Iod scotland spring 2014

Scotland

Spring 2014 www.iodscotland.com

Published for members of the Institute of Directors in Scotland

Business leaders in the spotlight IoD Scotland Director of the Year Awards: Celebrating 10 years of excellence Media isn’t just about bad news

Tayside welcomes its new chairman

Getting to grips with eLearning

Glasgow hub opens at 200 SVS

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Chairman’s welcome

Bill was right: it is the economy, stupid The debate over independence has finally got round to discussing the economy and business, but IoD Scotland Chairman Ian McKay asks whether we’re getting political point-scoring rather than the answers we really need

L

iz Hurley may take a different view but what I always liked about Bill Clinton was his common sense, best summed up for me in his famous 1992 election slogan, ‘It’s the economy, stupid…’

Less well-known perhaps is Clinton’s other slogan of that year: “Change vs. more of the same”. That choice is never far from our headlines either. Scotland’s big decision has taken a welcome step towards looking at the economy recently, or at least focusing on what business people think about the referendum campaigns.

This makes sense since most psephologists will confirm that voters value the views of business in making political decisions – voters rightly gauge that businesses will make an assessment on the economic facts rather than emotions or party allegiance.

Big hitters have entered the scene.

The CEOs of Sainsbury and BP have joined with previous comments from Asda and Morrisons to raise question marks over the independence plans of the Scottish Government. The First Minister’s response is informative. I discount his jibe about the ‘political elite’ – being a First Minister sounds a lot more like a political elite than people who have spent their whole life in energy production or groceries.

More telling is the FM’s response in pointing to BP’s planned £10 billion of investment in the North Sea in 201116, and

reassuring us that ‘I think investment talks’.

I agree with the FM on that last point but it doesn’t reassure me. It is only a few days since the incoming Governor of the Bank of England told the FM directly that his plans for currency union would mean a loss of key powers for an independent Scotland’s government.

Bob Dudley, the BP CEO, the company making that £10 billion investment, says that unanswered questions on currency and taxation put investment at risk. If ‘investment talks’ and those making the investment are telling you plainly that they need clarity on key issues, isn’t it time to listen and give some answers?

IoD is the best business organisation in the whole world, but chairing the Scottish bit probably doesn’t let me be a member of the ‘political elite’. It did, however, let me ask a question of Alex Salmond at the launch of the voluminous Referendum White Paper. I said then that businesses across Scotland wanted answers and not assertions from both sides of this debate. I instanced the claim that an independent Scottish Government would re-nationalise Royal Mail and enhance the universal service obligation. I asked how you could re-nationalise a private company trading on the Stock Exchange of a separate sovereign state. More mundanely, given that Scotland is a net importer of mail with much greater logistic, geographic and demographic challenges in providing even the current USO service, what would the additional cost be to the Scottish exchequer of that enhanced service, or even maintaining the current service?

Unlike oil – or Bill Clinton – mail isn’t too sexy. But a recent Ofcom survey found that 64 per cent of UK postal users were reliant on that service. For Scotland, Ofcom have found that 98 per cent of businesses in Scotland use Royal Mail, with 79 per cent using no other provider. It’s important to them. continued on page 4

Contacts & details Executive Director: David Watt iod.scotland@iod.com For email enquiries, iod.scotland@iod.com Web www.iodscotland.com or www.iod.com/scotland Address IoD Scotland: 29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh EH3 6QE Tel. 0131 557 5488 Fax. 0131 557 5818

IoD Scotland is the official membership magazine of the Institute of Directors and is published on its behalf by: Chamber Media Services, 4 West Park Road, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 3JX. Advertising sales: Colin Regan t: 01925 292002 / 07871 444922 e: colinregan001@yahoo.co.uk Production: Rob Beswick t: 0161 426 7957 / 07964 375216 e: rob@chambermediaservices. co.uk

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material contained within this magazine, neither IoD Scotland nor Chamber Media Services can accept any responsibility for omissions or inaccuracies in its editorial or advertising content.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the IoD. The carriage of advertisements or editorials in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

Cover picture: IoD Scotland gets ready to turn the spotlight on our business stars - see page 10 for full details of Director of the Year Awards nominees

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 03

Executive director’s comment Continued from page 3 On the other side of the debate, UK Business Secretary Vince Cable, when giving evidence to a Lords Committee, has questioned how renationalisation could be done, how much it would cost and talked some very big numbers on what it would cost to run the USO, far less enhance it.

He went so far as to say that the new Scottish Government would lose financial credibility due to the amounts of borrowing it might need to raise to pay for it all.

It may be that the FM has answers to all of this. Mr Salmond told me at the time that such details would be forthcoming in the course of this debate and I very much welcome that assurance. But I haven’t seen any answers from him yet and we need to start seeing some of those facts to back up the assertions.

The recent exchanges then descended into pointless claim and counter-claim on how many companies backed independence against how many didn’t.

Here is a thought for the ‘political elite’ – the company numbers that should concern you are that of the estimated 343,105 private sector enterprises operating in Scotland, almost all (98.3 per cent) are small (0 to 49 employees). That number has hardly moved since 2000. Indeed, in March 2013, 70 per cent of those private sector companies were businesses with no employees, comprising only the owner. That is not nearly enough to drive growth or create jobs. Remain part of the UK or go independent – if those numbers on the size and influence of the private sector in Scotland remain as they are, our Scottish economy will remain in the doldrums.

Like the man said, the economy, stupid.

2014: The Year of Scotland David Watt Executive Director IoD Scotland

W

e are in for an exciting year – never has that statement been truer.Whatever your beliefs or aspirations, wherever Scotland is at this point next year, there is one certainty – 2014 will be a year unlike any this country has ever seen.

Central to this, of course, is the independence referendum in September: a truly historic event and one that will see the constitutional future of the country decided for generations to come.

This truly is a world-changing moment – a vitally important and long-term choice that the people of Scotland will make in 2014. A truly historic decision!

There are many issues and a lack of clarity around the mechanics and policies which will influence this decision.

Let’s hope that we have a full and frank discussion on these important matters and tease out all the details. The economic future debate is vitally important in itself and the direction of travel for a Scotland of the 21st Century.

Let’s also hope that we don’t take our eye off the ball and we continue to focus on day-to-day economic development as well. There is a present as well as a future.

Alongside the historic referendum we will see some other extremely rare happenings in Scotland with the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and the Bannockburn anniversary.

As a package a genuinely unique year – how exciting and also motivating to take advantage of

IoD Scotland Conference 2014 heads for the Fairmont Making prosperity a reality

04 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

the fantastic opportunities this year provides.

We need Scotland’s business and organisations to exploit all the chances that it will bring.

Not only will these major happenings provide opportunities but this is underpinned by a 12-month-long Homecoming programme.

Businesses and individuals across the country must seek out their chance, whether it is local, national or international. They should exploit this year’s novelty and profile at home and abroad to grow their business.

Having recently returned from the USA I have seen at first-hand the high-profile Scotland is enjoying right now – something our exporters (current and potential) should exploit. Scotland needs them to do that – we desperately need more companies exporting (only around eight per cent do so at present) and we can use 2014 to kick-start a massive improvement in that.

Tourism obviously has a fantastic opportunity but other industries too can exploit opportunities at home and abroad and can’t miss this extraordinary year.

Supplying all the many events in Scotland is a brilliant chance to build some business now which can develop into the wider business fields in the longer term – both at home and abroad.

The events industry worldwide is enormous – why not start in Scotland in 2014 and then take on the world?

We can also hope that people living in Scotland will choose 2014 to start their own enterprise – what better year to do it. Scotland has a unique heritage so let’s hope we can start to really build on that during this exhilarating time.

Whatever our constitutional future – 2014 is a year of opportunity and, I hope, an awakening to the opportunities of the years to come.

A time to grow, build and develop in a thriving, prosperous Scotland!

IoD Scotland is delighted to announce that its Conference for 2014 will be held at The Fairmont in St Andrews on Thursday, 30th and Friday, 31st October, with the theme ‘Making Prosperity a Reality’. New to this year’s event will be a pre-conference session focusing on director development, followed by a leadership lecture entitled Leadership Reality in 2020 Scotland.

More details will be announced in the summer issue of IoD Scotland and via www.iodscotland.com.

If you wish to reserve a place or receive further details, email joyce@firstcityevents.co.uk

Workshop offers clear guide on finance options An IoD Scotland half-day workshop, Raising Finance: How to Find and Secure Business Funding brought together a wide range of expert speakers to bring clarity to the funding sources available to support business. Around 40 delegates attended the inaugural session.

This workshop was piloted by IoD Scotland in response to member demand, in the context of challenging economic circumstances, pressures on the public purse and a backdrop of negative press about the lack of lending to business. Speakers led by Stephen Westwood (IoD Fife Chairman) revealed that at the same time there are increasingly good examples of businesses flourishing and of innovative funding mechanisms being introduced.

Tanya Ewing, award-winning tech entrepreneur, kicked off session with an inspiring and heartfelt story of the challenges that she had to overcome to bring her idea to market, with many rounds of funding.

Jock Millican, director of Equity Gap, then provided an overview of ‘angel funding’, with David McGrory, partner at Maclay Murray & Spens, following him to outline aspects of venture capital and private equity.

Session chair Stephen Westwood spoke on the context of IPOs, and the first session was wrapped up by Anne Featherstone, who highlighted the role of the Scottish Investment Bank and its public/private partnership role.

Secured lending was next on the agenda, with Andy Moorhouse from RBS, and Gordon McGregor from Lombard. Both gave clear

expositions on the place of secured lending and how businesses can access facilities, notwithstanding the challenges the banking and finance sectors faced.

Simon Munro, regional director Scotland (pictured), outlined the unique position in the market of the Business Growth Fund to provide equity/debt finance to growing businesses, while John Hughes from Business Gateway and Charlotte Blackwood from Edinburgh Council offered an overview of the public sector support available through loans and grants.

The final session explored the new alternative areas of crowdfunding and its several manifestations. Kevin Miller, CEO of Run Rev, gave his story of how the business raised around £500K through a crowdfunding activity – a phenomenal UK success – to enable the business to further develop its Livecode software. Stuart Gray of Thomson Gray explained how his business had raised funding through a peer lending scheme. Both clearly demonstrated that there are new sources of finance available in the market.

This first workshop in Edinburgh was hosted

by Maclay Murray & Spens LLP and IoD Scotland is planning to roll out the workshop to all its branches in 2014.

Each one will be hosted by the IoD and various professional adviser sponsors and each

Kevin Miller, CEO of Run Rev, explained how his business raised around £500K through crowdfunding will have a range of local speakers from within each region.

Sponsorship enquiries for future regional Raising Finance series events should be addressed to Katherine.mccudden@iod.com and suggestions for speakers should be addressed to Stephen Westwood at hello@ stephenwestwood.com.

• MMS is a UK-wide, full service, independent commercial legal firm with offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow & London. It is preeminent in the Scottish legal market and a long-established member of Scotland’s ‘magic circle’ of outstanding law firms.

Its London office offers a full English Law service, which provides an ideal platform both for Scottish clients doing business in the City. It also has an office in the Edinburgh BioQuarter to support the life sciences and biotech sectors.

MMS is one of the market leaders in the Scottish banking and private equity markets and advises both funders and borrowers/investee companies.

