Renfrewshire Chamber magazine - "Business Matters" Spring 2014

Business

Matters SPRING 2014 EDITION

HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

50

YEARS

1964 - 2014

Chamber celebrates 50 years in 2014 Inside: Themes: Regular features:

Paisley Town Centre Asset Strategy • B2B event returns to Paisley Construction & Property • Tourism & Leisure • 3rd Sector Chamber news • Schools & young people • Renfrewshire Council & Invest in Renfrewshire & lots more...

Business Matters Spring 2014

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President’s Welcome Welcome to the Spring edition of Business Matters, our 1st edition of 2014.

It’s been a long dreich winter – and I’m sure most of you, like me, are yearning for some sunshine and to be able to get out and about more without getting soaked.

The year has started positively at the Chamber with several new members joining our ranks and many events have already taken place including our 2nd Independence Debate which was hosted by STV’s John Mackay.

Over 100 attendees listened intently to the YES & the NO arguments put forward by Business for Scotland (YES) and Better Together (NO). We again were delighted that so many young people attended the debate. The Chamber has to remain neutral in this debate and plays its part by providing opportunities such as the debate for members to directly ask questions and make an informed choice.

Businesses have said since the referendum debate started that uncertainty from any source can impact their operations and that business plans best in a stable economic environment. The referendum is I feel creating some degree of uncertainty within the Business Community so whether Scotland chooses to vote YES or NO they need detailed information from both sides of the campaign on issues such as Taxation, Currency and European Union membership in order that they can plan for the future.

By the time you read this the Chamber will have held, in conjunction with our community planning partners – an event encouraging Renfrewshire businesses to export thereby helping the country’s economy. “ExpoRen2014” is a partnership approach designed to help companies grow and create more jobs through exporting. We plan to follow up this Event with more sector specific initiatives in the future.

Preparation for our annual Business Matters in Renfrewshire B2B event is in full flow and on May 15th the exhibition and seminar part of B2B takes place this year at the Lagoon – allowing us to have more space, free wifi and reduce costs. I encourage all businesses to support this event and use it as a vehicle to help promote and grow your business. Either by taking a stand or by attending the many

seminars and engaging with the other exhibitors. The 2nd day of the Event will be held at Paisley Town Hall on the 16th May and the morning event will as last year be hosted by Douglas Fraser from BBC Scotland. The Speakers as usual are of an extremely high calibre and I am sure you will be interested in what they have to say. They are: • Douglas Flint CBE, Chairman of HSBC • Johann Lamont MSP, Scottish Labour Leader • Jim McColl OBE, the eminent Scottish businessman • Fergus Ewing MSP – Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism

Many of you will know that 2014 is the 50th year of Renfrewshire Chamber and on June 25th we are being afforded a civic reception at Paisley Town Hall – this event will be a celebration of our 50 years as the Business Voice in Renfrewshire and will see the Chamber issue a special commemorative publication. The front cover of this edition is the centre piece of the Presidents Chain of Office.

I spent the day recently visiting our 2 charities of the year – Accord Hospice where I met CEO Helen Simpson.

Thereafter I visited Sailing for the Disabled (Sailability) at Castle Semple, Clyde Muirshiel, Lochwinnoch where I joined pupils from the Kersland School with senior instructor David Hill and colleagues on their training day for Race 2 The Games. I was impressed and humbled by both examples of the great work being done both by professionals and volunteers in the Renfrewshire community – they rely on support such as ours.

Your Chamber is and has been lobbying on your behalf for improvements to the transport infrastructure of our area. The Erskine Bridge survey, which was carried out and in addition to ourselves, has been used by the Leader of Renfrewshire Council and neighbouring Chambers to encourage more resources to be directed toward the completion of the bridge work – we trust that will happen and minimise the impact of the lengthy journey time. We are in the process of arranging an Event with the Transport Minister, Keith Brown to discuss the wider surface infrastructure in

particular the M8 around the Airport, St James, Hillington and indeed the approach to the Kingston Bridge. I was also intrigued to see the Minister announce that despite scrapping the Garl Project he is to give consideration to a new method of Light Rail connecting our Airport.

Our work with young people continues at a pace, too many 16-24 year olds are still without work – the Chamber ourselves have set an example by recruiting another graduate intern through the excellent Invest in Renfrewshire initiative. The quality of work that your Chamber does in this field has been recognised resulting in Bob Davidson your Chief Exec’ being invited by Sir Ian Wood to talk at the Commission Summit about the extensive work we and our colleagues at Renfrewshire Council are involved in this area. (Sir Ian is responsible for the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce) Finally on a personal note I was delighted to have been nominated and be shortlisted for the Institute of Directors (Scotland) Non-Exec Director of the Year award. My nomination focused on my Chamber work with the local business community, young people and Town Centres. Whether I win or not, it’s an honour personally and for the Chamber to be shortlisted.

Tom Johnston, President Renfrewshire Chamber

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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A Warm Welcome from our Chief Executive At the time of writing it’s the best day of the year so far, let’s hope it continues.

As always the Chamber has been very busy since our last pre-Christmas edition: After a successful AGM and Christmas lunch the team returned after a well-earned festive break. Our New Year member offer attracted a number of companies as you can see from our new member page. As announced in the last edition Linda our mentoring exec retired at the end of Jan and our new exec Mark Brown started in Feb. So if you’re interested in getting a free business mentor – Mark is the person to contact.

By the time you read this we will have held a large high profile event

encouraging Renfrewshire businesses to export – Expo/Ren2014 was brought together by local community partners in particular the Chamber, Scottish Enterprise and Invest in Renfrewshire – following a call from the Jobs & Economy Board for new ways to help grow local companies and create jobs.

The flyer for the event is printed in this edition.

The local area finals of the Young Enterprise Company Programme will have been held on the 20/3 at UWS Paisley – this programme is designed to encourage S5/S6 to unleash their inner entrepreneur and supported by volunteers including the Chamber from across Renfrewshire, East Ren & Inverclyde. More info on the finals in the next issue, for now an advert on the programme is included in this edition Congrats to your President Tom Johnston for reaching the finals of the IoD Scotland Non-Exec Director of the

Year – the winner is announced at the end of March.

Our B2B event returns in May. As the largest business event in Renfrewshire, held over 2 days we have a bigger venue for exhibitors and seminars on the 15th May at the Lagoon. And for the 2nd day 16th May at Paisley Town Hall – all 4 speakers are confirmed. See the full page in this edition for more info.

The Chamber continues to do its bit for young people – helping schools engage with the local business community – and ourselves starting another graduate intern, made possible with support from Invest in Renfrewshire.

I’m looking forward to addressing the Scottish Government summit of the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce chaired by Sir Ian Wood at the end of March in Edinburgh.

Finally for our 50th celebration, if you are or know a past President, Director or Chief Exec of the Chamber please ask them to get in touch re this event planned for the 25th June – thank you.

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 Summer 2014 Deadline for editorial and adverts is 2nd June, issued end of June 2014 Themes are: Education & training; business support & finance; manufacturing & engineering

PREMIER PARTNER

Advertising & Editorial:

Business Matters Spring 2014

Print and Design by:

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

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Business Matters Spring 2014

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THE CLYDE GROUP DROP ANCHOR AT NEW HOME

Left to right: • Gordon Christie, The Clyde Group Non-Executive Chairman • Kathy McBride - Managing Director, Topstaff Employment & Clyde Healthcare • Colin McMurray – Managing Director, Clyde Marine Training / Clyde Safety / Clyde Uniforms • Andy Wray – Finance Director of The Clyde Group • Joyce Downie, Managing Director of The Clyde Group • George Thomas – Deputy Managing Director of The Clyde Group • Fergus Ewing MSP - Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism • Brian Potter - Managing Director, Clyde Travel Management / Alba Travel

The Clyde Group, one of the real success stories of the Glasgow and Scottish economy in recent times, was delighted to officially open its new premises Seaforth House at Hillington Park Glasgow, with the honours being carried out by the Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP. The Group provides total support services for the marine industry in all areas relating to the ‘people’ side of shipping, including the recruitment of shore-based personnel, training, travel management, medical services and uniforms, The Clyde Group is often better known for its established subsidiaries such as Clyde Marine Training, who manage the process of selecting and training 50% of the annual intake of UK Merchant Navy Officer Trainees, and Clyde Travel Management, officially recognised as one of Scotland and the UK’s leading business travel agents.

Other companies within the Group include Topstaff Employment, market leaders in the supply of staff for the commercial, transport and hospitality industry, whilst Clyde Healthcare provides care at home on behalf of local authorities and in addition provides drug and alcohol testing services to both the marine and

Joyce Downie, Sean Maitland & Fergus Ewing MSP

Fergus Ewing MSP unveiling plaque

industrial sectors.

With its headquarters in Glasgow and locations across Scotland and England, the award winning Clyde Group believes moving to Hillington Park will aid its continued growth, and allow the business to expand its services even further.

Joyce Downie, Managing Director, The Clyde Group, said: “This move has been necessitated by the rapid growth of the Group and its associated companies since the management buy-out in 2008. This relocation will provide not only for our present but our continued expansion. Having now completed phase one of our growth strategy, we are soon to embark on phase two, details of which we look forward to announcing in the near future."

Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Fergus Ewing said: "The Clyde Group and its associated companies

have reported a year on year growth in turnover and profits since 2008 which I think we can agree is remarkable in these challenging economic times. These types of figures and this magnificent new building are a shining example of what a Scottish company can achieve through hard work, diversification and the creation of brands that are instantly recognisable within their individual industry sectors. I look forward to seeing continued success from the group’s ambitious growth plans."

The opening was also an opportunity for The Clyde Group to showcase its new premises to existing customers and suppliers, and also in attendance at the opening was Glasgow Warrior and Scotland rugby internationalist Sean Maitland as part of Clyde Travel Management’s relationship as Official Travel Partners of the Warriors.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Lighting the Way Sean Skelly has joined local company Solas LED Ltd through the Invest in Renfrewshire graduate intern programme. He is creating and implementing an online based marketing strategy to drive home the message to public and private sector organisations that LED lighting can save substantial sums of money and enhance low carbon/ green credentials.

Sean is a recent graduate from the University of the West of Scotland where he studied International marketing - a perfect match for Solas LED who are partnered with global LED lighting leader Advanced Optronic Devices (AOD). We are confident that LED is the lighting of the future and Scotland is starting to see the numerous benefits the technology can offer with Glasgow looking to install several thousand streetlights. We are very grateful for the exceptional support given by Renfrewshire council and are proud to be implementing the living wage.

Left to right: Ian Conway, Sean Skelly and Alistair McNeill

The Challenge of Business It's tough out there at the moment and many businesses are struggling.

There is no "one size fits all" solution for distressed businesses. Every business faces different challenges and has different opportunities. Being able to identify the challenges and opportunities facing your own business can be the first step to recovery.

Often cashflow is the biggest issue facing a business. Improving cashflow can be achieved in a number of ways, e.g. better credit control, external cashflow finance and a more stringent approach to contracting and record keeping.

It may be that reducing outgoings is the way forward – this might typically involve employment restructuring, negotiations with landlords or agreements with trade creditors and HMRC. Sometimes a distressed business needs a more wholesale balance sheet adjustment. Again there was a number of tools available including debt/equity fundraising or a company voluntary arrangement (CVA).

It may be that a mix of some, or all, of the above is needed simultaneously.

Contrary to the view that laywers can be expensive, engaging a recovery specialist before things take a turn for the worse, will prove a very worthwhile investment for your firm.

MacRoberts offer a wide range of legal services to assist distressed businesses including:• debt/equity fundraising; • CVAs; ....can we spell this out to a lay-reader, most won't know what this means • employment restructuring/redundancy advice; • advice to directors and guarantors; • debt recovery; and • (if all else fails) advice on formal insolvencies and pre-packs.

We also have a wide range of business contacts and are able to make introductions and connections that could benefit you and your business.

For a free informal discussion on how we can help improve your business, please contact Alan Meek on 0141 303 1100.

Alan Meek

Business Matters Spring 2014

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IRW Providing IT Solutions for a Modern Workforce Organisations across all industries are increasingly looking for robust and powerful applications that are tailored to mobile devices and can provide their people with anywhere anytime access to enterprise information.

To give the mobile workforce access to mission critical information at their fingertips, IRW Systems, based in Paisley, has developed a wide range of leadingedge mobile capabilities.

By giving organisations a huge choice of out-of-the-box mobile applications, as well as the option of leveraging IRW’s own IRIS Mobile platform to develop their own mobile applications, IRW is empowering the mobile workforce for organisations across the world.

Celebrating 20 years in business this year, IRW, one of Scotland’s leading independent software design, development and support consultancies, has partnered with the industry leader in brand marketing, McCurrach, on all aspects of IT and software design since 1999.

McCurrach work with some of the largest

financial services, grocery and technology companies in the world, specialising in outsource sales forces; active planning, compliance reporting, positioning and promoting client products.

IRW created IRIS, a leading business intelligence tablet application, to extract data from client requirements and improve reporting.

IRIS provides near-to-real time reporting, allowing documents to be captured, managed, stored and distributed throughout an organisation. This design is easily modified to support new and emerging mobile and tablet devices.

A mobile workforce has many requirements and innovative systems are needed to provide mobile workers with data access. IRIS has increased McCurrach mobile bandwidth and connectivity, as it is used by over 600 field users daily.

IRW believes companies need to concentrate on developing strategies that identify which data is useful, both internally and externally. The concept is Big Data, but the overall aim is to improve

organisations return on investment while building efficiency and user engagement.

In March, Microsoft singled out IRW’s innovative tablet solution as their Partner Solution of the Month, which featured internally throughout the organisation.

‘IRW’s solution for McCurrach is an exemplar of mobile field force automation solution, to improve reporting, save time and provide new insights to give McCurrach a competitive advantage. On behalf of Microsoft UK, we thank IRW for their innovation and partnership’ Peter Ferry, Commercial Customer and Partner Lead Microsoft UK. IRW continues to provide technical support for this tablet solution with hands on training to McCurrach staff.

Throughout the UK and Ireland, IRW attends events and deliver presentations on IRIS. Continuing their work in this field, IRW are set to release MODAS later in 2014.

This pioneer in the art of mobile data capture can bring businesses to life with real-time reporting software.

If you want to get ahead - get a coach!

What do Andy Murray, Usain Bolt, Hilary Clinton, Alex Salmond and Oprah Winfrey have in common? They all work with coaches to perform the best they can and achieve the success they want in their chosen fields.

And this works in business too: Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Eric Schmidt (Google CEO), are just a few of those who recommend that every business owner/leader should have a coach.

