Business Matters - Autumn 2014

Business

Matters AUTUMN 2014 EDITION

HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

Chamber celebrates 50 years & ROCCO finalists announced Themes: Export & International Trade • Logistics & Transport Regular features: Chamber News • Renfrewshire Council & Invest in Renfrewshire Update & lots more...

Business Matters Autumn 2014

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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President’s Welcome Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Chamber’s Business Matters magazine. I trust you all had a great summer break and returned refreshed and ready to do business in the important 4th quarter.

Scotland has recently been at the forefront of the world’s media due in the main to sporting events but also through the Referendum debate and vote.

Your Chamber, in common with all of Scotland’s Chambers, took a neutral stance and held a number of cross party debates to ensure the needs and issues of the business community were aired and discussed. As usual Renfrewshire Chamber was “on the ball” and was the first Chamber in the UK to hold a cross party referendum debate which was followed up by numerous similar high level events over the period. The no vote will I feel have taken some energy out of other separative movements elsewhere in Europe. There will no doubt have been almost as much disappointment in Catalonia as there was in parts of Scotland. After a long campaign that engaged a record number of people across Scotland it is time to get together and focus on matters that will be best for Scotland – both sides of the debate agree that political change is needed. Commentators have the opinion that from a narrow business perspective, economic and financial confidence has perhaps regained its balance and that this will drive higher activity particularly in the property sector as pent up demand and projects that have been shelved for some time will be dusted down and pushed through. However concerns exist over the level of power the UK government will afford Scotland after the famous or infamous “vow”, particularly in relation to possible tax raising powers. Changes on this scale in my view always bring an element of uncertainty which is not good for businesses. Ministers at Westminster and Holyrood now need to come together to provide clarity.

Incidentally not a lot of our members will be aware that even prior to the vote a sweeping new levy has already received Royal Assent. This new tax is a variant of stamp duty and will be introduced next April. The Land and Building Transaction Tax (LBTT) and its main mechanics have been worked out the actual levy and further information is published on Scottish Parliament’s website. It has also been announced that Landfill Tax will also be replaced and no doubt other Tax changes may be on the way.

A recent EY report indicated that

despite increased footfall in our High Streets consumer spending remains weak and is unlikely to get stronger in the foreseeable future as increases in household incomes continue to be driven by an increase in employment rather than wage increases.

The clear message in the report is that renewed growth is not feeding through to people’s wallets. The resultant belttightening combined with the improving quality of lower priced alternatives means that retailers and suppliers will have to rethink their strategy and make difficult and bolder decisions on their products and indeed their property portfolios.

British Chambers have warned that the UK risks missing a £1 trillion target by 2020 if exporting is not made easier and funding for Trade Missions increased. If any of our members need advice on exporting or indeed are giving consideration to it then your Chamber is available to help with advice.

Turning now to more local matters....

The initiative which is known as the “City Deal” was announced recently and this is possibly really good news for Renfrewshire. The initiative will be carried out in conjunction with neighbouring Councils in the Clyde Valley. The Chamber recently held an information event with our Council to inform members of what the funding could mean for our area. The main projects involve the Airport Rail Link, a new Bridge over the Clyde at Renfrew/ Yoker and further Development around Renfrew Riverside and the Airport.

This foregoing announcement was followed by further good news for Renfrewshire with potentially more jobs being created at Braehead, Inchinnan and

by Doosan Babcock at Renfrew.

As you are aware your Chamber has launched ROCCO 2014, all 16 awards are sponsored and a big thank you goes out to all our sponsors without whose support the Rocco’s would not be possible. The number of entries increased again this year seeing us surpass 100 for the first time (it just gets better and better). Thank you to everyone who took time to enter and congratulations to all our finalists who you can read about in this issue. Also in this issue you can read about our fantastic Golf day in June and our 50th Anniversary Civic Reception enjoyed by over 200 members and friends in Paisley Town Hall.

Over the year we have been involved in numerous events both within the Chamber and indeed the local community.

I will mention a few of these; firstly I was delighted to see in person Kersland School participate in The Race 2 the Games in the run up to the July’s Commonwealth Games. Kersland School participated thanks to your support from ROCCO 13 allowing us to donate to Sailing for Disabled at Lochwinnoch.

On the successful Games themselves I was fortunate enough to get holding the Queens Baton as it passed through Paisley. We also supported and were involved in Mission Discovery (the Space School) which was a fantastic week for senior phase pupils that took place in Paisley Town Hall. The pupils were asked to carry out various experiments with the winning experiment being taken to the International Space Station. (Astronauts in Paisley, who would have thought it!)

I also had great pleasure in being invited to be one of the Quiz masters at the recently held Charity Quiz held on behalf of St Vincent’s Hospice, a great night which raised much needed funds for this excellent charity.

I must also mention our support for the Recruit program. This was the 5th year of our involvement and resulted in RCC being able to welcome management trainee Stuart Armstrong to the team.

Finally the Scotland’s Town Partnership with Renfrewshire Council is in November holding its annual conference in Paisley.

Hopefully this Conference will act as a showcase for the Town’s outstanding heritage and provide an opportunity for Paisley to present its ambitious proposals to transform itself over the next decade.

The Chamber will be there. Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper.

Tom Johnston, President Renfrewshire Chamber

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A Warm Welcome from our Chief Executive By the time you read this I expect the weather we associate with Scotland at this time of year will have returned. As Tom has said the last few months have been busy in particular with our 50th celebration and launching the ROCCOs. We were delighted with the response to ROCCO 2014 and wish all our finalists the best of luck. I would like to add my thanks to all that entered, to our judges – who had to judge 95 entries; and to all our sponsors – thank you.

Our monthly network lunches after the summer have been very well attended, averaging around 70 at a time – showing that this form of networking & learning from others is still very relevant today. Check out our

up & coming events on our website and social media channels. If you don’t already please support us across our social media channels – by following us on twitter; facebook and our Linkedin group & company page.

I’m delighted to announce our latest Premier Partner, Thermo Fisher (Life Technologies). Having visited the site at Inchinnan on a number of occasions – the life science global player is a 1st class operation – and a fantastic organisation to have based in Renfrewshire. Thanks to all our Premier Partners (listed below) for their continued support.

A big warm welcome to Stuart Armstrong who won the position of Management Trainee with the Chamber following his involvement in this summer’s Recruit programme.

Stuart will be with us for the next year and responsible for: business centre; website content; smartphone app & eNews.

Your Chamber continues to expand the work we do for young people, for example; supporting Young Enterprise;

Primary Engineer; Skills Ambassador; Mission Discovery and sponsoring & judging various student competitions and giving talks at schools / conducting mock interviews. If any member wants to discuss how they can give something back or get involved in supporting young people from an employability perspective please get in touch with me direct (example include; giving work experience; work place visits; school talks; apprenticeships; sponsorship etc…)

I hope you enjoy reading this edition – thank you to everyone that contributed with advertising and editorial. Our next edition comes out in December before Xmas and will focus on ROCCO winners, technology, marketing & PR. To advertise and submit editorial please contact Euan on ekeltie@renfrewshirechamber.com / 0141 847 5464.

Bob Davidson, 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 Winter 2014 Deadline for editorial and adverts is 1st December, released pre-Christmas Themes are: Rocco winners, technology, marketing & PR

PREMIER PARTNER

Business Matters Autumn 2014

Advertising & Editorial: Euan Keltie 0141 847 5464 / e: ekeltie@renfrewshirechamber.com

Print and Design by: The Print Brokers (Scotland) Ltd / e: theprintbrokers@btinternet.com

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce would like to acknowledge the support of our Premier Partners:

Printed on ECF paper sourced from sustainable forests using vegetable based inks.

Follow the chamber:

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Impacting on the Environment Enable Safety Ltd is accredited by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) to deliver: • The National General certificate course in Occupational Health and Safety • Health and Safety at Work Award 3 day course.

Recently Enable Safety Ltd has received accreditation from NEBOSH to deliver a 1 Day Environmental Awareness at Work course. Fred Cullum (Director) is delighted and hopes the new course will help compliment the health and safety training already provided to businesses and individuals. Enable Safety Ltd is believed to be the only current provider accredited in Central Scotland to deliver this global course. Although a pilot course until December 2014 it is hoped that with a growing interest in environmental issues in the workplace this course will become an established course.

The Environmental Awareness course covers: • Basic environmental terms and their meaning • Sources, impacts and controls of air, water, noise and land pollution • Dealing with environmental Emergencies • Introducing environmental impact (risk) assessments • Introduction to Environmental Management Systems.

Some of the benefits to businesses include: • your workforce will have an awareness of environmental issues and the role they have in improving environmental performance • Employees can apply their learning as soon as they return to work helping to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency and achieve cost savings • A business with a sound environmental

record has an advantage in the modern market place The course can be taken by any employee who needs a basic understanding of environmental issues in the workplace and is assessed through 30 minute multiple choice examination.

Another new course which has been developed is ‘Health and Safety for Strategic Leaders’. This 1 day course will assist strategic leaders, such as directors, to manage for health and safety at work.

Remember that we have a range of services we can provide to businesses and we would be pleased to discuss your requirements.

For further information visit our website, email or call or follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

W: www.enablesafetyltd.co.uk E: enquiries@enablesafetyltd.co.uk T: 07714723505

PAISLEY

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PAISLEY GOLF CLUB – COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF! Memberships, Corporate Golf Days and Golf Outing Bookings available.

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Business Matters Autumn 2014

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Handling Social Media Criticism It’s an issue that keeps many businesses OFF Twitter and Facebook.

‘What if someone uses it to say something nasty about us?’

The truth is, it happens less than you think.

Take Facebook.

Almost everyone is there under their REAL name. It’s extremely difficult to create a fake account and if you did you wouldn’t find friends and would have little credibility. So while unhappy customers may post legitimate criticism when things go wrong, they’re not likely to post anonymous random abuse.

Some within hospitality worry a single, bad, anonymous Tripadvisor review, perhaps fabricated by a competitor, could sink them.

That’s why it’s important to engage with everyone who leaves a review good and bad. You’ll be judged on the tone of your response and readers will draw conclusions about the type of person you are, and by extension, the quality of business you run.

If, for example, a hotel receives a broadly positive review which suggests adding more vegetarian options to the menu, and the manager replies saying she’s going to implement this, then a scathing review saying the whole place is horrible and the manager couldn’t care less, will likely be dismissed by most readers.

People using social media to decide whether they’re going to use a business carry out a range of research before making a decision. They look at

multiple channels and one of the key influencers is not what the reviewers or the happy or unhappy customers say.

It’s what YOU say.

That’s the opportunity social media presents. For you to demonstrate how you respond to the good, the bad and the ugly.

And that’s what you’re judged on.