What’s the future for Scotland plc?

A joint IoD/ACCA event in Dundee in February gave members of both organisations the chance to question senior politicans on the independence referendum at an event called Getting Down to Business – Your Choice for Scotland plc‘s future.

Chaired by Allan Hogarth of AH Strategies, the debate looked at the opportunities, challenges and risks for Scotland’s business community if the September 18 vote goes the way of the ‘Yes’ campaign.

MSPs Stewart Hosie and Murdo Fraser spoke for and against independence in a meeting which got away from the politicing and focused solely on the questions business leaders need answering.

IoD and ACCA members were joined by representatives of the wider Dundee business community to take part in the debate over an issue that will shape our future.

This is the first of two such joint events, with the second being held in Glasgow on 7 March.

See page 21 for more details.

Lively debate: Pictured above at the meeting are (from left), Craig Vickery (ACCA), Stewart Hosie MSP, Andrew Hogarth (event chair) and Murdo Fraser MSP

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 05

IoD news

Perfect setting: IoD members can hold informal meetings for up to three guests in 200 SVS

New hub for members in the heart of Glasgow I oD Scotland is delighted to announce that 200 St Vincent Street (200 SVS) will be the new Glasgow Hub for our members from Monday, 3 March. It provides a luxury venue in the heart of Glasgow city centre for members, who can make use of all the facilities, whether you want to enjoy a coffee in the stunning Grand Hall or sample lunch in the exquisite restaurant while enjoying complimentary Wi-Fi. 200 SVS also offers hot desking, serviced offices, small meeting rooms, impressive boardrooms and state-of-the-art conference facilities that can host up to 250 people to cater for all of your business needs.

There’s also the superb Mind, Body and Soul Spa in which you can unwind and be revitalised before your next meeting starts!

After undergoing a multi-million pounds restoration the Grade A-listed Art Deco building has been completely transformed across all six floors, creating a space to meet all of your business needs. It combines cuttingedge technologies with luxurious surroundings and first class service: it is the perfect venue for any meeting or event.

With fully integrated IT and audio-visual systems as well as video conferencing facilities, 200 SVS is sure to exceed all of your expectations.

06 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

In the boardroom... with full AV facilities

The sixth floor compliments the 200 SVS business hub, offering a restaurant, spa and gym facilities. The restaurant provides tantalising cuisine from our team of resident chefs as well as an ideal location in which to meet colleagues or clients throughout the day. It is also a great space for private dining where the dramatic skyline of the city is the perfect accompaniment to the culinary delights you will be served.

The Mind, Body and Soul Spa is the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. There’s an extensive range of treatments including massage, facials, detox therapies and skin care as well as deluxe hand and nail treatments. It’s a tranquil sanctuary to clear the mind and re-energise.

The fitness facilities at 200 SVS feature the

At your service: 200 SVS has a number of options for more formal, larger meetings

latest equipment from Technogym with spin bikes, treadmills with integrated digital screen, internet access and iPod dock as well as free weights. Guests can also attend the regular spin and yoga classes which are on offer daily.

With all of the amenities 200 SVS has to offer under one roof, and transport links on your doorstep, (Queen Street and Central Station are a 10 minutes walk or three-minute taxi ride away) you can network, meet, work, relax and dine in stylish sophistication. Visitors can park on street meters outside or the Q Park, only a couple of blocks away. Glasgow Airport is a 20-minute taxi ride.

How do I access 200 SVS? IoD members must present their membership card upon entry and can bring up to three guests – all of whom need to sign in. Members will benefit from free wi-fi, a complimentary tea, coffee or bottled water.

If you wish to use any of the facilities or book a private meeting or conference room, the IoD has negotiated special rates our members.

Find out more by calling 0141 222 3934 or info@200svs.com The full address is 200 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RQ.

Fine food, great service, at 200 SVS

Hospitality on the cards as hotel chief takes up Tayside chair Richard Ellison, general manager of the Doubletree Hilton, Dundee, has taken up the Chair of the IoD Scotland Tayside branch.

His focus will be on developing Tayside branch along with his IoD committee colleagues through economic and business leadership lectures, influencer’s dinners and other member events.

Richard is an award-winning leader in the hospitality sector and before he took over the running of the Doubletree Hilton in 2010 he held senior roles at the Old Course St Andrews, Norwood Hall in Aberdeen and The Gleneagles Hotel, where he was operations manager for the G8 summit in 2005. He has also held the position as director at Catalyst Events AV where he launched the event management arm of the business.

He has a BSc in hotel and catering management and is currently undertaking a MSc in hospitality and tourism leadership.

His success in the sector has been widely recognised by his peers: in the Scottish Hotel Awards, the Doubletree Hilton, under his leadership, was awarded Hotel of the Year in both 2011 and 2012, and Scotland ‘turnaround hotel’ of 2012.

IoD Scotland executive director David Watt said he was delighted with the appointment. “This is a real ‘five-star’ appointment for Tayside.

“Richard is a superb addition to our team, will bring excellent sector-specific knowledge to IoD Scotland and will be a driving force for the Tayside branch he now chairs.

“I look forward to him adding some excellent member events to our schedule in the coming months, where I’m sure his in-depth knowledge of events management and hospitality will be of particular benefit.

“In addition I’m sure he will be a considerable asset to the national committee as we look to develop our membership services still further in Scotland.”

Prestige appointment: Richard Ellison, the new Tayside branch chair

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 07

PR/Marketing

Media isn’t just about bad news Ken McEwen PR & Marketing

A

recurring theme across my years in public relations has been the complaint that ‘the media never want to write anything good about us’. This is usually followed up by mutterings that all they are interested in is negative news.

When you enquire a bit more, you usually find the complainer has made little or no effort to get their good news to the media. The attitude seems to be that, ‘because I believe they are focussed on negative news, I will keep my head down and try to maintain a low profile’.

But, if you stop and scan the stories on a business page or a business publication there are a lot of very positive stories out there. Your opposition may be raising their profile with good news while you are hiding yours.

Over the years I have found that, contrary to this popular perception, business journalists are enthusiastic about positive news – particularly now when the economy is emerging from a long and painful recession. Business journalists are keen to present stories that indicate growth, positive jobs news, new developments and new markets.

I also hear people rationalise their reticence about media coverage by saying they cannot see the benefit of their business being in the news.

In an era when we are bombarded with messages on all fronts, that seems particularly short-sighted. Now, more than ever, you want people to know and understand your business.

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beneficial if people who may influence your success have good perceptions about your business.

Imagine, for example, a planning meeting that is considering an extension to your premises. If the councillors deciding your application have no knowledge of your business they could be less inclined to feel positive than if they have a perception of a growing business that is contributing strongly to the economy.

If collaboration, or acquisition, feature on your business plan, it pays to have a strong business profile. Over the years I have lost a number of clients because our public relations work for them contributed to presenting them as a good takeover targets!

So, if you are not actively keeping the media informed about your business, maybe now is the time to start. How should you go about it?

As with most things it is best to approach any aspect of your corporate communications in a planned and strategic manner. Below are some pointers that may help you along the way.

Don’t try to say too much. This is the most common error I have come across when a business starts issuing news – suddenly all these pent-up news stories are crammed into one announcement. Keep it simple and, if you really have lots of news, issue it in a series of news releases, rather than one omnibus edition!

What you believe to be news may not be

news to an external audience. Some years ago there was a frenzy of businesses trying to get coverage on their achievement of the latest ISO standard. This is big news within the business because it is the culmination of a huge effort.

But, in news terms it became such a cliché that I remember one business desk putting a total embargo on such announcements.

Develop a ‘news sense’ (or hire an expert to provide it). Read and analyse the stories that make the news. What is it that makes them news? Understanding this will help you present your story in the most newsworthy manner.

Make sure what you send is relevant and timely. Sending out an announcement, or photographs, of an event that happened last week is of no use to a daily paper – nothing is as dead as old news.

Get known for being open and responsive to the media. If you build a reputation for providing the right comment at the right time, then your profile and the profile of your business will benefit.

Finally, just in case there is a negative story that will rise up and bite you, make sure you have a crisis plan in place to respond.

• Ken McEwen, the past chairman of IoD Aberdeen, has his own PR consultancy business - Ken McEwen Public Relations.

See www.kenmcewen.com for more details

Why join the IoD? Here’s one member’s reason

“I have to say thank you for all your help. Based on some of your suggestions we just saved £5,400 on our premiums. I only joined the IoD about a month ago ... it cost £500 and I have already made a profit, it would seem “Thanks again for all the suggestions. I really am surprised how useful the IoD has been already... long may it continue.”

Michael Gilmartin, director at Dufrain Consulting and Alcore Global Solutions

THE 2014 RYDER CUP

23-28 September 2014 | The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland

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08 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014 RYDER CUP 2014 RYDER CUP HOSPITALITY ARTWORK P12707 DATE 26/2/14

Branch news: IoD Glasgow and West of Scotland

Globetrotting Donna offers insight into her world of HR Laura Gordon

Chair, IoD Glasgow and West of Scotland 2014 is set to be an exciting year for everyone in Glasgow, as well as the rest of Scotland, as we build up to the Commonwealth Games. The city is changing beyond recognition, with new world-class venues like the Hydro and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome gracing our skyline. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide and to the transformation that the Games legacy will bring.

IoD Glasgow and West of Scotland saw our events programme for 2013 out with a highly successful annual Christmas Reception at the Network Lounge at 29 Glasgow. We welcomed more than 60 business leaders to some convivial seasonal networking and a prize draw for our chosen charity, the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, raising almost £500 for this very worthy cause. Sponsored

by ScotRail, this flagship event attracts members and nonmembers alike, and enables like-minded business leaders to mix and mingle while thanking the hard-working committee members for all their effort throughout the year.

This year we’ve already kicked off our events calendar with two sold-out events. The first, looking at the importance of online content to attract clients, was colourfully presented by the well-known former journalist John Hatfield of Second City Creative and hosted by bto solicitors.

Our first Influencers’ Dinner of the year was another sell-out - in fact, it sold out almost immediately it was announced. Members enjoyed listening to Donna

Malone, IoD’s Female Director of the Year and HR director of Howden, the 160 year-old engineering giant. We heard a fascinating insight into the world of this globetrotting corporate dynamo, who manages teams in 26 countries worldwide, and were regaled with diverse and colourful tales of her experiences, ranging from the edibility of sea cucumbers in China to implementing anti-hijacking training for all staff in South Africa.

Looking ahead, we have an exciting calendar of events in the months ahead. It starts with a Behind the Scenes tour of the Hydro with exiting Chief Executive John Sharkey, followed by the Seven Deadly Sins of a Leader with Eleanor Cannon of Vistage, hosted

by HBJ Solicitors.

Ian Marchant, Chair-designate of the Wood Group and serial non-executive director since leaving SSE last year, will be speaking at our April Influencers’ Dinner and we are planning another highly successful whisky-matched dinner – watch this space!

I look forward to welcoming you to an event soon.

Financial advice with

April deadline threatens your pension protection Avoiding a Lifetime Allowance Charge on your pension is crucial if you wish to have financial security – and avoid paying punitive tax rates, says Zane Hunter, Chartered Financial Planner, Broadstone An individual’s Lifetime Allowance (LTA) is key to their wealth and tax planning, especially when benefits in excess of the LTA could be taxed at 55%.