Evelyn Laurie of redmarketing+ is putting her 20 years’ experience in marketing consultancy, and professional training as a business coach, into a new, cost-effective programme, The Marketing Coach, aimed at assisting business owners and managers to achieve business success – with less struggle!

Says Evelyn: “I’ve found that success means different things to different business owners and at different stages in the evolution of their business: the start-up business owner might view success as securing their first half dozen customers,

the longer established owner might want to restructure their business to have more free time, while others might want to explore different markets or achieve more recognition for their work.

We all want our businesses to be profitable though and marketing is a crucial element in that.

I’ve designed the Marketing Coach programme to be affordable to small businesses, tailored to clarifying and achieving their particular goals and appropriate to their resources – time, staff, money.”

The programme requires a minimum two-month commitment. In the first month, goals are defined and a detailed plan prepared on which coaching is based on subsequent months. Grants e.g. from Skills Development Scotland, may be available to help offset the cost.

But a note of caution from Evelyn: “This programme is all about making changes in your business. After all, if you keep doing what you always did,

Evelyn Laurie

you’ll keep getting what you always got.

If you’re happy with that, that’s fine.

If you want better results and more success from your marketing activities, and are prepared to take some action, talk to me!” www.redmarketing.net

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Fast-tracking into Renewables Clydebank Campus 0141 951 7555 Greenock Campus 01475 553 044 Paisley Campus 0141 581 2121

West College Scotland has launched a series of new training programmes designed to fast-track people into the rapidly expanding Renewables sector.

The programmes support the results of a survey by Scottish Renewables which found more than half of companies working in the renewable energy sector in Scotland are looking to hire staff this year (source: Scottish Renewables survey January 2014). It also identified a number of skills gaps in the industry, including a lack of qualified engineers and technicians.

Courses include BPEC Solar PV with Renewable Energy Awareness, Domestic Energy Assessor with IOSH Working Safely and BPEC Green Deal Advisor with Awareness of Environment Technologies.

Colette O’Donnell is studying for her Domestic Energy Assessor and Green Deal Adviser qualifications at the College’s Paisley Campus.

She recently decided to start up her own business in the renewables industry and has spent a lot of time researching the industry and identifying qualifications needed to get her business up and running.

Colette is extremely positive about her training; “I’m having a great time on the course. I’d researched various training providers for the Green Deal Advisers course and was told about these funded courses by an adviser at Skills Development Scotland. The tutors at the College are experts in renewable energies and our time in class has been balanced with time out in the field assessing properties, giving us experience of what

it will be like carrying out a real assessment. I can’t wait to put everything I’ve learned into practice”.

Andrew Fogarty, Head of Energy and Engineering at the College said: “These courses are ideal for individuals and employees who are looking to up-skill or make their existing skills transferrable to the energy sector. People who may be interested include those who are underemployed, employees on notice of redundancy and recent graduates. Given the low percentage of female workers in the industry, we are delighted to have signed up Colette and hope to attract more female candidates in future.”

If you’re an employer in the Renewables sector, or an individual looking to upskill or retrain in Renewable Energies please contact Tami Mawhinney on 0141 581 2237 or email tami.mawhinney@ wcs.ac.uk Details of all our Renewable Energy courses can be found at www. westcollegescotland.ac.uk.

t

0300 600 6060

w www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

Colette O’Donnell

“ I’d like to update my professional qualifications ” West College Scotland offers a range of professional training and development courses to help you update your skills.

THE ROYAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

INSTITUTE OF SCOTLAND

First Aid

Clydebank Campus 0141 951 7555 Greenock Campus 01475 553 044 Paisley Campus 0141 581 2121

t

0300 600 6060

w www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

Business Matters Spring 2014

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HRH The Princess Royal Officially Opens Bray’s European Headquarters George Crooks (MD Europe) welcomes The Princess Royal and Lord Lieutenant Guy Clark

Apprentice, Jourdon Templeton, demonstrates the bench assembly to The Princess Royal

Bray Controls (UK) Ltd, the manufacturer of valves for the global flow control market, welcomed HRH The Princess Royal today (Wed 19 Feb 2014) to officially open the recently completed £2.2 million expansion at its European headquarters in Inchinnan, Scotland.

During her tour of the new facility, the Princess met the 70-plus workforce who are fundamental to the success of Bray Controls, including staff who have been with the company since it opened in Scotland in 1990 and new apprentices learning their trade at the Inchinnan plant. Craig Brown, Chairman and CEO of Bray International Inc, flew in from the Corporate Headquarters in Houston, Texas, especially for the Royal occasion.

George Crooks, Managing Director of Bray Controls in Europe, who accompanied the Princess during her visit, said: “We are honoured that The Princess Royal has officially opened our expanded facility, and met the people who have helped make it all possible.

We boast a very loyal team of highly experienced employees, some of whom

have stayed on past retirement, and continue to offer their key skills - along with a management team all appointed through internal promotion. We are very proud of them all.

“At Inchinnan, we have created a larger, more modern working environment for our team that befits a European headquarters, with improved customer communications, increased inventory holdings and test capabilities.

This comes at a time when our business is enjoying rapid growth, as we introduce new products and expand into new territories. The visit by The Princess Royal represents recognition of these achievements for our entire workforce.”

The Princess Royal was shown demonstrations on the test rig, which guarantees customers packaged solutions that are fully factory set and tested ready for installation, and the most recent plant investment, the vertical lifting module, which saves time and space and affords complete stock management.

A division of the family owned Texas-based Bray International Inc, the Inchinnan facility has increased

Ben Scott & Lucy Rae present flowers to The Princess Royal

Paul Tanner, UK Sales Manager of Bray Controls with HRH The Princess Royal

from 27,000 sq ft to 37,000 sq ft, with the potential for a further 10,000 sq ft to be added to the site in the future.

Employees in France, Germany, Holland, Poland, Russia and Dubai, all report into the Scottish-based European headquarters.

Success can be attributed to a strategy of targeting specific growing economies and expanding into new markets in the Middle East and Africa. The introduction of new products to an already fully integrated and comprehensive catalogue of valves, actuators and accessories, has also helped place Bray Controls at the forefront of the global butterfly valve and flow control market.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Adele Logan Life & Health Coach Adele Logan, Life & Health Coach has been based in the centre of Paisley since 2006 and is passionate about empowering clients to make healthier lifestyle choices. With more than 20 years’ experience Adele specialises in helping clients maximise their health and well-being using a variety of different healing modalities tailored to her client’s needs.

This might include Life Coaching, Hypnotherapy, Acupuncture, NeuroLinguistic Programming, Emotional Freedom Techniques, Foods for Life, Massage, Reflexology and/or other energy based medicine. Adele’s clients range from those needing help with stress and anxiety management, addictions, pain, fears and phobias, losing weight, stopping smoking to those who’d like to build their confidence and self-esteem and increase their energy levels.

Adele also works with clients on an individual or group basis within the public and private sectors including corporate, voluntary and community organisations. In recent years, Adele also spent some time working in Europe as the resident hypnotherapist/ psychotherapist in one of Europe’s most successful 5 Star boot Camps.

Currently, the business is expanding to provide a service to local businesses who may wish to refer their employees for a more holistic approach to resolving ongoing health problems.

Adele offers a free initial 30 minute consultation to enable you to decide the best way forward for you. Contact Adele if you would like to arrange a free consultation or for more information.

Website: www.adelelogan.com E-mail: adele@adelelogan.com Call: 07757 020592.

Adele Logan

There’s only one formula for success…

With innovation recognised as a key driver of economic growth, we at the University of the West of Scotland are committed to building strong mutually beneficial partnerships with industry and organisations giving you access to our academic expertise, students and state of the art facilities across our four campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley.

We have an impressive track record of working collaboratively on student projects and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with large companies like Scottish Leather Group and small to medium sized enterprises such as Wallace Cameron. Whether your company is large or small, public, private or third sector we’ll work with you to get you where you want to be.

COLLABORATE: Joint projects bring all the skills and resources needed for success into the right place at the right time. We offer flexible student placements, projects and work experience which can inject fresh thinking into your organisation.

BRING THE IDEAS OF TOMORROW INTO YOUR COMPANY TODAY… Our students and alumni are well rounded; commercially aware individuals who rise to the challenge and continue to grow throughout their professional careers - why not let them grow with you?

We also have an extensive range of state-of-the-art analytical equipment and facilities which are primarily used to support university-based research but are also available for business to hire.

TRAIN TO GAIN: We offer bespoke courses and CPD tailored to meet your specific management, technical and professional requirements. Our courses range from ½ day intensives to 12 week programmes and can be delivered onsite, at any of our four campuses or via distance learning.

MONEY TALK: Where there’s funding available we’ll find it so the cost to you is as keen as it can be. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Innovation Voucher Scheme makes £5,000 available for funded feasibility studies which support Scottish SMEs. Follow-on Vouchers worth up to £20,000 are available and are specifically intended to encourage existing partnerships that have previously collaborated and jointly received funding under the SFC Innovation Voucher Scheme.

CONTACT US: To put your company in pole position contact our Business Development Team who are on-hand with practical advice for companies looking to collaborate with the University.

Call us on 0141 848 3400, follow us @UWSKnowHow or come in and meet us at our Paisley Campus!

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND IS A REGISTERED SCOTTISH CHARITY. CHARITY NUMBER SC002520.

Business Matters Spring 2014

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You Might Not Need An App For That Paul Elliot, Designer NSDesign A few times recently we’ve been approached by potential clients and the first words out their mouth have been, ‘I want you to design an app for me’.

I respond as I do with anyone who talks to us about any type of work: I get them to explain a

little more about why they want this app and what they expect it to do.

Frequently, on further discussion, it emerges the client actually wants their website to display correctly on mobile devices.

The good news, and it’s

always nice to see the smile on their face when I tell them this, is that they don’t always need an app in order to achieve this goal.

Instead, they require a website built with ‘Responsive Design’.

That sounds a lot less exciting than ‘an app’ but it’s far more appropriate, often cheaper, and when I show them what it means in practice it makes a lot more sense.

Have a look at www. travelthelinks.com and www. boydfurnituredesigns.co.uk which we built recently.

Look at them on a laptop or desktop, then a tablet such as an iPad and finally a mobile phone.

You’ll see that on each device, the websites recognise the size of screen you’re viewing it on, and responds accordingly, adjusting its layout to give you

Paul Elliot

the best user experience.

Nothing is lost, the rich images and full text are available no matter what size of screen you use. There’s no clunky buttons or icons, no need to pinch and zoom to read the text, and in short, no compromise.

With reports suggesting almost a third of all internet use is now mobile, we at NSDesign believe every website should be built this way.

You should make it as easy as possible for visitors to read your content and work their way around your site.

A site that intuitively responds to the screen size of the device they are using is a must.

Get in touch today if you’d like to discuss how we can make your website fit for purpose in the mobile age.

Twitter: @nsdesign Phone: 0141 585 6390

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Happy Birthday PCR Most businesses have an interesting tale of how and when they started.

For Nick Cohen and PCR Business that story starts back in March 2004 when a 13 year old Nick started fixing computers in his bedroom. This ‘professional hobby’ continued for almost three years and Nick was working evenings, weekends and school holidays to manage the PC repairs he was doing for the growing bank of clients.

It wasn’t until 2007 that Nick decided to break into the business market, initially offering businesses a retained support service for a loyal client base that was growing through word-of-mouth. In 2009 Nick took the bold step and left university after his first year to pursue a full time career in business – he has never looked back. PCR has continued to grow and, now

in its 10th year, works as an outsourced Technology department supporting almost 800 users across the Central Belt of Scotland. The strength of the business is in its employees and strategic partnerships with the likes of telecoms networks and cloud hosts. The team at PCR is made up of six including Nick.

The next decade will see the regional expansion of PCR. Whilst the main percentage of work is carried out by the remote team in Glasgow, there is the need for provide a more local presence.

Later this year, Edinburgh will be officially added to the map with other Scottish cities following shortly after. Here’s to another 10 years of PCR! If you would like to get in contact with team, please visit www.pcrbusiness.co.uk or call 0141 644 8960.

Employment Allowance From the 6 April 2014 you can get the Employment Allowance which could reduce your employer’s Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (NICs) by up to £2,000 every year.

Who is eligible?

Almost every employer who is a business or charity (including a Community Amateur Sports Club) that pays employer Class 1 NICs on their employee’s or director’s earnings will be eligible.

How do I apply?

If you’re eligible all you need to do is claim it using your 14-15 payroll software. This will depend on your package, but will most likely be a box you have to tick.

Up to 1.25 million businesses and charities will benefit from the Employment Allowance and around 450,000 will not have to pay any Class 1 NICs at all in 2014-15.

To check your eligibility and get further information about the Employment Allowance go to www.gov.uk/employment-allowance.

Business Matters Spring 2014

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Erskine Bridge In the last quarter of 2013 your Chamber conducted a survey to capture the impact of the Erskine Bridge works. A summary of the results are shown above. Several local MPs, MSPs and councillors used this info to lobby for additional resources to be directed towards the works due

to the impact at rush hour.

Neighbouring Chambers also used the data to lobby in their area – showing the strength in the network. We have heard that the info was well received and that the Scottish Government / Transport Scotland are considering investing more resources to allow the works to

be completed ahead of schedule. The Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP has been invited to a private members meeting to discuss the transport infrastructure across Renfrewshire.

(At time of writing north bound restrictions have been removed.)

Renfrewshire Chamber President announced as IoD Awards Finalist Tom Johnston, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce President has been announced as an official finalist for the prestigious IoD (Institute of Directors) Scotland awards. Tom has progressed through the shortlisting procedure over the last couple of months and named as a finalist with 3 other individuals in the Non-Executive Director category; Graeme Coutts - Non-Exec Director, Peter Lederer CBE - Chair of The Saltire Foundation & Zoe van Zwanenberg Chair of Scottish Ballet Tom's nomination focused on a number of areas including: • His work for the local business community • Supporting young people • Paisley Town Centre

Tom has been involved with Renfrewshire Chamber for a number

of years. Brought up in Inchinnan, he attended the John Neilson Institution and was a student at Paisley College of Technology studying their surveying degree (Land Economics). Tom is Head of Retail (Scotland) for global property firm, Colliers International.

Commenting on being shortlisted Tom said "it's an honour to be put forward, let alone reach the final. I'm passionate about what I do and want the Renfrewshire business community and its young people to have a strong future."