Not by your website which says you’re brilliant not by the crazy guy who thinks you tried to poison him but by a series of interactions, across several channels that all add up, quickly, to an overall impression.

Social media has been around long enough now for many businesses, just like yours, to overcome the doubts and the fears and enjoy the benefits.

If you need help, we’re here.

Carrier bag charge Reminder that as from October 20th 2014 all retailers (food and non-food) will have to charge a minimum of 5p for each new single-use carrier bag (including paper, those made from some plant based materials and plastic).

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Wired into Scottish businesses

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Business Matters Autumn 2014

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Bank of Scotland - here to help Scottish business grow Bank of Scotland, part of Lloyds Banking Group, has over 300 years’ experience of providing guidance and support to businesses across all sectors, from sole traders to larger, well established companies.

We put great emphasis on a longterm approach to banking and are committed to providing businesses with service that goes beyond day-today banking facilities.

We recognise the importance of working closely with our customers so we can fully understand their needs and we are actively looking to meet their funding requirements, whether it is to launch a new venture, improve liquidity or support expansion.

We remain committed to Scottish businesses and continue to provide a range of funding options.

Lending is subject to status.

To find out how we are supporting businesses here in Renfrewshire, contact: Derek Macgarvie on 07764288060 Shona Austin on 07900135231 If you have identified an import or export finance requirement in your business, or just a need for additional support as you expand into new markets, please contact our International Business Manager Alistair McMillan on 07768823549.

For more information on Bank of Scotland and information to help you navigate a course through the current climate, visit: http://www. bankofscotland.co.uk/business

At Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking we’re here for Scottish business, supporting opportunities for growth and encouraging enterprise.

We’re here to help Scottish We’re here to help Scottish grow. business business grow.

We are committed to developing long-term relationships with our customers to offer them the support We are committed to developing long-term relationships with our and guidance needed to take their customers to offer them the support and guidance needed to take their business forward.business forward.

At Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking we’re here for Scottish business, supporting opportunities for growth and encouraging enterprise.

From growing your business in a recovering economy and beyond, you can be sure that we’ll be with you all the way.

From growing your business in a recovering economy and beyond, For more information visit bankofscotland.co.uk/business you can be sure that we’ll be with or your nearest branch. you all the way.

For more information visit bankofscotland.co.uk/business or your nearest branch.

Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ.

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Bank of Scotland plc Registered office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Registered in Scotland no. SC327000.

Authorised by the Prudential Regulation authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under Registration Number 169628.

The Lloyds Banking Group includes companies using brands including Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland plc and their associated companies.

More information on the Lloyds Banking Group can be found at lloydsbankinggroup.com

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Going From Strength to Strength!

The Braehead Clan have now firmly established themselves as one of Renfrewshire’s fastest growing organisations, that they are doing this at a time that most sports and entertainment venues are showing a decline in business is further testament to the saying “get the product right and the people will come”.

Coming to a Clan game at Braehead you will be met by a sea of purple as the crowds flock to the arena to see their heroes take on one of the nine other teams that make up the UK wide Elite league.

It is important to stress that an Ice Hockey gamey isn’t just about what happens on the ice it is about the

carnival of colour and excitement that precedes the game as well as the game spectacle itself, crowds have grown by over 33% year on year and average attendances are now over 3,000, these 3,000 souls are made up mainly from families, and as well as a strong representation coming from Renfrewshire it is made up from people who regularly travel from Ayrshire and all around greater Glasgow. Your average Ice Hockey crowd is an even split between male and female and this is another dynamic that makes Ice Hockey different to the more traditional sports.

What are the other differences?

Well it’s indoors for one, its covers

a full nights entertainment, (doors open at 6pm and the game finishes about 9:30pm) it gives you sport, games, music and community singing all rolled into one.

This season also sees the Clan launch their “Clan Suite” hospitality facility; whether it is corporate entertainment or a family and friends celebration this allows you to see a game not only in comfort but with the added bonus of a VIP food and drinks facility. Chamber members will receive a 10% discount on all hospitality bookings and £2 of any tickets for a home game at the Braehead Clan.

For more details email andy@braeheadclan.com

Conflict Management and Assault Avoidance skills for staff SALVAS are leaders in effective conflict management training helping you create safe and positive work environments for your customers and staff.

We provide clients with innovative and leading training in personal safety skills, management of violence and aggression, managing challenging behaviour and safely dealing with difficult situations at work. Salvas are the key training partner in Scotland of Maybo Ltd and provide their leading Physical intervention skills training for clients whose staff are required to deal with situations where the risks from violence and aggression are high. Maybo PI programmes are BILD-British Institute of Learning Disabilities accredited which is a key requirement for organisations providing Community and residential care services.

Since 2010 we have worked throughout the United Kingdom and Europe advising, training and supporting clients in the public,private and charity sectors in the fields of Community and residential care, Local authorities and housing, Retail leisure and hospitality, Passenger transport, FE Colleges, Security, Events and Facilities management.

As a Salvas client you’ll benefit from our workplace violence reduction tools and advice which covers • Guidance on employer and regulatory requirements • Support with all aspects of your policies,risk assessments and risk control measures • Help in identifying operational training needs • Tailored training courses based on identified needs of staff and customers Unlike ‘off the shelf’ or ‘open training courses’ all of our conflict resolution and physical intervention training programmes are created on a bespoke basis and are tailored to meet the specific needs of your organisation.

Each programme is developed in partnership with you, using a consultation process that explores key criteria, such as the operating environment, the current risks and behaviours, the specific roles of the staff to be trained and the most appropriate training delivery methods. This results in training programmes that are relevant to each client and are therefore, more effective. They are proven to reduce verbal abuse, threats and assaults on staff, increase staff confidence and performance, enhance customer service and better protect your organisation from legal claims and reputation damage.

Helping you stay safe at work

• • • • • • •

Personal safety at work Managing conflict and challenging behaviour Assault avoidance skills Safety skills for lone workers Lone worker remote monitoring Manager guidance and support Post incident - Handling the media skills

Contact: Michael Greville Mobile: + 44 (0) 7887 637 742 Email: michael@salvas.co.uk

www.salvas.co.uk

Business Matters Autumn 2014

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RYANAIR TO LAUNCH NEW BASE AT GLASGOW AIRPORT Glasgow Airport will welcome Ryanair when it launches its new base on 26 October 2014. It will be the first time the airline will have operated from Glasgow and it will serve nine destinations.

Ryanair will serve its two largest bases – London Stansted and Dublin – along with Derry, Riga, Warsaw Modlin, Wraclow, Bydgoszcz, Carcassone and Chania. It is expected that the 57 weekly return flights will generate more than 850,000 passengers per year.

Kate Sherry, Ryanair’s deputy director of route development, said: “Ryanair is pleased to launch these new routes from Glasgow Airport to London and Dublin, starting this October, with three daily return flights on each route at fares starting from just £19.99. We are responding to strong demand for Ryanair’s low fares from Scottish consumers and business customers, and increased competition between Scottish airports.

“Scottish consumers already choose Ryanair for our low fares, industry leading customer service and great route choice. Now they can also book their

flights on our improved website, carry a free small second carry-on bag, enjoy allocated seats, avail of our recently announced new Family Extra service, and use their personal electronic devices at all stages of their flight, making Ryanair the ideal choice for families and friends. We also have a new app and business product coming soon, as Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than just the lowest fares.

“However, Scotland cannot fulfil its true tourism potential until Air Passenger Duty is removed and we would urge Scotland to follow the example of Ireland, where Ryanair has launched 21 new routes and will deliver over 1.2 million new customers this year, in response to the Irish Government’s welcome decision to scrap APD. Regardless of the outcome of the referendum, Scotland cannot unlock its full potential until APD is repealed.”

Francois Bourienne, Glasgow Airport’s commercial director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ryanair to Glasgow Airport. Not only will it complement our already strong mix of airlines, it will

From left, Lesley Kane, Ryanair head of corporate travel, Kate Sherry, deputy director of route development for Ryanair and Francois Bourienne, commercial director Glasgow Airport

provide our customers with even greater choice.

“The airline has ambitious plans for growth and this includes a focus on opening bases at primary airports, such as Glasgow. This announcement underlines our commitment to enhancing our route network and delivering the services our customers demand. We can now look forward to working closely with the team at Ryanair to ensure it enjoys success at Glasgow Airport.”

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Glasgow Airport enjoys busiest summer in six years Almost 2.5 million passengers used Glasgow Airport during the peak summer months of June, July and August - an increase of 2.8% on last year - ensuring the airport enjoyed its busiest summer in six years.

The airport made a strong start to August, which was its 19th consecutive month of growth, when thousands of athletes and officials returned home following what had been one of the most successful Commonwealth Games ever. Passenger numbers were up 4.9% for the month.

Other highlights included the unveiling by Jet2.com of further expansion plans for Glasgow. The airline will introduce four new routes,

including direct flights to Prague, and a sixth based aircraft which will see it operate its biggest ever flying programme from Glasgow Airport in 2015.

Ryanair also confirmed it will operate direct flights to Carcassone in France and Chania in Crete bringing the total number of routes it will operate from Glasgow to nine. The airline will launch its new base in October.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “August was an extremely busy month for the airport and the city. We started the month by waving off the thousands of athletes who had descended on the city for the Commonwealth Games which

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were a resounding success. This was quickly followed by events such as the World Pipe Band Championships and the UDO World Street Dance Championships which attracted thousands of visitors to Glasgow.

“Despite the increase in numbers, it was one of our best summers in terms of operational performance with 99.6% of passengers passing through security in less than 10 minutes during the summer months.

“From a route development perspective we continued to strengthen our European network and provide passengers with greater choice with the addition of a number of exciting new destinations including Prague.”

NEW FOR SUMMER 2015 DUBROVNIK, MARRAKECH & LAS VEGAS For more details visit glasgowairport.com

Business Matters Autumn 2014

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“I’m stuck! Get me out of here”: Contractual restrictions for staff Employers often forget that the employment contract presents an ideal opportunity to protect the business as well and set out the respective obligations and rights that apply when the employment relationship subsists. The employment contract can also be used to protect the business in the event that the employee decides to leave. These clauses are called “restrictive covenants”, and seek to restrict the employee in some way after their employment ends, such as from working for a competitor, poaching clients, etc.

Ordinarily such restrictions are unenforceable, being against public policy. However, they will be enforced by the courts in certain cases. Indeed over the last year or so, the courts have become more inclined to uphold such restrictions and issue appropriate orders requiring an ex-employee to comply with the restrictions.

The courts increasingly recognise that often these restrictions do represent a valid and proper attempt on the employer’s part to protect legitimate business interests from abuse at the hands of the ex-employee. However, in order to be enforceable such clauses need to be carefully considered and precisely

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drafted. They need to protect a well recognised commercial interest (such as confidential information, clients or staff) and the provision must be drafted in the least burdensome way possible. If the legimiate interest can be protected in a less onerous way, it is unlikely that a court will enforce the restriction.