Avoiding a potential LTA charge (LTAC) must be managed by employers and employees alike – as inactivity could result in the loss of Pension Protection.

It is important to plan carefully: three major legislative peculiarities could result in someone losing their Enhanced Protection or Fixed Protection – and all three need to be addressed before 6 April 2014.

Failure to do so could have a major impact on your future financial security.

The three items to pay particular attention to are: n Reduction in LTA to £1.25 million – More individuals need to decide whether to apply for Pension Protection and need to understand how their Employee Benefit arrangements impact on that decision. n Auto-Enrolment - All eligible jobholders must be enrolled automatically into a qualifying workplace pension. If they fail to “opt out” within 30 days, Pension Protection might be lost. n Group Death in Service (GDIS) - It is generally understood that lump sum death-in-service benefits are tax-free, but DIS payments can

count towards the LTA. Thus, if Pension Protection is lost, a 55% LTAC may be charged. This could happen if one scheme is replaced by another; simply changing insurer may represent “benefit accrual”. n Example An individual with a ‘Protected’ pension fund of £1m dies in service with a lump sum payment of 4 x salary = £1m. The amount tested against the LTA is £2m, thus the potential LTAC is (£2m - £1.5m) x 55% = £275,000, or £412,500 without Protection. n Options not subject to LTA rules.

One solution frequently overlooked is for alternative death benefits to be provided which are free from NI and Income Tax. These don’t count towards an individual’s LTA, and will not increase the employee’s P11D expenses. Thus, an employer can ensure their employee benefits remain tax neutral. n What should Employers and Employees do?

Before 6 April 2014, you should review your employment contracts, death in service and Auto Enrolment arrangements to understand the impact they may have on overall tax and retirement planning; especially when recruiting.

It might be possible to avoid an unnecessary surprise.

Want to know more?

Zane Hunter, Private Client Partner, is a Chartered Financial Planner for Broadstone.

He can be contacted on 0141 249 8484 or 07766 760366 E: zane.hunter@broadstoneltd.co.uk or see www.broadstoneltd.co.uk

In demand: Influencer’s dinner guest Donna Malone

The above is for information only. The views expressed herein do not constitute investment or any other advice and are subject to change. They do not necessarily reflect the views of BROADSTONE and no assurances are made as to their accuracy.

Where BROADSTONE obtains data from a third party, it accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of data sourced from such third party providers.

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 09

10th Anniversary IoD Scotland Director of the Year Awards

High achievers ready for IoD awards night

T

Date: Thursday, 27 March Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow Time: 6.45pm-11.15pm Price: £115 + VAT Tables of 10: £1,125 + VAT Dress code: Black Tie/ Cocktail or Evening Dress

he nominations have been announced – and we’re close to finding out just who will be crowned Scotland’s Directors of the Year for 2013.

The awards evening is on March 27 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow, and as in previous years we’ve been amazed by the high-quality of our final shortlist. Over 40 directors will be in competition for our awards, including our ‘big two’, the Director of the Year Awards for Businesses with turnover of below £35m and for above that amount.

This year the awards have been given a high-profile acknowledgement of their standing with the news that First Minister Alex Salmond will deliver the evening’s keynote address and present the principal awards.

So why don’t you come and join us on the night? Tickets for this high-profile event are £115 + VAT for a single ticket, with tables of 10 available for £1,125 + VAT. Attendance gives you the chance to not only congratulate the

winners but also to network with Scotland’s most senior business figures, as well as hear from the First Minister himself.

The awards, now in their 10th year, are widely regarded as Scotland’s premier business accolades, offering the IoD a chance to turn the spotlight on those business leaders who have made the greatest impact on their organisations within the previous 12 months.

IoD executive director David Watt commented: “As ever, we’ve been delighted with the response from Scotland’s business community.

“These awards continue to go from strength to strength and attract nominations from some outstanding directors – as illustrated in our shortlist for this year’s awards.

“Despite the economy continuing to throw up severe challenges, the finalists reflect the many superb achievements of Scotland’s directors and leaders, with each entry telling a story of growth, profitability, outstanding

Awards speaker: First Minister Alex Salmond will be on hand to congratulate the winners and deliver the keynote address business practices and real leadership.”

We reveal the shortlist for the main national awards on the next few pages.

In addition, each of IoD Scotland’s six regional branches will announce their own Director of the Year and we will also make a presentation to the outstanding young director through our support for the Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland, and pay tribute to the Young Enterprise Scotland Director of the Year.

Finally, our Chairman’s Award will honour a director whose contribution over many years to Scotland’s business scene is deserving of special recognition.

Nominees: Director of the Year - Over £35m t/o: Martin Dorchester

David MacBrayne Limited Faced with the loss of a major contract and deteriorating relationships with stakeholders on his arrival at ferry company David MacBrayne, Martin’s response was to work hard to galvanise staff and turn around a struggling ship.

He re-engaged with all parties, from Scottish Government to unions and customers, repositioning the business as he did so into one that’s now regarded as successful and forward-looking.

A new senior team was recruited, and Martin re-focused

10 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

towards the delivery of Scottish Government objectives and hard operational change, supporting the sustainability of often isolated island communities.

The result has been a revived business, with a sea-change in attitudes, customer focus, reliability and punctuality – with financial results to match.

Steve Montgomery

First ScotRail As he embarks on his 30th year on the railways, Steve Montgomery has ScotRail firmly on the right track. In many ways he has

transformed not only the business but the way the public perceives it.

His use of social and other media have helped the rail firm to be ranked first in the largest stakeholder perception survey in the Scottish transport sector, while a focus on service delivery has helped boost passenger satisfaction figures, including staff attitude, punctuality and reliability. Overall satisfaction stands at 90%.

2013 saw ScotRail beat passenger records for the ninth consecutive year, and the business now carries 83.3 million customers.

Staff have responded positively

to his common sense and open approach, and his regular face-to-face communications with frontline employees have been welcomed and enhanced job satisfaction figures.

Robin Watson

Wood Group PSN Wood Group PSN’s global restructuring has been led by Robin, whose clear strategy has underpinned an expansion of global capability backed by a simpler business model. His strategy to decentralise the business has delivered overhead

Sponsors and supporters

Nominees: Director of the Year - Less than £35m t/o:::::::::::::::::::::::::: Peter Bruce

Entiér Limited Peter is determined to ensure that the earliest part of his career strongly influences it today. A time-served chef, his offshore catering business places the quality of its food – not profit – first, with an over-riding principle that “we don’t make profit out of food”: all the money given by a client is spent on the plate.

With a strong emphasis on corporate governance and workforce, Peter has placed people, safety and quality at the heart of the company’s principles.

This integrity and openness has delivered success: in the past 12 months, the company has seen turnover grow by 56% and expanded into the USA.

Mark Logan

Skyscanner Mark joined Skyscanner as COO in early 2012, with the brief to transform the business for future growth and scalability. The financial results delivered speak for themselves: profitability tripled during his first year to £12m and now stands at over £24m, on the back of phenomenal revenue

In the running: from left, Peter Bruce, Mark Logan, Andy Lothian and Sandy Manson

growth, up fivefold to £65m. When Mark joined Skyscanner, the company was valued at £46m. This has now grown to £500m.

To achieve this Mark restructured all aspects of the company, introducing a new strategic plan and long-term vision as well as new pay structures for employees.

Growth has seen headcount double, and a new regional HQ has opened in Singapore to support international growth in Asia.

Andy Lothian

Insights Ltd Andy’s focus in 2013 was to grow Insights while leading the change programmes that will create the base for further, transformational growth.

He has strengthened his senior

leadership team with key external appointments at Board level and created clear business priorities in the customer focus and people areas to underpin his vision.

Robust and effective governance processes now support an exciting, inspiring organisation that has delivered outstanding results.

Revenue has grown fifteen-fold to more than £35m in the last 10 years, despite the challenging economic climate it was operating in, and headcount growth has been substantial. Andy has overseen expansion across the UK, Europe, USA and beyond.

Sandy Manson

Johnston Carmichael Since Sandy assumed the position of CEO in 2007, Johnston Carmichael has delivered

spectacular results in all areas: growth, peer respect, profitability and customer satisfaction.

From the outset he has empowered all staff to play their part in making sure the company’s vision and core values underpin every facet of the business. A new senior management structure has embedded quality leadership throughout the business and introduced training and support mechanisms to reinforce the right leadership behaviours.

Improved employee engagement saw the company named in the Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work For list, and the firm was Scottish Accountancy Firm of the Year for five years from 2008. In 2012 it was British Accountancy Firm of the Year, annual growth is 11% and revenues are now £33.4m.

In the running: clockwise, from top left, Martin Dorchester, Steve Montgomery, Ronnie Wayte and Robin Watson

cost savings of $26 million.

Robin put a new leadership team in place and ensured half of his team are based outside the UK to recognise greater internationalisation. His acquisition strategy has reaped dividends: two companies Pyeroy (UK) and Elkhorn (USA) have filled gaps in the portfolio and brought expansion in the US and UK. Through active leadership engagement and initiatives to drive people development Robin has ensured that he has taken his people with him.

Ronnie Wayte

Golden Charter Ltd Ronnie’s appointment as managing director of Golden Charter has transformed the business from a provider of niche prepaid funeral plans into the UK’s largest specialist later life service provider.

While always a major player in the funeral industry, until 2008 the company didn’t sell directly under its own brand, simply processing plans bought from funeral directors.

Robin’s background in sales and marketing helped him see

that the company was missing a golden opportunity, and he developed a highly professional sales team which quickly became the market leader, selling 375,000 pre-arranged funeral plans in 2013.

It is also the fastest growing legal services provider to UK pensioners, and recently signed one of the most significant deals in the sector’s history, now taking 50 per cent of all future funeral arrangements.

Ronnie’s strong leadership has been required throughout this major change in emphasis.

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 11

10th Anniversary IoD Scotland Director of the Year Awards

Award nominees ...

Emerging Director:”””””””””””””””””””””””: Fraser MacLean

Award sponsor:

AJG Parcels Ltd Fraser’s commitment to customer service and an ability to spot niche markets has galvanised AJG Parcels after a major contract loss threatened stability. Thanks to his foresight the company has moved from a Highland-wide delivery operation to a push for collections, and businesses and individuals sending parcels. He has introduced effective financial systems and utilises the latest in vehicle-tracking technology to boost efficiency.

expansion of a product line renowned for quality by some of the food and drink industry’s most prestigious names.

The company reached record sales of £7.8 million in 2013.

Ben Murray

Dr Tom Stratford

Keltic Seafare (Scotland) Ltd In just over a year since his appointment as MD, Ben has re-engineered how the company does business. He has made personnel changes from the ground up, improved financial arrangements and masterminded the construction of a new factory and offices.

His advocacy of CPD and mentoring while assembling a team around him with specific skills is laying firm foundations for future

Ryan Stroulger

ProStrakan Group plc Tom Stratford was appointed chief executive of ProStrakan in 2011 following the company’s acquisition by Japan-based Kyowa Hakko Kirin (KHK). Since then Tom has successfully guided the Borders-based company to record profit. He did so while overseeing ProStrakan’s successful integration into KHK and an expanding headcount. Tom has drawn on his technical expertise to grow the business, with annual

Public Sector Director””””””:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Martin Dorchester

David MacBrayne Limited David MacBrayne Ltd plays a crucial role in sustaining and supporting the Hebrides, providing ferry services that act as lifelines for both business and leisure. Martin arrived as chief executive when the company was at a low ebb, having suffered some setbacks.

