Business Matters Magazine Summer 2019 by RenfrewshireChamber

Business

Matters SUMMER 2019 EDITION

HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

Â£9m Lightweight Manufacturing Centre officially opens in Renfrew INSIDE: B2B, Education, Training & Development, Business Support & Finance, Tourism & Leisure PLUS: Updates & news from Chamber, Council & Members

Business Matters Summer 2019

President’s Welcome Welcome to our Summer edition of Business Matters Magazine. Renfrewshire is growing with a projected growth of 10,000 new jobs and 10,000 new homes due to be created within the local area over the next 10 years. I’m pleased to learn about developments such as the £100 million investment expected to breathe new life into Paisley town centre, in addition to the enhancement and regeneration of key sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and care. Council Leader Iain Nicolson recently presented the latest plans to Chamber members and I would say it’s evident that the future looks bright for Renfrewshire. I’m also pleased to see the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre, the first part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) officially opened this week. Chief executive Bob Grant attended the official opening with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and he tells me the very first component for Spirit AreoSystems (the initial Tier 1 partner with Strathclyde University) has already been completed and shipped from the site. A great achievement and congratulations to the team at the LMC. There is great hope the growth of the LMC will follow the same trajectory as the nearby Advanced Forming Research Centre, which on celebrating 10 years at Inchinnan now employs over 160 highly skilled staff. A sign of its success is the new extension underway by Morrison Construction to house FutureForge at the site which will revolutionise the global hot forging sector. One key reason these investments have located in Renfrewshire is the proximity to Glasgow Airport which continues to add new routes connecting our region to the world. Scotland’s Airline Loganair have recently launched three direct flights a day to London Southend and Chamber members can enjoy a 20% discount on the cost of flights. I encourage you to explore this route if you are traveling to the capital, read more on page 4. Bob and I also recently had the pleasure of attending the official opening of the outstanding UWS Lanarkshire Campus– once more with the First Minister. This £110 million investment by UWS showcases everything that our modern university has to offer and I am greatly encouraged to see UWS climb up the world rankings to their highest ever position, testament to the great work of their dedicated staff and students living the values of Dream, Believe, Achieve.

We have more good news with the success of the Save Coats Memorial campaign. Fund raising has gone well and initial works will get underway shortly. Having recently attended the show case concert with Eddi Reader the potential demand and capacity of Coats Memorial as a multi-purpose venue was clearly demonstrated. I am encouraged to see the work get underway shortly and congratulations to Ian Henderson and my colleagues on the steering committee. Please look at our new Chamber members discount scheme on pages 30 & 31. As Chamber members you can access a whole host of great discounts including 20 % off flights to London, discounts on professional services and a whole lot more! The Chamber is all about helping members trade with each other and our discount scheme is another great way to do that. As usual at this time of year we do not have any events in July however

the Chamber team will be launching Rocco 2019 around the end of the month. Winning a Rocco Award is a great opportunity to recognise the success and achievements of your business in the last 12 months and shines a spotlight on all the impressive organisations we have in Renfrewshire – however winning is a challenge and each year the competition gets stiffer, making the shortlist is a huge achievement in itself. All that remains is for me to wish you an enjoyable summer and hope you get the chance to enjoy some time off. Support your Chamber and your Chamber will support you.

Tom Johnston, President Renfrewshire Chamber

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

A Warm Welcome from our Chief Executive Thank you to all our exhibitors and those who attended Business Matters in Renfrewshire on the 16th of May. The event was a great success with over 50 exhibitors & close to 400 people visiting throughout the day. Feedback has been excellent with many examples of new business wins, connections made and knowledge sharing. The six free seminars proved very popular. We hope to return next year for our 10th edition. Chamber Team updates: • Congratulations to Jill Carrino who has been promoted to Deputy Chief Executive. Jill has been with the Chamber since Spring 2017. • In May we said farewell to Stuart Murray who has organised mentoring for over 200 businesses delivering the Business Mentoring program. We are grateful for his efforts and those of all our volunteer mentors. • Courtney Norris has completed a 6-month graduate internship with the Chamber and has secured a role with

Glasgow Airport in their digital team – Congratulations. • We welcome two new staff to our International Trade Team: Laura Ritchie from Paisley and Martin McAlinden from Dungannon. STEM Fortnight returns in October 2019 – could you support? We are seeking organisations who can provide an activity for a young person in a STEM related environment (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths). Last year’s project offered over 500 places and with the importance of manufacturing & technology as a sector to Renfrewshire it is essential we keep up momentum with this initiative. Rocco 2019 will open for entries towards the end of July. Entry is free and open to all members regardless of location. If you are a non-member your business must be based in Renfrewshire. There will be categories relevant to all sizes and sectors of business.

In closing, a reminder we have no events in July and our program returns towards the end of August. I hope you have a great Summer and best regards.

Bob Grant Chief Exec

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Bute Court, St Andrews Drive, Glasgow Airport, PA3 2SW t: 0141 847 5450 / f: 0141 847 5499 e: info@renfrewshirechamber.com / w: www.renfrewshirechamber.com Next issue of Business Matters is Autumn 2019 Deadline for editorial and adverts is 18th September 2019 Themes are Rocco shortlist / export / logistics & transport / manufacturing

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Business Matters Summer 2019

New Glasgow to London air services take to the skies

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A new air route between Glasgow and London Southend Airport celebrated its inaugural departure today, marking Loganair’s first services to England’s capital from the West Coast (May 28). The airline has launched three non-stop flights every weekday alongside a selection of weekend services, operated by its fleet of Embraer 145 regional jet aircraft. As well as an early morning ‘red-eye’ service, the schedule has been designed to enable a full working day in London before an evening trip home. Paul White, Glasgow Airport’s Business Development Manager joined Loganair’s Chief Operations Officer, Maurice Boyle and Bob Grant, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Executive to cut a specially created cake to mark the occasion. Journey times are just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Glasgow, followed by a short 53-minute train service directly into central London’s Liverpool Street station from the airport’s modern, purpose-built station just 100 paces from the terminal. London Southend Airport has been voted the Best Airport in the UK by Which? Magazine for five years in a row, while Loganair was named Airline of the Year by the European Regional Airline Association. Loganair’s Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles said: “These new air services are the ideal gateway to London and the Southeast. The schedule is created to offer maximum flexibility

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Loganair flight crew with Paul White Business Development Manager Glasgow Airport, Maurice Boyle COO Loganair and Bob Grant, chief exec RCC

for business customers, and as the only airline to offer an inclusive baggage allowance, onboard service and attractive frequent flyer scheme within our lowest fare, we’re offering a more inclusive and rewarding way to travel to the city of London” “We encourage travelers flying to London to consider London Southend amidst other London Airport’s - it is an airport some will be less familiar with in Scotland, but it is an incredibly convenient and well connected one for the city of London that should be tried - voted as London’s Best Airport by Which? Magazine for good reason” Asides from its baggage allowance and inflight offering, Loganair customers also have access to a competitively priced fully flexible fare, enabling last minute schedule changes as well as lounge access and fast track security at all airports. Glyn Jones, CEO of Stobart Aviation, owners of London Southend Airport said: “We’re very much looking forward to welcoming customers from Scotland, using London Southend Airport as their convenient gateway to London, Essex and the Southeast. “The airport is the ideal way to travel south, connecting to London’s Liverpool Street station via its own railway station just 100 steps from the terminal door served by up to five trains into the city every hour.” Paul White, Head of Aviation at Glasgow Airport, said: “Loganair’s decision to introduce this London Southend route is a landmark moment for the airline and welcome news for our passengers. “London continues to be our most popular destination, so the introduction of these new services from Scotland’s airline provides our leisure and business passengers with even greater choice when visiting what is one of the world’s most iconic and exciting city destinations.” Bob Grant, chief executive of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce said: “Loganair’s launch of additional services between London Southend and Glasgow offers flexibility to travellers and is a great option with easy access to the City. Scotland’s Airline have shown creativity in responding to customer demand as they continue to grow at pace driven by the values of excellent customer service and economical fares. We wish them every success with the new routes.” Fares start from £39.99 one-way from Glasgow to London Southend. Loganair will be the only airline flying to a London Airport whose fares all include a 20kg checked baggage allowance. Tickets are on sale at www.loganair.co.uk or by calling 0344 800 2855 as well as via major travel agency systems including Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport under Loganair’s LM flight code.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Celebrate summer with our pick of fantastic things to do in and around Paisley!

Business Matters Summer 2019

GLASGOW AIRPORT’S EXCLUSIVE NEW LOMOND LOUNGE ARRIVES THIS AUGUST WITH 25 NEW JOBS Glasgow Airport has unveiled the first design images of its exclusive new executive lounge. The Lomond Lounge will be based airside in the departures area and is due to open its doors to outbound passengers this August. More than £1.6 million is being invested in the plush new facility, which will create 25 new jobs and operate between 5am and 9pm daily. This will be the fourth lounge facility to be based at Glasgow – the most of any Scottish airport – as the number of people looking to enjoy access to exclusive lounge facilities is on the increase. Emirates and British Airways both have their own separate facilities at Glasgow while the airport has operated its own hugely-successful UpperDeck lounge for a number of years. Glasgow Airport Managing Director Mark Johnston said: “We’re very excited about the introduction of the Lomond Lounge and the superior customer experience it will deliver for our passengers. “While the UpperDeck continues to be extremely popular with our business and leisure passengers, demand for lounge access continues to rise as more and more people look to start their travels in style. “The potential for the site of the new Lomond Lounge was huge given its prime location in the airport’s departures area and the fantastic views it offers of both the airfield and the stunning backdrop of the Campsie Fells. “The Lomond Lounge will set the benchmark in providing a premium level of service and comfort when it opens its doors and I’m sure our customers will be very impressed with everything this luxurious new facility will offer.” The look and feel of the 4,500-square foot lounge has been inspired by the neighbouring Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and features a

mix of table service for a la carte dining and more relaxed seating area where passengers can unwind in comfort and enjoy a snack or drink before their flight. The natural colours and contemporary styling have also been balanced with a strong appreciation of Glasgow Airport’s original Basil Spence-designed architecture, with the lounge proudly housing his renowned barrel-vaulted ceilings. With a capacity of just 100 covers allowing for greater privacy, the Lomond Lounge will offer a wide selection of a la carte breakfast, lunch and dining options featuring Scottish produce freshly prepared by local chefs. Lounge customers will be able to choose from a range of freshly-prepared dishes from the breakfast and lunch/dinner menus, whether it’s eggs Benedict or an American pancake stack ahead of the morning business commute, the Lomond beef or vegan burgers for lunch or even a stone-baked pizza with Ayrshire ham or fish with triple-cooked chips with minted mushy peas for an evening meal before heading off on holiday.

Diners will also be able to take in the wonderful views of the Lomond Lounge while enjoying a pre-flight afternoon tea replete with a serving tower topped with delicious finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones with clotted cream, cakes and pastries. Further dining options will also include hot and cold self-service buffet options such as a St James’ smoked salmon platter or Navratan korma with baked paneer from the bistro area. A range of craft and premium bottled and draft beers, soft drinks, top-quality spirits, specialist cocktails and awardwinning wines including prosecco and champagne will also be available from the staffed bar area. The lounge will include a business suite area and will feature charging outlets, high-speed WiFi, flight information displays and complimentary national newspapers and glossy magazines. Lomond Lounge entry will cost £40 and can be booked in advance by visiting: www.glasgowairport.com, or payment can be on the day subject to availability at that time.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Paisley Is the place to be! VISITSCOTLAND REGIONAL DIRECTOR CELEBRATES TOURISM IN RENFREWSHIRE Gordon Smith, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “Rich in history, vibrant in culture and access to rolling countryside, Paisley and Renfrewshire have so much to offer visitors. “The region’s reputation as a visitor destination is growing year on year, and we are seeing investment in the region as part of the Glasgow City Region Deal, as well as major renovations of Paisley Museum and Paisley Town Hall. It’s also great to see private sector investment including recent developments at Ingliston Country Club and Hotel and Gleddoch Hotel “Partnership and collaboration is at the heart of Scottish tourism and it’s been pleasing to see Renfrewshire’s tourism industry come together and work with VisitScotland to bring more visitors to the region. “I was delighted to see Paisley Is represented at this year’s VisitScotland Expo. 340 businesses and organisations

with a tourism product had the opportunity to showcase their offering to over 550 tour operators from 28 countries. Exhibitors at last year’s VisitScotland Expo experienced additional sales of £14.3m, highlighting the value of this event. “VisitScotland has been working with Renfrewshire Council this year to promote the Paisley Food & Drink Festival via Facebook and Instagram. We also ran activity promoting Renfrewshire as a visitor destination and this resulted in over 8.5k visits to the Paisley Is website. Another opportunity for the region is the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, a year-long programme of events and activities which will shine a spotlight on the impact our waters have on our country. With the rivers Cart and Clyde linked to Renfrewshire’s weaving and maritime heritage, Castle Semple Loch’s watersports offering in the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and recent

Gordon Smith, VisitScotland Regional Director

archaeological digs at the Paisley Abbey Drain, the region is perfectly placed to capitalise on this themed year. “There is so much for Renfrewshire’s tourism industry to look forward to and it’s important we continue to work together to drive visitors to the area as they represent a major benefit to the local economy. Tourism touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change.”