In one recent case, the Court of Appeal in England demonstrated that there is a limit to the enforceability of these provisions, and refused to give effect to the intention behind what was ultimately a badly drafted contractual term. In that case the restriction prevented the employee from competing with the employer by being involved in any business which sought to sell to the public the “same products” as the employee had been selling for the employer. In fact, the former employer was the only company selling these products (as it was also the manufacturer) and the employee’s new employer was selling similar, but not the same products. Although this meant that the restriction was meaningless, the court refused to rewrite it to give effect to what had presumably been intended in the first place (“similar products”), and the former employer was left with no protection against this competition.

This case emphasises the need to ensure that restrictive

David Hoey, Partner, Accredited Employment Law Specialist

covenants are carefully and tightly drafted with regard to your own particular circumstances. A “one size fits all” approach will not work and such restrictions are unlikely to be generally enforceable. Employers should not underestimate the harm which can be done by a departing employee. But proactive steps can be taken to ensure that contracts are up to date in relation to restrictive covenants, confidentiality, intellectual property, the return of property and information upon termination of employment.

By taking expert employment law advice on the terms of contracts of employment, the business can secure maximum protection.

It is possible therefore to acquire an enforceable restriction that binds the former employee and provides solid protection for your business going forward. It’s never too late to get specialist legal advice to help you craft suitable and enforceable clauses to minimise the risks.

Can you afford to risk it?

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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LOGICAL CHOICE FOR BUSINESSES ON THE MOVE

Aerial view of Hillington Park

When it comes to the best place for your business everyone will tell you it’s all about location, location and location.

And when it comes to the logistics sector these words couldn’t be truer.

Close proximity to transport links – roads, rail and air – are crucial for an industry where success comes from its ability to respond and supply quickly and efficiently to an ever increasing spread of customers, be it domestically or internationally.

Craig Leslie from international logistics business Gordon Leslie Group, said: “The logistics industry cannot stand still with increasing demands on service coming from all sectors and from all corners of the globe. We continue to invest in making sure we have the best resources to respond to all customers’ demands and to make us stand out from our competitors. One of our most recent investments sees us now operating one of the few open-air bonded storage facilities in Scotland. The large outside space at our Hillington Park premises is ideal for large items which are unaffected by the elements, something of particular interest to the important, and growing,

renewable energy sector.”

A survey carried out earlier this year (of businesses based on Hillington Park) revealed that 65% of those already exporting expect to see the volume of overseas trade increasing in the following 12 months.

Jamie Cumming from Hillington Park added: “We know that all businesses based at Hillington Park benefit from its unrivalled connections but for the logistics, transport and warehousing sectors it takes on even greater significance.”

Together, we are

As Scotland’s largest and most established Business Park, Hillington Park is a safe, well maintained environment with two train stations, two minutes from the motorway and two miles from Glasgow International Airport.

Accommodation TO LET Call the Hillington Park team on

0141 883 5760

www.hillingtonpark.com

Great Transport Links • Full Range of Property Options • Park Management Team • Amenities • Sustainability

Business Matters Autumn 2014

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Local Renfrewshire Businesses, funded

by WSLF Our aim is to ensure that good, commercially viable proposals do not fail from a lack of access to finance.

Additionally, we want to encourage and support the creation, development and growth of businesses within each of the twelve local authority areas which will in turn be able to contribute to, and strengthen, their local economy in terms of jobs, growth and wealth.

Providing Renfrewshire Businesses with essential fund

Today, with a fund of £18m, we have been able to support over 1100 businesses by providing them to access to gap funding, thereby helping to create some 4000 new jobs and generate an additional £200m of sales.

• Supporting thousands of businesses throughout the West of Scotland • Offering real solutions to help your business grow • Providing essential funding throughout the West of Scotland • Discover the full potential of your business • Unique funding solutions tailored for your business • Providing essential help allowing your business to grow stronger

Below are some of the businesses we have helped fund and how WSLF has helped them moving forward.

Gillies Gas The renewable division of the company was established in 2011 as we anticipated our customers’ need for a cheaper, more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to heat their homes.

“Our first aim was to find premises in the epicentre of the Central Belt where we could proudly show our confidence in the quality of our work. Our search led us to Hillington Park which has proved to be the ideal location for us. “Our plans were to install our own biomass boiler into the showroom, this would provide heat to a total of 49 radiators

Jaw Brew The launch of Jaw Brew at the Glasgow Real Ale Festival earlier this year was the successful culmination of months of effort to get a microbrewery up and running following a career change.

Mark and Alison Hazell embarked on the project after Mark took voluntary redundancy from a thirty year career in

in the adjoining offices. The biomass boiler would also generate an income over a period of 20 years through the Government’s commercial Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).”

After finding suitable premises, the second task on our list was to find a way to fund our dreams! We had heard about WSLF and thought it may be worth approaching them. A few weeks later our loan application was agreed and we were able to push ahead with our plans and invest in the future of the business.

Without the funding this would not have been possible. It paves the way forward to be able to educate both installers and the public on the benefits of a “greener” way of thinking.

Carol added: “We are very excited

about the future; our new Heatquarters will demonstrate a varied range oflive displays including gas boilers, wood burning stoves, pellet stoves and biomass boilers. All these products will be of great interest to customers from many sectors.

We have already installed these quality appliances in many homes, churches, farms and hotels so it’s fantastic we can invite our customers to our new Heatquarters to see how they work and how the different Government incentives can help them.”

IT. Whilst he had long brewed beer as a hobby in his garage at ‘The Jaw’ (a 250 year old cottage to the north of Glasgow), the step up to brewing commercial quantities required somewhat larger premises which would need to be modified with floor drains and a cold room as well as a considerable amount of brewing equipment and stock in the form of casks to deliver ale to pubs.

The money from the redundancy package plus savings went some way

towards the setup costs, but the shortfall was significant enough to be a showstopper considering the cost of borrowing from banks.

Fortunately for Mark and Alison, the brewery was eligible for a loan from the West of Scotland Loan Fund and that enabled them to finance the equipment and get brewing in time for the Glasgow festival organized by the local Campaign for Real Ale branch.

For more information or to apply online visit www.wslf.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Providing Renfrewshire Businesses with essential funding

For more information or to apply online visit www.wslf.co.uk

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Business Matters Autumn 2014

16

Modern apprenticeships at West College Scotland West College Scotland has significant contracts in the UK and internationally with business clients, educational institutions, public sector organisations and professional organisations. The College have been delivering SVQ and Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programmes for over 10 years and recent External Verification reports highlighted the centre as having one of the best candidate support systems among training providers.

The College supports over 1,000 workbased learners undertaking a variety of SVQs and Modern Apprenticeships in areas including: Hospitality, Engineering, Customer Service, Business Administration,

Hairdressing, Motor Vehicles, Textiles, Health and Social Care, Childcare, and IT. The College is a sector leader within Scottish Further Education in the fields of employer engagement and workforce development, with extensive experience of delivering corporate training programmes including vocational SVQ/MAs to a wide range of employers, from SMEs to bluechip companies in various sectors across Scotland.

West College Scotland’s work-based programmes are very much focussed on the needs of both the employer and the apprentice, helping employers to build a skilled and productive workforce.

The College recently developed an

award winning partnership with the Scottish Leather Group (SLG) based in Renfrewshire and Fraser Murray, an apprentice at the SLG Apprenticeship Academy, has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Apprentice Ambassador of the Year’ Award at Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2014.

Modern Apprenticeships are funded through Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and the College works in partnership with SDS to ensure local employer needs are being addressed.

For more information about Modern Apprenticeship or SVQ programmes offered at the College please call the Sills Programmes team on 0141 951 7570.

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

17

College Students Take On International Broadcasters!

Media students from West College Scotland were competing with the BBC and ITV to interview some of the world’s top athletes as they arrived in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games.

Glasgow Airport and Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce offered their facilities to the students, allowing them the opportunity to make video and audio recordings as teams landed (and left) the airport. The students were able speak to the sportsmen and women, capturing their reflections on the Games, their own performances and on Glasgow itself.

West College Scotland Assistant Principal Angela Pignatelli said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for West College Scotland media students to work at a unique sporting event. It will give them experience of doing interviews and gathering audio / visual material in real-time, under real pressure.

Brian McClean Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Glasgow Airport said: “We are delighted

to give the media students land-side facilities at Glasgow Airport. I’ve seen for myself the media frenzies which can develop when a big name arrives and experiencing that will be great for the students. I can tell them – they might need some sharp elbows!”

Bob Davidson, CEO of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, who brought all the organisations together, said: “One of

our Board of Directors, John McConnell is Head of Commercial at Glasgow Airport and he saw the opportunity available for the students. The Chamber has given the College the use of one of our larger meeting rooms at the airport to use as their base which is directly opposite international arrivals. It’s great to see all three organisations work together for the benefit of young people.”

West College Scotland’s Funded Renewable Energy Programme West College Scotland is pleased to announce the launch of a series of tailored training packages designed to fast track people into the Renewable Energy Sector. All training packages detailed below are offered on a fully funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.

Candidates can choose from one of the following programmes: Energy Assessor and Green Deal Advisors Green Deal Advisor Upskilling Domestic Gas Engineers & Plumbers for Solar Thermal Upskilling for Electricians & Electrical Engineers for Solar PV

Ground and Air Source Heat Pumps Green Gas RHI Cross Over

For more information please email:

corporate@wcs.ac.uk

t 0300 600 60 60 w www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

Business Matters Autumn 2014

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UWS launches new Institute of Engineering & Energy Technologies University of the West of Scotland (UWS) recently launched its new Institute of Engineering & Energy Technologies (IEET).

The Institute aims to create a research environment where staff, students and industrial collaborators can come together to conduct studies in aspects of engineering and energy technologies that are innovative and challenging and which have potential wide-ranging benefits and applications in the wider community.

The Institute has been established under the leadership of Professor Abdul Olabi, who is based at the University’s Paisley Campus, and will have significant emphasis on innovation, knowledge transfer and enterprise on a range of engineering and energy technologies.

Professor Olabi said: “This new Institute is a hugely important development and will facilitate student projects, placements and internships of interest to local industrial organisations with students working in both the Institute’s

laboratories or on site as required.

“It will also provide opportunities for strong co-operation with interest groups in the local community, such as sustainable energy generation and environmental protection projects.”

The Institute of Engineering & Energy Technologies has been established to provide a platform from which four interlinked research streams are being developed - Materials and Mechanics; Energy and Environment; Construction; and Engineering Process Management.

UWS commits to becoming Scotland’s first Dementia Friendly University University of the West of Scotland is set to become Scotland’s first Dementia Friendly University, reinforcing its commitment to improving the lives and inclusion of people with dementia, their families and carers.