He steadied the ship, re-aligning company goals with the strategic aims of the Scottish Government and recruited an energetic new senior management team. The introduction of new technology and stronger employee relations have improved efficiency, reliability and punctuality. New routes have been added to further support often isolated communities.

The widespread acknowledgement that he has successfully delivered the Scottish Government’s strategic Ferries Plan is proof of Martin ability in this role.

Bob Kinnaird

Glenmore Lodge/sportscotland Trust Company Since his 2008 arrival, Bob has transformed Scotland’s national outdoor centre, improving income and attendance on a diverse range of pursuits. Using a ‘grounds-up’ approach he has developed the culture, the people, the

12 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

revenues up by 20% pa on average since his appointment, while ensuring that the company provides a bridgehead for KHK into the important EU and US markets.

infrastructure and product offering, creating a dynamic, customer-focused public sector organisation with strong vision and values.

He has led on capital infrastructure projects including a major accommodation upgrade and heating system in 2013 and has spearheaded a new electronic customer feedback system that improves course delivery and options.

Quality improvements have been made through EFQM as well as the Centre’s social media offering, following his inspired recruitment decisions in 2012.

Joyce McKellar

Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd Joyce has transformed Renfrewshire Leisure’s offer to its local community. It has recently completed its first five-year strategic plan focusing on investment and growth, and launched a new vision and strategy for 2013/18, both under Joyce’s direction.

A £40m investment programme has seen new and refurbished leisure facilities throughout Renfrewshire, with the highlight being the opening of the iconic £24 million ON-X Leisure Centre.

Revenue has increased by 271 per cent, safeguarding services and creating 40 new jobs.

The Parkmead Group plc Ryan’s commercial acumen has been evident from the beginning of his career at Parkmead, so much so that he was promoted to the role of group finance director and company secretary at just 26.

He has repaid that faith many times over, but none moreso than in the past year, during which he handled a series of complex financial deals that have taken the Parkmead Group to a new level.

The acquisition of two public-listed companies at very favourable prices, financed by a loan facility at a keen rate, have helped raise the company’s profile and oil and gas assets in the North Sea. Parkmead has reported an increase in production of 400%.

Award sponsor:

New facilities for adult disability learning centres have both improved efficiencies and the experience for service users.

Gordon Watson

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority Gordon has consistently demonstrated a passion for the area and organisation in his care. His expert direction of the park’s planning function provided a sound basis for his current role as operations director, which has allowed him to bring his innovative but reliable approach to the wider organisation.

Through considered, careful and extremely astute negotiation and relationship building, Gordon helped to secure an additional £1m of capital funding from Scottish Government to assist with real, tangible projects which improve the quality of the National Park.

Gordon also played a pivotal role in bringing the £70m Ben Arthur tourism resort development in Arrochar to a successful conclusion, an investment which will create over 300 local jobs in a rural area.

Be there at the Awards night – book your tickets now!

Go to www.iodscotland.com and follow the links to the awards booking form Alternatively, email First City Events on awards@firstcityevents.co.uk or call 01577 865498

Female Director ::::::::::::::::::::: Award sponsor:

Bonnie Clarke

Badenoch & Clark Bonnie has headed-up the Badenoch & Clark team in Scotland since 2011, when she took over a leaderless business which was stuttering after losing several key senior members.

She reinvigorated the business, leading the team to deliver financial and employee growth while widening its client portfolio, increasing profit margins and creating new services.

Stunning results on high-profile contracts have confirmed its position as a leader in the temporary staff and recruitment sectors. The team delivered an 95%+ fill rate – while its staff responded by voting it a ‘Great Place to Work’ in a B&C survey.

Joyce McKellar

Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd Public services in Scotland are facing increasing pressures, yet in Renfrewshire, leisure services are buoyant thanks to Joyce’s exceptional vision, leadership skills and personal commitment.

During her stewardship she has delivered a strategic five-year plan focused on growth and investment, developed new services and boosted incomes and participation. Subsidy levels have been reduced and a strong corporate brand developed, creating a clear vision for the future, which is now much more secure.

Jacinta Stewart

Barclays Jacinta’s challenging role within Barclays HR operations sees her have responsibility for the Glasgow platform, as well as being the driving force in Scotland behind rolling-out Barclays’ CEO Antony Jenkins’ ambitious ‘Purpose and Values’ strategy.

But not content with these challenging roles, she also has responsibility for Global Operations across Barclays, proving that worldwide management can be implemented successfully from Scotland.

Jacinta has actively promoted the benefits of Scotland as a key strategic location for Barclays, resulting in the local headcount doubling in the past six years.

Jane Wright

Law At Work As CEO of a small but ambitious business – and one which has only recently been taken through an MBO – Jane has accountability for its financial performance. However, in addition she delivers other key functional roles: marketing, including developing strategy, staff development and planning the company’s overall direction of travel and long-term goals.

She also plays a major role in business development, and is responsible for all London client acquisition and leading the BD team operationally. Client care is at the heart of the business, and Jane initiated a dedicated role to look after this function.

She has a passion for performance and in the three years since joining LAW, has transformed the business to a point where the MBO was a natural next step.

Third Sector Director””””””::::::::::::::::::::::: Karen Arthur

Inspire PTL Three years ago, when Karen arrived at Inspire, she found an organisation struggling to cope with the changing needs of its sector. She has rapidly transformed it from the top down. A new management team has been put in place and the organisation has realigned its practices and structures so it is better placed to meet new demands for less cost and with more streamlined service delivery.

Her leaner, flatter, management structure has been backed up by staff who have eagerly signed-up to a new approach. Karen takes an holistic view and leads by enabling positive role clarification and delegation, based on profiling and skills identification.

Petra Biberbach

Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) The downturn in the construction industry has proved challenging for Planing Aid services in the UK, with some offices reducing their workload and laying off staff. Under Petra’s shrewd leadership, Planning Aid for Scotland has done neither, however. Instead it has raised its profile and engaged the support of stakeholders across sectors and political parties.

She has led the creation of new training programmes, improved financial sustainability by diversifying income streams and increased research capacity. In addition she has led major organisational change while ensuring that PAS’ over-riding vision remains at its heart.

Landmarks during the past 12 months include a major expansion in PAS’ volunteers and the delivery of the ‘Charretteplus’ planning policy.

Catriona (Ronie) Walters

Orkney Micro Renewables CIC Ronie Walters is a founding director of OMR – a Community Interest Company tied to the socially and economically disadvantaged Orkney island of Eday. As finance director she effectively went from managing a £15,000 start-up in 2010 to taking full financial responsibility of a £500,000 t/o within 12 months. This provided a key element in the social enterprise’s success, which has seen turnover rise to c.£1.7million. She provides astute guidance, controlling finances while maintaining its social aims.

Ronie’s financial acumen was central to the successful application for funding to allow development plans to come to fruition, while an £130,000 investment in five wind turbines gives a firm, sustainable financial base.

Lesslie Young

Epilepsy Scotland Lesslie has managed to turn a deficit at Epilepsy Scotland into a surplus, expanding services and stakeholder interaction while developing innovative collaborative projects which help those living with epilepsy. A background in nursing and quality assurance systems in hospitals underpinned these changes, which have transformed healthcare for epileptics throughout Scotland, breaking down barriers and supporting health professionals as they reach out to sufferers.

From introducing short respite breaks to carers, to forming working parties with health professionals to fill voids in NHS treatment, she simply will not take no for an answer when it comes to getting the best care for people living with epilepsy.

Award sponsor:

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 13

10th Anniversary IoD Scotland Director of the Year Awards

Award nominees ...

Director Award for Sustainability Leadership::

Dr Howard Dryden

Dryden Aqua Ltd As befits someone who operates in the environmental sector, Dr Dryden places a huge emphasis on his company’s ability to pursue sustainable policies.

Its core product, the AFM® Active Filter Media, is made from container glass, which is often landfilled by local authorities, thus saving public cash as well as reducing pressure on landfill space.

The AFM is designed to be zero waste, helping industry reduce energy and operating costs while removing toxins from drinking water and aquatic environments.

In addition, Dr Dryden works with local education establishments to design school water biochemistry sessions that demonstrate the importance of closed loop approaches and the real value of water.

Alan McLeish

QTS Group Ltd Alan McLeish is not only an innovative leader; he puts a great deal of value into how his business impacts on the environment.

The company’s sustainable energy project saw it named Green Business of the Year at the Lanarkshire Business Awards, and it was also named a ‘Gold Apple’ at the Scottish and UK National Green Apple Awards. This led to it being named a Green World Ambassador, a huge accomplishment for an engineering company.

Sustainability measures of a more practical nature have been made at its UK HQ, which sits in 172 acres of Scottish countryside, in which Alan personally oversaw the development of the land.

Sara Speirs

Spectrum Service Solutions Ltd Sara’s passion for the environment meant that meeting the challenge of the Zero Waste legislation deadline, which came into force this year, was one she was eager to accept. Throughout 2013 Sara promoted the implications of this legislation to her own employees and clientbase, offering free consultancy and ‘zero waste’ audit services to all businesses, and has devoted much of her own time to helping businesses prepare for the introduction of the new legislation in January.

Sara worked hard to gain full Carbon Trust accreditation for the cleaning business, educating others to start their own journeys towards similar accreditations.

Michael Urquhart

Gordon & MacPhail Michael’s passion for whisky is matched only by his passion for setting the highest environmental standards for his company. The carbon footprint is factored in to every stage of the production process. Waste to landfill has been cut by 80 per cent over the past 18 months and its Benromach organic whisky has a ‘field to bottle’ process that takes place within 20 miles of the distillery.

Michael has also committed the company to the Zero Waste Scotland Food and Drink Advisory groups.

Director Award for Flexible Working Policies:::jhhjghj:: Jane Wright

Law At Work Jane has a strong focus on providing a flexible working environment – despite the fact that the company employs only 26 people, and provides a 24/7 service to clients to meet their employment law needs.

She is passionate about quality of life: around a fifth work flexible hours to fit around family commitments while Jane herself role-models a good work–life balance by arriving around 8.50am and leaving most days at 17.15 – almost unheard of in the legal profession.

Staff advancement is encouraged flexibly, too: two employees are taking part-time degrees and the company pays 50% of this cost and awards them an additional week’s annual leave.

Mark Ellison

reddishpink media A natural enthusiast, Mark really cares about his team – both personally and professionally.

His grasp of the need to create a happy atmosphere underpins his company philosophy: ‘A happy and motivated team = great work’.

To help work-life balance, staff are encouraged to work from home or remote locations. His view is that with modern

14 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

Award sponsor:

connectivity the need to come into the office every day is obsolete. Rather, trips in can be used to discuss projects, to link-up with colleagues and work through problems.

This philosophy has even extended to working in different time zones. One US-born web designer pays regular trips ‘home’ to see family but continues to work despite being many hours behind the UK. It helps him – and the company – be ‘the best we can be’.

voice” forum, chaired by a co-worker, and staff can access a number of other programmes, with support for coaching, buddying, mentoring and other employeerelated issues.

