everyone in-between, and will include increased relaxed, BSL and audio described performances. The Gaiety believe this GIANT of a pantomime will be a step in the right direction for the continuation of performing arts in Ayrshire, as well as working alongside local businesses and people. The Gaiety’s family pantomime will run from the 29th November until the 5th January.

Anthony commented: “We see an exciting future for Silver Cloud in the coming years. We’ve grown the business by building long-term relationships based on trust, and by offering a complete end-to-end package for clients with world-class service. Those things will continue to make us successful while we explore new products and markets. Michael will be a key part of everything we do, and I am delighted to welcome him to the board. His vast experience of IT Support will be particularly important as we intend to expand significantly in that area.”

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

“We’re very keen that the panto is tailor-made for the theatre and the audience in Ayrshire as well. So it’s going to be set in Ayrshire, in a country village so there will be lots of local references – very topical, we hope!” Ken Alexander

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New Chamber members, Silver Cloud, are a rapidly growing business communication specialist based in Glasgow, has restructured its senior management team.

The changes include two senior appointments.

The Gaiety Theatre is unlike most theatres in the UK because it is largely run through voluntary effort. Most of the people undertaking front of house, technical, fundraising, marketing and maintenance duties, are doing so on a voluntary basis. As a registered Scottish charity, The Gaiety relies on volunteers to create magical experience all-yearround. If you are an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual who’s passionate about the arts and interested in learning new skills and experiencing live theatre in one of Scotland’s oldest variety theatres why not join them?

Apply online at: https://thegaiety.co.uk/volunteering/ If YOU want to get your brand in-front of 65,000 each year and support a local charity in your community, contact them for sponsorship opportunities: suzanne.mclellan@ayrgaiety.co.uk

Anthony Quinn, who started Silver Cloud in 2014, moves from Managing Director to CEO.

Michael added: “Silver Cloud is a dynamic company, whose people are passionate and enthusiastic. I am excited to lead them through the next phase of the company’s growth.”

Steve Smith said: “We now have the right structure in place to scale locally, and expand within the UK. The next phase of our development will involve acquisitions as we increase both our geographical reach and the range of services we offer to clients.”

Contact Michael McMillan, Silver Cloud MD: e: michael.mcmillan@silvercloudltd.com t:0141 552 0000

MEMBER NEWS

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT CORPORATE INSURANCE LOSSES: TOP 10 CAUSES While completing a routine risk assessment or enforcing proper hazard controls are smart business moves, your organisation’s risk landscape is in a constant state of change, making mitigation a little complicated.

Fortunately, taking a closer look at past corporate losses can help your organisation prioritise risk management practices and prevent or reduce the impact of future disasters. Recent research revealed the global top 10 causes of corporate insurance loss over the last five years:

3. Faulty workmanship or maintenance – Whether it be the collapse of a structure due to faulty work or unsafe treatment by a practitioner, these claims amounted to 8% of all losses.

4. Storms – Natural disasters, which can cause serious property damage, accounted for 7% of losses.

5. Defective products – Lost business or time spent handling product recalls contribute to this claim, totalling 6% of all losses.

1. Fires and explosions – Securing a significant 24% of losses, these claims can result from property fires and gas explosions.

6. Damaged goods – Destroyed, damaged or lost equipment and stored goods amounted to 5% of corporate losses.

2. Aviation collisions and crashes – Harsh landings, runway difficulties, and bird or terrain issues totalled 14% of losses.

7. Machinery breakdown – Engine failure, generator problems and production line issues totalled 5% of all losses.

8. Water damage – Between boiler leakage, flood damage and burst pipes, waterrelated concerns accounted for 3% of losses.

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

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9. Ship sinking or collision – Whether it be at the dock or at sea, collision incidents and sinking ships totalled 2% of losses.

10. Professional indemnity (PI) – While negligence or mis-advice accounted for only 2% of global losses, this is the top cause of loss in the UK. Your business needs robust cover for protection in any scenario. For insurance solutions, contact MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers today.