Three Renfrewshire Chamber member companies also have senior individuals shortlisted for awards:

• Joyce McKellar - Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd • Sara Speirs, MD of Spectrum Service Solutions Ltd • Paul Moore CEO of Quarriers

The IoD Scotland finals ceremony

takes place on the 27th March at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Renfrewshire Chamber supporting local charities & good causes

Tom Johnston Chamber President presenting cheque to David Hill, Senior Instructor with Kersland School pupils

Chamber President Tom Johnston recently took time out to visit the Chambers two charities of the year supported from the funds raised at its annual business awards the ROCCOs. Tom presented Accord Hospice chief exec’ Helen Simpson with a cheque for £3,000 and commented “We have supported both of the hospices in Renfrewshire – they provide a vital service in a professional, caring and sensitive manner - and they rely on donations such as this”.

Tom then visited Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch, part of Clyde Muirshiel Park where Kersland School were attending a day on the water. Tom presented David Hill, Senior Instructor with their £3,000 cheque. David has developed Castle Semple into a RYA

Sailability Centre of Excellence and to celebrate the Commonwealth Games has organised a “Race 2 the Games”, where children and young adults will race up the Clyde in specially adapted boats in early July. Tom commented “the facilities at Castle Semple are world class – and I’ve seen at 1st hand what the children get from the experience. Bob Grant, deputy chief exec at the Chamber, is a keen sailor and brought the great work happening at Lochwinnoch to my attention – so we were delighted to be able to support them”.

The funds raised from the ROCCO awards over the last 10 years have raised in excess of £70,000 for charities and good causes that are either based in Renfrewshire and/or deliver services across the county. In addition to funds

Accord Hospice Chief Exec Helen Simpson & Tom Johnston Chamber President

raised at the ROCCOs – the Chamber continues to raise funds throughout the year, from its Christmas Lunch in December and its annual golf day in June – which this year will be held at Paisley Golf Club.

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Business Mentoring Scotland - take advantage of this fantastic free service!

Need help growing your business, developing your leadership skills, assistance with producing a marketing or strategic plan, or just need some general guidance and expertise? Then BMS is here to help you.

Business Mentoring Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Chamber of Commerce and supported by European Regional Development Fund.

Renfrewshire Chamber of commerce delivers the mentoring programme across Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire: Inverclyde: Clydebank: Dunbartonshire and Helensburgh.

It is a FREE service.

Entry criteria for any of the programmes are a minimum £100k turnover per annum or with plans to achieve this within 3 years and been established for at least 1 year.

We offer 3 streams of Mentoring: • 121 - for either £100K growth plan or £400k growth plan.

• Group ( up to 10 people from different companies requiring support on specific

issues) • Take 3 ( working with 3 senior people within the business) Being part of this excellent programme allows businesses the opportunity to tap into the skills of experienced business mentors from a variety of Mark Brown sectors from starts ups, growing a business or being part of a large corporation. We now have around 700 mentors on our database all of whom have signed up to offer their support on a voluntary basis.

Following the retirement of Linda Perry at the end of Jan 2014, Mark Brown is our new Business Mentoring Executive for the Renfrewshire Chamber - Mark lives in Houston, and has an extensive retail management background with Marks &

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

Spencer, House of Bruar (Perthshire) and Tesco.

He has also been involved in the Chambers’ Business Mentor programme for the past year assisting 4 local businesses on a 121 and group basis with a number of challenges.

Interested? Mark can be contacted on 0141 847 5458 / M: 07525 323500 or email mbrown@renfrewshirechamber.com

Certificate of Work Readiness Your Chamber via a Scottish Chambers contract on behalf of Skills Development Scotland was tasked with finding 23 positions for young unemployed people via the Certificate of Work Readiness (CWR).

The CWR involves local businesses taking on a young person for 8-9 weeks giving them valuable work experience and for 1 day a week they attend college / accredited training sessions.

At the end of the 9 weeks successful candidates have proved they are willing and able to work and earned a SQA recognised qualification. We have successfully matched all the 23 places with chamber members ahead of schedule - thank you to all concerned for your support.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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B2B 2014 - Business Matters in Renfrewshire - your local B2B event

Day 1 - 15th May Exhibition & Seminars - The Lagoon, Paisley 10am-4pm Day 2 - 16th May Conference - Paisley Town Hall 9.30am - 12.30pm Business Matters in Renfrewshire returns for the 4th consecutive year. As the main event of this type in Renfrewshire the exhibitor and seminar part has moved to the Lagoon in Paisley offering more space & free wifi.

Thu 15th May - Exhibitors & Seminars in The Lagoon, Paisley from 10am - 4pm • Space this year for 60+ exhibitors (normally 36 at Paisley Town Hall) • Each exhibitor will have one 6ft table and 2 chairs (exhibitors then need to bring own marketing material / table cover / pop-ups etc..)

• Places with power limited to around the perimeter • 6 seminars will take place in the seminar area from 10.30am concluding at 4pm • The event will be open from 10am - 4pm to visitors / 9am to 4.30pm for exhibitors • The hall has free wifi O2 (requires registration) • Parking costs are re-imbursed at Lagoon reception - full day ticket is £5 - please bring change (reimbursed at end of day) • All exhibitors will receive tokens for a free coffee / drink and lunch / bottles of water on table on arrival 6 seminars will run consecutively covering the following topics / given by: • Social media from NSDesign • Branding from Designline Creative • Sales / Selling from Sandler Training • Leadership / strategy from UWS • Invest in Renfrewshire update • IRW Systems - Technology • Numbers expected across day 1, 300+ Day 1 is open to all businesses, organisations, students & pupils etc… (non-members welcomed) • Members cost, price reduced to £150+vat (was £250+vat in 2013) • Non-member cost £250+vat • To book a space please email bdavidson@renfrewshirechamber.com

Fri 16th May - Conference, Paisley Town Hall 9.30am - 12.30pm The following day we have our 2nd part of B2B 2014 Business Matters in Renfrewshire our conference at Paisley Town Hall 9.30am 1pm This is a free members only event (open to local businesses, organisations, MPs, MSPs, councillors, students, pupils and teaching staff) - and is hosted by BBC Scotland Business & Economy Editor Douglas Fraser.

Speakers (all confirmed):

Douglas Flint CBE, Chairman of HSBC

Johann Lamont MSP, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party

Jim McColl OBE

Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Energy, Enterprise & Tourism

1st speaker on at 10am, open from 9.30 for coffee & networking. To register please email bdavidson@renfrewshirechamber.com Number expected 200+

Business Matters Spring 2014

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Chamber Pictures 1.

2.

Up and Coming Events See our events section on our website www.renfrewshirechamber.com 0141 847 5450 • events@renfrewshirechamber.com March Networking Lunch 27th March with our 2 ROCCO charities - Accord Hospice & Sailability April 2014 Networking Lunch 24th April – with UWS Principal & Vice Chancellor Professor Craig Mahoney

4.

B2B 2014 Business Matters in Renfrewshire Thursday 15th & 16th May

3.

5.

May 2014 Networking Lunch 29th May with West College Scotland Principal and Chief Executive Audrey Cumberford

Renfrewshire Chamber Golf Competition 2014 Paisley GC 20th June

Chamber 50th Celebration Event 25th June Paisley Town Hall

8.

1964 - 2014

June Networking Lunch 26th June with MD of Peak Scientific Robin MacGeachy

6.

7.

50

YEARS

From top left to right: 1. Burns lunch - Russell Campbell (piper), Martin Cassisdy (speaker) 2. Feb lunch - Colin Kelly NSDesign 2. Speed Networking 4. Independence Debate – Ivan McKee (Business for Scotland), John Mackay (STV), Phil Anderton (Better Together) 5. Burns lunch – Paige Campbell (fiddler) & Ainsley Hamill (singer) 6. Linda Perry with Bob Davidson CEO 7. The Malcolms gents – John Boal, John Merlose & Charles Stewart 8. Tommy McGrory with Loud’n’Proud

ROCCO 2014 Friday 14th November, The Normandy Remember our networking lunches are always the last Thursday of every month 12-2 held across Renfrewshire venues facebook.com/renfrewshirechamberofcommerce Follow the chamber:

twitter.com/renfrewshirecoc

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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

Adele Logan Hypnotherapy, Acupuncture Adele Logan 07757 020592 adele.22@hotmail.co.uk www.adelelogan.com

Dixons Retail - Currys Braehead Electrical Retailers Felix Rocks 0141 435 5482 felix.rocks@dixonsretail.com www.dixonsretail.com

Anchor Mill Consultancy Ltd Business Consultancy & Career coaching Roger McGeachin 07895 033 638 roger@anchormill-consultancy.com www.anchormill-consultancy.com

FG Burnett Commercial Property Consultants Jacqueline Speirs 0141 285 7980 js@fgburnett.co.uk www.fgburnett.co.uk

APS Safety Systems Ltd Safety Systems Scott Robertson 0141 880 6688 info@apssafetysystems.com www.apssafetysystems.com Aves Business Centre meeting / training rooms Lizzy Todd 01475 603300 lizzy@tweetiepiemedia.com www.avesbusinesscentre.co.uk Clyde Healthcare Ltd Health Services Linda McAlorum 0141 427 7233 lmcalorum@clydehealthcare.com www.clydehealthcare.com

Glasgow Audi Car Dealership Paul Harkins 0141 565 6300 paul.harkins@glasgowaudi.com www.glasgowaudi.com Glenvale Joinery Ltd Construction Maintenance Calder Percival 0141 840 1225 info@glenvalejoinery.com www.glenvalejoinery.com Gordon Saunders Photography Photograpy & Video Gordon Saunders 07812 576430 gordon@gordonsaundersphotography. co.uk www.gordonsaundersphotography. co.uk

Clyde Marine Training Ltd Provision of Safety Courses Provision of Uniforms Kathy Malaney 0141 427 6655 kmalaney@clydemarine.com www.clydemarinetraining.com

Just Trading Scotland Fair Trade Foods Liam McLaughlin 0141 887 2882 info@jts.co.uk www.jts.co.uk

Clyde Safety Ltd Health & Safety Training Matt Horton 0141 427 6655 mhorton@clydesafety.com www.clydesafety.com

Pacific Care Ltd Healthcare Liz Donaghy 01505 335 042 liz@pacificcare.co.uk www.pacificcare.co.uk

Clyde Travel Management Ltd Business Travel Paul Cronje 0141 427 9410 pcronje@clydetravel.com www.clydetravel.com

Quarriers Social Care Charity Bethany Coleman 01505 616 160 Bethany.Coleman@quarriers.org.uk www.quarriers.org.uk

Santander Corporate & Commercial Bank Financial Services Geoff O’Brien 0141 275 7602 geoff.obrien@santander.co.uk www.santander.co.uk Saporito Coffee Ltd Coffee Shop Craig Bickett 0141 887 3870 craigbickett@outlook.com https://www.facebook.com/ saporitopaisley Solas LED Ltd Energy Consultancy/Led Lighting Alistair McNeill 0141 611 9588 alistair@solasled.co.uk www.solasled.co.uk Stewart IFA Ltd Financial Services Elaine Currie 07932 585663 elaine@stewartifa.co.uk www.stewartifa.co.uk TopStaff Employment Ltd Recruitment Company Kathy McBride 0141 427 7070 kmcbride@topstaffemployment.com www.topstaffemployment.com Walton Healthcare Property Consultants Ltd Chartered surveyors Gary Walton 0141 333 6564 gary.walton@waltonhpc.com www.waltonhpc.com West Of Scotland Removals Removals & Storage Will Mylet 0141 561 2086 will@wosr.co www.wosr.co

Business Matters Spring 2014

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Independence Debate II

Left to right: Ivan McKee (Business for Scotland), John Mackay (STV), Phil Anderton (Better Together)

50

YEARS

1964 - 2014

Renfrewshire Chamber recently held its 2nd debate on Independence.

Following a cross party debate this time last year, the 1st Independence debate in the Chamber network, the format this time was from the business perspective of the “Yes” and “No” vote.

The speakers were Ivan McKee, a Board Director of Business for Scotland and Phil Anderton, a Board Director of Better Together. Over 100 members attended including businesses, school pupils, teachers & students at West of Scotland College, Paisley Campus. Following a timed talk from each of the speakers an open Q&A followed facilitated by host John Mackay from STV. The questions focused on a number of areas including the economy, the pound and the EU with both speakers presenting strong arguments to support their positions.

A full set of images from the event are available to view on the Chambers facebook page.

50th celebration The Chamber wishes to get in touch with past Presidents, Directors and Chief Execs to make them aware of our 50th celebration on Wed 25th June at Paisley Town Hall. Please help spread the word and for any of the above to contact our chief exec on bdavidson@renfrewshirechamber.com

Annual chamber survey results Thank you to everyone that completed our annual member survey online. The image shows the results & also how they compare to previous years. We are delighted with the overall results and will use this in planning ahead.

Don’t use / not relevant

Poor

Satisfactory

Good

Excellent

Count

2014% Good / excellent

2013% Good / excellent

2012% Good / excellent

2011% Good / excellent

Our events (networking lunches / seminars etc..)

6 0 1 34 34 75 99% 91% 90% 90% The ROCCO Awards 13 0 1 14 47 75 98% 95% 91% 92% Our Services (HR, Legal, Health, Merchant etc..)

54 1 2 11 7 75 86% 76% 74% 81% Export Documentation 59 0 3 4 9 75 81% 82% 80% 100% Business Mentoring 44 0 2 12 17 75 94% 89% 85% 83% Business Centre / Meeting Rooms 47 0 5 15 8 75 82% 85% 63% 71% Business Matters magazine 0 0 2 28 45 75 97% 86% 84% 87% eNews (email bulletin) 1 0 5 36 33 75 93% 85% 87% 84% Website 4 3 9 36 23 75 83% 79% 81% 80% Social media (facebook / twitter / Linkedin etc..)

22 0 2 19 32 75 96% 83% 84% 75% iPhone / Android app 53 1 4 12 5 75 77% 68% 74% 71% Access to lobbying support 49 0 6 7 13 75 77% 80% 64% Our connections via SCC / BCC 49 0 3 10 13 75 88% 89% 68% The Chamber team 1 0 2 19 53 75 97% 93% 96% The Chamber Board 16 1 6 16 36 75 88% 84% 82% Opportunities to network, learn and promote your business 6 0 9 23 37 75 87% 85% 83% Our customer service 5 0 2 19 49 75 97% 88% 92% 91% Membership price 6 0 12 28 29 75 83% 75% 77% 71% Overall how do you rate the Chamber 0 0 1 29 45 75 99% 86% 91% 85% Average across all: 90% 84% 82% 83% Response count 2011 = 80 • 2012 = 102 • 2013 = 88 • 2014 = 75

highlighted = highest score

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Renfrewshire Chamber Golf Competition 2014, Paisley Golf Club, Friday 20th June 2014 The Chambers’ annual golf competition this year is being held at Paisley Golf Club. Known as “The Bushes”, 18 four balls will play for best team with individual prizes for best score, nearest the pin & longest drive.