Karen Arthur

Celia Tennant

Inspire PTL Karen’s ethos is that if a member of staff can look forward to a day’s work then that day will be more productive. To this end, Karen has introduced a flexible working programme with a nine-day fortnight and other family-friendly changes for those members of staff who can take advantage of them.

The company is working to becoming more flexible and responsive so that it can better respond to the needs of the community and its own people.

Communication is crucial to a good outcome and listening to our staff is a developing art, with various groups having been established over Karen’s tenure. Inspire PTL has a “worker’s

Inspiring Scotland Celia is a champion of flexible working and has introduced the practices to back up this statement. Half of her staff are now home-based to allow greater control over work-life balance, but without any loss of team cohesiveness. In addition she has encouraged staff to consider their working hours. A third now work ‘compressed’ or reduced hours, with more flexible working during school holidays.

Staff returning from maternity leave are offered flexibility of hours to recognise the emotional and logistical difficulties of returning to work, and those with other caring responsibilities are offered their own solutions that tie in to the needs of the business.

Be there at the Awards night – book your tickets now!

Go to www.iodscotland.com and follow the links to the awards booking form Alternatively, email First City Events on awards@firstcityevents.co.uk or call 01577 865498

Director Award for Workplace:: Health, Safety and Wellbeing:: Award sponsor:

The awards night will also see IoD Scotland’s regional branch network reward the achievements of directors in their own areas: Aberdeen and Grampian

Peter Bruce Entiér Limited

Peter has promoted and participated in the organisation’s drive to achieve the HWL award, including lifestyle checks, physical activity challenges, healthy menus and walking groups.

He views the pursuit of the award as beneficial for both Entiér and as a means of adding value to client companies and the health of their workforce by achieving this award at a number of their offshore and onshore sites.

He has also been involved in developing an on-line nutrition and menu planning tool for chefs and offshore catering services to support employees on a weight loss/fitness programme. This was developed as a result of feedback from attending clients’ lifestyle checks.

Pamela Gall Balgillo Nurseries

Pamela appreciates that to achieve a successful business means investing in and motivating employees. The provision of a safe and healthy environment is central to these goals. 60% of the workforce is trained in first aid, and this coverage will be total in 2014-15.

Risk assessment and dignity at work policies were developed in consultation with staff, and a fair and equal attendance management policy is in development. A future initiative will be active participation in a stakeholder working group to determine support mechanisms to help deal with bereavement and serious illness.

In terms of health and safety, Balgillo Nurseries has a 100% record of no reportable staff accidents at work and very low absenteeism, which on average equates to fewer than one day per employee per year, compared to the national average of 3.9 days.

Bob Kinnaird Glenmore Lodge/sportscotland Trust Company

Peter Bruce Entiér Limited Robin Watson Wood Group PSN Louise Wood Prodrill Energy Resource Solutions

Edinburgh, Lothians & the Borders Dr Howard Dryden Dryden Aqua Ltd Mark Logan Skyscanner Dr Tom Stratford ProStrakan Group plc

Fife & Central Scotland

Carol Graham Graham’s The Family Dairy Jim McArthur Hardies Property & Construction Consultants Gordon Watson Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority

Glasgow & West of Scotland

Alan McLeish QTS Group Ltd Sara Speirs Spectrum Service Solutions Limited Ronnie Wayte Golden Charter Ltd

Excellence through the development of people is a priority for Bob. He has taken a strong lead on managing risks within the organisation, which given the nature of its business is a crucial factor in maintaining customer confidence. New policies have been introduced to ensure risk management is embedded throughout the business.

A new training culture, with four all-staff training days a year, has been introduced, and training is a standing item at the weekly operational meeting.

Highlands & Islands

John Stewart SSE plc

Tayside

John is visibly supportive and actively involved in creating a healthier, more productive workplace. He sends out a strong signal to everyone about lifestyle choices and a commitment to make the company ‘a Great Place to Work’. SSE – under John’s guidance – has increased awareness of wellbeing by running a range of workshops and providing information and resources to support employees in the workplace. As champions of the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives (HWL), the company has a network of health groups and its wellbeing action plan provides the basis for workplace health programmes and public health initiatives.

SSE has achieved both HWL Gold Awards and a commendation for mental health and wellbeing at work. John is also committed to the management of sickness absence in a sympathetic and constructive way.

Fraser MacLean AJG Parcels Ltd Ben Murray Keltic Seafare (Scotland) Limited Tracy Shimmield SAMS Research Services Ltd Pamela Gall Balgillo Nurseries Dr Nigel Kerby MBE Mylnefield Research Services Ltd Andy Lothian Insights Dr Mhairi Towler Vivomotion

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 15

10th Anniversary IoD Scotland Director of the Year Awards

Award nominees ...

Non-Executive Director::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Graham Coutts

Graham’s knowledge of the oil and gas sector, particularly in the technology required for extraction, has made him a great asset to the companies he works with. Previously the CEO and chairman of Expro plc, his current NXD roles have placed him in the middle of a hive of activity. He has been involved with the sale of Enovate Systems to Aker Solutions in 2013, the establishment of a platform and management team for growth in STATS Group, the continued expansion of Electroflow controls and the acquisition via Front Row Energy Partners of HCS and CR Encapsulation in 2013. His over-riding aim is to help entrepreneurs realise their journey to value creation, using his experience and contacts to put in place successful structures for growing companies.

Tom Johnston

As president and chair of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Tom has helped guide the organisation through a period of hitherto unprecedented success. Not only is the Chamber in its fourth consecutive year of

membership growth, its support services were recognised when it was a finalist at the coveted British Chamber of Commerce awards.

It received 100 per cent in the 2013 Chambers’ accreditation exercise, which focuses heavily on corporate governance, strategy, finances and membership.

Tom’s knowledge of retail, particularly town regeneration, has been particularly invaluable.

Peter Lederer CBE

Peter is valued for his diplomatic leadership style and independent judgment in his various roles with the Saltire Foundation, the Gleneagles Hotel Ltd, Applecrate, Taste Communications, Hamilton & Inches and Diageo Scotland. As Chair of the Saltire Foundation, Peter’s focus on the priorities and highest standards has established the foundation as an important Scottish institution that’s much admired across the private, public and third sectors. He oversaw its exit from the control of Scottish Enterprise to become a fully independent and financially sustainable charity.

Since then, costs have been reduced by more

than 30% and sustainable revenue is at 60% of costs, up from <5% in 2011. Simultaneously, the Saltire Foundation has doubled the number of participants on its programmes.

Zoe van Zwanenberg

Through her various non-executive directorships – Scottish Ballet, Scottish Ballet Endowment Trust, Scottish Youth Dance (YDance), Scottish Prison Service and Dunbar Arts Trust – Zoe been an ambassador for good governance and leadership She has put her heart and soul into raising the profile of Scottish Ballet. As chair she has used her influence and experience to attract and recruit a very strong board of directors, and her chairing style ensures that every board member is an active and curious contributor.

She has an excellent relationship with the ballet’s key leaders, but particularly the chief executive and artistic director. The board has the freedom to work within a robust framework and this approach has contributed to the success of the ballet, both on the national and international stage.

Awards judges

As ever, IoD Scotland is grateful to its judging panel. They had an exacting job, weighing up the merits of the various nominations – a task made all the more difficult by the high quality of entries.

Pictured are, back row, from left: Jack Perry CBE; Donna Chisholm, Highlands and Islands Enterprise; Professor Robert Raeside, Edinburgh Napier University; Erica Clarkson, Scottish Government; Jane Wood, Scottish Business in the Community; Chris Thomas, Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives; David Watt, IoD Scotland Front row, from left: Ian McKay, IoD Scotland; Raymond O’Hare, OC Solutions; Mairi Mickel, The Mickel Fund

Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland Director Award:::: As part of IoD Scotland’s commitment to supporting the Prince’s Trust, every year we honour a director who has received support from the charity and who has demonstrated outstanding business acumen and achievements.

This year we have three nominations in the running for the award: n Mark Kelman Dress Code Solutions Ltd

16 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

n Gregor Mackintosh Mackintosh of Glendaveny

n Kirsteen Stewart Kirsteen Stewart

Events diary

Information: the real currency of the future Raise a glass to Innis & Gunn’s success Event: Beer & I J Mellis

Cheese matching session

with Innis & Gunn Date: Thursday, 3 April Time: 6 pm (for 6.30 pm)

- 8.30 pm Venue: Innis & Gunn HQ,

6 Randolph Crescent

Edinburgh EH3 7TH Cost: Members, £15 + VAT; Non-members, £20 + VAT

Innis & Gunn is a specialist independent brewing company based in Edinburgh. Established in 2003, Innis & Gunn beer has become a huge success, both at home and abroad. It is currently the most popular British bottled beer sold in Canada, and second most popular in Sweden. The business is family-owned, following a management buy-out in 2008.

We will be hosted at the company’s exclusive townhouse HQ for an evening of awardwinning beers matched with a selection of I J Mellis’ finest farmhouse cheeses. Learn about how Innis & Gunn was discovered, by accident, in 2003 and how their beers have now gone on to become Scotland’s most awarded bottled beers.

You’ll be led through a tasting to discover how well beer and cheeses go together, finishing with a fun quiz.

18 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

Date: Time: Event:

Venue:

Cost:

Wednesday, 2 April 5.30pm for 6.00pm Information is the key currency of today, with Rosemary Agnew, Scottish Information Commissioner School of Management, University of St Andrews, North Haugh Campus, St Andrews KY16 9RJ Members, £15 + VAT; Non-member, £20 + VAT; Committee member, £10 + VAT

Information: is it the new currency? Your questions answered by Rosemary Agnew, Scottish Information Commissioner.

We live in the Information Age. Information is regarded as the key currency. We all have increased levels of accountability, whatever our business or organisation.

But what about our rights and powers as individuals and organisations? What are the obligations and benefits arising from the Freedom of Information legislation?

We are privileged to have Rosemary Agnew, Scottish Information Commissioner, to help us to understand the position. The theme of her presentation will be ‘Access to Information about Public Services in Scotland’.

What we will learn is

the extent to which we have more rights than we thought to obtain information which enables us to hold public bodies to account. She will be assisted at the event by Sarah Hutchinson, head of policy and information.

Rosemary Agnew was appointed as Scottish Information Commissioner on 1 May, 2012.

Previously she was chief executive of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and assistant ombudsman at the Local Government Ombudsman in England.

As Scottish Information Commissioner, Rosemary is responsible for the enforcement and promotion of Scotland’s Freedom of Information laws. FOI is the key to many rights and freedoms in our society and Rosemary maintains that the statutory obligation of FOI is an enabler for authorities in terms of both effectiveness and transparency.

Equally, achieving good FOI practice is dependent on strong systems of governance, active risk management and good record keeping.

Sarah Hutchinson joined the Scottish Information Commissioner in 2003. Her role includes strategic responsibility for: improving FOI practice in public authorities; promoting FOI rights to the public; influencing and supporting cultural change; developing knowledge, expertise and relationships.