PART

4 BUSINNER ESS

www.mackaycorporate-brokers.com

One of Scotland's leading independent chartered insurance brokers offering personal service to each and every client

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www.mackaycorporate-brokers.com AYR | KILMARNOCK | ABERDEEN MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers is a trading name of Alan R MacKay & Co. Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

MEMBER NEWS

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS

The first quarter of 2019 at Fortress security has been extremely busy.

Picking up from a successful 2018, Fortress have extended their services for Ayrshire and Central Scotland areas to works for Bield Housing Association, River Clyde Homes & Fife Council.

Established in 1998 Fortress are amazed at how quickly the last 20 years have gone by. In 2018 there has been a large amount of upgrade and installation works within many of the Ayrshire and Lanarkshire schools. Providing a strict programme of works over a short period of time with tight deadlines. The engineers and office staff continue to be the back bone of the business and have been doing a remarkable job. The great customer feedback demonstrates this.

ALAN CUTHBERT, OPERATIONS MANAGER PICTURED IN THE CENTRE WITH SOME OF THE 3RD YEAR APPRENTICE ENGINEERS.

Having set up an apprenticeship programme, Fortress continue to reap the rewards this brings with currently 10 apprentices at various stages in their development. The apprentices continue to work with long standing and experienced engineers in a bid to grow the engineering team.

This allows the company to increase workload alongside investing in staff training needs.

Fortress continue to offer competitive and cost effective domestic and commercial packages providing up to date and modern security solutions as well as looking after the pennies.

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

DOUBLE GLAZING BUSINESS SEES THROUGH TOUGH TIMES TO BECOME CLEAR WINNER

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The adage “you can’t keep a good woman down” is certainly true for Lesley Leggat, MD, of the award winning Radbury Double Glazing. Established in Ayr by Lesley’s parents in 1984, the business was temporarily forced to close its doors in November 2010 due to a major customer going into administration. “It was heart breaking that after years of hard work, we had to cease trading with many valued employees losing their jobs. This was by far the hardest time of my life.” Lesley remembers.

Not one to let this setback defeat her, Lesley decided to refocus, re-strategise and restart the business the following month. As she explains, “Starting to trade again was unimaginably difficult.

Mark-up was low and still is but as a company, we

are determined to keep our customer promise of the highest quality products at the lowest possible price.”

Serving domestic, commercial and local authority customers throughout Ayrshire and Lanarkshire, Radbury has excellent customer focus from initial enquiry to after sales service. “We aim to set the industry standard for customer service as we believe our customers deserve this. We advise them on the best cost options and products which are all CE marked and manufactured to British Standards. Our ethos is that anyone can afford the highest quality. As we don’t have sales commissions, we are competitive in terms of pricing and this has certainly helped the business grow to where it is today. It is heartening to know that we are still maintaining windows and doors for customers who have purchased from us over 20 years ago!” Lesley elaborates.

Having won a series of awards, notably the Global Business Insight Awards 2019 (UK) and 2018 Scottish Enterprise Awards (Ayrshire), Lesley takes her role in a mainly male dominated sector in her stride, “I am very aware that women in leadership is a hot topic and given our industry, you would be forgiven to think that this would have had some sort of effect on me. However, being able to manage and lead people through all situations is a skill that any MD should have and I pride myself on my adaptive and facilitative management style. I am blessed with a highly skilled, experienced and personable team without whom the company would not be a success.”

“At Radbury Double Glazing, people are at the epicentre of everything we do and I truly believe we have the best people in the industry. Collectively our small team have over 100 years of experience. In terms of skill sets this should speak for itself.”

MEMBER NEWS

NICOLA CHAMPIONS CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Ayrshire Cancer Support is delighted to announce the new appointment of Nicola Eyres (formerly Sykes) who has recently taken up post as Corporate Engagement Officer.

Ayrshire’s leading cancer charity delivers a range of services for people affected by cancer, be that through a personal diagnosis, or that of a family member.

The local charity is now in its 37th year and provides patient transport to life saving hospital treatment, mental health support and a range of complementary therapies. Nicola joins the charity having worked at Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce for almost 8 years and appreciates the importance of supporting local enterprises, either in the third sector or corporate world.