In close collaboration with Alzheimer Scotland, UWS has developed a vision for a Dementia Friendly University with a clear action plan to establish itself both as a dementia considerate employer and one that recognises and responds to the needs of staff and students whose lives are affected by the condition.

People with dementia will inform and guide developments at the University through its close association with the Scottish Dementia Working Group, whose members already actively contribute to teaching.

In addition to drafting new policy and guidance for staff and students advising how best to support colleagues and visitors who may have dementia, the University is also in the process of considering ways to further increase the ‘dementia friendly’ nature of all of its campuses, such as making changes to signage and other aspects of the physical environment. The aim is to ensure that best practice is followed at all times

and that campuses will be welcoming, accessible and enabling environments for people with dementia. The University is also planning specialist training for managers, lecturers and support staff.

Dementia is a growing health concern with around 800,000 people living with the condition in the UK, and numbers projected to rise to over a million by 2021. It is hugely important that as many people as possible are aware of the condition, the challenges people with dementia may face and the positive steps we can all take to make a difference to their lives.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “We are very proud of the research and capability of our staff working in dementia. UWS is totally committed to enhancing the care and treatment of dementia as is highlighted by our research and work in the community and we are delighted to be working towards becoming Scotland’s first Dementia Friendly University.

“We are extremely grateful to our colleagues at Alzheimer Scotland who continue to work closely with us to enable UWS to become a Dementia Friendly University.”

The University enjoys close ties with

Alzheimer Scotland and in 2012 launched the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice, based at its Hamilton Campus. The Centre, a collaboration between UWS and Alzheimer Scotland, aims to become a recognised centre of excellence advancing dementia policy and practice through collaborative working.

Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: "We are delighted to support UWS in its commitment to being a Dementia Friendly University. Being dementia friendly means making real and tangible change for people living with the illness; not only people with a diagnosis, but also partners, family members and friends involved in support and care.

It is wonderful to see UWS put these principles into practice.”

For more information regarding University of the West of Scotland’s Dementia Friendly University status visit www.uws.ac.uk/dementiafriendly

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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UWS research reveals language use on Facebook impacts employability the questionnaire, which contained three measures of attractiveness and three measures of employability.

Profiles were presented to participants in a pseudo-random order. Upon completion, participants were debriefed as to the purpose of the experiment.

The expansion and increasing diversity of the internet has seen a growth in user-generated online content, and an escalation in incorrect and non-standardized language use, such as text speak. This evolution has been exemplified by social networking sites such as Facebook.

The results of this study show that language use had no impact on attractiveness, but users who used correct language were seen as more intelligent, competent, and employable. These results highlight that the language individuals choose to convey information online could have unforeseen consequences.

Although the main motivations for using Facebook are social, employers are increasingly evaluating – and

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vetting – potential job candidates based on their profile content. This is highlighted by the fact that many recent studies have reported that both job and internship candidates were refused positions as a direct result of the content of their profiles on social networking sites (SNS).

Graham Scott of University of the West of Scotland’s School of Social Sciences was the lead academic on this research project.

He said: “With the continued rise in the popularity of Facebook and other social networking sites this research is particularly timely.

“This study project is hugely important as it found that, while no effect was shown on measures of social, physical, or task-attractiveness, owners of profiles containing correct language were rated as more employable than owners of those containing incorrect language or text speak. This clearly underlines the implications to users’ careers of employing certain language types in this domain.”

UNI VER SI T Y OF T HE WE S T O F S COT LAND IS A RE G I S T ER ED SC OT T I S H CH ARI T Y. C H AR I T Y N U M BE R S C 002 5 2 0.

Research undertaken by UWS has revealed that language use on the social networking site Facebook impacts the perceived employability of an individual.

The study, ‘It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it: Language use on Facebook impacts employability but not attractiveness’, has been published online in the journal, Cyberpsychology, Behavior, & Social Networking.

The research, which was carried out by UWS in collaboration with University of Aberdeen and University of Bedfordshire, saw 112 volunteers, who use Facebook on a regular basis, being asked to view six Facebook profiles, which each contained three status updates by the profile owner and three posts by a ‘friend’. All three status updates were either spelled correctly, contained two spelling mistakes, or were written in text speak.

Participants were instructed to view the profiles like they would that of a friend or peer for as long as they wanted to form an impression before completing

Business Matters Autumn 2014

20

PAISLEY “BIDS” FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE – POTENTIAL FOR ADDITIONAL £1.78m FOR PAISLEY TOWN CENTRE After 18 months of consultation with Paisley town centre businesses, the official ballot period began on 3rd October 2104 to create a Business Improvement District (BID) in Paisley Town Centre. Voting closes on Thursday 13th November.

Over 670 business premises have been balloted to create a BID and have been given a copy of a costed BID Business Plan to digest before making an informed decision. The Plan of Action to bring business benefits over the 5 year term of the BID rests around 7 key themes : 1. First Impressions Count : Making the business trading environment cleaner, safer and more welcoming 2. Bringing Life to Paisley : coordinate marketing, promotions & events for the benefit of businesses.

3. Property and the High Street : work with stakeholders to bring vacant properties back into use.

4. Helping Businesses : act as a “buying group” for and on behalf of businesses, reduce operational costs and help deliver a business training programme

to bring business benefits.

5. Providing a Business Voice : represent the interests of Paisley Town Centre businesses.

6. Keeping Businesses Aware of the BID’s work : maintain contact with BID businesses in a variety of ways the BID’s achievements throughout the year.

7. Making it Happen : employ a team of staff to deliver the Business Plan projects.

If the overall result is a “YES” vote, then all businesses will make their contribution towards an overall budget of over £355,000 per annum and £1.78m over 5 years. The BID fees paid by local businesses - from as little as 55p a day to fund initiatives contained in the BID Business Plan. PAISLEY businessman Bill Kelly was the first to cast his vote and commented, “I’ve come to the definite conclusion that the BID is a real opportunity for local businesses to not only make a difference for themselves but to the town centre as a whole. In today’s

New Member – Blackbourne Integrated M&E Blackbourne Integrated M&E have recently became members of the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.

Blackbourne have over 50 years’ experience in the Construction Industry sector, offering clients fully integrated mechanical and electrical contracting, maintenance and Energy Solutions such as LED lighting, wireless energy management and Voltage Optimising across many different sectors such as, commercial, industrial, retail & leisure, hotel & hospitality, education, health, defence and aviation.

The company have been operating in Scotland since 2008 from their office in Rosyth, delivering M&E services for new build, refurbishment and maintenance

contracts for both public and private sector clients.

Blackbourne selected Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce as it offers excellent channels to promote and develop their business within the area, allowing them to become more accessible and offer services to a new range of clients.

Ross Whitelaw, Regional Manager at Blackbourne said: “This investment reinforces our company’s growing commitment to the area. We hope this is the beginning of a new chapter which will help provide growth, prosperity and employment in the region.

Visit www.blackbourne.co.uk/dsp_ PortfolioCat.cfm/Ext/Projects to view Blackbourne projects

Billy Kelly posting his ballot paper

marketplace, doing nothing is not really an option and I strongly believe a Paisley BID would attract more people to the town centre and deliver many new opportunities for businesses to flourish.”

Chamber President, Tom Johnston, added his support and encouraged businesses to get involved and do the same.”There are exciting times ahead for Paisley and the wider Renfrewshire region – around the Paisley Town Centre Heritage Asset Strategy, the City Deal and now the Paisley BID” The ballot result will be announced on Friday 14th November 2014, the day of the Chamber Annual Dinner. The BID Business Plan can be downloaded from www.paisleyfirst.com

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

21

Meet our new card payment contact

Rooms available for hire at Glasgow Airport • Ideal for meetings, interviews, training, seminars & workshops • 4 rooms, space for 1-20 people • Free wifi & free parking • Presentation equipment / catering available • Price guarantee

If you’re looking to find out more about credit or debit card acceptance or take advantage of bespoke rates, Nicola Docherty is our new contact at First Data Merchant Solutions.

‘I’m thrilled to be working with such a prestigious organisation as Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce,’ said Nicola. ‘I am looking forward to building on the close relationship that First Data has developed with Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.’

In addition to offering Bespoke rates to members, First Data is keen to help members understand more

about related issues and upcoming trends in credit and debit payment acceptance.

‘Contactless payments are gaining traction amongst consumers and we’ll see that trend continue but, as a global business, we are looking further beyond that into mobile commerce and how payment types will evolve into a new ecosystem centred around the consumer.’

If you’d like to discuss your card acceptance services, hear about our bespoke rates or have any questions about electronic payments, please call Nicola Docherty on 07852 000102.

Burns Express Freight Current holders of Transport News Scotland’s Most Innovative Haulier of the Year 2014 award, Burns Express offer a complete logistics solution across the UK, Ireland and Europe as well as providing a storage and warehousing solution at our 40,000 sq ft facility at Barrhead.

Large or Small, UK or Europe, Urgent or Economy, Burns Express have a delivery option to match your requirements, deadline and budget.

A member of The Pallet-Track Network for the past 6 years, we have also recently joined The Hazchem Network enabling us to provide ADR and Dangerous Goods transport throughout the UK. Why not contact us now to find out how we are driving ahead in the logistics industry and get your personalised transport quotation Tel: 0141 876 4777 or Email freight@burnsexpress.co.uk Burns Express Freight Ltd, Unit 4, 501 Blackbyres Road, Barrhead, G78 1TN

Glasgow Airport Business Centre c/o Renfrewshire Chamber Bute Court, St Andrew’s Drive Glasgow Airport PA3 2SW 0141 847 5450 info@renfrewshirechamber.com www.renfrewshirechamber.com

Scotland's Towns Conference 2014 Join the largest gathering of Scotland's towns in Paisley this year. With around 150 practitioners gathering to network, share and learn. The conference this year is set to be bigger than ever; the Town Centre Action Plan launched by Government will have guided our town developments for over a year. The conference provides opportunity to reflect on the year's activities, progress and restraints allowing to form strategies and ideas for the year ahead.

Based around the overarching message: Proud Past Positive Future, we look to the untapped wealth of towns and places, and explore innovative ideas to ensure a positive future. The day is a mix of keynotes; short stories from town and city projects large and small; walkabouts; and cafe style space for learning, sharing, exhibiting and networking.

The event is on the 19th November at Paisley Town Hall 9am-5pm. For more info & to register visit scotlandstowns.org

Business Matters Autumn 2014

22

The new face of Phoenix It’s a very exciting period for Phoenix Car Company, with the addition of a new member to the family – MG. The iconic British brand has encountered a recent revival and we’re proud to be at the forefront.