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Business Matters Summer 2019

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We all know too well the dread of the last-minute gift shop. The uncertainty as you contemplate the perfect present. Here at intu Braehead and Soar we can help you give the best gift of all: the gift of everything. The intu Gift Card lets them choose exactly what they want. At intu Braehead and Soar you can use the Gift Card in over 120 retailers. Whether it’s shopping, dining, skiing, climbing, jumping or even booking the perfect getaway: the intu Gift Card has everybody covered. Load the Gift Card with any amount from £5 to £1,000. The cardholder can use the card as many times as they like until the balance is exhausted (or blow it all in one exhilarating splurge!). The card will be valid for 12 months from the date of issue. The difference at intu is that we understand the differing needs of our consumers, supporting Wedding and Christmas saving clubs. Life is full of special moments, but we understand that celebrating every occasion can get costly, so why not start a saving club with intu? Simply create an account and top it up whenever you can, from as little as £5 a time.

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intu also have corporate service Gift Cards. Shopping centre gift cards make the perfect staff reward or can form part of a wider incentive programme. What better way to show your employees your appreciation or to promote your goods and services to customers? Reward your staff, or receive the perfect leaving present in an easy and accessible service. We offer a range of shipping options that you can select depending on the urgency, value, and number of gift cards in your order. You can click & collect, Buy at our customer service desk at intu Braehead or send via the post. The intu Gift Card is truly the gift of choice. For more information visit intu.co.uk/giftcard.

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

The Experience: accelerate your team’s success Race your way to an effective team at Scotland’s first and only electric go-karting arena. Awarded five stars by VisitScotland as an entertainment and events venue, The Experience offers a range of activities to enhance team building skills, as well as a fantastic day out. Bring out your team’s competitive side and reveal hidden talents in our electric gokarting arena; take part in a Grand Prix with karts reaching acceleration of up to 35mph, powered by clean green technology. Our emission free karts provide excellent torque – brilliant for speeding around hairpin bends, as well as karts for those with additional support needs.

Alternatively, why not put your skills to the test in an interactive laser tag adventure playing in teams or going solo to champion the course. Improve communication between colleagues and managers in our immersive space, with adrenaline pumping, action-packed sessions certain to boost team morale. The Experience offers a fun, collaborative environment without the pressures of work, where employees can relax and enjoy spending time with colleagues. After the action of the day, The Refuel Café is the perfect pit-stop for a delicious bite to eat and refreshing drink. We are proud of our VisitScotland Taste Our Best accreditation and use the freshest, local ingredients. Catering can be provided

for large corporate groups, training or events, or for something a little smaller, the Café is perfect for informal meetings. You can easily stay connected with free WI-FI. What’s more, if you are planning on having an entire day of team building, training sessions etc, you can book one of our three Formula 1 inspired Grand Prix meeting rooms with bespoke packages. Certain to rev up creativity, the vibrant and quirky setting of The Experience meeting rooms ensure turbo charged energy, hosting up to 90 people. Jump start brainstorming sessions and accelerate projects with all your needs catered for at The Experience, THE place to race in Glasgow.

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Business Matters Summer 2019

Join the Clan Ice Hockey is a bug. Once you catch it, it’s almost impossible to shake. The speed of the game, the skill on display, the toughness and teamwork, the lights and the music, the drums and the drama, create an unforgettable and unique sporting experience. Hockey is for everyone. With a commitment to building the best franchise in the UK, Glasgow Clan are an established force at our home in Braehead Arena. The ‘more than a game’ atmosphere created at a Glasgow Clan event has put pro-ice hockey firmly on the UK sporting map and an ever growing fan base has taken Scotland’s best icehockey team to their heart. The Clan are currently enjoying success as Gardiner Conference Champions and are one of the leading ice hockey clubs in the Elite Ice Hockey League. With average attendances of 3000+ and over 1500 season ticket holders, our aim is to continue that growth and to spread the

word to all those still missing out on the best night of family friendly entertainment available in the UK. Many of our corporate partners use The Clan as an opportunity to reach

out to a growing and passionate west of Scotland fan base, but also to treat clients or colleagues. As we enter our 10th anniversary season, there has never been a better time to join the Clan.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

One small step for man, one giant leap for Paisley! Paisley First are promising a day out of this world in Paisley town centre this summer with our Bricks in Space Summer Trail! Following on from the success of Jurassic Bricks last summer, we will be marking the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with a space-themed LEGO® Brick Space Trail. Running from Saturday 29th June until Tuesday 13th August, there are seventeen fantastic LEGO® Brick models spread throughout town centre businesses as well as an interactive play zone and a selfie zone. The town centre has been divided up into different galaxies with special hidden items which are orbiting different businesses within each galaxy on a weekly basis. Armed with their space passports, the mission is to travel through the four galaxies to find all the Space models, plus there are stickers, activity sheets and goodies to collect as families make their way around the town. Alongside our large LEGO® brick models, there are other Space items included as part of the trail and our local schools

have been joining in the fun…making space items made out of recycled items! The schools’ models are on display throughout the town during Bricks in Space! You can follow their progress at www. paisleyfirst.com Plus can you find our Space and Planet Buddies? Laika our Space Dog and Albert our Space Monkey will be travelling through the galaxies with our Sun and Saturn Space Buddies – look out for them on your mission and check out our social media for clues to help you find them! You can collect your Space passport from shops throughout Paisley plus both the Piazza Shopping Centre and The Paisley Centre. Paisley First will also be running the Golden Ticket Competition once again this summer with a weekly draw offering visitors the chance to win £250 of Paisley town centre gift vouchers! Come to Paisley for a great family day out this summer! More information at https://paisleyfirst.com/project/bricks-in-space/

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Business Matters Summer 2019

4 Top Reasons why you should consider A/B Testing for your business What is A/B Testing? A/B testing is the process of testing different versions of the same web page(s), to different portions of your site visitors. It’s an invaluable tool for improving the overall performance of a site, often stopping you having to splash out on a complete website rebuild. 1. Improving Existing Content A/B Testing lets you test content changes to a portion of your audience, before rolling out to all site visitors. What’s more, it compares the performance of those changes against the original, letting you see exactly what impact those changes are likely to have on performance. So whether you’re changing heading colours, image layout, page width, text size, you can now do so with more confidence that it will work! 2. Surprisingly Easy to Use There are of course advanced techniques available within A/B Testing, but most platforms offer options to make adjustments simply by clicking and dragging elements on the page. It appears difficult, but that’s often simply because it’s new to many people.

With even just a little knowledge of CSS or HTML, you could be building significant tests in no time. 3. Clear Results Sifting through and comparing a lot of data can be a tedious process, and sometimes still difficult to get a clear picture whether something has improved or not. A/B testing tools provide various clear metrics on improvements between variations including percentage chance that one will beat the other. Many A/B Tools can also be connected to tools such as Google Analytics for more data. 4. Reduced Risks Making changes to a website can have risks. Changes may have a negative impact. They may be costly. They may be implemented wrongly. A/B Testing allows you to test changes before implementing fully. You control how long the test runs and how many visitors see it. If problems arise, you can switch the test off. Importantly, you get performance metrics before rolling out to all visitors, reducing the risk of a negative impact on performance.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Business Matters Summer 2019

Marriott data breach – the dangers of M&As from a data protection and cybersecurity angle The most recent high profile data breach to be announced is that of the Marriott data breach – or should we really say the Starwood breach? In this article we will explore the Marriott case as well as providing helpful hints and tips in relation to M&As and due diligence. Marriott/Starwood – what happened? Marriott purchased Starwood Hotels & Resorts back in September 2016. In creating the world’s largest hotel chain, a key factor in the purchase for Marriott was the Starwood Preferred Loyalty Guest programme (a large customer database), not property assets; and whilst the respective brands’ loyalty programmes were kept separate as they worked out the integration of the two loyalty scheme, Marriott announced in September last year that they had finally merged. For those loyal Marriott card-carrying members, they would now have access to around 30 different hotel brands all under the one loyalty scheme. However, in the midst of the merger and talk about integration of systems and loyalty programmes, in November 2018 Marriott discovered (and announced) that the Starwood reservation system had been compromised, and had been since 2014, and that the details (names, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, passport numbers and payment details) of up to 500 million guests worldwide had been leaked. Many have criticised the M&A due diligence process that was conducted by Marriott when considering, investigating and concluding the Starwood acquisition. M&As – Due Diligence In every merger and acquisition, there is a due diligence process that is conducted by both parties to ensure that there is transparency about the business being acquired (its value, accounts and other relevant commercial factors) and its customers, contracts and other relevant factors (such as compliance with data protection and cyber security – both highly relevant when the main asset being purchased is a customer database!). In Marriott’s case, it may be that this data breach will cost them millions of

dollars (in potential regulatory action, private damages claims by data subjects and of course the necessary remedial actions to ensure such an incident does not occur again) and it is unlikely to be able to recover such sums from Starwood (unless specific warranties and indemnities to this effect were included in the sale agreements and are still enforceable). However, in distress purchases generally, warranties and indemnities will not be forthcoming from the seller and, even if these are granted, these may not be enforceable at a later stage. M&A Due Diligence – what to do Where you are buying and/or considering a merger with another business, you should consider the following: • Cybersecurity compliance – buyers must ensure that they do not overlook the cybersecurity risks. Having an understanding of the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of an acquired company could be critical to ensuring those trap and back doors are locked down or that processes and systems are put in place to close the gaps and protect assets. • Data Protection compliance – if an investigation reveals that a target company does not adequately protect the personal data it holds, this could make the company appear less desirable to investors. During the due diligence process, it is important that buyers investigate the target group’s data protection compliance. As part of the due diligence process, the buyer should identify at least the following: - The type of personal data processed by the target business - How the target business stores, collects and transfers data - Whether a DPO has been appointed - Whether appropriate privacy notices are available and records of processing have been obtained - Where consent is relied upon that appropriate consents obtained - Any ineffective personal data security strategies and/or functions - What subject rights have been enforced and has there been any

Rebecca Henderson

Val Surgenor

regulatory investigations and or action taken against the company - Are data processing agreements in place with third party contractors - Any high risk processing such as profiling - Whether DPIAs have been carried out, where required - Whether the target business’ personal data can be used for the buyer’s intended purposes - What steps need to be put in place to notify customer of the sale of the business and assess whether that fair processing notice will be sufficient - Whether a separate cyber security audit is required. Data breaches can be extremely damaging (and costly!) for a business in any sector – however risks of a data breach and/or cyber security incident can arise where companies merge and/or one company buys another company. Your company’s approach to personal data could be a selling point or an obstruction to a sale or an investment; and, where buying, data protection and cybersecurity considerations should be carefully investigated during the due diligence process and an audit undertaken to discover potential risks and gaps in compliance before such deals are finalised. Where there are concerns around data protection and/or cyber security, sufficient warranties and indemnities should be sought to protect your business financially. For more information contact Rebecca Henderson Solicitor Rebecca.Henderson@macroberts.com

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Do you need to change the way you submit your VAT returns? From 1 April 2019, anyone who is VAT registered and has an income above the VAT threshold of £85,000 is required to file their VAT returns using MTD compliant software. The deadline for submitting the first returns under the new rules is approaching and most businesses will need to submit their first MTD returns in July 2019. The current online portal (Government Gateway) will not be available for affected VAT registrations after this date but if your turnover is below £85,000 you will be able to carry on submitting VAT returns using the HMRC portal or using existing accounting software. Businesses that currently use spreadsheets may be able to continue to use them if they are able to purchase “bridging” software. Bridging software is API-enabled software which draws data digitally from a spreadsheet, turning it into a format compatible with MTD for VAT and then submitting it to HMRC. Bridging software may not be easy to use and if you are using spreadsheets or keep manual records then MTD may be a good reason for you to move your books and records onto an accounts package. Milne Craig can help you with MTD in the following ways: 1.

SOFTWARE REVIEW

If you have accounting software that you are happy with then we recommend that you speak to your existing supplier to check if your software is compliant. If it is not and you will need to buy a new updated package then please speak to us. We can probably provide you with a package that is suitable for your accounting needs (and hopefully not too expensive)! 2.

VAT RETURN REVIEW

Milne Craig can review your returns to ensure that you are complying with the new filing rules. This should ensure that you do not file your returns late or incorrectly. 3.

VAT RETURN PREPARATION

If your systems are not compliant with the new rules then we can help you to prepare the returns and submit them to HMRC. If you have any questions regarding MTD then please contact Paul Craig or Scott Hunter.

A great relationship starts by meeting face to face. Give us a call and allow us to tell you more.

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Yet, how many of you will make 2016 the year you put home or business security high on your list of priorities and make it one of your New Year’s resolutions? It is well reported that a home is broken into every 40 seconds in the UK and the cost of burglary we all understand can be far more than just losing physical items, leaving many emotionally distressed, Bell Fire & Security, based at Hillington Park, is urging people to get in touch and seek advice on how to make their home or business premises safe and Kilbride, the man behind the Football Club, Bell Fire & Security is secure this year. investment, brings with him a committed to supporting the local Bell Fire & Security, whilst wealth of expertise gained in the community and helping customers a new name to the area, is not a new security industry. Whilst there is a protect themselves, not just from company. change of name and a new director the cost of burglary or electrical specialist intruder alarm FootballThe Club, Bell Fire & Security is and to develop the business further, faults, but also from the pain and electrical firm previously known Gavin Bell, the grandson of the committed to supporting the local as Bell Alarms Paisley Ltd and NSI original founder Joseph Bell, is still emotional stress that is often left community and helping customers (NACOSS) and SELECT accredited, very much part of the business and behind. protect themselves, not just from For more information, to ask canof trace its roots to 1919 and is delighted that Douglas is onboard the cost burglary orback electrical for advice or to book an engineer has had faults, butrecently also from theinvestment pain and to to expand the business to provide expand and strengthen its offering even more intruder alarm and visit, please call Bell Fire & emotional that is often left Security on 0141 883 9000 or visit Bell Fire & Security Douglas Johnst acrossstress Scotland. electrical services to customers. behind.Douglas Johnston, from East Sponsors of the East Kilbride YM www.bellalarms.co.uk. staff members. For more information, to ask for advice or to book an engineer visit, please call Bell Fire & Security on 0141 883 9000 or visit Bell Fire & Security Douglas Johnston, Managing Director, Bell Fire & Security and various www.bellalarms.co.uk. staff members.