Itinerary: • 8.00-8.45am Register / hot rolls, tea & coffee • 8.45-9.15am Get to starting hole - for shotgun / klaxon start at 9.15am • 2pm Lunch served / prizes / raffle • Expected end time approx 3pm There will be a raffle raising money for our Charities of the Year – Accord Hospice & Sailability (Sailing for the Disabled) - £5 entry per person (£10 for 3 entries per person) - lots of prizes.

If you wish to donate a suitable prize please get in touch (bdavidson@

renfrewshirechamber.com) Every player will get a goody bag with balls / tees / marker / water / sweet & a drink before the start of the round FYI – limited number of trolleys are available (if you have your own please

EMPLOYEE HEALTH COVER FROM JUST £1.10 PER WEEK

bring one if required) Cost is £280 including vat per team of 4 To book please contact Bob Davidson / 0141 847 5452 / bdavidson@ renfrewshirechamber.com

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

Keep your workforce healthy and motivated by introducing the Chamber Primary Health Plan.

From just £1.10 per employee, per week, it’s a small price to pay to show them you care.

CALL TODAY:

0845 602 1629 or visit www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber

Please quote reference number CH1112

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

Business Matters Spring 2014

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500 not out for Invest in Renfrewshire Invest in Renfrewshire – the council’s programme to boost the local economy and tackle unemployment – hit a major milestone recently when it signed up its 500th company.

The programme offers a range of funding support packages designed to help local firms grow and has been steadily accumulating sign-ups since it launched in summer 2012.

The 500th sign-up took place just before Christmas when Inchinnan-based machinery firm Reekie Machining signed its partnership agreement with the council.

The firm received a business development grant towards the cost of purchasing new high-tech measuring machinery which will help them increase the range of services offered to clients.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan met operations director David Reekie – whose grandfather started the firm back in 1947 – to congratulate him on becoming the 500th sign-up, and see for himself where the money will go.

He said: “When Invest started we set the target of signing up 1,000 businesses over what we initially expected to be a fouryear programme. To have hit 500 – and counting – within 18 months of the launch shows we are actually ahead of schedule.

“But the hard work doesn’t stop here – there are many more businesses out there who could benefit from the support we have to offer and who we can work with to help create employment opportunities for local residents.

“The council has made a sizeable financial commitment to Invest in Renfrewshire because we have a role to play in making Renfrewshire a better place to do business and see the local economy as one of our biggest priorities.

“We want the 500-plus companies who have signed up to Invest in Renfrewshire to help us spread the word to others and help the programme’s success continue.”

David Reekie, operations director of Reekie Machining, added: “The firm used to make and sell portable machine tools but these days we provide in situ machining services to clients, mainly in the oil and power industries.

“Our business development grant helped pay for a co-ordinate measuring machine, which will allow us to make more accurate measurements of machine parts.

“Invest in Renfrewshire is a really good scheme – it helped us make the decision to invest in this machinery, as we may not have gone for it without the funding.”

Invest in Renfrewshire is on course to add its 600th sign-up some time during the spring. Has your firm signed up yet – if not why not? Here’s a brief introduction to what we offer: • business growth grants of up to £10,000 to help develop new products, attend exhibitions, purchase equipment or carry out property improvements; • support towards the wage costs of taking on a young unemployed person or graduate intern; • loans of up to £50,000 to help with working capital or the purchase of equipment • help to find new property, improve your shopfront or fill your vacancies For more information, call 0300 300 1180, email invest@renfrewshire.gov. uk, or visit our website at www.investinrenfrewshire.com Follow us on Twitter!

Did you know Invest in Renfrewshire is now on Twitter? You can follow us at @ InvestinRen to be kept up to date with the latest news from the programme.

Did you see our newsletter?

Invest in Renfrewshire mailed a copy of our first-ever business newsletter to companies around the area at the end of January.

It contained a mix of latest news about the scheme, information on our funding packages, and case studies on businesses

we have helped. If you missed it, an e-copy is downloadable from our website at www.investinrenfrewshire.com Invest employment conference Invest in Renfrewshire hosted a gathering of more than 100 local organisations to discuss the latest developments surrounding local employment.

Representatives from various local projects met at Renfrew’s Glynhill Hotel in January to share information, updates and ideas for improving existing services Those in attendance included Renfrewshire Council, Skills Development Scotland, the NHS, Jobcentre Plus, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, West College Scotland, and University of the West of Scotland, as well as First4Skills, WorkingRite, Spark of Genius and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The next Invest in Renfrewshire employability conference will be in June 2014.

Looking to train up staff? We can help!

Are you hoping to upskill your business to compete better locally and further afield?

Invest in Renfrewshire’s business training support scheme could be the answer A grant of up to 50% of costs is available to manufacturing and business-to-business service providers wishing to train their staff in line with growth objectives.

Support can be given for face-to-face training or distance learning and for individuals or groups.

Get in touch on 0300 300 1180 or email invest@renfrewshire.gov.uk to find out if your firm is eligible.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Graduate Recruitment Incentive

Following a successful pilot that saw Renfrewshire Chamber find employment for 30+ graduates – the 2nd phase of the Graduate Recruitment Incentive is now live.

£1500 is available to any business that can give a new job to a recently qualified graduate. The eligibility criteria are: · Company size <100 staff · Graduate must be <30 years of age · Minimum salary £14K · Permanent post If you have started any permanent graduate since 27/8/13 – you could still be eligible for financial support.

In addition to the wage subsidy there

is also pre & post recruitment support including: · Job specs · Advert creation · Performance reviews

The incentive closes at the end of March 2014. For more info please contact Bob Grant, 0141 847 5455, bgrant@renfrewshirechamber.com

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 Spring 2014

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Shop hoping to clean up thanks to retail grant A Paisley vacuum repair shop is hoping to hoover up some new trade after it was revamped through help from a council heritage scheme.

Renfrewshire Council’s £3.5m Townscape Heritage Initiative/ Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme includes a shopfront grant scheme for retail properties within the project area.

It meets up to 90% of the costs of restoring and reinstating traditional shopfronts – and one of the latest to benefit is the Dyson shop at 35 Causeyside Street.

The grant paid for the reinstatement of traditional features on the outside of the shop.

The THI/CARS scheme aims to preserve and improve the buildings and surroundings of the Causeyside area of Paisley town centre.

Councillor Terry Kelly, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Planning and Property Policy Board, said: “The THI/

CARS scheme aims to restore some of the town’s stunning architectural heritage to its former glory.

“That has included a number of big projects within the town centre – but a key part of the programme is that there is money available to help individual shopowners too.

“I would encourage any shopowners within the Causeyside area who would like to know more about the scheme to get in touch with our officers.”

Christina Mains, the landlord of the building, said: “The grant has made a real difference. My previous tenant was a barber, who moved along the street to a different unit so the unit was empty for a while.

“By then I had already started the process of getting the grant, and the prospect of getting a new shopfront certainly helped me clinch the deal with the new tenant.

“I would definitely recommend the

scheme to other businesses in the area as it could make a real difference to the look of the street.”

The THI/CARS scheme is funded by Renfrewshire Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland.

So far, it has included £1m public realm works around Causeyside Street, and a £500k revamp of the category B-listed Paisley Arts Centre.

For more information, email PaisleyTHI.CARS@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 0144.

Provost’s charity work heads to Phoenix Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall made sure charity begins at work at the Phoenix Car Company, Paisley.

Provost Hall worked for a day around the dealerships and earned the Living Wage for a charitable cause close to her heart.

The wage will be shared equally among the four charities - Renfrewshire Carers’ Centre, RAMH (Recovery Across Mental Health) and two hospices – Accord and St Vincent’s – chosen by Provost Hall to feature in a special charity giving scheme during her term as Provost.

Last year, Provost Hall launched the charity giving scheme with an abseil from the roof of Renfrewshire Council’s HQ in Paisley. The event raised almost £5,000.

At the Phoenix dealership, Provost Hall worked alongside an approver grade mechanic, spare part drivers, and

telemarketing sales assistants, who will earn the Living Wage from April.

Provost Hall said, “It was a great opportunity to work as part of the team at the Phoenix Car Company.

“As well as raising money for my chosen charities, I think it is really important to put the spotlight on how companies like Phoenix can make a difference to the lives of their employees by paying them the Living Wage.”

Phoenix Car Company has signed up to the council’s Invest in Renfrewshire programme, which is working to boost the local economy and tackle unemployment.

They have also agreed to pay the Living Wage, meaning approver grade mechanics, drivers, telemarketing sales assistants and receptionists, who work for Phoenix, will be paid at least £7.65 an

hour from April 2014.

John McGuire, Chairman & CEO of Phoenix Car Company, Paisley, said, “It was a delight to have Provost Hall work alongside us and meet staff here in our Paisley branch.

“Not only are we happy to help the Provost with her charity fundraising, we are also proud to be able to pay the employees the Provost met today the Living Wage from April 2014.

“We continue to take an active role in developing our staff in their chosen careers and support staff whilst they are working towards qualifications.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

23

Start of Arnotts work hailed by council leader Renfrewshire’s council leader has hailed the start of work on new flats on the former Arnotts site as the ‘latest bit of good news’ in Paisley’s ongoing regeneration.

Work to prepare the ground for construction of Link Group’s development of 31 flats for shared equity or rent on Lawn Street and Gauze Street is now under way.

The new flats mark the first phase of plans led by Renfrewshire Council aimed at bringing new life to the historic site.

Further development taking in housing and retail space is also planned for the listed facade of the former department store on Gauze Street.

And Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan was on site to see progress for himself.

He was joined by Craig Sanderson chief executive of Link Group and Grant Lyon commercial director of Westpoint Homes – the contractor building the flats.

Councillor Macmillan said: “The Arnotts site has great historical significance to Paisley, which is why we are delighted

to see work under way on a new future for it.

“This landmark development will bring people back into the town centre to live, which will create knock-on benefits for businesses in the surrounding area.

“With work also under way on the third block of flats in Westpoint Homes’ The Cloisters development across the road, the council’s vision of an Abbey Quarter is fast becoming reality.

“This development ties into our wider town centre regeneration work and is just the latest bit of good news regarding investment in Paisley’s assets.

“SPT have confirmed planned investment in improved bus infrastructure in the street surrounding the Piazza, while the council last year successfully secured £2m to restore the Russell Institute, which could bring in up to 80 office jobs.

“And most significantly of all, the council is now taking forward its ambitious masterplan for a multimillion pound investment which will use Paisley’s heritage to transform the area’s

tourist potential.”

Craig Sanderson, Link Group Chief Executive, said: “Link is delighted to be able to continue its commitment to the regeneration of Paisley town centre.

“We recognise the historical and architectural importance of the Arnotts site and worked with the developers and Renfrewshire Council to achieve an appropriate design which embodies the positive benefits created by the ’spirit of place’, delivering a more sustainable environment for our customers and the homes in which they live.”

The new flats being built by Link Group will sit on Lawn Street and wrap round the corner with Gauze Street.

Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2015.

The development will contain private car parking and gardens – but the existing public car parking at the back of the Arnotts site will be unaffected.

The Arnotts site is owned by a limited liability partnership made up of Renfrewshire Council and Park Lane Developments.

Business Matters Spring 2014

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Give a young person an opportunity Barnardo’s Works Renfrewshire has been working with young people from Renfrewshire’s most deprived communities and assisting them into jobs and training for the last 15 years. We are a service with a proven track record of placing young people with local businesses and supporting both employers and young people through the transition into employment.

Young people who attend Barnardo’s Works receive training relevant to the job role they choose to undertake and complete a vocational qualification in employability. This ensures they are well equipped to face the challenges of the modern workplace.

Young people are able to access placements in hospitality, construction and related trades, mechanics and coachworks, administration, land based industries and care. However due to an expansion in our numbers we are always looking for more local employers to offer placements and work trials. These cost nothing to an employer but can make an enormous difference to a young person’s confidence and understanding of the labour market. Wage incentives are also available should a young person be offered employment at the end of a placement.

If you feel you can help by giving a young person an opportunity please contact the project on 0141 884 6252 or jane.waller@barnardos.org.uk

PROUD TO BE PURPLE

Get ready to take part in Erskine Week, 1st-8th June 2014 Please help us care for veterans. To take part, host an event or set yourself a challenge call 0300 123 1203, email gopurple@erskine.org.uk or visit www.erskine.org.uk/erskineweek.

Erskine is the trading name of Erskine Hospital, Scottish Charity Number SC006609

Barnardo’s Works Renfrewshire has been working with young people and assisting them into jobs and training for the last 15 years. We are currently looking for local businesses to offer work placement opportunities for young people from across Renfrewshire.

If you can help give a young person a chance please contact Jane Waller Employer Engagement officer on: 0141 884 6252 jane.waller@barnardos.

PROUD TO BE PURPLE Once again Erskine Week will run from 1st to 8th June 2014.

This dedicated week of fundraising will see supporters pull out all the stops for the charity that cares for ex-Service men and women across Scotland.

Raising vital funds in the current economic climate is challenging. By asking everyone to pull together and raise what they can, it allows Erskine to continue honouring those who didn’t come home and to care for those who did.

Whether you hold a Big Purple Lunch or simply wear something purple to work, every penny raised will benefit the veterans in Erskine’s care.

Email gopurple@erskine.org.uk or call 0300 123 1203 to find out how you can participate.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Just Trading Scotland The story of JTS, a small not-forprofit fair trade organisation based in Paisley, began with a group of friends who were moved by the poverty that they had witnessed in Africa. They thought, “why not start up the shop in our garden at Balmore, raise some money and see where it leads?”.

Jump ahead a few years and you will find that JTS imports versatile rice and lentils from Malawi; delicious jams and chutneys from Swaziland; rich tomato sauces from Kenya and creamy coconut milk from Sri Lanka. They also have a new range of unique spice grinders, sauces and mustards from South Africa, as well as tasty plantain chips from Ecuador. JTS supplies these products to customers across the UK, including shops, schools and church stalls, university caterers and anyone else who is willing to pay a fair price.

Despite moving from a garden to a warehouse, JTS has not lost sight of their values. One of the most unique aspects

of the organisation, for example, is the fact that they work with farmers and producers who are not yet fair trade certified in order to provide them with a growing European market and developmental support.

JTS also runs the 90kg Rice Challenge, which challenges schools, churches, colleges and other organisations to sell 90kg of fairly traded rice. This amount enables a Malawian farmer to pay for a year’s secondary education for one child.

Over 700 groups have participated since February 2009!