Nicola said, ‘I am delighted to be joining Ayrshire Cancer Support, a charity very

close to my heart. Having worked for the Chamber, I appreciate the hard work that many local businesses undertake helping to raise funds for charity – and in the same ethos as Ayrshire Chamber, Ayrshire Cancer Support is all about supporting local people.

By supporting locally, we can ensure that we continue to deliver services on our doorstep.’

Ayrshire Cancer Support has a number of corporate partners, from international companies based locally, to small home grown SME’s.

To find out more about how your business can partner with Ayrshire Cancer Support, telephone Nicola on 01563 538008 or email eyresn@ayrshirecs.org

FOCUS ON WELLBEING AND INVESTMENT IN TECHNOLOGY DRIVES BUSINESS GROWTH Elements of Life was formed in 2005 by Catherine Donald and is based in the heart of Ayr and unlike their competitors the team at Elements of Life focus on wellness and enhancing their client’s wellbeing.

using brief pulses of light energy, the laser light is absorbed by the skin’s naturally occurring melanin in the hair follicle and destroys the hair at the root, preventing any regrowth from happening in the future.

This philosophy has driven business to grow over the years and allowed Catherine to invest in new state of the art technologies to expand the treatments they offer.

The team also offer CACI Ultimate Facial which is a non-surgical facelift which includes LED light therapy, microcurrent to lift and tone sagging muscles and a hydra tone mask for deep hydration.

And one of the most popular treatments Elements of Life has introduced is the Elysion Hair Removal System, which uses the latest technology to offer the ultimate in hair removal which works by targeting the hair follicles

Catherine, who has been a beauty therapist for over 18 years believes that their business growth is down to their focus on their client’s wellbeing and their continual investment into the latest technologies to expand the services

which they offer their clients “The Elysion laser removal System is an amazing piece of technology and the results are outstanding.

It is popular with our female and male clients alike as more people are wanting silky smooth, hair-free skin” She added “At Elements of Life we want to focus on our client’s wellness and help them feel the best they can about themselves. Wellness is our focus and our therapists offer a range of holistic treatments, reflexology and therapies to allow our clients to take time out from the stress of modern living to focus on their own wellbeing.”

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JOIN THE WOLF PACK. Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry is Ayrshire’s Army Reserve combat reconnaissance unit.

We operate light armoured vehicles on the front line, gathering vital enemy intelligence. Heavy and General-Purpose Machine Guns are our weapons of choice.

With a commitment of as little as 27 days a year you can gain employer-recognised qualifications - including a Class C HGV Driving Licence - and earn a tax-free salary alongside your civilian career.

RECRUITING NOW SEARCH COMBAT RECCE

– AYRSHIRE’S ARMY RESERVE UNIT The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry is like no other Army Reserve unit.

A Squadron SNIY (Ayrshire Earl of Carrick's Own Yeomanry) is Ayrshire’s Army Reserve regiment.

We were formed in 2014 but can trace our history back as far as 1794.

As a specialist combat reconnaissance unit regiment of the British Army we are trained to operate beyond the front line, and trusted to provide battlefield commanders with crucial enemy intelligence. We use light-armoured vehicles like Land Rovers to get around, but are just as capable when operating on foot.

Our Reservists work in a range of civilian jobs in Ayrshire and the west coast and join us at our detachment on Chalmers Road, Ayr, in the evenings and at weekends.

As well as core soldiering skills,

we develop their communication, teamwork and leadership skills, and equip them with qualifications like a Class C HGV driving licence – training that is as relevant to their civilian careers as they are to the Army.

All of their time is paid and counts towards a minimum commitment of 27 days a year, and is flexible to allow Reservists to fit their duties around work and family responsibilities.

Reservists from A Squadron have recently volunteered to take part in a six-month tour of duty in Poland, defending NATO’s eastern flank.

There are lots of business benefits to recruiting a Reservist. But we couldn’t do what we do without the support of local employers, like you.

To find out more about what we do, and how you could benefit, search “combat recce”.