A Bell done job is a well done job EK man makes good Put home and business security high on your 2016 priorities Yet, how many of you will make 2016 the year you put home or business security high on your list of priorities and make it one of your New Year’s resolutions? It is well reported that a home is broken into every 40 seconds in the UK and the cost of burglary we all understand can be far more than just losing physical items, leaving many emotionally distressed, Bell Fire & Security, based at Hillington Park, is urging people to get in touch and seek advice on how to make their home or business premises safe and secure this year. Bell Fire & Security, whilst a new name to the area, is not a new company. The specialist intruder alarm and electrical firm previously known as Bell Alarms Paisley Ltd and NSI (NACOSS) and SELECT accredited, can trace its roots back to 1919 and has recently had investment to expand and strengthen its offering across Scotland. Douglas Johnston, from East

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25 Montr Tel: 0141 BELL FIRE & SECU 25 Montrose Avenue, Hillington Park Glasgow G52 BELL FIRE & Tel:SECURITY 0141 883 9000 or Fax: 0141 883 2999 SECURITY ALARMS 25 Montrose Avenue, Hillington Park Glasgow G52 4LA Kilbride, the man behind the investment, brings with him a wealth of expertise gained in the security industry. Whilst there is a change of name and a new director to develop the business further, Gavin Bell, the grandson of the original founder Joseph Bell, is still very much part of the business and is delighted that Douglas is onboard to expand the business to provide even more intruder alarm and electrical services to customers. Sponsors of the East Kilbride YM

Tel: 0141 883 9000 or Fax: 0141 883 2999 peace of mind that your home o We provide SECURITY ALARMS

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SECURITY ALARMS

We provide peace of mind that your home or business is protected from intruders with our extensive range of high tech equipment that will detect and deter.

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electrical services to customers. Sponsors of the East Kilbride YM

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Domestic hardwired ‘audible only’ and monitored intruder alarms Domestic wireless ’audible only’ and monitored intruder alarms Domestic hybrid (a mixture of wired and wireless) intruder alarms Pet friendly detectors can be incorporated into any of the above 24 hour monitoring to our dedicated alarm receiving centre (ARC) Commercial ‘audible only’ and monitored intruder alarms

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Redcare GSM or Dual – Com as req date with Health and SafetyRedcare, and latest We are members of The National Security technology this allows us allInspectorate to perform (NSI) better on a day to day basis. We have a University day release Management course which four managers �� attend getting the skills to drive the team and achieve fantastic results. As we all say in Bell Fire and Security a “Bell done job is a well done job” Douglas Johnston Managing Director, Bell Fire & Security Ltd. T: 0141 883 9000 E: djohnston@bellfireandsecurity.com www.bellfireandsecurity.com 415 Hillington road, Hillington Park Glasgow, G52 4BL

Bell Fire & Security Douglas Johnston, Managing Director, Bell Fire & Security and various staff members.

415 Hillington Road, Hillington Park Glasgow, G52 4BL Tel: 0141 883 9000 or Fax: 0141 883 2999 SECURITY ALARMS

SERVICING

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We provide peace of mind that your home or business is protected from intruders with our extensive range of high tech equipment that will detect and deter.

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At Bell Fire & Security Ltd we undertake both domestic and commercial electrical work throughout Scotland. We can provide the following electrical services: Electrical faults identiﬁed and repaired Sockets moved or new sockets installed External lights or power points installed Light ﬁttings replaced Full and partial rewires New lights installed RCD’s installed Mains power smoke alarms installed Electric showers wired Oven and hob connection Wiring for new bathrooms and kitchens Extractor fans replaced or installed Portable Appliance Tests (PAT) Electrical Condition Inspection Report (Formerly known as Periodic Inspection Report) Existing consumer units replaced and upgraded with RCD protection We are not only limited to the above list please give us a call to discuss further requirements.

NEWLY INSTALLED SYSTEMS Full 12 month warranty Routine inspection and maintenance annually for audible only systems and bi-annually for monitored systems System fully tested and battery levels checked Replacement parts and labour Emergency call out service 24/7 – 365 days. EXISTING SYSTEMS Service and repair to existing systems. We can takeover existing maintenance contracts, whether we installed the system or not. Service, test and report detailing condition of system and any work required to bring system up to acceptable standard to be offered a maintenance contract. Systems upgraded to include for 24 hour monitoring.

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Starbucks Starbucks Linwood Johnstone As part of OCO West end, a franchise of Starbucks, we are committed to “making every moment right”. Our passion for our Coffee and service we deliver is at the heart of what we do, our partners take pride in knowing the quality they provide and confidence in their skills and training allowing them to create a warm and friendly environment we are proud to share with our customer’s. We try and create a wholesome community store, hiring from the local area, offering space for social events, meetings and local community groups and making an effort to help raise funds for local charities. We want our customer’s leave our store with a sense of warmth and comfort knowing they have been taken care of, allowing us to share our love and passion for what we do every day. Starbucks, The Phoenix Retail Park, Linwood PA1 2AB

OCO West End, as a franchise of Starbucks, is committed to being part of the local community. Hiring in the local area, offering a space for local community groups and social events and creating a meeting space for businesses and residents. It is about “Making every moment right” for both our partners who work for us and every single customer who walks through the door. Serving excellent beverages with a smile and creating a warm and friendly environment. We want patrons to leave knowing that our knowledge of coffee means we can recommend taste profiles, coffees that pair well with certain foods and let them share in our passion for all thing’s coffee related. It’s not just a job for our partners it is a way of life and we hope that this comes across with very interaction and transaction. Starbucks, Paton Mill Retail Park, 93 High Street, Johnstone, PA5 8SN

Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms Opens NEW Showroom in Aberdeen Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms, Scotland’s leading bathroom retailer opened the doors of its new Aberdeen Showroom on Saturday 15 June 2019. Located in Wellington Trade Park, this major investment is paramount to the continuous growth of the 56-yearold, family owned company. The fully refurbished 7000 sq/ft dedicated bathroom showroom contains over 50 purpose built room sets and more than 2000 products on display. This exciting new venture has created seven new jobs for the area in addition to serving the North East of Scotland with a quality, stylish and affordable bathroom offering. Owners of the family run business; Walter, Derek & Brian Toward proudly cut the ribbon on the grand opening day of the showroom, which was a great success. Over 200 new customers enjoyed the hospitality and in-store celebrations whilst indulging in some bathroom retail therapy. With the first of many orders for a complete new bathroom confirmed by 10.30am, Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms

Aberdeen got off to a flying start. Finance and IT Director, Brian Toward, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new Aberdeen store which has been many months in the making.” “For a long time our family have wanted to take our offering to Northern Scotland as our research had confirmed that the bathrooms market in this part of Scotland is under-served. We feel that we can fill this gap in the market with our quality-led, affordable offering which will be effectively supported by our state-of-the-art logistics headquarters operating out of Glasgow.” “We believe that this new showroom in Aberdeen will attract a lot of new business from the North East of Scotland, and surrounding areas. Our ability to satisfy both the needs of trade and retail customers with our vast offering and accessible prices sets us apart from our competition. Brian added: “We believe that more customers are looking for a highend look for their bathrooms, but at the affordable prices that Wholesale

Grand Opening - Left to Right – Derek Toward (Managing Director) Walter Toward (Managing Director) Brian Toward (Finance & IT Director)

Domestic offers. That is what we do best.” Unit 1 Wellington Trade park, Aberdeen AB11 8DG Tel: 0344 809 4249 www.wholesaledomestic.com

Business Matters Summer 2019

Fifth-generation wholesaler JW Filshill partners with Canmoor to relocate to Westway Park in Scotland’s largest industrial pre-let for five years Award-winning wholesaler JW Filshill is to relocate to a brand new, purposebuilt distribution centre at Westway Park, near Glasgow Airport. Canmoor, a market-leading developer and asset manager in the warehouse and business space sectors, has agreed terms for Scotland’s largest industrial pre-let for five years. The deal, which is subject to planning consent, will see a 120,400 sq ft distribution centre developed for Filshill, which will incorporate 10,000 sq ft of office space for Filshill’s head office functions. The development process is likely to take 18 months to complete. Planning permission has been sought from Renfrewshire Council for the development of a 6.7-acre site on the south side of the park. Filshill, one of Scotland’s oldest independent food and drink wholesalers, supplies 185 KeyStore convenience stores across Scotland and the north of England. With turnover on track to hit in excess of £155 million this year, Filshill has enjoyed rapid expansion in the last 20 years and now has over 1,400 delivered goods customers, including several national accounts such as the Scottish Prison Service and CalMac. Growth has been fuelled by development of its core delivered wholesale business coupled with expansion of its craft beers and spirits business and international division which exports Scottish-produced beer, spirits and other food products to the rest of the world, Asia-Pacific in particular. Simon Hannah, managing director of Filshill, said the move would future-proof the business, secure employment and improve efficiencies. “We can’t hold off waiting for Brexit. We need to get ready for the next phase of group growth, keep ourselves relevant to the ever changing market, ensure job security for our staff and continuously improve on providing service excellence to our customers – that’s all hugely important to us. “Westway is an outstanding location for us, less than three miles from our current premises at Hillington and next to Glasgow Airport which will become increasingly important as we develop our international business in the coming years.

“Our business is successful because of our people, most of whom live in Renfrewshire, so finding new premises near their homes was a major consideration for us in choosing Westway, along with its prestigious and secure location. “The facility is being built to our (from left to right): Andrew McCracken, JLL, Simon Hannah, Filshill, Derek Mackay MSP exact specification and Craig Semple, Avison Young. and will provide pallet capacity of 12,000 in a 14-metre high warehouse with 12 loading docks. There will also be 10,000 sq ft of fresh and chilled space to accommodate growth in this category and allow us to expand into the foodservice and on-trade sector in the future” Rob Large, director of Canmoor, added: “To have a company of Filshill’s calibre Airport have all been important factors.” make such a substantial commitment to Commenting on the industrial market Westway is a tremendous endorsement, in Scotland, Andrew McCracken, director following the significant investment of JLL, who represented Canmoor, said: and improvements we have made since “The industrial market is now at a stage purchasing last year. where requirements such as this can “We are delighted to be able to assist only be accommodated by taking a Filshill facilitate its exciting expansion pro-active, forward-thinking approach, plans which will provide real employment which is what is being done by Canmoor opportunities in the area.” at Westway. Derek Mackay, MSP for Renfrewshire “We have witnessed new degrees of North and West said: “I am always optimism in the Renfrewshire market, delighted to welcome any investment with increased demand for space at coming to Renfrew - I look forward to Westway.” hearing more about these proposals as Craig Semple, associate director of they progress.” Avison Young, who represented Filshill Bob Grant, chief executive of added: “Westway offers the perfect Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce location for Filshill and the landlord’s added: “This substantial investment positive approach has enabled this demonstrates the ambition of Filshill deal to progress smoothly and meet the as they continue expansion in UK and company’s business needs.” international markets”. Westway is located in the heart of the “To secure the long-term future of Glasgow Airport Investment area, which is 200 jobs in Renfrewshire is great news one of the key City Deal projects that will and we welcome the decision. The benefit from £39.1m of inward investment purpose build facility at Westway in a over the next 10 years. This will deliver secure location will enable Filshill to significant infrastructure investment to the create future job growth. Renfrewshire’s area including a new two-lane bridge over excellent location with strong transport the White Cart, directly linking Westway links, a skilled workforce and ambitious with the investment area and airport. plans for investment around Glasgow

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

WHP Engineering Ltd Multi-disciplinary engineering company WHP provides standalone and turnkey solutions for state-ofthe-art cleanroom and advanced precision engineered solutions to clients across the UK and Europe. Offering a fully integrated Design and Build service to guide you through every step of the pre and post construction phases, managed end-to-end by an in-house team of designers, engineers, planners and highly-skilled technical experts, who will work with you to take your idea and create a solution driven, full design and build, that achieves the exacting demands of quality, time and budget, while offering an entry and exit service to meet client’s needs. WHPs comprehensive services range from design, project management, engineering, fabrication, commissioning and validation. The Technical Centre team are experts in the manufacture and installation of hygienic, sterile processing plant for manufacturing facilities. This breadth of skill together with our personal and solutions-focused approach enables us to drive the ambitions of global brands. WHP Engineering Ltd • www.whp-engineering.com LinkedIn @whp-engineering • 0191 460 9295

The Paisley Drinks Company The Paisley Drinks Company produces high quality craft soda, using the best natural ingredients and real fruit flavours. Inspired by craft beer and gin, while longing for good old fashioned soda, they have created a unique range of products as a delicious and healthier alternative to the sugary and artificially sweetened fizzy drinks of the big brands. Championing the ‘Real Soda Revolution’, their flavours include Very Berry Raspberry Lemonade, Dreamy Strawberry Coconut Soda, Mystical Rhubarb Cream Soda and Darkest Blueberry Ginger Soda. Delicious on their own and superb as a mixer, Paisley Drinks Company premium sodas are locally made, distinctive to taste and refreshing to drink. To learn more about the Paisley Drinks Co please visit paisleydrinkscompany.com/

Yellow Slate Design We provide a complete, end-toend branding service and everything in between, from logo design and initial research through to marketing campaigns and social media strategy. At Yellow Slate Design we offer a range of design services. We can create logos, corporate stationery, leaflets, posters and anything which visually represents your brand. Whether you want to acknowledge tradition or break new ground we do the research to provide context. We take your brand and make it into something accessible and recognisable to your customers. Create your brand how you want to be seen. We take your brand beyond the visual to help your customers experience it the way you intend. Formats we work with to create your brand can include: logo design, website design, corporate stationery, campaign marketing, social media management and merchandise design and fulfilment. With websites are designed with users in mind. yellowslatedesign.com • info@yellowslatedesign.com 8 Browns Lane, Paisley, PA1 2JH • 0141 404 1947

Exporter Services We have been working in International Trade for the last 30 years, providing specialist shipping and training services to accredited organisations and private customers. We provide multiple support services including preparation and presentation of documents to banks under Letters of Credit. A valuable Helpdesk support service. Outsourced Shipping Departments can be tailored for businesses. HMRC Compliance Checks and Audits - there are a lot of Customs notices to read! We provide extensive training in many aspects of International Trade and movement of goods, assistance with Export Controls and Licencing of goods and support on Dangerous Goods movements. Our success is due to our long-lasting customer relationships and an organised and down to earth approach to a problem. We have many Testimonials on our website that we would like to share with you. www.exporter -services.co.uk Whether this be large or small, we are here to help and welcome new customers. Team@exporter-services.co.uk: Tel: 0115 727 0018

Business Matters Summer 2019

Coats Memorial Saved!