Our Head Office has recently gone through a make over to become Phoenix MG’s new home. From here, our team will be showing off the impressive MG range in all its’ glory. These include the MG3, MG6 GT and the MG6 Magnette, in addition to a comprehensive aftersales service.

The MG3 is a supermini packed with technology which can be highly personalised from adding graphic packs and choosing from a vast array of colours.

Our top of the range MG3 3Style comes with cruise control, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, plus reverse parking sensors. All for only £9,999.

The MG6 is an award winning fastback that comes packed with gadgets and a sporting prowess that makes it extremely popular amongst business users.

Our Managing Director Russell Smith said: “we’re really excited to get the MG brand. The range is a great balance of fun, economy and style that’s been

embraced by MG enthusiasts and firsttime enthusiasts alike.”

In the month of October we will be throwing a launch event at an award winning location to celebrate our new partner and would like you all to be

there. The occasion will include a static display to showcase the MG concept cars, followed by a sponsored drive to our new MG showroom. We will be revealing all in due course – so follow us on Facebook and our website for all information.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Business Matters Autumn 2014

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Wallace Primary Rapid Response

Pupils at Wallace Primary have put their entrepreneurial skills to the test by starting their own social enterprise.

Primary 6 pupils worked together to create a business idea that they hoped would appeal to pupils in their school – a new school library.

Pupils were invited to apply for jobs within the business which best suited their skills and abilities by completing an application form. The candidates were interviewed by their class teacher and Depute head teacher. Fourteen lucky pupils were selected to become a part of the business.

The group refined their business model and applied for a start up grant from Renfrewshire Council through the Dragon’s Den competition.

In June 2014, the pupils pitched their idea and were awarded a £500 grant and named as winners of the Primary category. Since returning in August, pupils are making plans to spend the money and start their business.

Linwood High school welcomed STEM ambassadors to support their Rapid Response Engineering event. The event saw 80 pupils involved in building disaster relief shelters and water transportation systems.

The event included first aid and language tasks and building weather instruments. Pupils overwhelmingly fed back that they had enjoyed the day and learned from it. Fingers crossed it has inspired the next generation of Renfrewshire engineers!

Shaping engineers of the future Primary Engineer launched in Renfrewshire at West College Scotland during September. The primary school STEM (science, technology, engineering & maths) focused initiative is designed to encourage young people to get interested in STEM related activities and for some, potentially a career.

The program is piloting across 25 primary schools across Renfrewshire – and will see each school team allocated a real life engineer to provide the extra wow factor The teachers are taught how to deliver the primary engineer lesson plans that involve the children making a model car that has to travel down or up a ramp – there are 3 levels: 1) How far the car can travel down a ramp 2) As above, with a seatbelt 3) As above, with power The Primary Engineer pilot has involved the council, the Chamber and was suggested by local STEM ambassador Gary Kerr, of local engineering company EPM Solutions.

Next stage is for the children to get designing and building their cars in class, there are then competitions in school where winners from each come together for a celebration event to be held locally around Feb/Mar 2015.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Renfrewshire youngsters’ experiment heading for outer space - Mission Discovery finale

Six Renfrewshire students are reaching for the stars after hearing their science experiment will be blasted into space and carried out on the International Space Station.

The once-in-a-lifetime prize was their reward for taking part in Mission Discovery Renfrewshire – a week-long space school run by former NASA astronauts.

Paisley Town Hall was the venue for the first-ever visit to Scotland of the event, run by a team including former Space Shuttle Commander Ken Ham and his wife Michelle, a former NASA astronaut trainer.

Around 200 local S4 to 6 pupils were split into teams, each mentored by a student from University of the West of Scotland or West College Scotland, and asked to devise a science experiment knowing the winning concept would go into outer space to be carried out for real.

And amid emotional scenes, a delighted winning team of Apollo 12 – who want to test bacteria to help find a cure for the eye condition conjunctivitis – were named as the winners, in a moment captured by a TV crew from STV News.

There was further joy when Michelle

Ham surprised the runners-up by announcing that there may be room on the space station for their experiment too.

The winning team are: Ben Herrington, Christopher Withers, Katherine Bogan, Lara Cumming, Callum Mort and Olivia Ramsay.

Ben, 15, of Park Mains High in Erskine, said: “The whole thing is just amazing.

When we were told we were the winners I almost collapsed – it was really overwhelming.

“Michelle and Ken are such inspiring people – they make you think that anything is possible.”

Ken Ham added: “The whole reason we do these things is for that moment of realisation when the when the winning team is told their intellectual property is going into space. It’s always just a really amazing moment.”

Mission Discovery Renfrewshire was run by the International Space Station Educational Trust, and brought to Paisley by Renfrewshire Council, along with support from event sponsors University of the West of Scotland and West College Scotland.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan added: “I would like to thank all connected with Mission Discovery

and ISSET for being such superb guests.

“They made the whole week an unforgettable one for the young people who took part, and were utterly inspirational figures to be in the company of.

“We want to provide the very best opportunities for our young people and last week they did us proud – the organisers were full of praise for their commitment and the quality and ingenuity of their work.

“The next decade or so opens up massive opportunities in terms of commercial space flight – and with the science and technology industries we already have here in Renfrewshire, this area could be a part of that.

“Ken and Michelle have certainly shown the sky is no limit in terms of what you can achieve if you put your mind to it – and who knows whether the first-ever Scottish astronaut may well have been in that room last week.”

Mission Discovery is returning to Paisley in the summer of 2015 – if any organisation wishes to be involved in sponsorship please contact Bob D at the Chamber.

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Business Matters Autumn 2014

CHAMBER CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

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Renfrewshire Chamber, the main business organisation in Renfrewshire, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary by being given a Civic Reception by Renfrewshire Council.

200 members, guests and friends of the Chamber packed Paisley Town Hall for a night of reection and celebration.

Chamber president Tom Johnston hosted the night with speeches given by Provost Hall, Nora Senior – President of Scottish & British Chambers who comes from Paisley & Robert Fernie, Customer Service Director with Chivas Brothers who have been members of the Chamber since 1964. The guests were welcomed by young piper Jack Guthrie playing outside and inside by a quartet from St Andrews Academy.

Continued on next page...

Business Matters Autumn 2014

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CHAMBER CELEBRATES 50 YEARS Continued from previous page...

Chamber team

VIP guests

St Andrews Academy quartet

Bob Davidson CEO

Tom Johnston, President & partner, Linda

Renfrew Burgh Band

Table setting

Chamber Presidents

Guests signed a giant birthday card and many took part in a big photo at the end of the night.

Entertainment during the evening was provided by the Renfrew Burgh Band, and local school of rock Loud n Proud gave two performances; a guitar duel from Jeff & Jay and a Baker Street sax solo from Sam. Two videos were shown on the night – 1) charting the chambers progress from its incorporation in 1964 to present day and also showing the changes in the business landscape over the last half century. The 2nd video, of a more light hearted nature – was a compilation of videos from members wishing the Chamber a happy 50th. The videos were compiled by Frank Paterson of GapTV. A special commemorative publication was issued on the night compiled by the Chamber with assistance from local historian Andrew Eadie and printed by local print company The Printbrokers.

Commenting on the evening, chamber president Tom Johnston said “thank you to Provost Hall and Council Leader Mark Macmillan for the wonderful civic reception. We worked closely with the Provosts office to make tonight a real celebration for the members. I was delighted that not only our whole Board attended but a number of past presidents, directors and indeed past members of

staff came along. Big thanks to our chief exec Bob Davidson and the chamber team for putting on a great event.”

“The speeches given by the Provost, Nora & Robert – were very powerful and acknowledge the breadth and depth of the work our Chamber does – and how the Chamber network is the strongest it’s ever been – with a whole new overseas network of Chambers being created to help local businesses develop international links and grow their business. Many members will have left the event seeing and hearing that we are indeed far more than just a lunch club”.

“Our 100% score in our recent independent BCC accreditation shows that not only are we a well-established business member organisation – but also one that is well governed and run.

Being a member of your local Chamber is more relevant now than ever. We have embraced the new ways of engaging via social media and apps but still keep alive the traditional way of face to face meeting and supporting local businesses in any way we can. I wish the Chamber, our members and indeed Renfrewshire all the best for the next 50 years. And with new initiatives such as the new Paisley Town Centre Heritage Asset Strategy and City Deal – Renfrewshire truly does have a promising future”.

Jack the piper

Sam on the sax

Provost Hall

Robert Fernie, Chivas Bros

Guitar duel

All the pictures from the event are available on the Chamber facebook page.

Copies of the commemorative publication are available via the website to download and from the Chamber office.

Speakers

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Sunshine & Birdies Annual Chamber Golf Competition at Paisley Golf Club (The Bushes) Renfrewshire Chamber recently held its annual golf competition at Paisley Golf Club – 18 teams competed on a beautiful sunny day. The competition that has been running for just short of 50 years was a hotly contested affair: The winners were: • Longest drive – Stuart Drysdale from the Santander Team • Nearest the Pin – Dominic from Redpath Construction Team • Winning Team – William Tracey Group • Winning individual and rose bowl winner – Stuart Mitchell of Chivas Brothers

Nearest the Pin – Dominic from Redpath Construction Team

Chamber chief exec and keen golfer, Bob Davidson commented – “thank you to all the teams that took part and for the many that contributed to the raffle prizes. We raised £600 split between Accord Hospice and Sailing for the Disabled at Lochwinnoch. The staff & members at The Bushes gave us a wonderful welcome and the course looked magnificent on what was arguably the best weather of the year for golf. Well done to all the winners – but very special mention to Stuart from Chivas who not only won the rose bowl – but won it with an amazing hole in one!

Longest drive – Stuart Drysdale from the Santander Team

Winning Team – William Tracey Group

Winning individual and rose bowl winner – Stuart Mitchell of Chivas Brothers

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New Chamber Management Trainee starts Our latest edition to the Chamber team is Summer Recruit, Stuart Armstrong.

Stuart, 17, an ex-pupil of Linwood High took part in this year’s Recruit programme – and put himself forward for the Chamber’s post. Following a competitive interview process Stuart was announced as the Chambers new Management Trainee at the Recruit finale in August. Stuart takes over from our last Recruit Calum Breslin and will be responsible for website content, updating our app & eNews and managing the business centre. Whilst here Stuart will study for a Modern Apprenticeship in Business & Admin.

Calum Breslin, who was our Management Trainee over the last year started his new job on Monday 1st September in an oil and gas apprenticeship in Aberdeen The Chamber wishes Calum all the best in his new adventure and welcomes Stuart to his new role and hope he enjoys his year at the Chamber.

Calum Breslin & Stuart Armstrong

Stuart, who is a keen guitarist (we’ve yet to see him in action) will be running our annual New Members event in November.

You can contact Stuart on 0141 847 5462 or sarmstrong@renfrewshirechamber. com

CERTIFICATE OF WORK READINESS Could you offer a young jobseeker work experience?