CASTLE WATER AGREES NEW FOUR-YEAR FINANCE FACILITIES Castle Water has agreed new financing facilities, provided by Bank of Scotland, HSBC and Santander. The facilities are for a four-year term and include working capital facilities required to pay water charges in advance to water Wholesalers including Thames Water, Scottish Water, South East Water and Portsmouth Water.

other utility suppliers, it is important for our customers to know that Castle Water’s financial position is stable, that we have the financial capacity to support our strategy, with a highly credible bank group comprising Bank of Scotland, HSBC and Santander.”

Castle Water is the UK’s largest independent water retailer, serving over 300,000 business customers across England and Scotland. The Scotland operations are managed from their Ayr office on Miller Road, where employee numbers have grown from 12 in June 2017 to 40 members of staff today.

Iolo Morris, Chief Finance Officer, added: “The terms of the financing reflect our strong financial position now the water market has been operating for nearly two years. Castle Water has carefully managed its credit risk, with around 80% of new contracts coming from the English public sector.”

John Reynolds OBE, CEO of Castle Water, said: “This refinancing places Castle Water in a strong position to continue to expand in the UK business water market, with a competitive cost of capital enabling us to continue to offer savings for our customers.

Michael Timmins of EY, whose team undertook due diligence on the transaction, expressed their delight in supporting Castle Water and its entrepreneurial management team in the next stage of its growth: “Castle Water is a great example of a Scottish business successfully leading in the UK market.”

“With financial pressures causing problems for many

Join the conversation on

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Jordan from Auchenharvie Academy completed his work experience with Capall Dorcha Theatre Company after CEo Barry provided a workshop at the school. Â Jordan had an amazing week and even wrote a blog about his time which can be found at https://www.capalldorcha.com/workexperience/?platform=hootsuite

INFO@DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

LARGS ACADEMY PICTURE HOUSE PROJECT In partnership with The Princes Trust we recently awarded funding to Largs Academy for pupils to establish a cinema facility within the school that will be open to the whole community.

The main aim of this project is to develop pupil’s knowledge of vocational opportunities and employability skills such as overcoming problems faced in starting a business, problem solving and confidence when communicating.

PARK SCHOOL CAREERS EVENT – CULTIVATING EXCELLENCE

February saw the first careers event held by Park School in Kilmarnock, an ASN school that caters for pupils with mild to moderate additional support needs.

of different careers and further education opportunities, as well as introduce support agencies such as Enable and Skills Development Scotland to parents and carers who attended.

The aim of the day was to give the young people a flavour

Pupils had the opportunity to interact with representatives

from different businesses and organisations such as NATS, Little Deer’s Nursery and Thistle Help.

The young people had a fantastic morning learning about the variety of careers which exist and guests thoroughly enjoyed their time inspiring the future workforce.

BLOG.DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

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TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES

Primary 5 at Fenwick Primary have been enjoying their STEM topic this term: Trains Planes and Automobiles.

They have been finding out all about the 4 forces of flight and friction, as well as exploring how steam power works and how a car engine works.

They were lucky enough to have

a visit from Stuart from CK Contracts who told them all about his job maintaining the railways. They enjoyed learning all about the tools he uses and the Health and Safety aspects of his job.

In addition Colin, a pilot from British Airways told them all about his job, explaining how the aeroplane is designed to help it take off and

land. He also showed them all the information inside the cockpit and how this helps with navigation.

Finally the children were given the chance to see inside a truck engine and investigate all the tools used by Pat, who brought his truck into the playground for the children to explore.

These visits made the whole topic come alive.

BUILDING BRIDGES WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY As the appointed architects for the new Barony Campus which will unite Auchinleck and Cumnock Academies, as well as incorporate Greenmill Primary, Barshare Primary, and Hillside ASN school, Sheppard Robson are key in creating a new academic community which will be the largest campus in Europe. To help create this sense of community and leave a legacy for the future, they approached DYW Ayrshire

to support a competition to be delivered to seven local schools.

The competition will, rather aptly, focus on the bridge which will link the two halves of the new campus, spanning the Lugar Water. The new bridge will feature eight panels, each of which will be designed by the schools and the other by the teachers.