The 100 days campaign to Save Coats Memorial ended on 11th May and the Steering Group recently announced the great news that Coats Memorial has indeed been saved! Ian Henderson, Chair of the Steering Group and owner of Renfrewshire Chamber member Henderson Properties Ltd said ‘To date we have raised over £650,000 and phase one of the Works to convert the building into a multi-purpose venue will begin imminently so that we can meet the objective of having the doors open by April next year. Although there is a funding gap of around £150,000, we are confident that this gap can be bridged during the next six months as the works roll out. The response to our appeal was fantastic with more than 2,500 people donating towards the project to save this Grade A listed building. It

was particularly pleasing to note that people from as far away as the west coast of America and New Zealand felt moved to give to the cause. On behalf of the Steering Group I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who donated and to all those who volunteered their time to help throughout the campaign’. The Works will include the provision of new toilets, a bar, kitchen extensions, a lift between the floors, audio visual facilities, a demountable stage, new lighting and new seating which will transform the former church into a flexible multi-purpose venue. ‘Our first booking is for the Paisley Real Ale Festival to be held during the last week in April next year when we will be open for business and we are now taking bookings from April onwards for weddings, dinners, conferences

and exhibitions as well as a range of community based activities. Any inquires about events or bookings can be made through the Coats Venue website or by phone to 0141 886 5020’. With the closure of the Museum and the Town Hall until 2022 and the imminent closure of the Paisley Arts Centre, the opening of Coats Venue is a timely boost for Paisley and specially for the west end of the town where traders have been feeling the effects of reduced footfall. Bob McIntyre, one of the current Coats Memorial Trustees said ‘We congratulate the Steering Group for delivering a successful outcome which will see this magnificent building given a new lease of life and so ensure that it will be preserved and maintained for the benefit of the Paisley community and the prosperity of the Town’.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Diageo Shieldhall Celebrates 40th Anniversary World’s largest Scotch Whisky packaging site marks four decades of global production Diageo Shieldhall, the world’s largest dedicated Scotch Whisky packaging site, is today celebrating 40 years at the forefront of the global Scotch industry. Scotland’s Economy Secretary Derek Mackay and Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Gavin Newlands, joined workers at the site to congratulate them on their contribution to Scotland’s greatest global export. Opened in April 1979, Diageo Shieldhall, in Renfrewshire, extends across 43 acres and produces 27 million cases of Scotch Whisky each year, bound for 180 countries around the globe – contributing 25% of the total worldwide Scotch Whisky industry. With over 500 people employed at the site, Diageo Shieldhall is one of the most significant engine rooms of Scottish manufacturing and exporting working around the clock to produce some of the world’s most famous brands. The site has seven high speed bottling lines including a 600-bottle-per minute line that is the fastest in the industry. At the heart of Shieldhall’s output is the world’s most popular Scotch, Johnnie Walker, with the brand’s iconic Red Label and Black Label produced at Shieldhall, as well as other major global Scotch whisky brands including J&B, Buchanan’s, Bells, White Horse and Black & White. Over the 40 years of production Shieldhall has produced over 600 million cases of Scotch whisky. Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said: “Scotch Whisky is one of Scotland’s greatest global exports and the Diageo Shieldhall plant has played a vital role in making that success possible. I want to congratulate the staff – past and present – for their huge contribution not just to Diageo, but to Renfrewshire and to Scotland’s economy. I wish the company every success for the future and I am sure the staff at Shieldhall will continue to be at the forefront of Scotch whisky for years to come.” Gavin Newlands MP said: “Congratulations to Diageo on this significant anniversary. For 40 years the

facility at Shieldhall has provided good, skilled, well-paying jobs for people from Renfrewshire, and beyond. “We can be proud of our country’s ability to punch well above our weight in the food and drink sector with Scottish produce recognised the world over for its quality. Shieldhall has played a major part in this these past four decades and I look forward to them being here for many more years to come.” David Cutter, Diageo President Global Supply and Procurement, welcomed Mr Mackay and Mr Newlands to the site and introduced them to staff, including longserving employees and apprentices. He said: “Shieldhall is one of the most important locations for Diageo’s global Scotch whisky business and it is also one of the great engine rooms of Scottish exporting. More Scotch whisky is packaged and exported to the world from Shieldhall than anywhere else and we are extremely proud of the contribution this plant has made to the global growth of Scotch. “That is mainly down to all the people who have worked here over the past 40 years and who have all played an enormous role in making Shieldhall one of the most efficient and productive manufacturing plants in the world.” AnnMarie Phillips, Operations Director at Shieldhall, said: “I am incredibly proud of everyone who works here

at Shieldhall, from the long-serving employees who have been here since the plant opened in 1979, to our most recently recruited apprentices. “We’re delighted to mark this anniversary and to celebrate the efforts everyone has made to the success of the site. We are now looking forward to the next chapter of our journey and to keeping Shieldhall at the forefront of Scotch whisky and competitive global manufacturing.”

Recent recruit Lucy Bell Engineering Apprentice & George Smith, Capability trainer with 41 yrs. service

During the visit Mr Mackay and Mr Newlands met with one of Shieldhall’s longest-serving members of staff, George Smith a capability trainer who has been with Diageo for 41 years, 21 of which have been at Shieldhall. They also met one of the sites most recent recruits, engineering apprentice Lucy Bell, who joined the company a year and a half ago.

Business Matters Summer 2019

First Minister Opens Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company A social enterprise providing support to injured and outof-work Scottish veterans has been officially opened by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SBMC) will provide employment and support for up to 150 former military personnel over the next three years. The Bishopton factory produces commercial signage and bespoke engineering, as well as supplying fulfilment, print and mailing services. The First Minister visited the Bishopton site and performed a formal opening ceremony today. Speaking at the event, Ms Sturgeon said: “The activities of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company are invaluable. I congratulate them on their on-going work

that is supporting so many ex-service personnel and their families. “The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the Armed Forces and Veterans community are able to access the best possible care and support, we are adamant that no one should suffer disadvantage as a result of their service. “We greatly appreciate the work carried out with, and on behalf of, Veterans by organisations such as Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company. It really brings home Scotland’s commitment to supporting our Armed Forces community during the transition into civilian life and beyond.” She also met with veterans including William Baillie who was medically discharged from the RAF in 2000 after

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Michelle Ferguson Director SBMF with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

almost a decade-long career. Due to the onset his illness and further physical problems, William had not worked until finding Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company. William said: “You can tell what is happening here at SBMC is incredibly unique and exciting – and that’s evident by the First Minister kindly taking the time to open the factory. “I am incredibly thankful to have come across Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company. I’m seeing veterans from a range of backgrounds – all of whom are facing their own unique challenges – come here and find a totally new lease of life.” SBMC began production in summer 2018 and has a client list that includes BEAR Scotland, Amey, Balfour Beattie and Network Rail along with many of the Scottish Local Authorities. As a not-for-profit organisation, all surplus revenue made by SBMC is channelled back into the enterprise to further employment opportunity to veterans. The development was a response to a study into the employment support needs of Scottish veterans, which found that ex-service personnel are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as civilians across the country[1]. Michelle Ferguson, Director of SBMC, said: “We have enjoyed magnificent support from across the Scottish government since our foundation in our mission to provide fully supported, flexible working opportunities to our

country’s veterans and help them regain independence. “So we are delighted the First Minister was able to perform our official opening and see first-hand the work we are doing here to provide a genuine lifeline to vulnerable veterans – many of whom have been wounded in the service of this country. It was a pleasure to welcome her and I know the team here has taken great encouragement from her invaluable support.” Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company is a division of Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) which celebrates its centenary this year, having been formed in 1919 to provide support for sick and wounded veterans returning from the battlefields of the First World War. Steve Sherry CMG OBE, Chief Executive of RBLI, said: “The launching of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company has come at an historic time for Royal British Legion Industries, our centenary year. “We have 100 years’ worth of experience in providing veterans – particularly those who face challenges due to physical and mental disability – with rewarding and sustained employment, in industry-leading environments, helping them to regain their independence.” “We are immensely proud to be working collaboratively with Scottish Charities, commercial organisations and the government to provide the best opportunities for veterans.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Business Matters Summer 2019

B2B2019 - BUSINESS MATTERS IN RENFREWSHIRE Sponsored by:

Renfrewshire Chamber held its 9th B2B event recently in Paisley. “Business Matters in Renfrewshire” was held in the Lagoon to help local businesses of all sectors and sizes grow and prosper. The event sponsored by Paisley.is attracted 50 exhibitors with close to 400 attendees across the whole day. The well attended 6 free seminars shared info & gave best practice on a range of hot topics: Seminar Line up: • “Paisley.is: 1 year on & game changing city deal developments” with the Paisley.is team & Renfrewshire Council • “Social Now to Social Wow!” with NSDesign • “Doing Business with Renfrewshire Council” with Invest in Renfrewshire & Procurement Team. • “How to win business using LinkedIn” with fatBuzz • “How to Grow a Greener Business” with Resource Efficient Scotland, a programme of Zero Waste Scotland. • “Business Futures: Accelerating Digital, Social & Transformational Tech” with UWS. Commenting on the event Chamber chief exec Bob Grant said “thank you to all our exhibitors, speakers & sponsors” – the chamber hopes everyone involved benefited from #b2bpaisley. We aim to return for our 10th consecutive year in 2020 – and encourage all businesses and local organisations to support the event. As the largest free business event in the area – it is a great opportunity to see the breadth and depth of businesses out there, promote your business, and network & learn from others.”

Leonie Bell, Renfrewshire Council

Dr Matt Frew, UWS

Emma Dunsmuir, Resource Efficient Scotland

Gordon White, fatBuzz

Alasdair Morrison, Renfrewshire Council

Alexandra Donaldson, Renfrewshire Council

Gary Ennis, NSDesign

Andrew McKean, Renfrewshire Council

Bridget Lambert, Renfrewshire Council

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Gary Ennis, NSDesign â&#x20AC;&#x153;Social Now to Social Wowâ&#x20AC;?

Main Sponsor Paisley.is

Royal Bank of Scotland

Council Leader Iain Nicolson with Chamber President Tom Johnston

Sam Marshally & Pupils from Glennifer High

Renfrewshire Council Procurement Team

Maurice Gilligan, Skills Development Scotland, with Bob Grant

Business Matters Summer 2019

Chamber Team update

Stuart Murray Business Mentoring Exec

Stuart Murray steps down Jill Carrino (centre) congratulated by Bob Grant CEO & President Tom Johnston

Jill Carrino promoted to Deputy Chief Executive The Chamber is delighted to announce that Jill Carrino, our Development Manager since Spring 2017 has been promoted to the role of Deputy Chief Executive. Bob Grant Chief Executive said “This promotion reflects Jill’s hard work and commitment to the Chamber. Jill’s promotion sets in place a formal succession plan for the role of chief executive which is a requirement of our accredited Chamber status. Jill’s role will continue to be responsible for Membership and our commercial services while supporting the strategic growth of our activities. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Jill well in her new role.”

Graduate Intern Courtney Norris completes 6 months with Chamber Our Graduate Communications Intern Courtney Norris has completed her internship with the Chamber. We wish her well in the next step of her career and she has secured a position with Glasgow Airport in their digital team. Courtney said. “I have had the best time working here over the past six months and just want to say a huge thanks to everyone for being so welcoming and teaching me so much during my time with the Chamber.”

Courtney Norris

The chamber team said goodbye to Stuart Murray as he stepped down from the business mentoring program in May. Bob Grant said “In his time at the Chamber Stuart has organised and managed mentoring for over 200 companies, a great achievement and no easy task. We wish Stuart well in the next stage of his career.”