The Certificate of Work Readiness has been developed for employers, using the key attributes they look for when employing staff. A mixture of work experience and employer assessments lie at the heart of the Certificate and prove that a young person, aged 16 to 19, has reached an employer defined standard.

The certificate has benefits for both employers and employees alike. For employers it has the following key benefits: • Helps employers hire 'job ready' staff • Employer controlled and endorsed employee development • Support from a training provider • No requirements to pay a wage but the young person may be eligible for a training allowance.

The Certificate gives a young person the chance to demonstrate the value they can bring to your business. You

can help them earn a certified SQA qualification which shows they have the right work experience for the career they want.

For employees it has the following key benefits: • A foot in the door with employers in an increasingly difficult employment climate • Earn an industry recognised SQA accredited qualification upon completion • Gain work experience.

What's involved?

The Certificate takes around ten weeks to complete and includes a minimum of 190 hours work experience. A training provider will offer support to minimise the time you need to spend on the process.

How will it work?

A training provider will visit you to

agree what will be expected in the workplace. You should allocate a supervisor who will be aware of the young person's attendance and attitude throughout the placement. You will assess the young person by completing a scorecard at the end of the placement with support from the training provider. A training provider will be on hand to offer support, liaising with the supervisor as required. During the work placement, the young person will visit with the training provider one day a week for follow up work.

To sign up please email bdavidson@ renfrewshirechamber.com

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

31

Chamber Pictures

Adam Mair, Diageo

Tom & Bob with the Queens Baton

Doing Business in Malaysia & Thailand

Bob & Tom with Michelle Ham

Race 2 the Games: Chamber with Rory Wilson & Mick Kelly from Kersland School and Angie Malone, Sochi 2014 bronze medal winner for Paralympics GB.

Summer Recruit 2014 – Chamber Challenge

Business Matters Autumn 2014

32

New Members On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Chamber staff we would like to welcome onboard the following new members.

Aldwych & Co

Europcar

Blackbourne Ltd

GBA Scotland

Business First Ltd

Iain Stewart Hairdressing

Carpetworks UK Ltd

Kalamath Consultancy Ltd

Stream Marine Training

Casa Bebe

Kennett Watches Ltd

Visit Scotland

Steven Smith B2B Telemarketing / Databases 0844 415 2500 ssmith@aldwychandco.com www.aldwychandco.com Rob Clubbe Mechanical/Electrical Maint.

01383 435 992 rob.clubbe@blackbourne.co.uk www.blackbourne.co.uk Joe Cullinane Commercial Property 07976 305381 sh@businessfirst.co.uk www.businessfirst.co.uk

Alastair Donnell Flooring Specialists 0141 887 3509 alastair@carpetworksuk.com www.carpetworksuk.com

Angela Appleton Car and van rental 0871 3841156 gb.sm.paisley@europcar.com www.europcar.com Lorraine Smith Freight Forwarder 0141 278 6080 lorraine.smith@gbaservices.com www.gbaservices.com Iain Matheson Hair Design 0141 848 7165 is.matheson@hotmail.co.uk www.iainstewarthairdressing.com

Alasdair Crawford IT Consultancy Services 0141 530 9460 alasdair.crawford@kalamath.co.uk www.kalamath.co.uk

Pro Website Solutions

Craig Campbell Training / IT Services 07581 396358 seo@prowebsitesolutions.co.uk www.prowebsitesolutions.co.uk

Red Media

Dael Links Digital Media/Marketing 0845 057 3802 dael@redmediauk.com www.redmediauk.com

Salvas Ltd

Michael Greville Management / Training 0141 571 1112 michael@salvas.co.uk www.salvas.co.uk

Martin White Training provider 0141 212 8777 martinw@streammarinetraining.com www.streammarinetraining.com

Tom Kennett Watches 0845 056 4027 info@kennettbrand.com www.kennettonline.com

Scotlands National Tourism Board 0141 204 4480 www.visitscotland.com

Douglas Park BMW Ltd

Mail Boxes Etc. Paisley

Kim Wilson Business Recovery / Insolvency 0141 225 3879 kwilson@wd-br.co.uk

Effective HR & Development Solutions

Power One Electrical Contractors Limited

Laura Morrow Spanish Baby Accessories 0141 258 0282 laura.morrow@casabebe.co.uk www.casabebe.co.uk Alan Rafferty Car Sales 0141 333 0088 alan.rafferty@parks.uk.com www.douglasparkglasgowbmw.co.uk

Nicola Dillon HR Learning & Development 07898 184743 nd100170@gmail.com

Adrian Kerr Mail box Rental/parcel serv 07759 403489 aidykerr@outlook.com www.mbe.co.uk

Mark Ward Electrical Contractor 01505 337211 Mark.Ward@power1group.com www.power1group.com

William Duncan Business Recovery Ltd

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

33

Call for Board Directors

The Board are inviting members based in Renfrewshire to come forward if they are interested in becoming a Director on the Board of the Chamber.

This is a non-exec position, unpaid – and allows individuals to play a part in shaping the future of the main business organisation in the area, established 50 years ago. We are seeking individuals, men and women of all ages – that work in sectors not currently represented on the Board – you can see the current Board on our website.

If you are interested please drop an email to chief exec, bdavidson@renfrewshirechamber.com

Get your message out to the Renfrewshire business community Business Busine ss

Matters s MatterMatters

Business

SUMMER 2014 EDITION

Events See our events section on our website: www.renfrewshirechamber.com 0141 847 5450 events@renfrewshirechamber.com October Networking Lunch 30th Oct 12-2pm at Ingliston Country Club Speaker is Ron Easton, CEO Smith & McLaurin

ROCCO 2014 14th Nov 6.30pm-late The Normandy

New Members event 20th Nov 12-2pm The Normandy

HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

SHIRE GROW HELPING RENFREW

SPRING 2014 EDITION

& PROSPER

HELPING RENFREW SHIRE GROW

EDITION WINTER 2013

50

& PROSPER

YEARS

1964 - 201 4

Chamber celebrates 2013 Matters in50 years ROCCOBusiness NERS Renfrewshire 2014 in 2014 THE WIN Inside: Themes:

Inside: Plus:

Up and Coming

Paisley Town Centre

Asset Strategy Construction & B2B event return CO 2013 Regular featur Property Touris g people, s to Paisley Chamber Main feature ROC al revie m & Leisur Inside: Member news w, schools & younB2B 2014 Business Matters in Renfrewshire es: news Schools annu & young people e 3rd Sector Themes: Education & training Business support & financeInvest in Renfre Retail, Chamber Renfrewshire & Council & & more… Regular features: Chamber news Renfrewshire Council & Invest in Renfrewshirewshire update lots more... members news •

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

& lots more...

Business Matters (this magazine) is the magazine of Renfrewshire Chamber and is sent to all members, hotels, business centres, receptions and quality coffee shops across Renfrewshire.

Inform readers about: Your new product or service; awards; new office; new member of staff etc…

November Networking Lunch Tue 25th Nov 12-2pm, The Lynnhurst Speaker is Professor Donald MacRae OBE, Chief Economist Lloyds Banking Group, Bank of Scotland.

AGM & Christmas Lunch Thu 18th Dec, The Glynhill AGM 11.30am Lunch 12-2.30pm

facebook.com/renfrewshirechamberofcommerce Follow the chamber:

2,000 copies distributed every quarter and shared online.

Contact Euan Keltie at the Chamber for more info.

ekeltie@renfrewshirechamber.com 0141 847 5464

twitter.com/renfrewshirecoc

Business Matters Autumn 2014

34

Put a ‘buzz’ back into your business After recently celebrating our 3rd birthday, Tweetiepie Media is looking forward to its 4th year as we look forward to working alongside many of our long standing clients whilst helping plenty of new and exciting clients on their marketing journey.

Based in Inverclyde, you can visit us at our new offices in Inverclyde’s newly developed business hub - Aves Business Centre - along with a variety of different companies.

Tweetiepie Media started life offering social media management and consultancy to a variety of business spanning Argyll & Bute, Inverclyde and Edinburgh. Due to client demands, we’ve grown and developed our offerings to include website design and re-design, search engine optimisation, general marketing services as well as full scale business launches.

Most recently, following the successful launch of their 3rd store in Glasgow, the

team at Tweetiepie Media helped launch Pinto Mexican Kitchen’s 4th store. Pinto’s latest store was their first venture into Scotland’s capital which saw the company give away 1000 free burritos and a queue down Lothian Road to the Usher Hall all thanks to the Tweetiepie winning Award for Most Promising New Business at Greenock Chamber Bees Knees power of social media and online you’re looking for a fresh take on your marketing! marketing.

We’d love to chat to you and your team Simply give us a call on 01475 603280 about how we can help create an exciting or email hello@tweetiepiemedia.com. buzz about your business whether you’re We look forward to hearing from you! just in the early stages of setting up, or

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

35

Red Hot We are a collective of dynamic creatives at Red Media offering a full digital service. We specialise in responsive web design, app design, videography, photography, digital marketing, branding and print design.

We have helped to build and assist a broad spectrum of clients in achieving their digital marketing goals in many industries.

Just some of Glasgow’s high profile clients we have on board at the moment include La Vita restaurants, nightclubs such as St Judes and Sugar Cube, coffee such as Azzurro Coffee, energy drinks such as Dynamite, cosmetics, medical, building, planning, watches and accessories such as Kennett and Maserati.

At Red, we take our clients on a journey, building relationships with them from the very first ideas through to the end designs, consistently and in synergy

with their desired brand direction.

Our clients are very diversified and we are proud to have worked not only with brands from different sectors but globally, including clients in Qatar.

As a team, its really rewarding for us to see our company and portfolio grow so rapidly. Just over a year old, we envision our business accelerating in 2015 after a very buoyant and positive first year.

Our nomination at Renfrew Chamber of Commerce Awards 2014 as “Most Promising New Business” is very inspiring for us, fuelling our creative plans to take Red even further. Dael Links, co-founder of Red Media said “This is an amazing time for us. We’ve grown so much in such a short space of time and our nomination in the 2014 awards highlights our promising growth. 2015 will be an exciting year for Red.”

...our nomination in the 2014 awards highlights our promising growth...

Business Matters Autumn 2014

36

ROCCO 2014 Shortlist announced Renfrewshire Chamber is delighted to announce the shortlist for their annual business awards, the ROCCOs, sponsored in 2014 by the University of the West of Scotland.

Commenting on the shortlisting process, Chamber President, Tom Johnston said "this year we received 95 entries, the most we have ever received and the standard of entry across the board was, as expected, of a high quality. 3 judges for each award independently scored every entry (sponsor, Board Director and a subject matter expert) and the top 3 scores go forward to the next stage that starts w/c 20th October, where the finalists present to the judging panel and convince them why they believe they are a worthy ROCCO winner.