For their latest campaign, entitled “Karonga to Paisley – One Grain at a Time”, JTS hopes to reach a total of 150 tonnes of rice sold by their 5th Birthday in April. If measured in grains of rice, the distance from Karonga in Malawi

Hold a Blooming Great Tea Party for Marie Curie Cancer Care Marie Curie Cancer Care is asking chamber members to hold a Blooming Great Tea Party this June to help raise funds. It can be as simple as a cuppa with colleagues, a vintage tea party or if it’s a nice day take it out into the garden. The money raised from Blooming Great Tea Parties will help Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to people with terminal illnesses in their own homes.

Claire Stuart-Paulin, Community Fundraiser for Renfrewshire said: ‘’A Blooming Great Tea Party is a fun, simple way for companies to get involved with Marie Curie Cancer Care. It can have a very positive effect on a working environment as it can give people the opportunity to work with different colleagues’ on an non-work related project, give everyone a chance to mingle with people from different departments and create a relaxed atmosphere with lots of team spirit. However big or small your tea party, by taking part you will be helping to raise the crucial funds that make it possible for Marie Curie Nurses to provide care for people with terminal illnesses at the time when they need it most’’ For more information call Claire on 01292 478 328 or to sign up for your free Blooming Great Tea Party fundraising pack, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty or call 08700 340 040.

To get help from the Marie Curie Nursing Service, talk to your GP, district nurse or discharge nurse. For more information, please visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk

to Paisley maps out the final tonnes!

By reaching this goal, JTS can continue to provide sustainable incomes for smallholder farmers, which helps them work their way out of poverty and unlock their own potential!

If you would like to find out more about these fairly traded products or get involved in the Challenge, please visit www.jts.co.uk, call 0141 887 2882 or email info@jts.co.uk.

THE PAISLEY HAMMERMENS AWARD ARE YOU AN ENGINEER BASED IN RENFREWSHIRE? DO YOU HAVE AN APPRENTICE WORTHY OF A SPECIAL AWARD? The Paisley Hammermen Society was founded over 250 years ago to provide support for members and their families who have fallen on hard times.

Times have changed since then and today the Society supports local educational projects and makes regular payments to augment the income of its beneficiaries.

The Society would like to further expand the way it supports our local business community through two prizes of £500 each as follows: An engineering apprentice aged under 25 who has performed exceptionally within their work environment since commencing their employment.

An engineering apprentice aged over 25 who has performed exceptionally within their work environment since commencing their employment.

We welcome applications from all different types of engineering backgrounds – not only traditional.

If you would like to nominate one of your employees for one or either of these awards please contact Harry Paton, Paisley Hammermen Society, c/o Milne Craig, Abercorn house,79 Renfrew Road, Paisley PA3 4DA or harry.paton@milnecraig.co.uk We are also actively seeking members and if you would like to find out more about joining please get in touch. Our Annual Dinner will take place on Wednesday 3rd December in Paisley Town Hall when we will be presenting the winners with their prizes.

Business Matters Spring 2014

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Ambitious plans to transform Paisley’s future revealed Local businesses could be in line for a multi-million pound tourism boost thanks to an ambitious and far-reaching masterplan for Paisley now being taken forward by Renfrewshire Council.

The Paisley Town Centre Heritage Asset Strategy was commissioned by the council to assess how the town’s rich history and culture could be used to drive tourist-led regeneration.

The report describes Paisley’s heritage – including more than 100 listed buildings, rare books and paintings, and the finest Paisley Shawl collection in the world – as being of ‘international interest and significance’.

It is estimated the developments proposed by the strategy could increase Renfrewshire’s tourist economy by £45m a year, and create around 800 new jobs for the area.

The council also wants to use the work resulting from the strategy as a springboard for Paisley to bid for UK City of Culture status in 2021.

The key recommendations are as follows:

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

• a multi-million-pound revamp of Paisley Museum to create a nationallyrecognised Museum of Textiles, Fashion, Costume and Design; • a study into possible new theatre space in the town, as well as further development at key tourist sites including Paisley Town Hall and the Coats Observatory; • the creation of a Paisley Fashion and Design Centre, amid other improvements to the town centre to improve the visitor experience; • work to investigate whether Paisley’s industrial legacy could be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The report also recommends work to ‘tell the story’ of Paisley to visitors and develop a programme of cultural activity around the existing arts scene, which includes PACE, the UK’s largest youth theatre.

That would include further use of the town centre as a host venue for nationallyimportant events – such as the Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally, which brought 10,000 people to Paisley in January.

The bid for City of Culture status – open to large towns and urban areas – will see Paisley aim to follow Derry-Londonderry, Hull and Dundee, which have all successfully pursued heritage-led regeneration in recent years.

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The Paisley strategy was written by experts who worked on DerryLondonderry’s successful City of Culture bid in 2013.

The contents of the report were given the green light by councillors in January – allowing officers to start work on a series of detailed business cases, including where the external funding will come from.

Council managers have also been engaging with local groups – such as the business community – to fill them in on the detail of the plan, and to build support.

It is expected that a team of expert consultants will be appointed to advise council bosses on how best to implement the strategy, with a high-level marketing plan to be created to help sell the area as a destination.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “This report is the culmination of months of work to determine how Paisley could use its rich heritage to build a better future – and we are delighted to now be taking it forward.

“The council sees the local economy as one of our biggest priorities – we will do all we can to create conditions in which local businesses can thrive and create jobs.

“We already have lots of

good work going on – the continued success of our Invest in Renfrewshire initiative, £2m secured to transform the Russell Institute, major development under way at the Arnotts site and Johnstone Town Hall – but we don’t want to stop there.

“These plans are a bold statement of where we want to be, and we shouldn’t be afraid to think big.

“I want the area’s future to be one where it reaches its full potential, and experts believe our potential is absolutely massive – Paisley has a tremendous range of valuable and unique cultural attractions we can use to sell the town at home and abroad.

“In doing so, we hope to generate a massive increase in tourist footfall – which would in turn create huge knock-on benefits for businesses through the area.

“Of course, the benefits would not be restricted to Paisley – the study’s findings show that investment in Paisley’s existing assets would bring a significant economic boost to the whole area.

“The next decade is going to be an exciting one for Renfrewshire – and we want the business community to get on board with what we are doing now so we can all reap the benefits in the years ahead.”

Business Matters Spring 2014

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Tommy in fundraising call for epic stage show ‘Freedom’ A MUSIC charity hopes to raise £40,000 to help produce a rock musical which tells the story of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and the Battle of Bannockburn.

Loud ‘n’ Proud, based in Paisley have launched a Sponsorship and Ticket Package campaign to help raise the funds to produce what organisers describe as an exciting, rousing musical called ‘Freedom’.

Paisley man Tommy McGrory is the man behind ‘Freedom’ and he is looking for investors to make his dream become reality.

With 2014 being the year of Homecoming for Scotland, as well as the year that the country votes in an historic referendum on independence, Tommy hopes his musical will capture the imagination of theatre fans.

Next year is also the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.

He said: “The reason I wanted this to happen in 2014 is that it’s the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn. It was a coincidence that the referendum ended up being planned for the same year.

“I previously wrote ‘I Was There’, the rock musical telling the story of the famous Glasgow Apollo.

“It was a huge success and it was received well by the audience, the media and also the people who played and worked there.

“This time I have again put two of my passions together - Scotland and music.

“Put the two together and what you get is an explosive, heart-breaking and exhilarating story of Scotland’s fight for independence and self-determination set to a background of the music of AC/DC, Alex Harvey, Nazareth, Annie Lennox, Biffy Clyro, The Proclaimers, Dire Straits, Frankie Miller and many more Scots acts.

“I went for a trip to the Bannockburn centre last year and found out it was being rebuilt to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.

“It suddenly came to me that I should do something about it too.”

With Freedom, Tommy intends to tell the story of life in Scotland up until The Battle

of Bannockburn 1314.

It features awesome battle scenes, spectacular dancers, exciting music and an amazing cast of more than 200 of the best singers, musicians, actors and fighters in Scotland. The show will be held at the SECC in Glasgow.

The story is set in the present day at Wallace Primary School in Elderslie – the birthplace of William Wallace. The day starts off with a history lesson about the school and why it is called the Wallace Primary.

The kids in the class are unruly and can’t be bothered with a boring history lesson, but teacher Miss Campbell amazes them with her amazing tales of life in Scotland under King Edward.

She brings back historical figures and makes them into real people who once lived in the towns and villages the children live in. She transports the youngsters and audience back in time and gives both a real insight to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and the Wars of Independence.

Tommy added: “Being Scottish, it was very important to me that the story was true and nothing was given the Hollywood treatment.

“I have been working with the Society

of William Wallace to ensure that the dates, events and characters are all real.

Digging into the lives of Wallace and Bruce gave me a real insight into life in the 1300s.

“To capture that era the show features brutally realistic re-enactments of Scottish battles. It is not unlike Game of Thrones and if you thought the TV show was a bit over the top, you wouldn’t like to have lived in those days because it was all that and bit more.

“However it’s not all fighting and pillaging. There is a love story, an amazing bond of friends who look out for each other and of course a happy ending.”

Loud ‘n’ Proud are acknowledged for their unrivalled quality of work teaching music to young people from beginner to performer. They also have a reputation for their productions which are known for their excellence, artistic courage and ambition.

If you are interested in supporting Loud n Proud and having yourself a fantastic night you can contact 0141 8401090 or email tommy.mcgrory@ loudnproud.org

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Quarriers giving big incentive

Coaching for Life How to get involved

Anticipation for The 2014 Ryder Cup is ramping up even more as September draws closer, and as an Official Charity Quarriers is offering you the chance to be there, and raise money in the process.

All funds raised through Quarriers’ 2014 Ryder Cup Appeal will be used to support young people through our Coaching for Life initiative. Through intensive coaching and mentoring offered by our dedicated Life Coach, we will help to develop life skills and resilience of each young person, helping them take advantage of opportunities and empowering them to take control of their lives.

Quarriers is especially pleased to be able to use this opportunity to invite our supporters to share in the excitement of the event itself, while enabling the charity to support more disadvantaged young people across Scotland.

Quarriers has been awarded a number of six-day Season Passes and importantly, each day of the 6 day pass can be used individually by different people. We can also offer exclusive VIP hospitality tickets and are delighted to make them available to golf clubs and companies willing to support us.

For more information please contact Bethany Coleman on 01505 616160 or email 2014Rydercup@quarriers.org.uk Quarriers Events list Event: Ladies’ Golf Day - Date: Friday 16 May 2014 Location: Kilmacolm Golf Club Event: Quarriers’ Annual Golf Day Date: Friday 15 August 2014 Location: Mar Hall Golf and Spa

International Space School Educational Trust

14th - 18th July 2014 Renfrewshire, Scotland

YOUR GOAL Work with astronauts, rocket scientists and NASA leaders to get your ideas built and carried out on the International Space Station

Business Matters Spring 2014

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Local third-sector organisations take the lead Local third-sector organisations have been playing a lead role in developing Renfrewshire’s community plan for 2023.

In November, 333 people attended community planning conferences from public bodies such as Renfrewshire Council, the police and the health service, and local third-sector organisations.

Senior managers from Engage Renfrewshire, RAMH and Bridgewater Housing Association chaired a number of the events, including the Jobs and the Economy conference which was held at the Kibble Centre in Paisley.

The conference recognised that 3rdsector organisations have an important role to play in improving Renfrewshire’s communities as places to live in, work in and visit. This in turn creates benefits for the local economy. The third sector can also play a key role in improving the job prospects of young unemployed people -

a key aim of the community plan - helping local people to take part in volunteering which can help them develop skills that employers need.

Alan McNiven, chief executive of Engage Renfrewshire and the chair of Renfrewshire’s Forum for Empowering Communities said: “It was great to see managers from Renfrewshire’s third sector organisations leading on these areas of community planning. Some of our charities and social enterprise organisations are leaders in their field, employing significant numbers of local people and playing an important part in the local economy.

“We’re very lucky to have senior people from some of these organisations on the Forum for Empowering Communities, influencing our public sector partners and helping other third sector organisations to develop.”

A programme of local events is being held in March and April bringing public bodies, third sector organisations and residents together to plan the kind of communities that people would like to see by 2023.

More details about Renfrewshire’s community plan and the role played by local 3rd sector organisations can be found on www.renfrewshire2023.com You can join the conversation about Renfrewshire’s plan for 2023 on Twitter at #mpowren and on the Renfrewshire Community Planning Facebook page.

#mpowren

Are you involved in a local community organisation or charity?

There’s loads of social media activity in Renfrewshire that can help you make connections and keep up with what’s going on in local communities.

Follow us on : Twitter – #mpowren, EngageNews1, AlanMcNiven1 Facebook – Engage Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire Community Planning Flickr – engagerenfrewshire Blog - http://alanmcatengage.wordpress.com

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Help Support St Vincent’s Following a successful 25th anniversary year during which the profile of St Vincent’s Hospice grew and grew, the opportunities to fulfil corporate social responsibility are limitless, says Chief Executive Kate Lennon.

With an ageing population and patients living longer, often with complex symptoms, the demand for hospice care throughout the community is projected to increase. Care services based at St Vincent’s Hospice are developing, allowing more patients to live at home and remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible.

Kate Lennon said “it is an exciting time to be part of the hospice movement and furthermore, part of a local organisation initiating service development and strategic change here in Renfrewshire.”

The growth and development has led to an exciting, new 5 year strategy and St Vincent’s Hospice are encouraging the business community to play a part in driving change by becoming corporate partners of the hospice.

It costs £5,000 per day to run services at St Vincent’s Hospice over half of which

comes from donations. There are many ways to become involved from employee fundraising and attending events, to team day volunteering or registering as a corporate partner for as little as £100.

ChemTech Chief Executive, Alan Watson, said “the excellent care at St Vincent’s Hospice impacts every part of our community; engaging the ChemTech team in the work of the hospice ties us in to the community in a way nothing else can.”

Benefits of involvement include use of the St Vincent’s Hospice logo online and in printed collateral, website click-throughs, invitations to networking events, volunteering opportunities and fulfilment of corporate social responsibility policy with support from the Fundraising Team. Contact Heather on 01505 705635 or heather.mcarthur@svh. co.uk for a corporate pack.

Friday 9th May 2014 Grand Central Hotel glitz & glamour, prizes & surprises: prosecco reception from 7pm 3-course meal plus coffee celeb host live music from A Band Called Wanda dancing until 1am dress: black tie Reserve your table of 10 at just £550 now on info@svh.co.uk or 01505 705635 St Vincent’s Hospice is a charitable organisation at the heart of the community offering specialised care and services to all those affected by life limiting illness. If you think St Vincent’s Hospice could help someone you know, talk to your GP or District Nurse.