New International Trade Staff The Chamber has introduced two new staff to our international trade team. Laura Ritchie, 26 from Paisley and Martin McAlinden, 37 from Dungannon have joined for an initial 12-month period and will be fully trained in export documentation & international trade. Chief executive Bob Grant said “We have recruited Laura Laura Ritchie, Export Administrator & Martin to build additional capacity and resilience into our export documentation service as a direct response to Brexit. Whilst it is still unclear what shape Brexit will take we cannot wait for an outcome and have taken the decision to introduce extra resource to manage that transition for international trade customers. Once Laura and Martin have completed their Martin McAlinden Export Administrator training, we will have 6 staff who can process export documentation, certificates of origin and ATR/ EUR1 supporting our exporters & ensuring trade remains as frictionless as possible.” The project is part-funded by Scottish Enterprise.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Chamber Pictures March Lunch Jonathan Hinkles Loganair

Pitch & Roll Abbeymill

Graduate Apprenticeships - Johnny Mone UWS

April Lunch Ian Henderson Save Coats Memorial

Up and Coming Events See our events section on our website: www.renfrewshirechamber.com • 0141 847 5450 events@renfrewshirechamber.com New Digital Mentoring Group with Gary Ennis • Session 1 Tues 23rd July 8am10.30am • Session 2 Tues 30th July 8am -10.30am • Session 3 Tues 6th Aug. 8am10.30am Limited to 12 places Max, you must be able to attend all 3 sessions and have aspirations to grow turnover. Contact Jill Carrino • jcarrino@ renfrewshirechamber.com • 0141 847 5450

Thank you Failure! With RBS and Basics & Beyond Ltd Tues 20th Aug 12:00 pm - 2:00pm Free for Members, Chamber Business Centre Pitch & Roll Networking with Abbey Mill Wed 21st Aug 8:00 am - 9:15 am FREE to attend for Renfrewshire Chamber members & Abbey Mill Tenants

May Lunch Liz Connolly West College Scotland

Chamber Golf day

B2B Lagoon May 2019

Negotiating Skills with Basics & Beyond & RBS

August Networking Lunch with Eddie Robertson - MD of Morrison Construction. Thurs 29th August 12pm-2pm Holiday Inn, Glasgow Airport Members £25+vat Non Members £35+vat

October Networking Lunch Thurs 17th October with Lord Thurso, Chair of Visit Scotland. Glynhill Hotel, Renfrew. Members £25+vat, non-member £35+vat Rocco 2019 Friday 15th November 2019 at the Normandy with Host Fred MacAulay.

BUSINESS AWARDS 2019

AGM and Christmas Lunch Thurs 19th December at the Glynhill Hotel

facebook.com/renfrewshirechamberofcommerce Follow the chamber:

Meet the Leader Cllr Iain Nicolson

twitter.com/renfrewshirecoc

Business Matters Summer 2019

Renfrewshire Chamber donates to ROCCO charities St. Vincent’s Hospice and Paisley YMCA Renfrewshire Chamber was delighted to be able to present our Rocco Fund charities St. Vincent’s Hospice and Paisley’s YMCA with donations towards their brilliant work in caring for those who need it most by offering specialist palliative care for individuals and families affected by life limiting conditions, as well as supporting and developing young people at the heart of our community to reach their full potential through education and developing creative abilities. Chief Executive of St. Vincent’s Hospice, Kate Lennon, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to the Renfrewshire Chamber and everyone involved in helping to raise such a fantastic sum of money for our services. This £4,000 will make such a positive difference to so many people throughout our community who are going through some of the most difficult times of their lives, and we cannot thank everyone enough for all their support. Moreover, Paisley YMCA provide exceptional support for young people

within the Renfrewshire area and dedication to develop and encourage the youth within the local community to reach their full potential through digitally based cultural and educational programmes. Their newest initiative is to establish Renfrewshire’s first digital fabrication studio, a DIY environment where young people can gather to create, invent and learn to use digital technology with encouragement to build and design consumer products. This will include creative art installations and fun engineering builds, using 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, and engraver machines that encourage conception thinking in line with extra curriculum STEM (science, technology, engineering & maths) subjects. Darran from Paisley’s YMCA has commented, “Thanks to Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce for this donation towards a high end laser cutter for young people across Renfrewshire to develop their enterprise skills through technology learning design and manufacturing in the Paisley YMCA Makerspace.”

Tom Johnston RCC, Darran Gillan Programme Development Manager Paisley YMCA, Bob Grant RCC

Bob Grant Chief Executive RCC, Kate Lennon Chief Executive St Vincent’s Hospice, Tom Johnston President RCC

Renfrewshire Chamber golf day – The Winners The Chamber annual golf challenge was held at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club on Friday 14th June. The event saw 18 teams compete around the course which was in excellent condition. We had the following worthy winners on the day: • Individual Winner: Gary Donnelly from Team Mabbett • Winning Team: Team Milne Craig • Nearest the Pin: Craig Buchanan from team Satelliet-UK • Longest Drive: Aaron McMillan from team Mabbett Commenting on the event Chamber chief executive Bob Grant said “thank you to all the teams who took part to support the chamber golf day and your kind generosity with raffle prizes and tickets. We raised £1000 for chamber charity St Vincent’s Hospice – they have expressed their gratitude for your support. We had a good day weather-wise after a brief early shower, the course was in great nick and the Ranfurly Castle staff made sure everyone had a great day out. Thanks to General Manager Andrew McIntyre, PGA Pro Tom Eckford & wife Sarah, the green keeping staff and catering team for looking after us so well.”

Individual Winner: Gary Donnelly from Team Mabbett

Winning Team: Team Milne Craig

Nearest the Pin: Craig Buchanan from team Satelliet-UK

Longest Drive: Aaron McMillan from team Mabbett

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

New Members On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Chamber staff we would like to welcome onboard the following new members. John Maguire Ceramics Pottery – c/o InCube John Maguire johnmaguirepotter@live.co.uk

Susie Rodgers Millinery Milliner – c/o InCube Susie Rogers susierodgersmillinery@sky.com

Business Women Scotland Publishing & Events Lynne Kennedy MBE https://bwsltd.co.uk/

Kevin Cameron Film Making Kevin Cameron 07813 628574 kpcameron@hotmail.com

Unleashed IT Ltd IT Consultancy Chris Gilmour 0333 240 0565 chris.gilmour@weareunleashed.com

Charlene Leske Jewellery Jewellery – c/o InCube Charlene Leske cleske@gmail.com

Knitting On Cloud Nine Knitting Workshop – c/o InCube Rosie Little rosie.little@blueyonder.co.uk

Chloe Nalwoga Textile/wallpaper designer– c/o InCube Chloe Nalwoga chloebirungi@gmail.com

Marie Curie Knitting Charity Sara Murray 0141 557 7561 sara.murray@mariecurie.org.uk

Vortex Hydraulics Ltd Engineering Vidmantas Jurenkovas 07557 234736 vid@vortexhydraulics.co.uk

Aqua IT Support IT Support David Monaghan 0141 530 2007 david@aquaitsupport.co.uk

Colm Macqueen Translation/Interpretation – c/o InCube Colm Macqueen colm.macqueen@googlemail.com Driving Miss Daisy Transportation and Companion Driving Services Christine McIntyre 07399 399071 renclyde@drivingmissdaisy.co.uk Energy Prices Direct Ltd Energy Procurement / Reduction Janet Turner 0141 354 1964 janet.turner@energypricesdirect.com Ethos IT Solutions IT Services & Support David Lyon 07789 501425 david.lyon@ethos.ltd Exporter Services Ltd Training Export Documentation Sue Wright 0115 727 0018 sue.wright@exporter-services.co.uk Got2Bsafe Ltd HSEQ Consultancy & Training William Graham 0141 390 4384 info@got2bsafe.co.uk Iconic Fitness Fitness & Training Facilities Fiona McLean 0141 887 4777 fiona@iconic.fitness Innovative Estate Planning Ltd Legal / Financial Consultant Lorna Blain 01505 871 915 info@innovativeestate.co.uk

NGM Accountants Ltd Accountants John Fairgrieve 0141 556 5348 john.fairgrieve@ngmaccountants.com OCO Westend Ltd T/A Starbucks Johnstone Coffee Shop Graeme Mackay 01505 324002 johnstone@ocostar.com OCO Westend Ltd T/A Starbucks Linwood Coffee Shop Robert Gordon 0141 840 2399 linwood@ocostar.com Peter Stewart Arts Artist / Jeweller – c/o InCube Peter Stewart peter.stewart11@hotmail.co.uk Pottle Jewellery Jeweller – c/o InCube Eileen Pottle pottlejewellery@gmail.co.uk Renfrew Quality Healthcare Care at Home/Disabled Margaret Robertson 01475 722020 info@renfrewhealthcare.co.uk Robert Geary Ltd Exclusive distributor of marching products for the UK and Eire. Robert Geary 0141 882 1520 robert@robertgeary.com Silver Cloud Ltd Telecoms IT Michael McMillan 0141 552 0000 hello@silvercloudltd.com

Wellwood Communications Ltd Business Telecoms IT Drew Westwood 0333 5777300 drew@wellwoodcommunications.com WHP Engineering Ltd Multi-disciplinary Engineering John Anderson 0773 876 4928 john.anderson@whp-engineering.com WithinOneself Handcrafted Goods – c/o InCube Claire Dobbin claire_dobbin@hotmail.co.uk Zero Waste Scotland Zero Waste Douglas Harding 01786 433930 Douglas.Harding@zerowastescotland. org.uk Zilverberg Consulting Limited Business & Legal Advice David Flint 07401 329006 df@zilverbergconsulting.com Rakkaus Furniture Ltd Supply & Install Commercial Furniture Chris Arkley 01563 501 887 chris@rakkausfurniture.co.uk C Allan & Son Accountancy Services Accountants Michelle Allan 0141 816 9750 Michelle@caas.org.uk The Ferguslie Group Housing Association Ivor McCauley 0141 887 4053 ivormccauley@fpha.org.uk

Business Matters Summer 2019

For business Chamber it’s a pleasure. Members Discount Scheme Fly Glasgow London Southend London’s Best Airport*

BOOK TODAY AT LOGANAIR.CO.UK or via your business travel provider

Renfrewshire Chamber have launched a member discount scheme to encourage members to do business with members. In turn this will help you and your staff save money and increase revenue. The program is very easy to use – simply download the qualifying graphic (you will receive an electronic copy via email) and display on your phone when asking for the chamber discount at point of sale - it couldn’t be simpler! In addition, all your staff /employees can also benefit from the discount so please share as widely as possible within your organisation. Look at our fantastic launch offers which are now live – more offers will be added to the Chamber website throughout the year – so get discounting now!

Member Discoun Schemet

The beare r is entitled to discoun the Ren t Commerce frewshire Chamber under of Member Discount for partici Scheme pating bus inesses.

*Southend Airport - ranked Best London Airport by Which? 2018

Where next?

OFFER 1: Get an extra special discount off award-winning flights to London’s Best Airport* – exclusively for Chamber Members. OFFER 2: Get 20% off Loganair’s fully Flexible fare “Fly Flex +” (includes Lounge Access and Fast-track security!)

OFFER: 10% off all funeral directors fees OR £100 off cost of a pre paid funeral plan Company: Kenneth Keegan Independent Funeral Directors

Use promocode: rchamber

Contact Name: Kenneth Keegan

Try award-winning flights from Glasgow to London’s Best Airport* now, at loganair.co.uk

Contact Email: Kenneth@keeganfuneraldirectors.co.uk

Designation: Director

OFFER: 25% off first advert with Mill Magazine

OFFER: a discount on Embrace the Space (social media for business masterclass) - £99 ticket (standard fee is £175)

Company: Mill Magazine Ltd

Company: NSDesign

Contact Name: Paul Dickson

Contact Name: Gary Ennis

Designation: Director

Designation: Managing Director

Contact Email: paul@millmagazine.co.uk

Contact Email: gary.ennis@gmail.com

OFFER: VIAS will offer a discount of up to 20% on Training, Evaluations and Consultancy for Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.

OFFER: Free 2 hour WordPress website consultation

Company: Values Into Action Scotland

Company: We Do Fruition

Contact Name: John Brown

Contact Name: Alasdair Burns

Designation: Development Lead

Designation: Chief Visualisation Officer

Contact Email: john.brown@viascotland.org.uk

Contact Email: alasdair@wedofruition.com

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

OFFER: 15% Off vinyl t-shirt printing and promo signage, Laser cut signage, 3D printed objects, Venue hire of Makerspace Corporate team development days using technology. Company: Paisley YMCA Contact Name: Darran Gillan

OFFER: Free Protection for 12 months Company:NGM Accountants Contact Name: John Fairgrieve Designation: Director Contact Email: john.fairgrieve@ngmaccountants.com

Designation: Youth & Programme Development Manager Contact Email: darran@paisleyymca.org

OFFER: 10% discount on first year accountancy services

OFFER: 20% discount off Boogie Nights & Christmas Party Nights

Company: JGBA Limited

Company: Erskine Bridge Hotel & Spa

Contact Name: Johanna McLachlan

Contact Name: Tony Armour

Designation: Director

Designation: Events Manager

Contact Email: johanna@jgbaaccountants.co.uk

Contact Email: tony.armour@theerskinebridgehotel.co.uk

OFFER: 250 high quality matt lamination business cards designed & printed for only ÂŁ20. Pop up roller banners designed and printed for ÂŁ60.

OFFER: 1 class or lesson free when a block of 8 are booked.

Company: Yellow Slate Design

Contact: Diane Mitchell 07896689816

Contact Name: Xander Campbell

Designation: Company Director

Contact Email: info@yellowslatedesign.com

Contact Email: Diane12m@yahoo.co.uk

OFFER: 10% off accommodation

OFFER: 20% off the main menu in Bistro

Company: Courtyard Marriott Glasgow Airport

Contact: Chamber members can call on 0141 843 4802 or email sales@courtyardmarriottglasgowairport.com and quote Renfrewshire Chamber to receive the discount.

Contact: Members need only advise the Bistro team to receive the discount.

Members can also book online www.marriott.com/glaca using corporate code COR.

Company: The Diane Mitchell Music School

If you would like to book a table, please call on 0141 843 4800, option 2.