Architect Ryan McMonagle and Practice Partner Adam McGhee were on hand to launch the challenge to all seven schools in one day with the assistance

of Business Liaison Officers from the DYW team. Each school will have one winning entry which will be immortalised on the bridge, and act as a reminder of the schools that have become part of the Barony Campus.

We look forward to seeing the winning entries before the end of term, and we’ll be publishing them in the next issue of Your Business.

BLOG.DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

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#SCOTAPPWEEK19 ROUND-UP A massive thank you from DYW Ayrshire for your support during Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2019 @WorkSmartLtd - Some more of our amazing apprentices on #ScotAppWeek ! @DYWAyrshire #attacktheskillsgap #NexGen #MakeItWorksmart

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

@StagecoachWScot First up we’ve got Lee Ferguson who is in his fourth year of a coach building apprenticeship. His favourite thing about the job is the pay at the end of the week and once his apprenticeship is complete he hopes to get a full time job! #ScottAppWeek #MeetTheApprentice

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@StagecoachWScot #MeetTheApprentice Say hi to Connor Mitchell who is a first year apprentice with our Ardrossan engineering team!

Connor enjoys getting hands on experience while working on the vehicles and also learning from, and working with the other lads in the team! @DYWAyrshire

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@DYWAyrshire Engineering Graduate Apprentice, Heather Thom joined @merckgroup, Irvine in September and is studying for a BEng Design and Manufacture at Glasgow Caledonian University @apprentice_scot @skillsdevscot #ScotAppWeek

@AyrshireColl Our Foundation Apprentices in Civil Engineering have had a busy year so far visiting McTaggart Construction and Ayrshire Road Alliance. #ScotAppsWeek19 @apprentice_scot @DYWAyrshire

INFO@DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

Scotland’s Biggest Parents’ Evening was part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2019 and highlighted the value apprenticeships and workbased learning brings to individuals, employers and the economy.

The aim of the event was to help

parents and carers understand why they should encourage more young people in choosing an apprenticeship.

It provided understanding of the apprenticeship family while getting rid of myths and misconceptions.

Developed with Skills Development Scotland, Scotland’s Biggest Parents’ Evening saw 21 regional groups partner

with local employers to showcase apprenticeship and career opportunities through local events across the country.

DYW Ayrshire hosted their event at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, parents and carers heard from Skills Development Scotland, SCQF, SQA, GE Caledonian, South Ayrshire Council and McTaggart Construction.

SCOTTISH APPRENTICESHIP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE 2018/2019

Winner - Spirit Aerosystems

Ayrshire apprentices from Spirit Aerosystems have been announced as the overall winners of the Scottish National Apprenticeship Challenge 2018/2019.

The National Challenge, sponsored by Skills Development Scotland, invited the overall winners from the regional Apprenticeship Community Challenges 2018 to a National Final held during Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 2019).

Ayrshire was represented by Ayrshire joint winners - GE Caledonian Ltd & Spirit Aerosystems. GE Caledonian- who designed and manufactured an Interactive STEM Playground at Annbank Primary School and Spirit Aerosystems who designed Aviation theme STEM lesson plans to take into local schools.

Finalist - GE Caledonian Ltd

The award ceremony, held in Glasgow Caledonian University, saw 4 teams of apprentices from across Ayrshire, Edinburgh and Glasgow compete for overall winner. Each team presented to a panel of judges and wider audience on their chosen project that they completed to benefit the local community.

DYW Ayrshire Employer Engagement Officer, Gillian Longmuir, said ‘We are delighted that Ayrshire was represented by 2 teams of apprentices in the final. GE Caledonian and Spirit Aerosystems were both worthy winners of the regional final and showcased the hard work, creativity and overall talent that Ayrshire apprentices have.

For Spirit to win Overall Winner out of all of the areas is a fantastic achievement.’

BLOG.DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

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MEMBER NEWS

ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT KITCHEN There are new and exciting times ahead for Digital Kitchens as they open their new high street store in Newmarket Street, Ayr.