01505 705635 Midton Road Howwood PA9 1AF www.svh.co.uk @StVincentsHosp www.facebook.com/StVincentsHospice Scottish registered charity SC006888

Business Matters Spring 2014

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I am Me / Keep Safe Did you know that many disabled people do not participate in community life due to fear of harassment and abuse?

In Renfrewshire, there are 36,000 people registered as disabled or having a long term illness.

• 90% of those with learning difficulties in the UK say they have been bullied or harassed in the year previous.

• 47% of those with learning difficulties have been frightened or attacked due to their disability.

• In the UK 90% of people with learning disabilities said they had been bullied or harassed in the preceding year.

• 97% of disability hate crime and 99% of mate crime currently going unreported.

The I Am Me (Renfrewshire) community project and Police Scotland

and seek assistance.

have developed a Keep Safe scheme to help make communities a safer place for vulnerable and disabled people to participate in every day community living.

How will this help?

Keep Safe will help ensure that vulnerable people know where they can seek assistance if they need to.

What is Keep Safe?

Keep Safe is a Police led initiative that works with local businesses to support local disabled, elderly and vulnerable people.

How does it work?

Disabled people are offered a Keep Safe card which holds information about their disability, communication needs, medical requirements and contact details for a carer, family member or friend.

Participating businesses are provided with a window sticker and a Keep Safe pack. Anyone feeling vulnerable or scared when out in the community will be able to enter the Keep Safe premises

How do I participate?

If you would like to participate, please contact the project iammeproject@ yahoo.co.uk. All Keep Safe premises will be advertised within our website, publications and within the local disability groups.

Is this just a Renfrewshire initiative?

The initiative was developed in Renfrewshire, but is likely to be rolled out nationally. www.iammescotland.co.uk www.facebook.com/iammeproject @IammeScotland

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Join us on the starting grid...

Opening in Hillington Park at the end of 2014, The Experience is set to be the ultimate themed family entertainment venue incorporating flexible events space.

The Experience will include: • Scotland’s first indoor junior and senior electric Go-karting arena • The Innovation Station with purpose built conference facilities • Quality and healthy dining catered to your needs by one of Scotland’s award winning Master Chefs • Laser Fun and Slot Car Racing for all ages • A multi-sensory Imaginarium • An innovative and educational STEAM Centre (with lots of fun ways to find out about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) The Experience promises much more to the wider community and beyond.

The development is part of an ambitious urban regeneration project breathing new life into the iconic former Rolls Royce factory in Hillington Park. At the heart of the project beats a strong social cause providing valuable and much-needed

work experience, employment and training to young people in Renfrewshire, aged between 16 and 24. The social enterprise is being developed by one of Scotland’s oldest charities, Paisley-based Kibble Education and Care Centre.

Chief Executive Graham Bell said, “If young people who haven’t had the best start in life don’t go out into the world able to play a positive role in society, they could end up making bad choices and not fulfilling their potential.

Everyone has the right to a brighter future. Providing further opportunities for young people to learn as they earn is at the very heart of what we do.”

Built around four core themes of youth employment, family value entertainment, education and enterprise, this exciting venture is looking to the business community for additional support. A range of corporate partnerships are on offer and you can be among the first to enjoy a range of mutually beneficial deals.

Fun, food and futures; working together we can create and re-shape them all.

For more information please contact Lynsey McLean, General Manager lynsey.mclean@kibble.org

0141 847 6608 www.TheExperience.org.uk @ExpVolta

Deal 1

3 years bespoke branding of senior or junior Go-kart

Deal 2

The Experience is set to be the ultimate themed family entertainment venue incorporating flexible event space.

Join with Kibble in its vision to generate jobs for young people whilst enriching the leisure landscape of the west of Scotland.

Branding in any area of the venue

Deal 3 Venue use for branded and hosted event

Benefits to you and your business: • Advertising, branding, viral marketing.

• Tailored corporate hospitality and team building.

• Community support and CSR. • Annual business partners' recognition night.

• Supporting an eco-friendly venture.

• Advance purchase means 20% off exclusive use of the venue!

www.TheExperience.org.uk

Deal 4 Quiet Giving: donations are welcome in cash or kind

For more information please contact Lynsey McLean: 0141 847 6608 lynsey.mclean@kibble.org Kibble education and care centre, Scottish Charity No. SC026917, Registered in Scotland No. 158220

KibbleWorks, Scottish Charity No. SC035861, Registered in Scotland No. 269349, VAT Registeration No. 115 167044

@ExpVolta

Business Matters Spring 2014

34

UWS hosting prestigious LSA 2014 Conference University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is hosting the Leisure Studies Association’s international conference, ‘Sport, Festivity and Digital Cultures’, at its Paisley Campus from 7 to 9 July 2014.

The Leisure Studies Association (LSA) provides a unique multi-disciplinary meeting and communication forum open to researchers, practitioners and students in all areas of leisure studies around the world.

The event, which will see over 100 academics and PhD students from across the globe in attendance, is particularly timely as 2014 is a key year for both Scotland and the global sporting and cultural communities.

This year sees Scotland play host to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. Culturally, 2014 also marks the second ‘Year of Homecoming’, encouraging people of Scottish ancestry to return home for a year of cultural ‘extravaganza and festivity’.

The conference will span a number of

key themes including sport tourism; sport and the outdoors; sport and festivity; sport and community engagement; festivals, events and identity politics; festivals, events and the common good; assessing the cultural value of festivals and events; and events and digital cultures; sport and digital cultures; and digital leisure communities.

Keynote speakers at the event include Dr Dave O'Brien, Lecturer in Cultural and Creative Industries, City University London; Professor James Higham, Chair in Tourism, University of Otago, New Zealand; Professor David McGillivray, Chair in Event and Digital Cultures, UWS; Professor Kath Woodward, Chair in Sociology, The Open University and Professor Garry Crawford, Chair in Sociology, University of Salford.

Professor Gayle McPherson, Chair in Events and Cultural Policy at University of the West of Scotland, is the Chair of the Organising Committee for the conference.

Professor McPherson said: “There has

Professor Gayle McPherson and Professor David McGillivray

never been a better year to host the LSA conference in Scotland and we are delighted that UWS will play such a key role in ensuring this prestigious event is a success.

“This conference will bring together a range of perspectives upon digital practices in leisure, major events, festivity and identity, sport and sport tourism and will see leading academics from across the globe in attendance.”

Anyone wishing more information regarding this event should visit www.uws.ac.uk/lsa2014/

POSTGRADUATE STUDY AT UWS. A SERIOUS INVESTMENT IN YOUR CAREER. FULL-TIME, PARTTIME AND DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES START SEPT 2014 FOR MORE INFO GO TO: WWW.UWS.AC.UK/PG2014 OR CALL 0800 027 1000

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@UniWestScotland

/UniWestofScotland

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND IS A REGISTERED SCOTTISH CHARITY. CHARITY NUMBER SC002520.

SUCCESS TAKES KNOW HOW. TOGETHER WE’VE GOT IT.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

35

Phoenix launches a new ‘partner’ business model Phoenix Car Company’s latest all-team conference witnessed two developments; Russell Smith was announced as the business’ new Managing Director, with Debbie Hubner promoted to the new role of Sales & Communications Director.

Founder John McGuire moves to the role of Chairman and CEO, who noted; “Russell has a clear understanding of the values and approach that have helped to make Phoenix such a success. The new role that Debbie takes on reflects the importance we

see in effective communication across existing and emerging media as opposed to traditional marketing.

“I believe that having both at the helm and leading the strategy will help to ensure Phoenix pushes to even higher levels of success.”

Phoenix is transforming the way it operates, adopting an Automotive Industry first partnership business model. The Phoenix Partners have an equitable share in the business’s success, regardless of their position within the business. As Russell Smith observes;

“We want our team to know their every effort and insight can make a difference to our continuing success”.

Phoenix would be delighted to see their Partner’s engage further with all colleagues in the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce. They already enjoy an affinity agreement with some members, but would like to encourage reciprocal business where possible.

If any Chamber members would like to discuss further the possibility of business in both directions, please get in touch with Debbie Hubner at debbie.hubner@phoenixcar.co.uk.

Business Matters Spring 2014

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Race to 2014 a great the Games year for tourism Derek MacGarvie, Bank of Scotland Senior Manager, SME Banking, Kilmarnock & Paisley

Scotland’s tourism industry is a key driver of economic growth in Scotland.

Research shows that international tourists spent £759million in Scotland in quarter three of 2013 alone.

2014 is expected to be an even bigger year for Scotland’s tourism industry when Scotland welcomes the world with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September. The increased footfall should drive up consumer spending and businesses large and small will reap the benefit.

Bank of Scotland’s team of Relationship Managers have equipped themselves with the knowledge the sector needs to provide insightful and considered advice.

Our teams have received comprehensive training from VisitScotland to equip them with industry-led expertise and ensure Scottish tourism businesses do the very best they can in 2014.

It is estimated around 185,900 people in 13,000 businesses across Scotland are working directly within the tourism sector. The number of firms indirectly feeling the benefits of the boom is likely to run far higher.

By working closely together, tourism operators, investors and developers can help to shape and grow an already buoyant industry that has a bright and prosperous future.

This July 2, in the run up to Glasgow 2014, Race 2 the Games (#R2TG) will see children and young adults with disabilities race up the Clyde, from James Watt Dock in Greenock to the Glasgow Science Centre in specially adapted sailing boats. The participants will be sponsored, with all money raised going to their own special schools and establishment where it will be used to ensure the development of their sailing careers.

Cheer on the sailors by watching from the riverside or come to the Science Centre to cheer them over the finish line!

Corporate Sponsorship packages will be available soon and will include boat and sail branding as well a 'Taste of Scotland' reception at the Science Centre itself.

Follow Clyde Muirshiel Race 2 the Games on facebook for more info.

“EXPO/REN 2014” “Growing Renfrewshire Businesses Through Exporting” Launch Event: Friday 21st March 2014 8.45am – 1pm

“EXPO/REN 2014”

West College Scotland, Paisley Campus - Abercorn Conference Centre

“Growing Renfrewshire Businesses Through Expor5ng” The launch of the new Renfrewshire Exporting 08.45-09.15 Registration & refreshments Launch Event: Friday 21st March 2Partnership, 014 8.45am – 1Renfrewshire pm Jobs & created by the Board brings together all business support Welcome from Bob Davidson, CEO, Campus -­‐ AEconomy 09:15-09:20 West College Scotland, Paisley bercorn Caim onference entre agencies with the to support localC companies

Renfrewshire Chamber to grow by exploiting international market The launch of the new Renfrewshire ExporCng Partnership, created opportunities. by the Renfrewshire Jobs & Economy Board 09:20-09:30 Opening addresssupport from Humza Yousaf brings together all business agencies with the aim to support local companies to grow by exploiDng Hear from internaDonal keynote speakers about where, and what, MSP, Minister for External Affairs andmarket opportuniDes.

the worldwide opportunities are for growing your International Development Hear from keynote speakers about where, and what, the worldwide customer opportuniDes are how for gyou rowing your cfunding ustomer base and can access and expert support. and how Operations you can access funding and expert support.

09:30-09:45 Neil Francis, base International

local companies will share their ownfor your Director, SDI Two local companies will share their own experiences of exporDng aTwo nd there will also be an opportunity experiences own 1-­‐2-­‐1 in our ‘Meet The Expert’ sessions. of exporting and there will also be an “What & where are the international opportunity for your own 1-2-1 in our ‘Meet The opportunities for your business?”

Expert’ sessions.

09:45-10:00

Liz Cameron CEO Scottish Chambers “Chambers connections abroad & the opportunity for Scotland”

10:00-10:15

Brian McClean, Head of Communications for Glasgow Airport “Your gateway to the world - what markets can you reach?”

10:15-10:30

Cllr Mark Macmillan - Leader of Renfrewshire Council “How Invest in Renfrewshire can support & help fund your export activity”

10.30.10.45

Break

10.45-11.15

“Our Experience of Exporting” - hear directly from Bridge of Weir Leather and Matrix Uniforms on the challenges and opportunities they have faced

11.15-11.45

Q&A panel

11.50-13.00

Lunch & Exhibitors Meet the Expert - Opportunity for 1-2-1’s with partner advisers

13.00

Close

This is a free event but places are limited.

To register, please email: with the Thislconnor@renfrewshirechamber.com is a free event but places are following details: limited.

To register, please email:

• Company name lconnor@renfrewshirechamber.com • Number of staff or call 0141 847 5465 with the • Name(s) & job Dtle(s) of people aYending following details: • Address • Website • Company name • Telephone • Email of staff • Number • Do you export currently?

• Name(s) & job title(s) of people

attending • Address • Website Subsequent events will focus on support in • Telephone specialised areas such as: • Email

Finance • Do• you export currently?

• • •

LogisDcs Trade Missions Sales & MarkeDng

Subsequent events will focus on • Technology / e-­‐commerce support in specialised areas such as:

• Finance • Logistics • Trade Missions This even • Sales & Marketing This event is for businesses based in the for busine t is • Technology / Renfrewshire area ss based in th es e-commerce

Renfrewsh e ire area

#exporen #exporen

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

37

Park Services Valued at £15 Million Classic Car Shows bring visitors from near and far in the shoulder months of the year.

The Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority’s members have welcomed a report that shows that the services it delivers are worth £15 million per year. The independent study using the Social Return on Investment methodology has shown that services valued at £9 are delivered for every £1 put into the Park.

Commenting on the study Cllr. Chris Gilmour, Chair of the Park Authority said: “This is a very impressive report, highlighting the social, economic and environmental benefits generated by the work of the Park Authority and its staff. It also shows how investment in conservation, recreation and tourism within rural areas can be very effective.”

Charlie Woodward, the Park Manager explained “Social Return on Investment is a recognised approach to measuring what is often hard to measure and it puts a financial value to something that is often seen as priceless. This study identified the financial value of the outcomes achieved as a direct result of the services we provide. Whilst the ratio of 1 : 9 is the headline result, the study is also useful for prioritising resources and planning for the future. Our work makes a real difference to real people through our health, employability and leisure programmes and these are valued highly by our users. Interestingly the ratio for the investment of public funds is even higher at 1 : 14, so for every £1 we get in grant from councils we deliver £14 worth of benefits.”

A prime example of the high level of benefits delivered is the Park’s programme of disability watersports, especially sailing, where the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, businesses and Rotary Clubs have been very supportive.

Renfrewshire Chamber President Tom Johnson recently presented a £3000 cheque, from funds raised at the last ROCCO Awards, to SAIL (Sailing Access

Environmental Education with Largs Academy. Teaching youngsters scientific technique and ID skills to take forward.

Race is on! Children with disabilities practising their sailing skills for Clyde Muirshiel’s Race 2 the Games 2014.