OFFER: 10% Discount on permanent placement fees and a reduction on temporary rates

OFFER: 10% discount on Bathrooms & Accessories

Company: Allstaff Recruitment

Contact Name: Johanne Marwick

Contact Name: Carolyn Moir-Grant

Designation: Marketing Manager

contact email: cmoirgrant@allstaff.co.uk

Contact Email: johanne.markwick@wholesaledomestic.com

Company: Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms

Business Matters Summer 2019

Doosan Babcock Secures 20-Year Contract On Sellafield Programme & Project Partnership (PPP) process sectors. With a focus on the delivery of low-carbon technologies and an industry leading project management capability, the company builds, maintains and extends the life of customer assets worldwide. With over 65 years of experience, the company has been at the heart of the UK nuclear sector since supplying steamraising equipment to the world’s first commercial nuclear power station at Calder Hall. In the intervening decades it has supplied plant and expertise to all nuclear plants during operation and decommissioning activities. For more information about Doosan Babcock, please visit www.doosanbabcock.com

Doosan Babcock, head quartered in Renfrew, signed a contract on Thursday 9th May to become the Process Construction Management partner in a 20-year alliance arrangement with Sellafield Ltd. This contract is one of four which form the new Programme and Project Partnership, creating long term, collaboration based relationships with Sellafield Ltd and our three partners. It aims to transform project delivery for the Sellafield site which involves one of the most complex portfolios of construction projects in the world. Within the PPP Alliance the company has primary responsibility as the Construction Management partner for major projects with a Process plant bias. The PPP Alliance is made up of four partners: Integration – Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR) Ltd; Design and Engineering – Wood Nuclear Limited; Civils Construction Management – Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd; Process Construction

Management – Doosan Babcock Ltd Andy Colquhoun, CEO of Doosan Babcock commented: “This contract is testament to our outstanding track record of delivering work across the Sellafield site safely and successfully for many years. “We are delighted to have signed the contract on PPP and look forward to collaborating with Sellafield Ltd and the other three partners to meet the significant decommissioning challenges which lie ahead. “We have been part of the community in the Sellafield and West Cumbria area for over 60 years and look forward to expanding and developing our relationships in the community over the next 20 years and beyond.” About Doosan Babcock Doosan Babcock is a specialist in the delivery of engineering, aftermarket and upgrade services to the nuclear, thermal, oil and gas, petrochemical and

About Sellafield Ltd Sellafield Ltd is the organisation responsible for the safe operation and clean-up of the Sellafield site in Cumbria, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Sellafield is the largest nuclear complex in Western Europe. We deliver a nationallyimportant mission, ensuring the safety and security of the UK’s nuclear legacy and progressively decommissioning some of the world’s oldest atomic facilities. Within the next year we will complete our reprocessing mission, and our focus will be entirely on high hazard and risk reduction. The site is two square miles with over 1000 buildings. Although the site is effectively being dismantled, it is a hive of construction activity and as old facilities are decommissioned, new ones need to be built to store nuclear waste. The decommissioning programme will run for over 100 years, so access to all skills, innovation and supply chain is crucial to ensure this is done safely and securely.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Ethos IT Marie Curie Solutions Ethos IT Solutions is a new face that intends to change the way IT services are delivered in Scotland. Through our friendly, simplified and reliable service we can put you back in control of your company IT. We take a modern customerfocused approach to our service delivery. Our IT Support option features: • Full onboarding healthcheck when joining to eliminate any existing issues. • Fixed monthly pricing starts at just £25 per month for a single device and scales with your company as it grows. • Unlimited local and remote support requests inclusive. We know that customers don’t want to get trapped in a long service contract. That’s why our contracts last just 12 months. We will spend that time proving to you why you should stay longer. Call us today on 0141 343 8373 or visit our website (https:// ethos.ltd) to request your free consultation meeting. David Lyon, Technical Consultant 0141 343 8271

Robert Geary Ltd

Robert Geary Ltd are suppliers of highland wear (Kilts, jackets, sporrans etc.) to bands and individuals alike. Orders are now also being taken for highland dancing outfits, these will be available from June 2019.All of our tailored products are hand made in Glasgow. We are now the UK distributor for Premier Percussion, this is a real privilege, as they have been at the forefront of drumming, both drum set, and marching drums, since 1922. We have chosen to have our premises in Hillington, Glasgow, because of the great transport links including close proximity to Hillington West railway station, Jct. 26 of the M8 motorway, and being only 5 miles or so from Glasgow International Airport. Caroline and I are very excited to get up and running with this and would like to invite you to pay us a visit. Please contact us on 0141 882 1520, 07467408259, or robert@robertgeary.com

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading charity for people with any terminal illness. In Renfrewshire, local Marie Curie Nurses made 350 visits last year to deliver expert hands-on care to people in their own homes. Marie Curie helps families make the most of the time they have together. One in four people in the UK miss out on the vital care they need at the end of life often due to lack of awareness of who can benefit from it, how to access it, when they can receive it, and gaps in services. Approximately 1,530 people in Renfrewshire could benefit from palliative care and support each year (source: nrscotland.gov.uk). The Marie Curie Renfrewshire Fundraising Group are local volunteers who organise public collections and events to raise vital funds for Marie Curie. To find out about their activities or join the group, contact Marie Curie Community Fundraiser Sara Murray. Contact: Sara Murray, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser on sara.murray@mariecurie.org.uk or 07753 268855

Shore Wraps Shore Wraps are amoungst the most experienced wrap company in the country. Specialising in Vehicle Branding and Digitally Printed Wraps. Having our own in house design team, we can put together a range of options to suit your budget. We are able to mock up how your vehicle will look before we go to print, no matter what the vehicle is. Unlike other companies who offer vehicle wrapping as a secondary service, this is solely what we do and pride ourselves on offering an unparalleled service and product above anyone else in Scotland. We have been professionally trained by 3M, Avery and Arlon with the highest Accreditation from Avery and Arlon. We have an unmatched attention to detail with over 15 years experience in the Vehicle Branding and Fleet Wrapping industry. From Trains, Trucks, Rally Cars to Boats. There isn’t much we haven’t done.

Business Matters Summer 2019

Instagram branding for your business

significantly outperforming that of other social platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. So, let’s explore how to grow this crucial audience on Instagram. Keep it simple There’s no getting away from it: beautiful works best on Instagram. That may sound demanding, but you don’t have to be a professional photographer to create clear and impactful images. Just make sure your photos are well-lit, with the subject in the centre, and remember to check how your images display in the feed. Let your users guide you: keep an eye on which images get the most attention, and use this information to create more like them. Real people matter As with all social media platforms, it’s not the number of followers you have that matters, it’s the quality. You don’t need the estimated 8% of Instagram accounts that act like bots; you need engaged individuals who will interact with your brand. Make sure you add your real-life customers and contacts, and encourage two-way discussions on your posts.

Gary Ennis, Founder and Managing Director of NSDesign Ltd

Instagram is more than food, filters and beauty tips: it can also be a powerful marketing tool for your small business. With over half a billion daily users, it’s clear that successful Instagram branding can open up a treasure trove of potential new customers. Let’s start with the obvious: Instagram is a visual platform. So, the first thing to do is consider the type of imagery you could produce to draw attention to your business. If you sell products this is relatively easy, but what if you’re a service business? Here are three types of non-product content any business can use to create their Instagram branding: 1) Behind-the-scenes photos Customers love to see the people behind the business. Taking the team out to lunch? Pop the photo on Instagram! In fact, here at NS Design, we have a

tradition of taking selfies at our Embrace the Space workshops, and then posting them on our social channels! 2) User-generated content Normally, you can’t go wrong with usergenerated content, or UGC. In fact, 76% of respondents in a recent survey said they trusted content from “average” people more than material created by brands. Think about what sort of content you could ask your users to create, and start a conversation. 3) How-to content Advice and tutorials perform just as well on Instagram as on any other channel. Why? Because people are always looking for ways to solve problems and improve their lives. Growing your audience on Instagram Research by Forrester has shown that user engagement on Instagram is

Remember your captions Instagram branding isn’t just about images. The captions are really important too, not least because they give you an opportunity to use hashtags that can give your content additional visibility. You can use up to 2,220 characters but, like the images themselves, simplicity works best. A pithy, straight-to-the-point caption will gain attention far more frequently than an essay! Use shopping tags If you sell products, make sure you enable business settings for shopping. This will let you create a virtual storefront to showcase your items. You can also add product tags that will lead your users to product description pages. From there, they can go directly to your website to buy your products. We hope this article has given you some useful pointers to kick-start your Instagram branding. Follow these tips and you’ll be an ‘influencer’ before you know it! For some face-to-face help with your social media strategy, sign up to our next workshop! Gary Ennis gary.ennis@gmail.com www.nsdesign.co.uk

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Aspray Insurance Clan Engineering Aspray are an award winning insurance claims management company who specialise in taking all the hassle and stress away from policyholders when having to make a buildings insurance claim. Commonly this will be when a property has suffered damage through Fire, Flood, Storm, Water or Impact. We assist policyholders by dealing directly with the insurers and loss adjusters to get you the fairest settlement, dealing with any and all contractors required onsite to reinstate the property, assist with potential alternative accommodation for residents where required and basically everything an insurance claim would entail all the way through to full reinstatement and full customer satisfaction. We provide our service absolutely free of charge to policyholders when we oversee the works. Aspray will:• Assess the damage to your property • Negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf • Instruct vetted contractors to complete the reinstatement works • Invoice your insurers directly for all reinstatement works carried out. Contact: Nicky Moncur - Loss assessor, Claims & Sales manager Aspray (Paisley) Mob: 07786628259 https://aspray.com/aspray/paisley/

Clan Engineering are a family run business located in Renfrewshire who specialise in the service, maintenance, installation and supply of catering equipment. Too many large companies have devolved to standard operating procedures with scripted answers. At Clan we strive to ensure that every point of contact is executed with professionalism and integrity. As a result of our extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge in all major brands of commercial catering equipment our team are the ideal choice to keep your kitchen running smoothly! We understand the importance of ensuring a smooth operating commercial kitchen and we will work with you to establish routine maintenance visits which will prolong the life of your equipment and reduce breakdowns. However, we’ll always be there in an emergency with 24hr support from highly skilled engineers who will provide professional expert advice. OUR GOAL IS NOT JUST TO MEET OUR CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS BUT TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS! Service Team, Clan Engineering (SCOTLAND) Ltd. 58 Crawford Road, Houston, PA6 7DA T: 0141 266 0005 E: service@clanengineers.co.uk W: www.clanengineers.co.uk

“The Experience” in Hillington Park Friday 2nd August 2019: 9.30am – 4.30pm £150 per person (+ VAT)

EMBRACE THE SPACE

NS DESIGN helps businesses do things better online. Our next social media masterclass takes place on Friday 2nd August at “The Experience” in Hillington Park. We believe every business can get what they want from Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and the rest in less than 20 minutes a day. ‘Embrace The Space’ will show you how. More details at www.embracethespace.co.uk

Business Matters Summer 2019

Allstaff secures 3-year Agreement

Back row; Jennifer Cooper, Ricki Cooper, Ruth Schoolar, Jake Crawford, Gina Morgan, Gordon Nock, Alison Malcolm, Lucy Blair Front row; Gillian Graham, Ryan Robinson, Jennifer Pagliocca, Carolyn Moir-Grant, Vhairi Scott, Martin McGill, Karen Ross

With so much happening since the turn of the year we thought we would share some of our highlights so far this year. We are delighted to announce a 3-year agreement for the supply of high-volume temporary staff to a Renfrewshire based Manufacturing operation, the Company have dealt with Allstaff for over 20 years and we are delighted to continue our relationship. Our service was highlighted as being highly reliable and consistent with a healthy supply of good, quality candidates. Following on with some more good news, delighted to report Allstaff had our highest number of permanent placements during the month of May, bucking the trend that some employers are being more cautious due to Brexit. Our temporary division continues to expand with a wider reach of assignments throughout

the Central Belt, the demand for flexible labour is stronger than ever and we believe our consistent approach in delivering the right candidates for the right roles supports why our clients continue to return back to Allstaff year after year. Our team have been working hard in nominating our Charities of Choice and we are delighted to announce St. Vincent’s Hospice and Marie Curie are this year’s Charities. We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon recently at Mar Hall in aid of St. Vincent’s Hospice and are looking forward to our sponsored walk from Paisley to Glasgow on 24th August in aid of Marie Curie. Training & Development has been at the forefront of our plans for the year and some great feedback from recent external courses to include; Leadership Development, Appraisal Training, Developing Resilience & Emotional

Intelligence and ongoing coaching for Managers. Our next plans for training involve RAMH Mental Health Awareness Training, REC accredited Social Sales, Advanced use of LinkedIn and Delivering Service Excellence. We are working on a revamp to our logo and website and look forward to officially launching this after summer… watch this space for an exciting relaunch! With summer holidays looming we are all looking forward to enjoying what we hope is a great summer break and as always look forward to continuing the remainder of the year committed to our service being… exceptional, trusted and remembered!

Creating opportun

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Creating opportunities across Scotland Celebrating almost 40 years of creating permanent and temporary positions across a wide range of specialist job sectors.