Rosemary Agnew

IoD’s experts offer view on the economic outlook Date: Thursday, 20 June Time: 16.30 Event: Economics Lecture with Graeme Leach and James Sproule Venue: University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness IV3 5SQ Contact: events@uhi.ac.uk Cost: Free of charge This is a unique opportunity to hear the views of the former IoD chief economist Graeme Leach and his successor James Sproule as they outline the economic outlook facing the Scotland and the UK. While the lecture will consider UK-wide macro-economic factors, taking place as it does just eight weeks before the independence referendum means that this is a great opportunity to hear an impartial dissection of the case for, and against, independence.

This event is held in conjunction with the University of the Highlands, and is free of charge.

Helping women open the door to the boardroom

Diary dates Other IoD members’ events you may be interested in:

Accessing the Business Growth Fund/ STAATS UK Ltd

IoD Scotland was the first organisation to create a unique event for Board-ready women – and so far has worked with around 80 women to help them progress their careers to reach the boardroom. Following the success of these events over the past two years, in partnership with Caroline Donaldson of Kynesis, in 2014 we will continue to hold workshops in March and September.

This is an invitee-only event, however, if people are interested in attending please contact iod.scotland@iod.com We are also grateful to our sponsors Oracle and the Scottish Government for their generous and on-going support.

The Women onto Boards event is limited to 50 women to enable all delegates to get the most out of the day. Delegates will take part in two facilitated and simulated board discussions and be observed at each discussion by senior chairmen/non executives at each discussion from both the private and public sectors.

The aims of the event are: • To provide Board-ready women an opportunity to showcase their Boardroom skills and raise their non-executive profiles • To provide senior chairmen and senior-level • To provide useful feedback to delegates and offer women an opportunity to meet in a different setting board ‘shadowing’ opportunities and to make connections they may not have made Individual feedback will be made available after the otherwise. event. Lunch is included in the day.

• To provide women with experiences that Should you have any queries please contact challenge their own skills and knowledge of being a katherine.mccudden@iod.com non-executive board member and help them think about their on-going personal and director-level How to attend: Email iod.scotland@iod.com to development let us know of your interest in attending

Venue: Aberdeen Date: 22 April Speakers: Mike Sibson, investment director, Business Growth Fund and Leigh Howarth, chief financial officer, STAATS UK Ltd

The Seven Deadly Sins of a Leader

Date: 23 April Venue: Glasgow Details: Sponsored by HBJ Gateley; chaired by Vistage Chair Eleanor Cannon

Influencer’s Dinner

Date: 24 April Venue: Glasgow Details: Former chief executive of SSE, Ian Marchant, and recently appointed chairman of energy services company Wood Group will speak at this private dinner.

For more details, see www.iodscotland.com

Be INSPIRED - and access the growing market created by geospatial project Event: Date: Venue: Cost:

Helping SMEs maximise their potential in a difficult market Wednesday, 23 April Royal Scots Club Edinburgh Free all-day workshop, including lunch. 10am- 4pm

Small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of geospatial technology have been seizing the opportunity to exploit the INSPIRE Directive by participating in a European-funded project.

Geospatial information is one of the fastest growing domains in the European IT marketplace and smeSpire, a two-year project, is currently playing a key role in helping SMEs exploit the benefits of participating in INSPIRE. The INSPIRE Directive is mandatory in all countries in the European Union, bringing together interoperability of data across borders, eliminating barriers to data sharing, bringing benefits to citizens, local authorities and private companies.

The smeSpire project is designed to support SMEs in three major areas: A ‘Best Practice Catalogue’ which allows participants to share their own experiences with others, both positive and negative; a training platform that’s been developed to educate and inform on INSPIRE; and finally, an

amazing opportunity exists for pan-European networking and business opportunities.

SMEs are invited to a one day ‘Thinkshop’ to debate how the UK can exploit INSPIRE for business growth.

Cameron Easton (projects manager with GiStandards Ltd) will moderate a roundtable discussion on the benefits and pitfalls of meeting the INSPIRE directive and how businesses can grow from exploiting it.

The day will be an interactive opportunity to network, join the SME community, meet experts in the fields of GI, meet representatives from the IoD and discuss issues such as law and accounting. There will also be a chance to participate in a teleconference with the smeSpire co-ordinator.

A photographer will be on hand to record the day, and other mediums such as YouTube and Twitter are planned. Photos and text will be available for you to use professionally.

The day will run from 10.00 -16.00, lunch is provided, and there is no cost to attend, however registration is mandatory. See www.gistandards. eu/registration/configure/action/new/ • If you are not able to attend on the day, but are interested in the smeSpire network please email events@gistandards.eu for information on how to join.

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 19

Events diary

Maersk chief has ambitious plans for North Sea Event: Mastering Complexity:

Delivering Maersk Oil’s North

Sea growth plans Date: Wednesday, 7 May Time: 12.15 for 12.30-14.15 Venue: The Royal Northern &

University Club, 9 Albyn Place,

Aberdeen, AB10 1YE Cost: Members £25 + VAT;

Non-members £35 + VAT The managing director of Maersk Oil UK, Martin Rune Pedersen, will outline how the business seeks to achieve its ambitious growth plans by successfully navigating the challenges and opportunities offered by the changing

dynamics of the UK North Sea. Turning marginal and challenging fields into commercial successes has been the cornerstone of Maersk Oils business since 1962. Maersk Oil focuses on pioneering technologies and harnessing talent to continue to operate safely and successfully, creating value for partners and host governments.

With the aim of doubling production between now and 2020, Maersk Oil UK’s ambitious growth plans will be realised in a mature oil and gas basin. The managing director of Maersk Oil UK, Martin Rune Pedersen, outlines how the business seeks to achieve this by successfully navigating the challenges and

opportunities offered by the changing dynamics of the UK North Sea. Martin joined Maersk Oil in 1997 as well-site engineer. He has experience from offshore, Qatar, Danish operations and UKCS. Martin has worked as reservoir engineer, team lead and development department head with both the major gas and oil assets in the Danish part of the North Sea. He transferred to Aberdeen in 2007 as director of petroleum engineering and development, and has been managing director since September 2010.

To book: Contact Margaret Jones on 01771 644163 or margaret@ideasinpartnership. co.uk

Ros Taylor Masterclass Series This series of six half-day masterclasses aims to provide practical learning and focuses on the different behaviours and skills needed to be effective on boards. Of relevance to individuals who are directors and those about to be appointed within the private, public and third sectors, this series is for those serious about their professional development.

The workshops can be taken independently and may be particularly relevant to those who have previously attended an IoD Scotland’s ‘Role of the Non-Executive Director (NXD)’ course or ‘Women on Board’ events.

What kind of leader are you?

Wednesday, 16 April This workshop explores participants’ leadership styles and how they can make the most of them. Of course, we are required to interact with other styles and coping with that diversity will be addressed here.

Leading from the front Tuesday, 29 April A leader requires a strategy and a vision to move forward and also a focused way to communicate that strategy. This course looks at the leadership skills necessary to make your strategy memorable and do-able for others. This workshop also includes how to be more charismatic and inspirational.

Confident Leadership Tuesday, 6 May Leaders stumble without confidence and organisations suffer as a result. What

20 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

confidence is and how can you get more is the aim here. Also in this session the use of power as a leader will be explored. Where it comes from and how best to deploy it will be a focus of this revelatory workshop.

The skills to influence others and handle difficult people Wednesday, 21 May Influencing skills are essential for good leadership as the job ceases to be about you and all about those working with you. Learn about the latest research which reveals the persuasion techniques that really work.

The skills to handle even the most challenging people will be outlined and practiced in this workshop.

The Creative Advantage Tuesday, 10 June ‘Creativity will be the biggest determinant of company success this century’ ... so why leave creativity to artists? We are all creative!

Doing things differently to gain edge and a business advantage is in the grasp of all of us, but how do we go about it. This workshop addresses the ability to come up with new ideas to move your business forward and understanding what happens when you have an ‘A-ha’ moment so that you can have more of them. It will also show you how to create a work environment that helps ideas flow.

Presentations to win business Thursday, 12 June Making an impact with a presentation is the aim of this masterclass. Also included is the ability to put a presentation together speedily without jeopardising quality, and how to be relaxed enough to focus on the audience not your beating heart.

This course will help participants to present to any size of group and have a rewarding, enjoyable experience.

• All courses are held at IoD Scotland, 29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh.

Costs and booking details Each half-day workshop (9am - 1pm) costs £150 + VAT for IoD members and £175 + VAT for non-members. The complete series of six half-day workshops may be booked at the reduced rate of £750 + VAT for IoD members; £875 + VAT, non-members. Companies with fewer than 100 employees may be eligible for a 50% grant via Skills Development Scotland’s Flexible Training Opportunities programme. Individuals may be eligible for Individual Learning Account funding. See www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk for details.

To book: Call 0131 557 5818 or email director.scotland@iod.com

Independence: the big debate Event: ‘Stick or Twist’ – Referendum Debate Date: Thursday, 19th June Venue: Aberdeen Exhibition and

Conference Centre to be

hosted by Keith Aitken Cost: £35 + VAT Leading business organisations in the north east are joining forces to hold a business-focused independence event in June 2014.

The IoD is hosting this event along with Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Entrepreneurs, Federation of Small Businesses and Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

The event, ‘Stick or Twist’ – The Referendum Debate, will see both the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ campaigns present their cases with input from leading experts on constitutional and economic matters. This is the only joint planned event where the members of these five organisations get the chance to ask questions of politicians from both

sides of the divide.

The ‘debate’ due to take place on the evening of Thursday, 19th June at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre is set to be hosted by Keith Aitken, one of Scotland’s most respected and versatile journalists and known by conference organisers as one of the best chairmen and facilitators in the business; he is capable of keeping any gathering on time, to point and to purpose.

His insightful and witty commentary on Scottish affairs has proved enduringly popular across a range of media including public debates.

Speakers from both sides of the debate will be announced shortly but we feel this will be a very popular event.

If you would like to reserve your place please contact Margaret Jones, margaret@ideasinpartnership.co.uk.

The actual bookings when live will be processed through Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.

Getting Down to Business - Your Choice for Scotland plc’s Future: A Joint Event with ACCA Scotland and IoD Scotland Date: Friday 7th March Venue: Glasgow Cost: £8.33 + VAT On 18 September 2014 Scotland will hold a referendum on the single question: Should Scotland become an independent country?

What are the opportunities, challenges and risks for Scotland PLC if we were to choose to become an independent country? This event will give you the opportunity to put your questions directly to leading figures on both sides of the argument and to listen to the debate that will shape our future.

The speakers will be John Mason SNP MSP and Deputy Convener Finance Committee

and Anas Sarwar, Deputy Leader, Scottish Labour Party.

We are delighted that Allan Hogarth, Director, AH Strategies, will chair the event A similar meeting was held in Dundee in February and proved to be a real success. Come and along and join in the debate in what is arguably the most important election in Scotland’s history.

‘Yes, but does it make the boat go faster...?’

Event: Date: Time: Venue:

Cost:

Will it make the boat go faster?

Thursday, 15 May 8.30 am - 10 am Scott-Moncrieff, Exchange Place 3, Semple Street, Edinburgh EH3 8BL Members, £15 + VAT; Non-members, £20 + VAT

Ben Hunt-Davis has rowed at three Olympic Games and six World Championships. While preparing for the 2000 Sydney Olympics as part of the GB Men’s rowing 8, they used the simple question ‘Will it Make the Boat go Faster?’ to challenge everything they did. The question and the thinking behind it enabled the crew to win the Olympic gold medal despite being – allegedly – the weakest and certainly the least experienced crew in the event.