Volunteers gain skills in conservation and teamwork at weekly sessions.

in Lochwinnoch). He watched the children from Kersland school using Clyde Muirshiel’s access dinghies for the first time, the start of a ten week training programme that will enable them to take part in ‘Race 2 the Games’ a challenging 33km passage race up the River Clyde for children and adults with additional support needs. This pre Commonwealth Games event takes place on Wed 2 July – support and sponsorship packages for all budgets are still available, look online for details.

The Park Authority is expecting soon reports from the Scottish Tourism

Economic Activity Monitor. In recent years these have shown that there is more than £62million annually of tourism related economic activity in the Clyde Muirshiel Park influence area.

Events taking place at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park that bring visitors from all over the country include the annual National Model Yacht Sailing Championships, the Castle Semple Rowing Regatta, a Kayak Symposium, Triathlons run by the National Race Group as well as Classic Car Shows and Star Gazing evenings held in west central Scotland’s ‘darkest sky’ location.

Business Matters Spring 2014

38

Emirates to commemorate 10 years at Glasgow Airport with a one-off A380 service - The occasion will mark the first time a Scottish airport has welcomed an A380 aircraft

Glasgow, UK – 12th February 2014: In yet another first, Emirates, a global connector of people and places, will operate a one-off A380 service from Glasgow Airport on 10th April 2014 to celebrate a decade of carrying Scotland’s passengers to Dubai and beyond.

The occasion is set to be an equally huge milestone for Glasgow Airport as it becomes the first airport in Scotland to welcome an A380 – the world’s largest commercial aircraft - standing over 24 metres high and with a wing span of nearly 80 metres.

Since Emirates began operations at Glasgow Airport on 10th April 2004, it has carried 2.3 million passengers across its global network which now covers 141 destinations. Emirates currently offers over 43,000 passenger seats per month to and from Glasgow, following the upgrade of its second daily service to a Boeing 777 in 2012.

Whether stopping in Dubai or connecting to another destination, passengers embarking on this unique A380 flight from Glasgow can expect a spacious aircraft, with a cabin that is twoand-a-half feet wider than a Boeing 777; a peaceful journey in the world’s quietest long-range jet; on-board Wi-Fi; world-class in-flight menus and the award-winning ice

entertainment system.

Laurie Berryman, Emirates Vice President UK, said: “As the largest A380 operator in the world, it is a historic moment to see one of our A380s take flight from Glasgow Airport for the first time. Celebrating 10 years in Glasgow is a landmark occasion for us and it demonstrates our continued commitment to Glasgow and Scotland, which is an extremely important passenger and cargo market for Emirates.”

Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, also commented: “Since its arrival in 2004, Emirates has been one of Glasgow Airport’s biggest success stories and its decision to introduce a second daily service to Dubai in 2012 confirmed its status as Scotland’s leading long-haul airline. To bring the A380 to Scotland for the first time will be a hugely significant milestone in our country’s aviation history and an exciting day for the passengers who will have the opportunity to fly on the aircraft and the staff who

have worked hard to make it possible.”

The one-off A380 flight will operate as EK028 and will depart Glasgow at 15:35hrs arriving in Dubai the following day at 0200hrs.

Passengers travelling Business Class or First Class will have access to the A380’s on-board Lounge, a dedicated bartender and plenty of space to mingle whilst enjoying world-class delicacies. First Class passengers can also look forward to experiencing the aircraft’s on-board signature Shower Spa, with a state-of-theart shower system and Timeless Shower Spa kits, as well as the aircraft’s First Class Private Suites.

Emirates is an Official Partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Official Airline of the Queen’s Baton Relay. These partnerships strengthen the airline’s commitment to Glasgow and Scotland and will play a key role in profiling the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on a global stage.

Booking info Flights to Dubai and beyond on Emirates’ one-off A380 service from Glasgow Airport can be booked on www.emirates. com or by telephone on 0844 800 2777.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

39

Glasgow Airport first in UK to secure industry seal of approval for service Glasgow Airport has become the first airport in the UK to receive an internationally recognised certificate for service and quality.

The airport has achieved the Airport Council International’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Assured Certification.

ACI is the global trade association representing the interests of airports worldwide and the certification provides a seal of approval on the airport’s management of service quality and the facilities and services it provides to passengers.

Glasgow Airport scored highly in general facilities, arrival services, leadership and people management.

Craig Bradbrook, Deputy Director General Airports Council International (ACI) World, visited Glasgow Airport from the organisation’s offices in Montreal, Canada to personally present the certificate. He commented: “The airport management team is doing great job in building that sense of community and pride across the airport platform. The

team is focusing on the things that really matter to passengers and the results from the ASQ Survey show high levels of passenger approval.”

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “We have paid significant attention to ASQ Craig Bradbrook, Deputy Director General Airports Council International (ACI) World & Amanda in recent years McMillan OBE, MD Glasgow Airport and we are airport’ culture involving all partners extremely proud to have become the in delivering consistently high levels first airport in the UK to have received of service. This certification from ACI this accreditation.

World clearly demonstrates that our “Since the launch of our Customer efforts are well placed and it aligns with Charter almost two years ago we have the positive feedback we are receiving been on a journey to improve the from passengers.” customer experience and create a ‘one

NEW FROM GLASGOW AIRPORT Discover our range of new flights and destinations this year!

• Warsaw & Gdansk with WizzAir • Dominican Republic with Thomson • Dusseldorf with Lufthansa • Zante & Corfu with Jet2.com • Cruise flights to Venice with Celebrity Cruises • Now 5 flights per week with Icelandair plus new connections to Vancouver & Edmonton

glasgowairport.com

twitter.com/GLA_Airport

Business Matters Spring 2014

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A celebration of the life, art and legacy of Gerry Rafferty

The Great Tapestry of Scotland Journeys to the West

“…a stunning record of Scotland’s history… given to the people of Scotland and to those who will come to Scotland to see it.”

- Alexander McCall Smith

7 March to 18 May 2014 A collection of Gerry Rafferty memorabilia, from guitars to album artwork and gold discs to handwritten lyrics, featuring artwork by John Byrne.

FREE admission Paisley Museum, High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BA

11 April to 19 April 2014 Includes Bring It All Home—The Gerry Rafferty Concert and A Celebration of Scottish Songwriting Featuring…Martha Rafferty, Rab Noakes, the RSNO, Barbara Dickson, Eddi Reader, James Grant, Midge Ure, Roddy Hart, Karine Polwart, Siobhan Wilson, Hamish Stuart, Emma Pollock, Siobhan Miller, Blue Rose Code, Paul Brady, Mary Gauthier, Kathryn Williams, Todd Gordon, Keith Harris, Donald Shaw, RM Hubbert, Cairn String Quartet and Michael Cassidy.

Includes a series of free music masterclasses.

For tickets and info: www.bringitallhome.co.uk Box office: 0300 300 1210

Already viewed by thousands in the east and north, The Great Tapestry of Scotland is now heading west to the home of Scotland’s thread industry, Paisley. From 3 May to 8 June, the magnificent, historic Anchor Mill will host the Tapestry’s only visit to the West of Scotland in 2014 – shown in its entirety in the Atrium. Entry is free - although donations are very welcome.

This extraordinary work of art with panels for all interests, tells the story of Scotland’s history from the Ice Age to the reconvening of Parliament. At 143 metres long, this is the world’s longest tapestry and one of Scotland’s largest ever community arts projects.

A community collaboration of Weaving Musical Threads (www.weavingmusicalthreads. com), Paisley Thread Mill Museum (www. paisleythreadmill.co.uk) and West College Scotland (www. westcollegescotland.ac.uk) is creating an exhibition space in the Atrium of the Anchor Mill. Display structures and accessories will be made locally to museum quality, and will remain a legacy of the project. Events will

enhance the visit to Paisley and the exhibition experience: including music, book launch, stitching, weaving, storytelling and much more.

Paisley has a rich and exciting textile heritage. Renfrewshire is famous for so much and so many, not least of all community and friendship.

The wool used to create the Tapestry was donated by a Coats company. Coats originated in Paisley. A visit to The Great Tapestry of Scotland is the start of a journey to the heart of Scotland’s thread industry and heritage - from the Paisley shawl to mill life, screen fame and the Hillman Imp - whist seeing Scotland’s history from its beginnings.

The Tapestry is about the people of Scotland, created by 1000 stitchers in Scotland portraying insight and enlightenment of the phenomenal international significance of Scotland.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland is Threading West.

To volunteer / provide assistance for The Great Tapestry of Scotland coming to Renfrewshire please contact Paisley Thread Mill on 07928 838493

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

41

Renfrewshire Area (Including East Renfrewshire & Inverclyde)

The Company Programme

Annual Review 20

- for S5 & S6 pupils

Great opportunity for S5/6 pupils to learn real entrepreneurial skills in a safe but competitive environment. The YES Company Programme assigns school teams an experienced Business Advisor and combined with support at the school from a Link Teacher each team will: • Establish a real company • Develop and market a real product / service • Take part in a Christmas retail display competition • Sit an optional Strathclyde Business School exam • Compile a Business Report and be interviewed • Take part in the Area Finals – presenting as a team your experience to all other schools

Benefits of participating in the Company Programme: • Develop your skills , attitude & confidence • Make yourself stand out – use YES on your CV • Awaken your inner entrepreneur!

The programme runs from August – March with teams meeting their BA once a week. Area winners go forward to National Finals in the summer. The YES Renfrewshire Area Company Programme is ran locally by experienced business volunteers from a range of sectors (all disclosure checked) with support from all 3 council areas and a number of private & public sector sponsors (see logos).

To inspire and prepare all young peop through enterprise.

For any questions re YES please email yesrenfrewshireboard@gmail.com For more info visit www.yes.org.uk & www.facebook.com/YESRenfrewshire

Business Matters Spring 2014

42

Schools and Families and Schools Together (FAST) Families and Schools Together (FAST) an award-winning early-intervention programme that brings parents, children, teachers and the wider community together, to make sure children get the support they need to fulfil their potential at school – and in life. Save the Children works in partnership with Middlesex University to deliver FAST in areas of deprivation and where high numbers of children receive free school meals.

Each FAST programme requires a mix

of school staff, families and community partners. In Renfrewshire we are planning to deliver up to 10 FAST programmes in an academic year and would like to develop a bank of Community Partners.

Renfrewshire Council would like to invite Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce members to consider becoming involved as Community Partners to be linked with Primary Schools in Renfrewshire. Community Partners must commit to an initial 2 day training programme and then 8

weekly sessions after school hours where children and parents take part in structured activities together.

For further information visit the FAST website (http:// familiesandschoolstogether.com/ content/home).

To express interest in becoming involved in this important initiative, please contact Raymond Kane, Development Officer, Education and Leisure Services. Email: raymond.kane@ renfrewshire.gov.uk or tel: 0141 618 4866.

Travel & Tourism – Gleniffer High School Gleniffer High School are extremely excited to launch the school’s new vocational National 4 & 5 Travel and Tourism course, which will start in the new academic year for senior pupils.

The course aims to encourage students to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for work in the travel and tourism industry, through classed based learning and practical experience. Gleniffer are now looking for employers in this industry to provide extended work experience placements for pupils. This is a unique opportunity for employers, as well as pupils, due to the introduction of a mandatory recruitment process for all placements, to ensure that employers are supplied with an enthusiastic, reliable and dedicated workforce. Interested employers can get in contact by phone 01505 813 116 or via email to: enquiries@glenifferhigh.renfrewshire.sch.uk

St Fillans/Mary’s Meals

Linwood S3 SDS Science Centre Visit

The pupils of St Fillan's have been busy gathering items for the backpacks for their Mary's Meals Project.

The kinds of things required are sandals, a T shirt, shorts, a spoon, a small ball, a towel, toothbrush and toothpaste.

Most of these would be lying around the house anyway so there was no need to go to a lot of expense.

St. Margaret House had chosen this as their main charity this year and the whole school got behind them by collecting the necessary items and filling up their backpacks. They also held a non uniform Day and the money raised went to Mary's Meals too.

S3 enjoyed a visit to the Glasgow Science Centre on 20th February to take part in a Skills Development Scotland Careers Day based around the Health Industry. Pupils were shown how to use Ultrasound and X-Ray Technology and given the chance to perform Key Hole Surgery, but thank fully not on their teachers!

Over 60 bag packs were filled and £138 was collected.

On Tuesday 25 February the pupils walked out to the van to deposit their bags in the back of the Mary's Meals van.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Young People Rainbow Nursery - Techno Toddlers The children from Rainbow Nursery are achieving better learning outcomes in Numeracy & IT thanks to the generosity of Big Lottery Communities & Families Fund. Our Parents Committee was awarded £10,000.00 to establish a Techno Toddlers project to help provide opportunities for children, families and the community. This includes exploring new interdisciplinary IT concepts through the use of computers and various other media of technology. In a way that will be used for learning, enjoyment and fun.

Chamber playing its part Renfrewshire Chamber do an extensive amount of work for and with the schools across Renfrewshire – examples since the start of 2014 alone include: • Helping several secondary schools engage with local businesses to support their careers events (chief exec) • Helped Kirklandneuk Primary get a variety of careers for their Work Cluedo event and a visual and interactive presentation to both P7s about what a chief exec is and what they do (chief exec) • Our charitable donation has enabled Kersland School get Sailability training to allow them to take part in the Race 2 the Games in the summer (president)

• St Andrews Academy careers talk x 3 (chief exec) • Euan & Calum gave a number of employability and Recruit talks at a number of schools • Recruit mock interviews (chief exec) • The Winter Recruit Challenge x 2 – town centre challenge where each group is given a virtual shop space and £10k budget – each team then given a theme of either: sports & leisure, heritage, music or technology (Calum, Euan and chief exec) and given 5 hours to develop a business plan and present back their idea with name, logo, finances and why it is sustainable • Young Enterprise Company Programme

– chief exec Bob Davidson is vice chair and is responsible for securing funding, marketing, recruiting business advisors and judges – the programme involves around 20 schools from across Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire & Inverclyde – totalling approx. 200 S5/S6s • Student mentoring for UWS • Future plans Skills ambassador – local business going into school classes / groups on a regular basis to mentor and guide / share experience (chief exec with council education colleagues) • Business Doors Open Day at Inchinnan (chief exec with council education colleagues)

S5 Employability at the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Burns Lunch S5 Employability class had a wonderful time when they were invited along to the Burns Lunch by Bob Davidson at the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.

We listened to Burns poetry being performed by an Linwood former pupil Martin Cassidy who is Chairman of the Alloway Burns Society and we met John Melrose from the Malcolm Group and another former pupil Angela Eliot who is Sales Manager at the Normandy hotel. All in all a great afternoon out and a chance to see the opportunities that are there for us in our area.