Glasgow Office

Paisley Office

69 St.Vincent Street Glasgow G2 STF Tel: 0141 221 3923 Email: glasgow@allstaff.co.uk

4/5 County Place Paisley PAI IBN Tel: 0141 887 1137 Email: paisley@allstaff.co.uk

www.allstaff.co.uk

Business Matters Summer 2019

Renfrewshire Council Updates:

Paisley High Street building filled with new businesses and residents A formerly-empty building on Paisley High Street has been brought back to life as a new home for businesses and residents - in what is believed to be the first new residential development on the street in decades. The four-storey building at 30 High Street has been comprehensively refurbished by its owners - local family-owned building firm Calside Contracts - who fitted out two retail units and six flats on the upper floors. The ground floor was soon filled by two distinctively Paisley businesses - White Cart Company and Renfrewshire Witch-Hunt Experience - and all the flats above were quickly rented out to residents attracted by the idea of living in the heart of the town centre. Calside Contracts bought the building at auction in 2016 and soon refurbished it to a high standard. And their work was hailed by Renfrewshire Council’s leader Iain Nicolson as an example of how other town centre building owners can benefit themselves and the town by investing in their properties. The improvements to the ground-floor shopfronts were part-funded through the council’s five-year £4.5m TH.CARS2 scheme, which provides grants to restore buildings and improve shopfronts in the town centre, and a programme of community activity promoting the town’s culture and heritage. Here’s what Cllr Iain Nicolson had to say: “The team at Calside Contracts have done a fantastic job renovating the inside and outside of this building - it would be fantastic to see other owners follow their example. “The council is often asked what we can do to bring new business to Paisley High Street but one big challenge is the buildings are privately owned. “Old buildings are harder to maintain and in some cases when tenants have left, units were allowed to deteriorate to the point major investment was needed, which made them unattractive for new business to move in. “Calside on the other hand did invest - and the speed at which they were then able to let out the whole building shows big demand is there from businesses and residents for high-quality commercial and residential accommodation in the town centre. “Paisley town centre is changing for the better with the council overseeing a once-in-a-generation £100m investment in venues and outdoor spaces, including transformations of Paisley Museum and town hall, and a new learning and cultural hub at 22 High Street. “That will preserve our heritage buildings and support the ongoing work to make the town a key destination for visitors and events - driving new footfall and life into the town centre. “And in turn we hope that creates attractive conditions for the private sector to invest - we would call on other town centre property owners to look at what can be achieved here if they do so.” And here’s what the businesses think: Mary Grogan (Calside Contracts): “We are a building firm run by myself and my two sons Craig and Christopher Stewart. We are from Paisley and wanted to put something back into the

town. The flats were really easy to let - they were all snapped up straight away. “We appreciate the help we got from the TH.CARS2 team to help finish the shopfront section of the building - and we suggest owners of other buildings in the town centre should get in touch to see what help might be available.” Joe Bisland (White Cart Company): “The High Street location has been great for us - we get a lot of footfall here. We are really pleased with the quality of the unit - when you look inside the shops and the flats you can see Mary and her team did everything to a very high standard. “Paisley town centre is a very good place to live and a good commuter location for Glasgow and elsewhere - putting flats into Paisley High Street is a very positive thing to do and hopefully more building owners will do the same. “Those new residents will spend their money in the shops, cafes and pubs on their doorstep and that will be great for businesses like us and the town as a whole.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Renfrewshire Council Updates:

A Digital Boost for First Aid Scotland First Aid Scotland Ltd/ AED-DEFIBSHOP is set to boost its online sales after receiving specialist support and funding from Renfrewshire Council and its Business Gateway service. The company was set up in 2005 by Duncan Turnbull, a qualified general nurse with specialist experience in coronary care and intensive care and a personal interest in cardiology. Operating from its headquarters at Abbey Mill Business Centre in Paisley, the company has expanded its original business from the provision of specialist first aid training courses to include the supply of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Evacuation chairs, securing distribution agreements with the leading manufacturers in the sector. First Aid Scotland has built an excellent reputation across both the public and private sectors, winning major contracts with customers such as Renfrewshire Council, NHS Glasgow, Edinburgh City Council, Historic Environment Scotland, Glenmorangie Distillers, as well as

numerous smaller businesses. The company has welcomed the external expertise from the Council’s Business Gateway service, to help plan the growth of the business and to identify further sources of specialist support and financial assistance. The Digital Boost Programme, funded by Scottish Government, provided two days of specialist advisor support. This included a Digital Footprint Analysis of the company’s existing websites, a recommended specification for a new e-commerce site to integrate both sides of the business, advice on identifying potential suppliers and help with selecting a supplier from the bids received. The company was also successful in its application to Renfrewshire Council’s Growth Company Development Fund (a grant scheme part funded by the European Regional Development Fund) for funding towards the development costs of the e-commerce site. Duncan has also been able to access Business Gateway’s free one-to-one expert surgeries and workshops,

including those on public procurement & tendering, e-commerce & web development and social media. He has become an active member of the Supplier Development Programme, attending free courses and webinars on all aspects of tendering. Commenting on the support he has received, Duncan said, “As an already successful, established business within Renfrewshire we have more rapidly increased our expansion with the help of Business Gateway, helping us secure contracts with major customers throughout Scotland and the UK”. With a wealth of specialist information at its fingertips Business Gateway is ideally placed to help businesses in Renfrewshire to grow. Business Gateway offers a free advice, information and training. To contact Business Gateway please call 0141 530 2406 or email renfrewshire@bgateway.com

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Business Matters Summer 2019

Renfrewshire Council Updates:

Glasvegas, Gruff Rhys, Hue and Cry and PP Arnold among headliners for Paisley’s Spree festival Paisley’s annual Spree festival has today announced its biggest line-up yet – with Glasvegas, Gruff Rhys, PP Arnold and Hue and Cry among the acts coming to town this October. The festival will take place over nine days from 11 to 19 October with the bulk of the action in a specially-erected Spiegeltent beside Paisley Gilmour Street station – and with a bigger tent than in previous years allowing 500-person shows. Now in its eighth year, the festival is one of the centrepieces of Renfrewshire Council’s major events programme which has made Paisley one of Scotland’s key cultural destinations in recent years. The Spree 2019 was programmed by Regular Music – who work with some of the biggest names in the industry as the team behind the Summer Nights at Kelvingrove Bandstand and the Edinburgh Castle Concerts – and is this year sponsored by Tennent’s Lager. The festival kicks off on Friday 11 October with a tribute to one of Paisley’s most celebrated musical sons – A Gerry Rafferty Songbook, featuring Roddy Hart, Emma Pollock and Rab Noakes. Monday 14th sees Hue and Cry in the Spiegeltent – a venue and location fitting for a band for whom one of their biggest hits, ‘Looking for Linda’, was set on a train to Paisley. Platinum-selling indie-rockers Glasvegas perform their only full-band Scottish date of the year the next night, before Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhysbrings his solo show to the Spiegeltent on Wednesday 16th. London’s First Lady of Soul PP Arnold is next up on Thursday 17th with songs from her six-decade career working with stars including Rod Stewart and the Small Faces, Barry Gibb, David Bowie, Eric Clapton and Oasis. The Friday night sees multi-awardwinning singer-songwriter Karine Polwartbring her Scottish Songbook – a collection of Scottish pop classic spanning more than 50 years. And the festival ends on Saturday 19th with anarchic magic from comedy headliner Jerry Sadowitz, followed by

what will be a lively late-night closing party all the way from Tennessee, USA, with the inventors of ‘rockgrass’ Hayseed Dixie. There’s also two late-night comedy shows on Friday 11th and 18th, headlined by Mark Nelson and Gary Little and compered by Fred MacAulay and local lad Scott Gibson. Renfrewshire Leisure are programming Spree shows at Paisley Arts Centre, with the ones announced so far being Lost Map’s Lost Weekend Sunday Socialfeaturing the Pictish Trail, Fell, Molly Linen and Callum Easter (Sunday 13th), Paisley in Song featuring Michael Cassidy and Andy Monahan (Frightened Rabbit) on Thursday 17th, and ex-Arab Strap musician Malcolm Middleton plus support (Saturday 19th). And the Spiegeltent will also host an allday festival within-a-festival on Saturday 12th with LNP Promotions ever-popular ModStuff celebration of all things Mod, for which the line-up will be confirmed soon. Tickets for all shows go on sale at 10am on Friday 7 June via thespree.co.uk and www.ticketweb.uk More will be added to the bill over the summer with details still to be announced for The Wee Spree – a programme of children’s entertainment

over the October school holidays – and the Spree for All fringe festival, with a range of shows in other venue across Renfrewshire. Duncan Frew, Tennent’s Lager’s Commercial and Marketing Director (UK), added: “Tennent’s are delighted to partner with the Spree Festival in 2019. “The festival continues to go from strength to strength, developing a national profile through an impressive programme of local and international artists and activity. We look forward to working with organisers and local community to help build on this success.” Louisa Mahon, Renfrewshire Council’s head of marketing, communications and events, added: “The Spree has grown in recent years to become a fixture in Scotland’s festival calendar – and we are delighted the expanded capacity this year has allowed us to attract some of our biggest names yet. “Not only will that bring music fans from across the country to see what Paisley has to offer but the growth in the event will help bring a real festival feel to the town, and a boost the local economy.” For more information on the festival, see www.thespree.co.uk and for more on what’s happening in Paisley visit www.paisley.is

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Renfrewshire Council Updates: New centre signals bright future for manufacturing in Renfrewshire The Lightweight Manufacturing Centre opening in Renfrewshire represents “a significant step in our ambitions to be the beating heart of modern Scottish manufacturing”. That’s according to Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson who joined First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the official centre opening today (Wednesday 26 June 2019). The centre is the first phase of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) which is being built in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). Based in the Doosan Babcock facilities at Westway Park and run by the University of Strathclyde, the centre helps manufacturing companies to benefit from lightweighting technology. Lightweighting is already adopted in the high-value automotive and aerospace industries, developing lighter components

that provide a range of benefits including improved speed, increased strength, reduced costs and greater sustainability. “I’m delighted to see the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre officially open and I’m excited by the benefits it can offer to manufacturers big and small,” said Councillor Nicolson. “Every business is looking for that competitive edge while also recognising the importance of reducing their impact on the environment and I look forward to seeing local businesses benefiting from its expertise over the coming years.” In partnership with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, Renfrewshire Council is leading development of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland. Work starts this summer on the enabling infrastructure to transform a 52-hectare site next to Glasgow Airport into a hub for

Renfrewshire Chamber Chief Executive Bob Grant and Council Leader Iain Nicolson

manufacturing innovation, home to NMIS and a £56million Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre. Councillor Nicolson added: “There are already 9000 manufacturing jobs in Renfrewshire and it accounts for more than 20% of our economic output. There’s great potential to grow this even further and the Lightweight Centre opening is a significant step in our ambitions to be the beating heart of modern Scottish manufacturing. “We have always been a place rich in creativity and innovation and look forward to supporting the development of these major investments, ensuring they bring jobs and opportunities to everyone in Renfrewshire.”

Expansion Leads to Office Move for Peak Scientific Singapore

Laboratory gas generation specialist, Peak Scientific, relocated to a new bespoke office facility in Singapore last week, on 11 June 2019. The move came following the global company’s recent plans for introducing increased capacity to support growth in its Asian markets. Peak Scientific first launched its office in Singapore with the aim to provide enhanced support to its Asian market

through its sales, technical support and after-sales channels. The additional capacity of the company in the region is set to bolster Peak Scientific’s services to meet the rise in local demand. The new facility will also see an increase in employment opportunities over the coming years. Jonathan Golby, CEO at Peak Scientific, says, “Since the opening of the first office in Singapore, Peak Scientific continued to

grow from strength to strength. The new facility will enhance the services Peak Scientific provides to the ever-growing market demand across all of Asia. “In the face of rapid growth, expanding the range of our facilities was the natural next step for Peak Scientific. “It’s an exciting time for the company – we are looking forward to a bigger team, as we continue to work together to meet our customers’ needs.”

Business Matters Summer 2019

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT: Registration action required and your how to guide Many businesses will be aware of the MTD requirements for VAT which came into force on 1 April 2019 and may already be using compatible software or be in the process of setting this up. To ensure full MTD compliance we have outlined registration action required with time frames and further details. As a reminder, VAT registered businesses with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold (currently £85,000) are now required to use the MTD service to keep records digitally and use software to submit their VAT returns. If you are already submitting VAT returns through software such as Xero, Sage, Quickbooks or another cloud or desktop solution, or are about to use bridging software, you may think you are already MTD compliant. However, there are a few things you need to do before this is the case. Firstly, consider when you need to register for MTD. This is determined by your VAT return periods and if you have a direct debit set up for paying HMRC or not. Please see the table below:

Mark Pryce Partner

First MTD VAT return period

MTD VAT return due date

Time frame to register for MTD Time frame to register for MTD (direct debit payers) (non-direct debit payers)

Quarterly (1 April 2019 – 30 June 2019)

7 August 2019

15 May 2019 – 23 June 2019

8 May 2019 – 23 June 2019

Quarterly (1 May 2019 – 31 July 2019)

7 September 2019 15 June 2019 – 23 July 2019

8 June 2019 – 23 July 2019

Quarterly (1 June 2019 – 31 August 2019)

7 October 2019

8 July 2019 – 23 August 2019

You can register earlier than the dates above, and we strongly recommend you make sure you have given yourself plenty of time to complete the whole process before the next VAT return is due, in case you encounter any technical difficulties. Allow at least 24 hours after submitting the last non-MTD VAT return before registering. As the system is new and due to the significant volume of sign ups, we have in some cases seen delays of up to 10 days to complete the registration process. You may have received a letter through the post from HMRC with details of how to register. If not, please use this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sign-up-formaking-tax-digital-for-vat

15 July 2019 – 23 August 2019

When registering, you will need your HMRC login details, VAT number, UTR number for the business and company number (if applicable). Once this has been done, you should receive an email from HMRC within 72 hours confirming you have registered for MTD. Please do not try the next steps or attempt to submit an MTD VAT return until you receive this email. Check your junk mail if it has not appeared in your inbox. Once you have received this email, ensure your accounting software is set up for MTD. This may be as simple as clicking a button to enable MTD, however additional steps may be required depending on the software used. If you have a direct debit set up for

paying your VAT to HMRC, update your details on the new HMRC portal once you have received the confirmation email. Again, leave plenty of time to update the system as some of our clients have experienced delays and technical difficulties when submitting these changes. Once all of the above is done, you should be ready to submit your first MTD VAT return. If you are concerned about any of the above or wish to discuss our MTD bridging solution, CoZone, please get in touch. Mark Pryce Partner 0141 886 6644 Mark.pryce@campbelldallas.co.uk

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Charlene Leske Jewellery Charlene Leske is a jeweller passionate about nature, ethical process and materials. She has always been fascinated by overlooked and misunderstood creatures, and now makes one of a kind pieces that encourage one to look closer at the details and beauty often missed in everyday life. Using traditional processes such as hand carving, enamelling and a Japanese technique called Mokume Gane (meaning ‘wood grain metal’) and materials like recycled precious metals and bronze, Fairtrade and Fairmined metals, she is determined to keep traditional skills alive and reduce the impact that metal mining has on the planet and people. Charlene offers bespoke work, and a new website will launch on the 20th June. You are warmly invited to enter a dreamlike world of wee beasties, plants, and a little bit of magic. Contact: Charlene Leske Email: charleneleskejewellery@gmail.com Website: charleneleske.com (coming soon!)