YOUR BUSINESS | SPRING 2019

No56 designer kitchen studio is the latest venture for this local kitchen manufacturer. They are an independent kitchen specialist with a wealth of experience within the fitted kitchen industry. With the offer of a free design service, they will see your vision of a dream kitchen through from initial measurements to final installation. Whether it’s a true modern handle less kitchen or a more traditional painted shaker style you are looking for they have it covered.

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Using state of the art 3D planning systems they can create photo real images of how the finished design will look so the transformation of your kitchen comes to life.

Visit them at No56 designer kitchen studio, Newmarket Street Ayr KA7 1LR Or email info@no56dks.com or call 01292 737475

ACCELERATE CORPORATION LTD Mr Bruce Thomson Prestwick bruce@acceleratecorporation.com AKC VALETING LTD Mr Sandy Cochrane Saltcoats akcvaleting@gmail.com AMP > IT Mr Paul Freeman Fairlie paul@ampit.co.uk ARDANACH LETTINGS Ms Carol Dickie Kilmarnock info@ardanachlettings.co.uk

The Board of Directors is delighted to welcome the following companies as recently joined members of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

BIOSPHERE BIKES Miss Ann Berry Girvan girvancyclehire@gmail.com

ELIZABETH WALLACE BRIDAL Ms Elizabeth Wallace Kilmarnock elizabeth@elizabethwallace.co.uk

HIREABAND LTD Mrs Lisa Cotton West Kilbride del@hireaband.co.uk

BRAW Mr Alun Wiliamson Kilmarnock alun@wearebraw.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES SCOTLAND LTD Mrs Christie Fisher Stevenson christie.fisher@fsscotlandltd.co.uk

INDIGO BLACK CONSULTING Ms Linda McFarlane Troon info@indigoblack.co.uk

BREAKTHROUGH ACCELERATOR SERVICES LTD Mr Stuart Hamilton Johnstone stuart@bthru.uk

FLY HIGH EARLY LEARNING & CHILDCARE LIMITED Mrs Brenda Pound Prestwick info@flyhighearlylearning.co.uk

IRVINE BAY TUITION Mr Ronald Flood Irvine ronflo@irvinebaytuitions.com J&D PIERCE (CONTRACTS) LTD Glengarnock info@jdpierce.co.uk

BUSINESS COFFEE SOLUTIONS FROSTYS CLEANING SERVICES Mr Lawrence Morison JEJU'S BAKEHOUSE Mr Gavin Tennent Stewarton Miss Ameena Nur Ayr lawrence@businesscoffeesolutions.com info@frostyscleaningservices.co.uk Maybole ameenanur@hotmail.com AULD ACQUAINTANCE THE CARRICK CLINIC LTD (ANNIE FUSION FOOD) GLENAPP CASTLE Mr Karl-Heinz Grimm KILMARNOCK STATION Mr Prenil Abraj Miss Jill Chalmers Prestwick RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST Girvan Girvan Mr Allan Brown info@carrickclinic.co.uk prenilannie@yahoo.co.uk jill.chalmers@glenappcastle.com Kilmarnock albrown@ksrht.org COS SOCIAL MEDIA AYRSHIRE FILM CO. CIC GLOBAL BLUE CONSULTANCY Mr Taylor McInroy Mr Kenneth Barlow LAZY PHEASANT Ms Caroline Rankin Kilmarnock Irvine Ms Alanna Dale Ayr taylor@ayrshirefilmco.org kbarlow@globalblue.com Ayr hello.cos.social@gmail.com info@lazypheasant.co.uk AYRSHIRE PROPERTY GLOW HOMES LETTING & CROFTHEAD OF GREE LJ RECRUITMENT AND CONNECT SALES Mrs Jane Mason EMPLOYMENT Mr James Jeffreys Mrs Melanie O'Boyle Fenwick Mr Jason Maxwell Troon Dalry Stevenston jane_mason@icloud.com james@seaayrhomes.com glowhomes@mail.co.uk jason@ljemployment.com CROSSROADS SOUTH AYRSHIRE WARRIORS THE GOOD TRAVEL COMPANY MANCINI'S ICE CREAM AYRSHIRE Mr Derek Simpson Miss Vanessa Good Mr Filippo Mancini Mr Brian Kelsey Kilmarnock Ayr Ayr Derek_simpson101@outlook.com Prestwick vanessa@goodcurrency.co.uk phillipmancini@hotmail.com manager@crossroads-sa.org.uk BELLEISLE PROPERTY GORDON DOHERTY MINUTEMAN PRESS DUAL FITNESS INVESTMENTS LTD PHOTOGRAPHY KILMARNOCK Mr Drew Wilson Mr Barry Kerr Mr Gordon Doherty Mr Gary McSkimming Kilmarnock Ayr Girvan Kilmarnock mail@belleisleproperty.com gjdphotography@live.co.uk kilmarnock@minutemanpress.com info@dualfitness.co.uk