In recent years Ben has developed that story into a Ben Hunt-Davis: Olympian bestselling book and and now champion of a performance effective business practices programme to help individuals, teams and organisations raise expectations and improve performance. He takes straight-forward and simple ideas that have been road-tested in Olympic sport and apply them to business.

Principally he considers the question of time management: with the tasks modern business leaders have to take on, it seems as though many of us are incredibly busy but we’re not necessarily doing the things to make our boats go faster. A lot of us are busy doing what’s in front of us.

At a business show in June last year Ben’s company asked people what percentage of their time was really spent doing the things that were making a difference, rather than just doing the ‘hygiene factors’ to keep everything afloat. Most people said that it was less than 50 per cent of their time.

So how do we become more effective rather than just even busier? At this event Ben will talk about some of the key factors that need to be worked on in order to be more effective at making your boat go faster.

Many thanks to Scott-Moncrieff for kindly hosting this event.

To book on any IoD event, email iod.scotland@iod.com or call 0131 557 5488 IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 21

Professional development

IoD courses: Developing Scotland’s directors

The IoD offers a series of director development courses right here in Scotland. The majority are held at the IoD Scotland office in Edinburgh but other venues, including Glasgow and Dundee, also play host. Some of the courses lead to the ultimate award of Chartered Director status, but there are also a number that are ideal simply for filling holes in a director’s knowledge or to give you more confidence on a particular issue.

A full list of current courses scheduled is below; more are added all the time, so watch www.iodscotland.com for further details.

To book on any course, email director.scotland@iod.com Course title: (PDS) The Role of the Trustee/

Board Member in the Third Sector Date: 26 March Time: One day (9am-5pm) Venue: IoD Scotland, Royal Scots Club,

29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh Cost: Members £75; Non-members £75 With levels of public scrutiny and customer demand growing and funding ever tighter, this course will look at what Board members need to do to fulfil their roles and maximise the value they bring.

Course title: (PDS) Winning Boardroom Behaviours

- workshop for Chairs Date: 20 March Duration: One day (9am-5pm) Venue: IoD Scotland, Royal Scots Club,

29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh Cost: Members £299; Non-members £325 Explore the rules of engagement in the boardroom; what to say, how to say it, when to say it and why this is important for effective boardroom governance Course title: (CDP) Role of the Director and the Board Date: 14 - 15 April Duration: Two days Venue: IoD Scotland, Royal Scots Club,

29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh Cost: Members, £1695; Non-members, £2035 Key duties, roles and legal responsibilities of directors, corporate governance and the role of the board. Also looks at the crucial differences between management, direction and ownership and offers guidance on improving Board effectiveness.

Course title: (CDP) Finance for Non Financial Directors Date: 28-30 April Duration: 3 days Venue: IoD Scotland, Royal Scots Club,

29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh Cost: Members, £1795; Non-members, £2155 Demystify the world of finance allowing you to contribute more effectively to boardroom discussions. It ensures that you develop the skills you need to evaluate and monitor the financial health of a business Course title: (PDS) Role of the Non-Executive Director Date: 1 May Duration: One day (9am-5pm) Venue: Apex Scotland, Dundee Cost: Members, £299; non-members £325 Identifies the various roles of the non-executive director (NXD) in a variety of corporate settings

“IoD director development courses are business’ best kept secret..”

Jeremy Brettell, speaking at the IoD Conference

Course title: (CDP) Director’s Role in Strategy

and Marketing Date: 7-9 May Duration: Three days Venue: IoD Scotland, Royal Scots Club,

29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh Cost: Members, £1795, Non-members, £2155 An introduction to the key ideas and approaches to strategic direction and marketing within your organisation. It will assist your role in leading the strategic processes Course title: (PDS) Role of the Non-Executive Director Date: 15 May Duration: One day (9am-5pm) Venue: IoD Scotland, Royal Scots Club,

29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh Cost: Members, £299, Non-members, £325 Identifies the various roles of the non-executive director (NXD) in a variety of corporate settings Course title: (PDS) Winning Boardroom Behaviours

– workshop for Chairs Date: 29 May Duration: One day (9am-5pm) Venue: Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow Cost: Members, £299, Non-members, £325 Explore the rules of engagement in the boardroom; what to say, how to say it, when to say it and why this is important for effective boardroom governance

Key to course coding: CDP = Chartered Director Programme (CDP); PDS = Professional Development Scotland (PDS) Courses IoD Scotland: Committed to personal and professional development

22 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

Course title: (CDP) Director’s Role in

Leading the Organisation Date: 29-30 May Duration: Two days Venue: IoD Scotland, Royal Scots Club, 29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh Cost: Members, £1695; Non members, £2035 Shows you the role of the Board in setting objectives, culture and values and the techniques, tools and resources needed to deliver corporate strategy. It demonstrates the individual director’s role as a Board member and as a corporate leader in driving strategic change.

Course title: (PDS) Corporate Governance Date: 5 June Duration: One day, 9am-5pm Venue: IoD Scotland, Royal Scots Club,

29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh Cost: Members, £299, Non-members, £325 Help improve the performance of your board and governance systems. The course will explain how to develop a good governance culture throughout the organisation and explore how Non- Executives can best add value. Useful insight is also offered on how to develop a healthy relationship with regulators.

Course title: (PDS) Corporate Governance Date: 13 Nov Duration: One day, 9am-5pm Venue: IoD Scotland, Royal Scots Club,

29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh Cost: Members, £299, Non-members, £325 Help improve the performance of your board and governance systems. How to develop a good governance culture throughout the organisation and how NonExecutives can best add value. Useful insight is also offered on how to develop a healthy relationship with regulators.

Course title: (PDS) Role of the

Non-Executive Director (EDIN) Date: 20 Nov Duration: One day (9am-5pm) Venue: IoD Scotland, Royal Scots Club,

29 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh Cost: Members, £299, Non-members, £325 Identifies the various roles of the non-executive director (NXD) in a variety of corporate settings

CERTIFICATE COURSE

Cost for all 2014 courses and exam booked at the same time This package price gives full access to revision webinar sessions for the exam: £7,330 (member) £8,730 (non-member) ex-VAT

Day Delegate Rate

£35

Opt for 2 of the Following Extras

Day Delegate Rate

ACCELERATED LEARNING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME 14 - 19 SEPTEMBER 2014 All 4 courses in one week of residential stay. Intense.

Cost for all 2014 courses and exam £7,330 (member) £8,730 (non-member) ex-VAT For further information email director.scotland@iod.com

£39

Opt for 4 of the Following Extras

n Please note organisations with fewer than 100 employees and individual delegates may be able to apply for funding from Skills Development Scotland.

For further information go to www.iodscotland. com

Day Delegate Rate

£45

Receive All of The Below

• Complimentary Breakfast Rolls, Pastries or Muffins on Arrival • Upgraded Tea and Coffee Breaks (Choose From Fruit Smoothies, Energy Bars, Dried Fruit and Nuts Station, Fruit Skewers, Muffins, Scones, Cookies, Mini Ice Creams, Macaroons & Eclairs, Tunnock’s Break, Kettle Chips and many more!)

• Complimentary Glass of Fizz or other (non)alcoholic Drink at the End of the Meeting • Deluxe Arran Aromatics Gift or Luxury Box of Chocolates for The Organiser • 1 in 10 Delegates Goes Free • 1 in 20 Bedrooms Free • Complimentary WiFi & Water in the Bedrooms • Complimentary Upgrade for The Organiser 24hr Rates also Available on Request. To take advantage of this sensational offer, please contact our Events Department on 0131 225 1251 or email georgeevents@principal-hayley.com quoting “2014 Q1” This offer is valid on all new bookings based on numbers of 10 or more.

Events to take place between now and 30th April 2014. All bookings subject to availability.

principal hayley An inspirational Hotel & Venue Collection

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 23

Transport news

East Coast: rewarding business travel W hether it’s meetings or conferences, workshops or presentations, fast and efficient travel is essential for doing business. East Coast not only provides the connectivity that businesses need, it also goes the extra mile for business travellers, offering a whole range of budgetboosting ways to save on travel and help businesses in Britain go further.

And with over 19 million passenger journeys a year, every journey counts and East Coast is all about making customers feel at home and providing unrivalled comfort and service.

Its loyalty scheme, East Coast Rewards, allows customers to earn Points when they book at www.eastcoast.co.uk, to redeem against a range of products and services. Over half a million customers are already on board East Coast Rewards and are reaping the benefits, with Points redeemable on everything from free East Coast travel and access to First Class Lounges, to fine wines, House of Fraser eGift codes, and more.

East Coast Rewards is free to join and open to everyone – it’s simply the company’s way of saying ‘thank you’.

Rewards for Business Travel Agent Bookings: Earn Rewards in work time. Enjoy them in your own time.

When it comes to business travel, every journey is the result of meticulous planning and is often booked through a company or rail-appointed travel agent.

And that’s why East Coast recently extended its Rewards loyalty scheme to business travel agents and corporate booking teams, meaning you can now also reap the rewards if you book your business travel through your company or rail-appointed travel agent.

Earning Points is easy. Rewards for Business Travel Agents gives you Points for travelling with East Coast when you book – or someone else books on your behalf – through your business travel agent.

You can earn up to 1 Point for every £ spent on Standard tickets, or up to 1.5 Points for First Class tickets.

Points are added to your Rewards account on a monthly basis, for all eligible bookings made in the previous month – you just need to make sure you use the same email address for your booking and Rewards account.

See the panel below for details of the rewards that can be gained through East Coast trains.

East Coast Rewards: What’s on the menu?

Here’s just a selection of what your East Coast Rewards Points can earn you: East Coast travel from 250 Points House of Fraser £10 eGift codes for First Class Lounge Pass from 50 Points 500 Points eVouchers for train travel from East Coast on-board Wi-Fi from

50 Points

100 Points

Magazine subscription from

Railway Children donation from

Naked Wines from 900 Points Cinema tickets from 350 Points Beer Hawk from 1000 Points

Macdonald Hotels from 935 Points Penguin Books from 300 Points

400 Points

24 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

500 Points

Join today and you could earn Rewards Points when you book through your travel agent.

East Coast Rewards is an online, self-service loyalty scheme. Rewards is free to join and is available through most business travel agents.

If your agent is not yet participating please encourage them to register with the scheme so you can start making your business travel more rewarding.

If you are not already a Rewards member, all you need to do is register your preferred email address at eastcoast.co.uk/ businessrewards.

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 23

Professional services

You can take our lives, but you’ll never take our freedom (of expression)!

What happens when the political debates in the office get out of control, asks Law At Work’s Donald MacKinnon

It will not have escaped the notice of many people that we are facing a series of potentially momentous political events. The independence referendum will soon be upon us, closely followed, in the event of a ‘No’ vote, with a UK General Election and a possible in/out referendum on continued EU membership.

These issues will continue to arouse strong passions from advocates on each side, and it is inevitable that such emotions will find expression in workplaces up and down the land. As such, employers would be well-advised to give some consideration as to how they manage political views within the workplace.