“It was the first time I had haggis and it was delicious.”

Danielle Coulthard S5

Business Matters Spring 2014

44

Schools and Young People (Continued)

Enchanted Forest Nurseries Goes Digital

Following research presented by the University of Wisconsin last year which found that interactive digital screens can be beneficial to children’s learning, Enchanted Forest Nurseries, which operates a nursery in Erskine, has become one of the first independent chains in Scotland to invest in new technology across its nurseries.

All staff have completed training on the tilting digital C-Point Interactive Table, which has now been installed in the 3-5 years’ rooms. Designed with youngsters in mind, the table is the same height as a normal nursery table and built of solid aluminum with a safety glass touchscreen, This represents an investment of almost £15,000 by the owners of the award winning chain which provides care for 400 children daily at its nurseries in Erskine, Thornliebank, Greenock and Inverkip.

Mariessa Devlin, co-founding Director of Enchanted Forest Nurseries comments; ‘‘We always keep a close

watch on research into this area and believe these digital tables offer a unique way for youngsters to learn while having fun. Their content covers the Curriculum for Excellence, and combines fun games and activities with creativity, learning about numeracy and literacy, the world around us, emotions, responsibility, music with lots of other fun and educational programs available besides.

In addition, we will also be able to save the children’s work from the tables for their Individual Learning Stories and even better we can provide these direct to the parents by email, enabling them to print from home, which really is an added bonus.’’

Whilst the screens are expected to be extremely popular with the children, Enchanted Forest Nurseries is ensuring that more traditional forms of learning continue to be embraced. Storytelling, active play as well as trips to local places of interest continuing to take place, courtesy of the chain’s branded mini bus, all remain firmly in place.

Chamber invited to Summit Your chief exec, Bob Davidson, has been invited by the Scottish Government to talk about the work the Chamber is doing with local schools & businesses across Renfrewshire at the Summit of the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce chaired

by Sir Ian Wood.

The event takes places as Cosla HQ in Edinburgh at the end of March.

Sir Ian Wood

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

45

New Capital Allowances Rules SPIRING PEOPLESales forBUSINESS Property Are you missing out on thousands of pounds of unclaimed tax reliefs? You could be if you have not claimed all the Capital Allowances available on your business premises. This includes properties let to businesses.

This is not aggressive tax planning but a legitimate relief that many businesses do not realise they can claim.

Most businesses are familiar with claiming Capital Allowances on moveable items such as tables, chairs and machinery, but not all realise that these allowances are also available for fixtures forming part of buildings, both new and secondhand. These fixtures include hot and cold water systems and air conditioning.

The Capital Allowances available on

a building can be up to 20% to 30% of the purchase price, higher in the case of some modern offices, so the amounts at stake can be high.

Recent changes to the rules on Capital Allowances make it more important than ever to consider making a claim now and protecting your tax position, as allowances not claimed by April 2014 may be lost forever.

Your Capital Allowance position should be considered when buying or selling a premises or when commissioning a new build. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never too early in the process to seek professional advice, good advice at the negotiation stage can put you in a very strong position.

At Campbell Dallas we can advise you as a vendor, purchaser or new build

pbell Dallas is one of the most amic and progressive firms of pendent Chartered Accountants in land. Our clients come in all shapes sizes and so do our disciplines. We r our services and shape them to fit needs. Ultimately we are focussed our peace of mind and helping you eed.

tact ne il

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

w.campbelldallas.co.uk

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

Aileen Scott, Partner

customer. We have specialist surveyors who can go into a building and assess the value of assets for which a claim may be possible. We will then guide you through the process of making a claim.

For further information or advice please contact Aileen Scott, Partner at Campbell Dallas, on 0141 886 6644 or aileen.scott@campbelldallas.co.uk.

Business Matters Spring 2014

46

Project Management & Construction Ltd www.pmandcl.co.uk

Building Integrity & Trust 2013 was our biggest year since the formation of the business in 2007, with turnover reaching £9.5 million. This year, a busy period of tendering and post tender negotiations has resulted in a number of awards. New clients include Scottish Fire and Rescue and The Himalayan Centre, Edinburgh. In addition, we are awaiting a start date for yet another office refurbishment in Glasgow city centre and we are preferred bidder on two projects, an alterations project for NHS and a refurbishment for a local authority.

Scottish Fire & Himalayan Centre, Rescue Service – Edinburgh Bo’Ness Fire Station

St Catherine’s Retail Park Now Complete

We are delighted to have been awarded our first contract for the newly formed Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. Bo’ness Fire Station is a live fire station and will operate throughout the works, which consist of external fabric repairs, including a new single layer felt and liquid applied roofing system, upgrade of rainwater disposal systems and replacement rooflights.

Further work to the external fabric includes new windows and doors, external balustrading, painterwork and paving.

Detailed segregation and traffic management plans will be developed in conjunction with the client to ensure that the station remains operational throughout the duration of the works.

We are in the final stages of completing the refurbishment of four retail units at St Catherine’s Retail Park, Perth for Pradera Ltd. The project comprises phased refurbishment and new build extension works to the existing retail units, including structural steelwork, facade alterations, internal sub-division works and M&E services. Hard and soft landscaping completes the package.

The Himalayan Centre transformation has begun.

The former Dr Bell’s Swimming Pool in Leith was purchased from City of Edinburgh Council by the Himalayan Centre who are establishing a community hub and national centre for arts and culture at the Victorian listed building.

The works consist of the refurbishment and extension to the existing building to form a new restaurant/cafe. The original swimming pool is to be infilled and a new mezzanine with lift access will be formed within the main hall to provide gallery and performance spaces. Alterations to the rear will consist of lowering an existing floor to form a cafe.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

Phoenix Retail Park, Linwood Handed Over

The work for Pradera Ltd consists of the re-development and opening up of an existing retail unit, including a new structural steel feature entrance and further re-cladding works. The project was handed over on programme.

Work Continues at Ca’ D’Oro

47

£1200 Raised for Erskine Charity Thanks to the generous support of our guests, our 6th and most successful St Andrews Night Ceilidh raised a total of £1200 for our chosen charity – Erskine.

We have now successfully completed three phases of six on the three floor refurbishment and handed over on programme.

Due to the live nature of the project, development and implementation of the phasing plan is continually reviewed with the client. Out of hours road closures have also been planned and agreed with Glasgow City Council to facilitate crane lifts for the removal and installation of roof mounted plant. This is a Considerate Constructor Scheme site and realising the importance of good communication with all neighbouring businesses, we are distributing a monthly newsletter to keep all interested parties informed.

Business Matters Spring 2014

48

Aves Business Centre After months of searching and planning, Aves Business Centre opened its doors on 13th January 2014. This came about as owners, Debra Anderson of Bluejay Office Services and Elizabeth Todd of Tweetiepie Media, couldn’t find appropriate office space for their own businesses.

Both had heard of similar services being offered in Glasgow and decided that they would create their own unique space in Inverclyde.

They wish to create a relaxed but professional, flexible working environment for business to operate from whether that be in a private office or meeting room or as part of the hotdesking arrangement. All of which include high speed wi-fi and use of the kitchen.

Other services offered which are proving very popular are the registered office/postal address and virtual landline. You can also print and copy from the centre.

If you would like more information on services and/ or pricing then call 01475 603300 or email info@ avesbusinesscentre.co.uk

St James

Business Centre

• FREE MEETING ROOMS AVAILABLE • AMPLE FREE PARKING • MANAGED OFFICES • FLEXIBLE TERMS

LINWOOD ROAD, PAISLEY, RENFREWSHIRE PA3 3AT

0141 887 4545

Charles Stewart Quality Decorators Now in our 11th Year of Business , Charles Stewart Quality Decorators continues to prosper and through Renfrewshire Trusted Traders our client base continues to grow.

We joined Trusted Traders almost 2 years ago, and although slow to start, we believe this scheme is the way forward for consumers to choice a qualified and trusted trades person which gives them confidence and piece of mind. More and more consumers are learning all about the scheme everyday. Customer feedback forms on the website give new customers a feel for our company and give them confidence that they can trust us. Here are just a few of the testimonals from past customers “Charles and his team worked quickly and neatly on a difficult job due to height of building (Edwardian Villa). We were extremely happy with end result and will definitely use him again” “Excellent workmanship, friendly,

reliable and trustworthy company” “Best professional job I have ever had. Would recommend to anyone” Charles Stewart Quality Decorators recently joined INVEST in Renfrewshire, we’re looking forward to connecting with them from time to time to find out how they can help the business and also how we can help INVEST in Renfrewshire!

Charles Stewart Quality Decorators has recently expanded its services to compliment our decorating service, also due to customer demand, now offers a ‘Cleaning Service’ through PLATINUM CLEANING SERVICES which is run by Maureen Stewart. RELAX - we’ll take care of it! The service offers Domestic Cleaning, Pre & Post Party cleaning, Spring Cleaning, Move in/move out.

Commercial Services (End of Tenancy, Office cleaning, Serviced Apartments/ Hotel Cleaning, Deep clean as well as home staging) If you would like to book an appointment call Maureen on 01505 348922 / 0777 1757633. 10% off your 1st full house clean.

For more details on all our services, please give us a call we would be delighted to hear from you, 01505 348922 / 0786 7845946 or visit our website www.csdecorators.co.uk

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

49

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.

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11650 A4 portrait advert.indd 2

14/06/2012 15:53

Business Matters Spring 2014

50

Proposal launched for a Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ) at Hillington Park Local planning authorities have launched a proposal for a Simplified Planning Zone at Hillington Park.

MEPC, which is the majority owner of the business Park, has requested that both local authorities prepare a Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ) Scheme.

An SPZ scheme seeks to foster regeneration and sustainable economic growth by encouraging appropriate investment and development of a type which safeguards and enhances the strategic industrial and business role of the Park by simplifying and streamlining planning. In addition to being an incentive to inward investment, the benefits include saving time and providing certainty on what is permitted.

Hillington Park, which covers 419 acres, is currently home to over 500 businesses working across all sectors and who collectively employ around 6100 people.

MEPC Hillington Park’s Commercial Director Jamie Cumming said: “Hillington Park already has a vibrant business community which the SPZ will help support but there is also a huge amount of potential for the Park and the scheme will act as the catalyst for further sustainable growth and employment” Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “I am delighted to be working in partnership with MEPC Hillington Park and our neighbours in

Glasgow City Council. It’s more than 20 years since a Simplified Planning Zone was last introduced in Scotland and this important project is now recognised in the emerging National Planning Framework.

“This is an excellent example of public and private sector working together to make an area more attractive for jobs and investment. This is something the council is already doing through our Invest in Renfrewshire programme to boost the local economy and tackle unemployment, which has so far signed up more than 500 local companies around 80 of them in Hillington.

“It shows yet again that Renfrewshire is open for business and that it continues to examine ways to streamline and speed up the planning process without sacrificing quality.”

Bailie Liz Cameron, Executive Member for Jobs and the Economy, Glasgow City Councils said: “We are very supportive of the plan to create a Simplified Planning Zone at Hillington Park. We will be working closely with the owners of Hillington Park and Renfrewshire Council on the consultation and creation of this new zone. A feasibility study by the owners of the Park has shown Hillington Park has the right ingredients for designation as an SPZ. We hope it will help to give Hillington

Park a competitive advantage to help retain, attract and grow its business operations.”

Consultation for the SPZ has begun with Hillington Park occupiers, Community Councils and a number of statutory bodies. The local authorities want to hear views on the proposals and would urge interested parties to get in touch.

All the supporting information is available to view online using the planning application search facility at http://pl.renfrewshire.gov.uk/onlineapplications (using reference 13/0754/SZ) or www.glasgow.gov.uk (using reference 14/00024/DC). This information can also be inspected at Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley PA1 1LL and Glasgow City Council, 231 George Street, Glasgow G11RX MEPC manages some of the UK’s best known commercial property, with seven business estates [including Hillington Park and Clyde Gateway East] set in prime locations throughout the UK. Together they provide over 7 million sq ft of high quality space for more than 1,000 organisations, employing over 21,500 people. With a portfolio in excess of £700 million, we stand as a leader in our field.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

51

Amenities / Specification • • • • •

On Site Management On site Car Parking Just Off M8 Jct 27 Near Glasgow Int. Airport Restaurants, Leisure & Retail Facilities Nearby Open Plan & Traditional Offices Meeting Room Facilities 8 Person Lift Choice of Three Buildings

New Year Incentives • • • •

- Why not save a 1/3 of your Next Years Office Rent?

DP Group is pleased to extend their unbeatable introductory offer to Paisley organisations looking to relocate to our Mirren Court Business Centre.

Our discount will apply on top of already attractive rental terms.

Why not join many other local business including EON Energy who recently took a 1400sqft office suite.

Currently available we have various office suites from small sized 250sqft up to a large sized 8,000sqft for stand alone Headquarters which was until recently let to a Balfour Beatty group company. We can cater for all business needs.

Whether it be town centre or at our offices at Mirren Court, Renfrew Road, Paisley close to M8 Jct27 and a minute from Glasgow Airport, we have the location to suit and importantly at the right price.

Other special deals available to fellow Chamber Members.

Call Mark Dinardo today on 0141 843 4211 or visit www.dpgroup.org.uk.

FIND US HERE

NEW YEAR, NEW OFFICE

NEW INCENTIVES

TO

LET

MIRREN COURT Call us today on BUSINESS CENTRE

0141 843 4211 119-123 RENFREW ROAD, PAISLEY

For an appointment to view go to

Flexible Lease Terms www.dpgroup.org.uk Variety of Suites from 250sqft to 8000sqft

Amenities / Specification • • • • • • • • •

On Site Management On site Car Parking Just Off M8 Jct 27 Near Glasgow Int. Airport Restaurants, Leisure & Retail Facilities Nearby Open Plan & Traditional Offices Meeting Room Facilities 8 Person Lift Choice of Three Buildings

FIND US HERE

Call us today on

0141 843 4211 For an appointment to view go to

www.dpgroup.org.uk

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

WHY CHOOSE MALCOLM MAINTENANCE ?

Malcolm Maintenance works in partnership with your business in providing a tailored fleet maintenance package to suit your business needs.

Keeping on top of essential maintenance scheduling, including services or MOTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, is a large task for any business and a significant use of resources. Working together with Malcolm Maintenance you can be confident your vehicle fleet will be maintained and repaired to the highest standards, at competitive prices.

Outsource your fleet maintenance, lighten the load and let Malcolm Maintenance take care of it for you.

To discuss your maintenance requirements contact George Scott on 01505 333301 or 01505 333303.

Practical Solutions, Successful Partnerships

www.malcolmgroup.co.uk