“Frank from Gap TV also starts the process of recording an HD video for every finalist to be shown on the night.

Thank you to everyone that entered and to all our judges & sponsors for their support."

The 16 categories & finalists are:

Enterprise in Education sponsored by the University of the West of Scotland:

Community Champion of the Year sponsored by Engage Renfrewshire & RBS: • I Am Me • Intu Braehead • The Glitter Beach Foundation

Employer of the Year sponsored by Rolls Royce: • Carli’s Kindergarten • Clyde Marine Training • Glasgow Airport

Excellence in Customer Service

Excellence in Manufacturing

sponsored by intu Braehead:

sponsored by the Scottish Leather Group:

• Childcare First – Hillview Nursery • Hubbell Scotland • Kickstart (Kirklandneuk Primary School)

• Glasgow Airport • IRW Systems • Spectrum Service Solutions

Family Business of the Year

Innovation & Technology

International Trade

sponsored by The Malcolm Group:

sponsored by Hillington Park:

sponsored by Glasgow Airport:

• Carli’s Kindergarten • G Porrelli & Co • Spectrum Service Solutions

• Quarriers • Rolls-Royce • The Malcolm Group

• CCR3 Limited • Peak Scientific • Smith & McLaurin

• Diageo • Rolls-Royce • Smith & McLaurin

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

37

Invest in Renfrewshire

Journey to Zero Waste

sponsored by Renfrewshire Council:

sponsored by the William Tracey Group:

• Muir Slicer Associates • Pro Website Solutions • Saporito

• Glasgow Airport • Thermo Fisher Scientific • Spectrum Service Solutions

Running a growing business in Renfrewshire?

Make us part of your plans

Most For Promising any successful business a network of trusted advisers is vital. Business Gateway Renfrewshire New Business provides practical support and advice to growing Renfrewshire businesses every year. sponsored by Business Gateway 0141 585 6353 Renfrewshire: www.bgateway.com

• Saporito • Aldwych & Company • Red Media UK

Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations.

Outstanding Performing Business >25 staff sponsored by the Phoenix Car Company:

Outstanding Performing Business <5 staff sponsored by West College Scotland: • Anchor Mill Consultancy • CCR3 Limited • Commercial & Asset Finance

• Spectrum Service Solutions • Glasgow Airport • IRW Systems

Young Business Person of the Year

Outstanding Performing Business >5 & <25 staff sponsored by Renfrewshire Council: • Boyd & Co • Bridgeall • Saporito

Business Leader of the Year sponsored by Diageo:

sponsored by West College Scotland: • Kennett Watches - Tom Kennett • Saporito - Craig Bickett • Tweetiepie Media - Lizzy Todd

Nominations are: • Audrey Cumberford - Principal & Chief Executive, West College Scotland • Robin MacGeachy, MD Peak Scientific • Craig Campbell, Owner, Pro Website Solutions • Colin McMurray, MD Clyde Marine Training

All winners are announced at our awards ceremony on Friday 14th November 2014, that takes place at The Normandy hosted

by Fred MacAulay. The ROCCOs are now in their 11th year and established as the premier black tie corporate event in Renfrewshire with a sell-out crowd of 500 attending every year. Visit www.roccoawards.com for more info & to book tickets

UWS announced as ROCCO 2014 Main Sponsor Renfrewshire Chamber is delighted to announce the University of the West of Scotland as the Main Sponsor for its annual business awards, the ROCCOs. Now in its 11th year the ROCCO Awards is the area's premier black tie business event attracting 500 guests every year.

Commenting on the news Chamber President Tom Johnston said "Thank you to UWS for their support, we are delighted they are main sponsor for the ROCCOs in 2014, the 50th anniversary

of Renfrewshire Chamber.

The Chamber has enjoyed a strong relationship with the University for many years.

Myself and our CEO studied there with our Deputy CEO currently studying for his MBA also. Under the leadership of new Principal Professor Craig Mahoney, UWS has an exciting future and we are committed to working with them".

Commenting on the announcement of UWS as ROCCO main sponsor, Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal & Vice Chancellor of UWS, said: "The University is

committed to working with organisations in its campus areas to help enhance the economy and skills of the local areas. This distinctive and important regional role is a key strand of our strategic aims for the West of Scotland, as well as strengthening our presence in the national and international arenas.

"Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce makes a hugely important contribution in creating prosperity for the region and we are delighted to support the Chamber and be the main sponsor for the

ROCCOs in 2014. I'm also encouraged, of course, to hear of the successful careers of our alumni, now in senior positions with Renfrewshire Chamber!"

38

Business Matters Autumn 2014

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

39

Clyde Marine Training Clyde Travel Management Topstaff Employment Clyde Healthcare Alba Travel

For over 30 years The Clyde Group, now based in Hillington Park, have delivered a range of services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; training, business and leisure travel, recruitment, healthcare, uniforms and workplace safety â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to

Clyde Marine Consultants Clyde Safety

businesses throughout the UK. To find out more visit us at

Clyde Uniforms Clyde Medicals

www.theclydegroup.com or contact us via info@clydegroup.com or 0141 427 5100

Clyde Marine Training are proud to be shortlisted in the categories of Employer of the Year and Business Leader of the Year at the upcoming ROCCO 2014 Awards

Business Matters Autumn 2014

40

Business Mentoring Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Chambers of Commerceand supported by the European Regional Development Fund

Leading the way to success.

Business Mentoring Scotland Enhance your leadership skills with objective, impartial support and encouragement from an experienced business person.

Choose Business Mentoring Scotland today on 0845 609 6622, and start benefitting from the support and advice that it offers.

www.businessmentoringscotland.co.uk

11650 A4 portrait advert.indd 2

14/06/2012 15:53

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

ROCCO

Accommodation Deal ÂŁ27.50 per person sharing in a Twin/Double Room.

Includes Breakfast, Service & Vat. Quote ROCCO on booking

Call us on 0141 886 4100 for more information or email sales@thenormandyhotel.co.uk

41

The 2 main charities ROCCO 2014 is supporting are St Vincentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospice and Mary Russell School. To donate a good prize to help raise funds for these two great causes please contact the Chamber.

Business Matters Autumn 2014

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Invest in Renfrewshire update Invest in Renfrewshire can help your business grow Invest in Renfrewshire is the council’s programme to boost the local economy and tackle unemployment.

It aims to help create employment opportunities by offering funding to businesses to help them grow and take on new staff.

Since the programme started in summer 2012, we have signed up more than 670 companies and helped create

more than 580 new jobs in the area.

In addition to that, 217 companies have been offered grants to pursue development, training, exhibition and ICT projects, amounting to combined funding of more than £1m.

Invest in Renfrewshire can also offer your firm financial help to train up your staff or find new property, as well as grants for retail businesses to improve

their shopfronts.

Would your company like to find out more? Call 0300 300 1180 where one of our business advisors will be able to talk you through your options.

Or visit www.investinrenfrewshire. com to see more detail on the different packages of funding we offer You can also follow us on Twitter at @ InvestinRen

Recruits are told ‘you’re hired’ Nineteen young people heard the magic words of ‘you’re hired’ at a ceremony to mark the conclusion of a popular council youth employment programme.

The group have now started their new careers after taking part in The Recruit – loosely based on TV’s Apprentice – which sees young people compete through a series of business-based and practical challenges.

Now in its fifth year, this year’s summer installment had two groups – one featuring 30 S5/6 school pupils, and another with 17 unemployed young people aged 18 to 24.

The Recruits were joined by family, friends and supporters of the programme for a finale and awards ceremony at Paisley Town Hall, hosted by DJ George Bowie.

The successful Recruits were: Blaze Driessen, Martin Ruddy and Sarah Richford (Marks and Spencer); Erin Cairns, Jonathan McCart and Ryan Connelly (Kinder Handl); Wendy Thomson (Little Flowers Nursery); Mark McNicholl (Muir Slicer); Stuart Armstrong (Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce); Charles Fraser (Ecosse Furnishings); Stuart Murphy (Rainbow Technologies); Stephen Howie (BGL Contracts) and Steven Fallon (It’s all Food).

A further four were taken on by Renfrewshire Council – Declan Hamilton, Connie Lamb, Imaan Niven

Top Recruits - Jonathan McCart and Erin Cairns

and Christopher Duffin, while Colleen McParland, Daniel Gronan received posts at Renfrewshire Leisure.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan helped present the awards, and said: “Once again, Renfrewshire has produced a batch of Recruits who are a credit to themselves and to the area.

“Although the Recruit has been running for five years now, this is the most job opportunities ever to be handed out in one night – which shows the extent to which the programme is now established among the local business community.

“Creating opportunities for people to find work is one of the biggest priorities of this council and through our Invest in Renfrewshire programme – of which the

Recruit is part – we have created jobs for almost 600 young people in just over two years.

“But we couldn’t run this programme without the support – in many cases, long-running support – of the firms who have created job opportunities, provided sponsorship for the finale, and offered time and expertise to run Recruit tasks.

“My thanks go to every one of them, and I am sure they would join me in wishing the Recruits all the best for the adventure that lies ahead.”

The finale event was kindly sponsored

by Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Leather Group, intu Braehead, Linstone Housing Association and Hillington Park Innovation Centre.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

43

Celebrating Success with Invest in Renfrewshire Some of the area’s top workers and best businesses were honoured at the first-ever Invest in Renfrewshire Celebrating Success Awards.

The awards ceremony was held over the summer to mark the second anniversary of Invest in Renfrewshire, as was a daylong employability conference.

Around 200 people from the local business community gathered to hear some of the success stories connected to the programme.

The Invest in Renfrewshire team were pleased with the quality and quantity of response to the call for applications, and are looking forward to making the awards an annual event in future.

The winners were: • Top Intern – Sean Skelly, Solas LED

• Best Trainee – (Employability Fund) – Megan McAdam, Barnardos Works • Progression in Work – Euan Keltie, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce • Renfrewshire Modern Apprentice of the Year – Fraser Murray, Scottish Leather Group • Most Promising New Employee – Darren Morgan, Johnstone Health Centre

• Most Promising New Entrepreneur Laura Morrow, Casa Bebe Three businesses were also given Special Recognition Awards on the night for their commitment to helping local people into employment: • Marks and Spencer Braehead • Miller Joinery • Optima Training

Calling all Renfrewshire businesses.

We can help fund your growth.

Invest in Renfrewshire is Renfrewshire Council’s £8m programme to boost the local economy and tackle unemployment.

We have a range of funding packages available which could help your company, including: • business growth grants of up to £10,000 to help develop new products, attend exhibitions, purchase equipment or carry out property improvements; • help of up to £5,000 to help you take on a graduate intern; • support towards the wage costs of taking on a young unemployed person; and • loans to help with working capital or the purchase of equipment.