NEWARK WEALTH FINANCIAL PLANNING Mr Mike Kiriakakis Kilmarnock hello@newarkwealth.co.uk NOLAN WEALTH MANAGEMENT LIMITED Mr Gary Nolan Ayr info@nolanwm.com NORTH AYRSHIRE TABLE TENNIS CLUB Mr Billy Main Saltcoats billy@nattc.co.uk O'NEIL GAS SERVICES LTD Mrs Lorna McMillan Ayr info@oneilgas.co.uk OSHUN INVESTMENTS Ms Jane Dawson Largs janedawson29@gmail.com PLAN B DIGITAL Mr Ian McCaig Irvine ian@planbonline.co.uk

SCENTSEI U.K. Miss Julie Crooks Auchinleck juliecrooks@icloud.com SCOTIA SEAPLANES LTD Mr Hamish Mitchell Ayr info@scotlandonfloats.com SECURE PLAY LTD Mr Craig Durham Irvine info@secureplay.co.uk SILVER CLOUD LTD Mr Michael Mcmillan Glasgow joseph.frew@silvercloudltd.com SOUTH AYRSHIRE BEFRIENDING PROJECT Ms Elaine Walker Ayr info@bfriend.org.uk STODDART DESIGN AND MEDIA Mr Keith Stoddart Kilmarnock keith@stoddartmedia.co.uk TASTING HISTORY TOURS Mrs Janet Martin West Kilbride tastinghistoryscotland@outlook.com

PREAMCLEAN Mr Malcolm Bennett Prestwick info@preamclean.co.uk PRIYA AUTHENTIC INDIAN KITCHEN Mr Mohammed Faisal Ayr info@priyakitchen.com THE RUGGED COMPANY Mr Bryan Eley Kilmarnock bryan.eley@theruggedcompany.co.uk

TURNBURIG SOLUTIONS LTD Mr Lennie Richardson Turnberry lennie-richardson@hotmail.co.uk YOGA BALANCE AYRSHIRE Miss Laura Mathieson Kilmarnock Laura@yogabalanceayrshire.org YOPA Mr John McDiarmid Glasgow john.mcdiarmid@yopa.co.uk

We want to recruit more members to strengthen our 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.

WORLDWIDE VISION FROM BANGKOK TO BURNS It was the proverbial pin in a map. After 8 years based in Thailand, SingMai moved to the UK – to be precise, to Ayr. SingMai sells what are called intellectual property (IP) cores to customers; proven designs that are like lego bricks and can be plugged together to make a bigger system. Specialising in video and imaging IP cores, SingMai sells to customers around the world; the customer list including Rockchip in China and Lockheed and NASA from the US. One of the most fascinating customer visits was to visit Lockheed in Camden, which was the former RCA factory: in reception are models of the space station, but also, more interestingly, the first Caruso and Elvis discs.

SingMai sells designs and so can work wherever a computer can be found, but SingMai has ambitions to sell real things. After one year working from a home bedroom, a lease was taken on a small factory unit. Finally, space to build

MEMBER NEWS

things. SingMai won a contract from South Ayrshire council to develop a custom security camera. Another order from a Yorkshire company was to develop a modern VHS tape player for archiving. And still those IP core orders came from China and the US to help fund everything.

SingMai have now been at the factory six months and has equipment to build products and equipment to make holes in things. Things are looking up. Maybe in a couple of years SingMai can buy the old DEC factory and will employ 1500 people!

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NEW MEMBERS