CW Mortgages My name is Claire Walsh, Independent Mortgage Adviser at CW Mortgages. With 20 years experience, my company offers a bespoke customer service, along with the best possible advice in a friendly environment. Whether you are a first time buyer, home mover or looking for an improved rate, CW mortgages can help. We look at the whole of the market place, searching for the best possible deal that is right for you. Remember, don’t stay with your existing lender just because it is an easier option. I have your best interest at heart. I would love to help you with your mortgage so please visit my Facebook page : CW MORTGAGES or contact me on Tel 07855452368 alternatively claire@ cwmortgages.co.uk

BOLT LEARNING ATTRACTS INVESTMENT FROM PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM ALITER CAPITAL 6 years after founding Bolt Learning as an online training platform and content provider, as a spin out from internet technology solutions provider Mercurytide, Tamlin Roberts has attracted significant investment from UK Private Equity firm Aliter Capital. The structure of the deal ensures Tamlin Roberts, CEO, maintains his shareholding whilst facilitating the exit of the other shareholders. It also provides the additional capital required to allow Bolt Learning to maximise the opportunities of its leading-edge platform and game changing content. Aliter will leverage its industrial expertise and broad networks to drive growth both organically and through complementary acquisitions. Aliter is focused on developing a technology-led group of corporate training businesses and will be actively looking to acquire additional growing businesses as part of that strategy. Investment in Bolt also sees the acquisition of Mercurytide, which was founded by Tamlin in 2001, to give additional resource and ongoing development support to the Bolt platform as well continuing to provide internet-

based software development services. Tamlin Roberts, CEO of Bolt commented: “The decision to have Aliter as our investment partner was an obvious choice. From the beginning, the team have been working closely with me to further develop our strategy and support new business opportunities. Aliter have an extensive network and I strongly believe that their expertise will help us take Bolt to the next stage of development.” Billy Allan, Managing Partner of Aliter commented: “We are excited to be entering the corporate training sector and the investment in Bolt means that a best-in-class technology platform will be at the centre of our strategy. We are confident that with our support, Tamlin and the Bolt team will continue to gain market share and deliver exceptional growth.” Aliter Capital announced the close of its specialist support services fund (Aliter Capital I, LP) in February 2017. Founded by a group of seasoned support services entrepreneurs and investors - Billy Allan, Greig Brown, Andy Galloway and Andrew Busby – it is one of the first funds

Electrifying training

Tamlin Roberts, CEO

of its kind and focuses on small and mid-sized businesses in the UK support services sector, a market valued at over £300 billion. Its approach differs from traditional private equity models by making only a limited number of selective portfolio investments to deliver dedicated hands-on support. Aliter has now closed a total of 12 transactions across four platforms since the beginning of 2017. The company is supported by Scottish Enterprise via the account management service. This has included support for strategy development, innovation and internationalisation. Bolt has also received financial readiness support from the Scottish Investment Bank.

Business Matters Summer 2019

FIRST MINISTER OFFICIALLY OPENS UWS LANARKSHIRE CAMPUS The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, has today, (24 June 2019), officially opened University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) awardwinning Lanarkshire campus. The culmination of a two-year project and £110 million investment, UWS Lanarkshire represents a sectordefining step change in the delivery of higher education and is one of the UK’s most modern and sustainable learning environments. At a special ceremony attended by students, staff and invited guests, including UWS’ Chancellor, the Rt Hon Dame Elish Angiolini, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Craig Mahoney, the First Minister declared the state-of-the-art Campus open. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “With top-class teaching spaces and state-ofthe-art labs hosted in buildings that are entirely powered by renewables the new UWS Lanarkshire Campus is a fantastic addition to Scotland’s higher education sector. “It was a pleasure to officially open the campus and hear from students who are

benefitting from the new facilities which are expected to bring a major economic boost to the region over the next few decades.” “By focusing on providing practical and immersive training, the UWS Lanarkshire Campus is helping students to get the reallife experience and confidence they need to enter into the workforce.” Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “We are delighted the First Minister has officially opened UWS’ Lanarkshire campus, marking a truly momentous occasion in our University’s rich history. “From the outset, UWS Lanarkshire was designed to embody our vision of providing students and staff with a sustainable, dynamic, innovative and highly creative environment, engaging them in personalised, collaborative, technology-rich and exciting academic experiences which we were proud to show the First Minister during her visit today.” “At UWS, we are constantly innovating, both in our ground-breaking research and enterprise activity but also in our

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon & UWS Principal Professor Craig Mahoney

world-leading learning and teaching approaches. Today we displayed to the First Minister how our vision has become a reality in our Lanarkshire campus and we look forward to witnessing the impact the campus will have for generations to come.” The First Minister was greeted on campus by Professor Craig Mahoney and 3rd year Adult Nursing student, Arlene Allison, and went on to meet with a range of students and staff who spoke about the many benefits of learning at the new facility which was named winner of the prestigious 2019 Guardian University Awards in the category of ‘Sustainable Buildings That Inspire’.

Helping to bridge the skills gap The School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences at UWS is inviting applications for entry to the September 2019 cohort of our innovative Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs). With programmes available in civil engineering, engineering design & manufacture and software development, UWS is working with businesses across Scotland to develop their workforce and to support their employees to gain the skills, qualifications and professional accreditation their business needs. GAs are fully funded and are open to existing employees and new recruits to help businesses recruit, develop and retain the talent they need. Apprentices work towards an Honours degree – designed by industry – while in full-time paid employment. Combining academic learning with professional practice enables apprentices to put their learning into practice and contribute to the business immediately. David Peters, Head of Digital Solutions at Arnold Clark, said: “Our UWS Graduate Apprentices go straight into the workplace from day one and are embedded into the business early, interacting with teams and getting hands on experience of the agile software development process. “Graduate Apprenticeships provide a number of benefits, the main one is the ability for us to develop our apprentices in a way that is unique to our business.” To find out how your business can benefit from GAs please contact apprenticeships@uws.ac.uk or visit www.uws.ac.uk/GAs

GRADUATE APPRENTICESHIPS develop the graduate talent pipeline your business needs www.uws.ac.uk/GAs

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Flexible Workforce Development Fund

Last year, West College Scotland delivered courses to its Flexible Workforce Development Fund clients in…

 Office365  Management  Digital literacy  Cyber Security  Process Technology  Health & Social Care  British Sign Language  Project Management  Welding & Electrical  Health and Safety  Customer Service  Mindfulness  Social Media  Coaching

With our ability to educate & train across such a wide variety of topics, there’s more than one reason why it’s called ‘flexible’.

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Business Matters Summer 2019

SCHOOL UPDATES: Linwood High School SCIENCE NEWS EMPLOYABILITY NEWS S1 had a great visit to the Whitelee Windfarm on Tuesday 14th May. They learned about how the windfarm creates energy and about the design of the turbines and got to go for a wander amongst the massive structures, which was incredible.

International Women’s Day 2019 S3 Stem Girls Group were invited by Elaine Lawson to British Airways Engineering at Glasgow Airport to see an Airbus 320 being serviced. It was amazing to stand inside an aircraft when it was empty of everything inside and to see how carefully every bit of it is tested over the 19 day service. We then went to Rolls Royce at Inchinnin to see how and where the engines are made. It was an outstanding day. Massive thanks to BA, Rolls Royce and to DYW West and Renfrewshire Council for organising. Sports Careers Event Linwood Pupils Steven Gerrard and Stephen Gerrard thoroughly enjoyed the Sport Careers Event at Renfrew Leisure Centre hosted by DYW West. They got the opportunity to meet a wide range of employers in the sports and leisure industry.

S3 had a very interesting day at the Medicine and Me event at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. Huge thanks to the NHS for putting on the event, which featured workshops about different medical careers.

Rapid Response S2 had a great day taking part in the IDL off timetable Rapid Response event in association with SEM and Institute of Civil Engineers. Huge thanks to Graham Robertson for coming along to launch our event and to Colin and Alex from Doosan Renfrew for joining us on the day for some shelter building, water transportation, water purification, heart start, bridge building and making a tornado in a bottle and wind measuring instruments.

RENFREW HIGH PUPILS PUT SQA EXAM GUIDANCE TO THE TEST A group of S3 pupils from Renfrew High School have spent two days at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), where they were given the chance to suggest improvements to how SQA shares important information relating to its qualifications. The pupils were asked to research the best ways for SQA to engage with young people, as well as what information they find useful when preparing for their Senior Phase of school. They explored different options for how this information could be shared with over 140,000 school candidates each year. The pupils were asked for their opinions on the content of documents, as well as how the information was presented. They were also asked for their feedback on the SQA website. At the end of the two days, the pupils presented their findings and

recommendations to SQA staff. Renfrew High School Head Teacher Billy Burke said of the placement: “This has been a really valuable experience for the pupils. It has given them the opportunity to collaborate effectively in a team, manage their own time and resources, and conduct and present research that supports their findings. “The fact that the pupils were able to provide information that could shape SQA’s approach to communicating with young people in the future, makes the whole experience all the more worthwhile. The pupils made a valid contribution and I look forward to seeing how their views and findings will be taken forward.” Charlotte, one of the pupils who participated in the placement, said: “It was a really good couple of days. Everyone we met was really friendly, and

it was good to be asked our opinions.” Fellow pupil Stefanie said she was surprised to find out that she would be working at SQA, adding: “All I thought they did was mark exams. I was nervous when we had to present our suggestions, but everyone thought we had some good ideas, and the SQA staff were really interested in our own experiences, and what we had to say.” Kerry McMillan, Senior Communications Manager at SQA, said: “We were delighted to be asked to take part in Renfrew High School’s business partnering initiative for the second year running. Working with the young people not only provides an opportunity for them to experience what life is like in the workplace. It also enables us to better understand what information this age group expect from SQA as well as how and when we present it to them.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Gleniffer High School - Believe and You Will Achieve

S4 Enrichment

Business Partnership: City Gate Construction City Gate delivered two days of learning about joinery at Gleniffer High School in Paisley. CGC carpenter Andy Watson praised pupils for their enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Contracts Manager Andy – returning to his old school – spent time showing the fourth year pupils how to do things like create a partition wall, hang doors and other joinery-related tasks. Andy Watson said: “ I feel very privileged to have gone back to my former school where I learned such a lot. Showing young people joinery may help them make choices when it comes to picking a career. I hope they found the experience worthwhile.” Bob Davidson Programme Director of DYW West added: “What a simple yet powerful example of an ex-pupil coming back to their old school – to share their experience in a hands-on manner to benefit current pupils. “A huge thanks to CGC for all their efforts from coming up with the idea to turning it into a reality with Gleniffer High School. “

S5 Greenpower Challenge Renfrewshire Greenpower racing team “Scooby Dhu Racers” comprised of pupils from Gleniffer High and other Renfrewshire Schools, had their first racing experiences in March competing against teams from Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. Unfortunately, no win on the day, but what an experience for our young people! Colin McLaughlin from the Greenpower trust tweeted: “What a great bunch of young people – most dedicated. Was great to watch you all doing us proud. The most amazing day of the year by far.” S5 pupils Jamie Calder, Craig Maclean and Nicholas Adams have really done us proud representing both the school and Renfrewshire. Well done team!

During the exam period, pupils not sitting formal national qualification examinations took part in a 5-week ‘Enrichment’ programme within the school. During enrichment, the pupils undertook a variety of activities aimed at improving their self-confidence, teamwork, life-skills and employability skills including first aid, money management and meal planning. In addition, during the ‘Employability Week’ pupils undertook a full series of employability activities including identifying skills, filling in applications, psychometric testing, attending the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Business to Business event, making CVs and taking part in mock interviews. After the five week programme, pupils were given the opportunity to practice their skills with two weeks of extended work experience. Pupils described the programme as “brilliant” and “very useful” one remarking that they felt “buzzing - can’t wait ‘til my next interview!”. Thanks go to all the staff who supported the activities and volunteered to deliver workshops as well as the various employers such as Doosan Babcock, British Airways Maintenance Glasgow, JP Morgan and the British Army who presented and participated in the applications workshop and mock interviews. Gleniffer High School would like to thank all the organisations who have supported us this year and if anyone would like to get involved in supporting our young people, please get in contact via our twitter account @ employgleniffer

Business Matters Summer 2019

Can you

support DYW in 2019? DYW West (covers Renfrewshire, East Ren, Inverclyde & West Dunbartonshire) are seeking employers of all sectors and sizes to help young people get more prepared for the world of work. This could be yourself or a development opportunity for staff. Examples include: • Give a class talk • Mentor a small group of young people • Support a careers event • Host a talk & tour at your workplace • Offer a work experience / placement

• Offer an apprenticeship • Sign up to Founders4Schools • Put an opportunity on Marketplace • Run a competition

Help bring the curriculum to life and get involved with DYW West in 2019. Together we can make a real difference. Contact us at info@dywwest.co.uk