Want to know more? visit www.investinrenfrewshire.com email invest@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call

0300 300 1180

Business Matters Autumn 2014

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City Deal 'can transform the Renfrewshire economy' Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan has said that a new strategic investment programme for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley' can transform the Renfrewshire economy' over the next decade.

Councillor Macmillan joined seven other local authority leaders and UK and Scottish Government Ministers for the formal signing of the City Deal programme.

The councils will share £1.13billion of infrastructure investment over the next decade with the UK and Scottish governments each providing £500m and the local authorities putting in between them a further £130m.

It is hoped the direct expenditure on City Deal will in turn attract over £3billion of private sector investment and growth.

15,000 construction jobs and 28,000 permanent jobs are expected to be created through the investment which will focus on major transport

and infrastructure projects, jobs and economic growth, and developing life sciences.

"Increasing employment and supporting economic growth are at the heart of the City Deal.

"This innovative programme has been brought together at local and national level to drive forward economic growth and put in place the conditions to sustain that increased competitiveness for decades to come.

"We are going to gain the benefits of fast-tracking investment to bring lasting benefits for our community and our economy.

"People in Renfrewshire will have the opportunity to take advantage of the tens of thousands of jobs that will be created.

"Renfrewshire is also at the forefront of some of the key investment priorities reflecting our importance to the regional and national economy.

"We will at long last see a rail link to Glasgow Airport. The proposed Glasgow

Export Documentation Did you know we certify 15,000 export documents a year for 70 clients?

Members receive a significant discount.

Contact Laura Connor at the Chamber for more info lconnor@renfrewshirechamber.com / 0141 847 5465

Signing the City Deal

Airport Investment Zone will fully exploit the business and investment potential of the airport. There will also be further development at Clyde Waterfront/ Renfrew Riverside along with a new bridge crossing between Renfrew and Yoker.

"Overall, the City Deal can help transform Renfrewshire's economic prospects."

Note: Renfrewshire Chamber will be involved in this process and communicate updates via our channels to the members

GBA takes on global logistics lead time challenge GBA Services are a dynamic, forward thinking, logistics company. Their core business ethos is provision of express transport, meeting time critical supply chain requirements to industry including automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical and retail.

Founded 1987 in Preston, the organisation has evolved to a 24/7 network of 8 UK offices and 3 European offices. GBA Scotland opened in Paisley in 2013.

GBA moves a wide range of goods from sensitive high value items to exhibition stands, and runs a fleet of 200 plus vehicles ranging from Sprinter vans to Refrigerated Artics.

The company is Transport Asset Protection Association (TAPA) approved to Level 2 - an accreditation only two other British companies have achieved.

As part of their growth plan they focus on providing added value services to customers, offering full multimodal logistical support solutions such as LoadTrak software, warehousing, pick and pack , air charter and sequencing service.

Lorraine Smith, Business Development Manager 0141 278 6080 Lorraine.Smith@gbaservices.com www.gbaservices.com

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

45

Making leather without costing the earth.

Scottish Leather Group Limited Locher House, Kilbarchan Road, Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, PA11 3RN Scotland T: +44 (0)1505 691725 enquiries@scottishleathergroup.co.uk

www.scottishleathergroup.com

Business Matters Autumn 2014

46

Exporting for growth – we’re here to help While many small and medium Scottish companies are flourishing in their home market, it’s no secret that exporting is the catalyst for real transformational growth. Earlier this year, Scottish Enterprise and the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce worked together to launch the Renfrewshire Export Partnership, demonstrating the international mindset of the Renfrewshire business community and the support available to boost economic growth from export activity.

It’s true that breaking into international markets is not without its challenges. It can be difficult to know where to start in the export journey, and, crucially, how to finance this. One of the main roles of the Scottish Investment Bank – the investment arm of Scottish Enterprise - is to guide companies through the process of raising finance for growth, and this includes raising finance for exporting. In

partnership with UK Export Finance, we help businesses get financially prepared for exporting, including guidance on insurance, foreign exchange risks and available financial support. We work closely with colleagues in Scottish Development International to help companies to export for the first time and to expand existing export activity into new markets.

Whether it be your local council, Business Gateway or Scottish Enterprise office, the support is there for companies who have a vision of what they want to achieve through exporting - and with the public sector agencies working together to achieve the same goal of helping more Scottish businesses grow internationally, there is no wrong door when it comes to seeking support.

For further information on the Scottish Investment Bank’s services, visit www. scottish-enterprise.com/sib

Kerry Sharp, Head of the Scottish Investment Bank, Scottish Enterprise

New UWS International Centre set to benefit local businesses University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has renewed its international focus with the recent launch of its new International Centre, which is set to result in significant partnership opportunities for businesses in Renfrewshire.

Internationalisation of the student experience is at the heart of the University’s new Corporate Strategy and UWS is keen to work with local and regional businesses to offer professional international experiences to its students.

These experiences could take a variety of forms, such as students undertaking work experience in overseas branches; students carrying out projects for a business overseas; or students working in Scotland but liaising with international branches to achieve agreed outcomes.

These experiences will provide invaluable work experience for students, whilst also increasing the promotion of Renfrewshire and its thriving business sector internationally.

This development will see local

organisations having access to talented, ambitious and energetic students who can make a valuable contribution to their business growth.

The International Centre will enable UWS to truly become an international university that advances diversity, promotes global citizenship and provides a springboard for all learners to contribute both locally and internationally.

The Centre underpins the University’s new Corporate Strategy’s ambitious goals and aspirations for the coming years, which includes offering all students the opportunity to undertake a period of outward mobility and for at least 80% of all students to undertake an academic, social or professional international experience by 2020.

Professor Jeanne Keay, UWS VicePrincipal & Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), said: “At UWS we pride ourselves on being a truly international university. With the launch of our new International Centre there is a wealth of opportunities for Renfrewshire

organisations to work in collaboration with UWS for the benefit of their businesses as well as for our students.

“The University Keay, UWS Vicehas aspirations Jeanne Principal & Pro Vice-Chancellor to attract (International) international students from across the world to study at UWS as well as internationalising the experience of all students. Our goal is to be recognised locally, nationally and internationally as being a key driver in the economic, social and cultural developments of the regions we serve across the West and South-West of Scotland.”

Anyone wanting to discuss international partnership working opportunities should contact Professor Jeanne Keay on 0141 848 3580.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Business Matters Autumn 2014

48

A truly global

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is a market leader in its field, with a wealth of expertise in air, sea and road freight as well as contract logistics, customs brokerage and eCommerce. We speak to Paul McGrattan, Air & Ocean Business Manager at the company, about what the business is delivering on a global scale:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When it comes to global logistical needs, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has it covered. With 443 branches operating in 157 countries, Hellmann is one of the largest privately owned and family run logistical global networks, offering a wide range of services such as airfreight, seafreight, sea-air, roadfreight, as well as eCommerce tools, with professional solutions for all areas

of electronic trade. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hellmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Airfreight offering provides a comprehensive service for airfreight solutions, including standardised products, charter of lessthan-container and full-container loads, door-to-door deliveries, transportation of hazardous goods, as well as special solutions for automotive, fashion, healthcare and food transportation.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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enterprise

Hellmann is one of the largest privately owned and family run logistical global networks...

Similarly, with over 5,000 trucks on four continents, Hellmann’s Roadfreight service also assures the highest quality of customer service: speed, efficiency and careful handling.

“Partnerships with all large shipping companies and an extensive global network, allows for reliable and timely transport solutions on all the world’s oceans. Full-container loads, less-than-container load or entire project consignments delivered portto-port or to their final destination, customs clearance, exact shipping documentation, and complete handling of import goods are part of the Hellmann Seafreight product range.

“Hellmann’s specific industry solutions for the Scottish marketplace include Healthcare Logistics, Automotive Logistics, Fashion Logistics and Perishable Logistics (Scottish seafood), which also incorporates Beverage Logistics (Scottish whisky).

“The family run company also places particular focus on renewable energy, recognising the importance of renewable sources, having created specialised logistics solutions for wind, solar and bio-energy. Customised services such as product testing, spare parts logistics and packaging solutions are all utilised to optimise supply chains at Hellmann UK.” To find out more about the range of services Hellmann UK offers, please visit http://www.hellmann.net/unitedkingdom.

Business Matters Autumn 2014

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Trading overseas A UK company is chargeable to Corporation Tax on its worldwide profits whether or not they are also taxable on the profits in another territory.

Although double tax relief should be available for any profits taxed overseas the administrative burden of complying with the tax regime in the overseas country must be considered as well as the possibility of your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profits being subject to a higher rate of tax than were they to be taxed solely in the UK. It is therefore important when trading overseas to understand what would give rise to a permanent establishment and therefore an overseas tax liability and determine whether it is necessary for your company.

A permanent establishment does not exist simply because a company has a building from which it trades in the overseas country. It can also arise in relation to decision making and where the contracts of the company are concluded and signed.

If you are going to trade overseas, it is important that you take tax advice to ensure you have the correct structure

Aileen Scott, Partner, Campbell Dallas

to minimise tax payable and the administrative burden. If you require further advice Campbell Dallas is part of an extensive overseas network of affiliated

INSPIRING BUSINESS PEOPLE Campbell Dallas is one of the most dynamic and progressive firms of independent Chartered Accountants in Scotland. Our clients come in all shapes and sizes and so do our disciplines. We tailor our services and shape them to fit your needs. Ultimately we are focussed on your peace of mind and helping you succeed.

Contact Phone Email

Aileen Scott 0141 886 6644 aileen.scott@campbelldallas.co.uk

www.campbelldallas.co.uk

firms and would be delighted to help.

Please contact Aileen Scott, Partner at Campbell Dallas, on 0141 886 6644 or aileen.scott@campbelldallas.co.uk.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

“The right development, for the right reason.”

• Qualifications & Modern Apprenticeships • Courses • Consulting Qualifications & Mentoring Muir Slicer are an IiP Gold accredited company that specialise in developing businesses and people. We offer courses and qualifications that develop and reinforce skills, knowledge, confidence and awareness.

Whether you are looking for an avenue of development to meet a specific business objective, or a Modern Apprenticeship or VQ to assist in developing a career, Muir Slicer are here to give you the highest quality of service – the quality you deserve.

www.muirslicer.com • 0141 889 1234

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AWARD WINNING BURNS EXPRESS

After 20 years on the road, we’re still leading the way.

To see how we’re driving ahead within the logistics industry, visit www.BurnsExpress.co.uk Burns Express Freight Ltd, Unit 4, 501 Blackbyres Road, Barrhead, Glasgow G78 1TN T: 0141 876 4777 F: 0141 876 4778 E: freight@burnsexpress.co.uk