The starting point is that, in general, an employee’s political views, no matter how distasteful or muddleheaded, are none of the employer’s business. There may be some jobs where political neutrality, inside and outside work, is a requirement. However, such exceptions are rare.

Following a successful challenge last year from a BNP council candidate who lost his job, the Government was forced to amend unfair dismissal legislation to provide that the twoyear qualifying criterion will be disapplied where the dismissal is connected to an individual’s political views.

This highlights the somewhat uncomfortable fact that often it is those individuals who have what many people might consider to be unacceptable views, who will rely on the protections offered by the extension of unfair dismissal legislation to encompass political opinions. The fact that such individuals can challenge any dismissal at a tribunal does not mean, of course, that such a dismissal will be unfair.

The employer, however, will have to point to

some connection to work to justify dismissal, in terms of reputational damage or issues with, for example, other employees or funders. Not liking an employee’s views will not suffice.

An employer can, of course, control to a greater degree what an employee does and says at work. Unlike religious beliefs, where an employee has a right to manifest his or her beliefs at work, an employee has no right to proclaim his or her political views at work. While, for example, a Christian employee has, since Ms Eweida’s victory in Europe last year, a right to display a small cross visibly at work, he or she has no right to display a ‘Yes’ or ‘Better Together’ badge.

However, for those employers who do not particularly fancy standing at the door of the factory or office to police any political paraphernalia or confiscate mugs bearing Saltires or Union Jacks from the cafeteria, what should be done?

Having a draconian rule that no-one at work is permitted to make any comment about politics and current affairs is unlikely to be either welcomed or effective.

At the senior levels of an organisation it should be made clear that, unless a decision has been taken at Board level to have the business involved in the debate on one side or another, those who represent the business should ensure that they are scrupulously neutral when acting on company business. If any comments are made on one side or the other, it should be made clear that this is done in a personal capacity. For other staff it should be made clear to them that any comments they choose to make on personal social media should not be associated with the business in any way.

It should go without saying, though sadly it’s not always followed, that those who have access to the business’ own social media should have clear instructions on what can and cannot be said.

Finally, it should be made clear, perhaps reinforced via the business’ dignity at work policies, that political discussions should not be pursued in a way that others find offensive, particularly in relation to race, religion, gender, etc.

There is no harm in administering a further gentle reminder to employees, that we live in a liberal democracy and that everyone is entitled to their own views, regardless of how muddled we think these are.

Want to know more?

For impartial HR advice, see www.lawatwork.co.uk or call 0141 271 5555 26 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

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Training

What is eLearning?

In the first of two articles, Pauline Dingwall looks at the growth of elearning and its role as a tool in staff and personal development

M

ANY years ago, eLearning was called ‘internetbased training’, then ‘web-based training”. Today you will still find these terms being used, along with variations of eLearning, such as ELearning or e-Learning. The accepted way of presenting the subject today is simply ‘eLearning’.

Technology and eLearning has moved on a great deal from its earliest days. It is now conducted via electronic media, typically via the internet and refers to the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. It is broadly inclusive of all forms of educational technology in learning and teaching. It is inclusive of, and is broadly synonymous with, multimedia learning. It includes, but is not restricted to: n technology-enhanced learning n computer-based instruction n computer-based training n computer-assisted instruction n computer-aided instruction n internet-based training n web-based training n online education n virtual education n virtual learning environments (VLEs which are also called Learning Management Systems (LMS).

All of the above emphasise a particular aspect, component or delivery method.

When many of us were first introduced to eLearning the delivery mechanism was probably very limited in that you sat in front of a computer with no other interactive method of learning and no contact with anyone else. It was quite a lonely and isolated experience.

However, technology has taken giant steps forward in development and eLearning now includes numerous types

of media that deliver text, audio, images, animation, and streaming video, and includes technology applications and processes such as audio, CD-ROM, and computer-based learning, as well as local intranet/extranet and web-based learning. Current ways of learning bear absolutely no resemblance to the old ‘sit-in-front-of-a-computer days’.

Learning can occur in or out of the classroom. Successful eLearning depends on the selfmotivation of the individual to study effectively and may be instructor-led. Essentially though, eLearning is suited to a combination of distance learning and flexible learning, but it can also be used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, in which case the term blended learning is commonly used.

One of the impacts of the economic situation has been a fresh look at the potential savings of using eLearning. Some of the “In addition to lower delivery benefits include: costs, eLearning is much more n Lower costs n Faster delivery effective because there is a n Matching learning styles to reduction in training time... participants n More effective learning known as learning compression” n Lower environmental impact There appears to be little argument that eLearning can be more cost-effective to deliver than classroom-based training, especially for larger organisations. You do not have to take staff out of the workplace, so it’s cheaper and it is self-paced so staff can work at their own speed. It is also inclusive. If you have staff who have any kind of disability such as mobility issues, sight issues or hearing issues, eLearning can be a way to deliver training while meeting their access needs.

About the author: Pauline Dingwall Pauline was a long-serving public servant, with a career encompassing roles with the Scottish Office, Lothian Council, Highland Council, Manpower Services Commission and Highlands & Islands Enterprise over a period of more than 30 years.

Pauline is now the HR and operations director of eColl Ltd and of P2Partners, a board member of Albyn Housing, and also as a non-exec Director of Birchwood Highland a third sector organisation based in the Highlands.

Her main areas of expertise are HR and H&S, but she has a passion for developing people and has wide experience in that area by development and delivery of direct training courses, identifying and applying competency programmes and writing self-paced modular on-line learning programmes. She has wide experience in developing organisations, working with quality standards and ensuring organisations have appropriate corporate governance in place.

She is a Chartered Fellow of CIPD, a member of the Institute of Directors, a member of the UHI Foundation and is a committee member of the Highlands & Islands Branch of the IoD.

28 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

Get your new employees ‘fit for 14’

eLearning case study: BT

British Telecom delivered e-business training to 23,000 employees in three months, at a cost of £5.9m, compared to £17.8 million and a five-year time span for classroom training (Taylor, 2002).

Even for a small or medium size company that makes sense!

In addition to lower delivery costs, there is a strong argument that eLearning is more cost-effective because there is a reduction in training time. This is known as learning compression (more learning in shorter time).

The single largest cost of training in organisations is the true cost of staff attending the training course, rather than the direct delivery costs in terms of trainers, course materials, travel and accommodation.

Blended learning can deliver benefits by reducing the time it takes to train people because: n Learners progress at their own pace, not at the pace of the slowest member of a group n Time in classrooms can be spent on questions or topics introduced by other delegates that are irrelevant to the needs of the individual learner n There is less social interaction time n It takes less time to start up and wind down a learning session n There is less travel time to and from a training event n Learners learn what they need to learn, they can skip elements of a programme they don’t need.

These factors can add up to an average compression (saving of learning time) of 35-45 per cent when a course is taken out of the classroom and delivered as eLearning.

If you have considered eLearning in the past and maybe thought it wasn’t for you, your company or your workforce, I would encourage you to reconsider and have a look at what offers are currently in the market place.

Blended learning has moved on considerably and is easily put together to meet your needs and include your content. Off the shelf is available, but the beauty of blended learning is that it is bespoke to your company, so you get full value from your training budget.

2014 is, undoubtedly, Scotland’s big year. From the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and Homecoming through to the Independence referendum, there’s a plethora of planning to be done to optimise the opportunities, writes Clare Logie.

One of the Commonwealth Games’ mottos is ‘Fit for 14’. This slogan can be applied to business as readily as it does to individuals, and with confidence tentatively returning to the marketplace, many organisations are looking to ramp up recruitment and to engage talented individuals who can help them steal a march on rivals.

The past six years have seen contraction, re-focus and belt-tightening but as the calendar ticks along, many businesses are entering a phase of re-engagement into recruitment, business development and a revision of strategy. In order to do that, of course, they need the best people.

I dislike the phrase ‘I want you to hit the ground running’ as it generally means, ‘don’t take any time to adjust, learn, ask questions or be wrong – just start making money. And don’t be anxious.’ It is a strategy that prevents people from sticking up a hand and expressing anxiety, or requesting support, though they do feel the weight of expectation and pressure. Pressure can be fine, even essential for performance improvement, but too often at work people cannot find a way to allow for, or deal with, situations where they feel things are out of kilter. It is critical to start as one means to go on and it makes no business sense to expend time and money on recruitment only to waste the opportunity to get the best out of them by failing to allow and facilitate a period of learning, questioning and ‘onboarding’.

Onboarding is also known as ‘organisational socialisation’ and is the way new employees acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviours to become effective organisational members and insiders. The onboarding of new workers should form an essential part of any recruitment, development and retention process. No matter how experienced an individual is, they still get faced with ‘new and unknown’ and they both value and benefit from a structured introduction. A simple but carefully planned induction can save you time and money in miscommunication, under-performance and/or internal networking by giving the new employee a platform on which to build their new role.

Laura Gordon, leadership coach and managing director of Corporate Connections International agrees: “In my experience, taking the time and effort to onboard new hires pays vast dividends. Not only does it help them adapt to a new and different culture, but the coaching element gives them a confidential and safe place to address early anxieties and to challenge their own boundaries.”

Expressing clearly the vision and values of the company, its heritage and strategic plans for the next 12 months, identifying its key opportunities and challenges, introducing its leaders – all these crucial communications can be conveyed quickly and simply so that the new employee can see their place on the road ahead and feel fired up to get started. n Clare Logie, can be contacted via www. clacommunications. com

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 29

Education

New qualifications – new opportunities shaping your workforce S QA’s new National Qualifications are now being delivered in schools and colleges across Scotland, with many learners in S4 studying towards the new National 1, National 2, National 3, National 4 and National 5 qualifications.

The new qualifications replace the previous Standard Grade qualifications, and will eventually replace existing Access and Intermediate qualifications. New Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications are also being introduced in 2014 and 2015 respectively, and these will replace the existing Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications. Learners currently in S5 and S6 will continue to study towards the existing qualifications (Intermediate 1 and 2, Higher and Advanced Higher) until they complete their education.

The table below shows how the new qualifications will replace previous and existing qualifications.

To find out more about the new qualifications and how they compare with existing SQA qualifications on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), visit www.sqa.org.uk/readyreckoner

As times change, qualifications need to change too, and the new National Qualifications have been designed to prepare Scotland’s young people for life in the 21st century; whether progressing to further education, training and/ or employment.

Under Curriculum for Excellence, the pattern SCQF level

Previous/existing National Qualifications

and number of qualifications that young people leave school with will look different. The new qualifications also recognise that there are different types of learners; the development of knowledge and understanding remains as important as ever, but the new qualifications also place more emphasis on skills development and deeper learning throughout the academic year. It is important to ensure that learners can transfer their skills, knowledge and understanding to different situations; to think for themselves and use their skills and knowledge beyond the classroom. This will be essential in life after school or college; particularly when entering the workplace.

Assessment

Assessment in the new National Qualifications is also changing. There is more focus on learning and development throughout the year, and a greater emphasis on assessment through coursework (assignments, projects, practical activities, etc).

Most courses at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher will be assessed through a combination of coursework and traditional, externally marked exams; while National 4 is assessed through an ‘Added Value’ assessment that is marked internally by the school or college. National 1 to National 3 are also marked internally, but are assessed through classroom assessments only.

A wider range of achievements will also be recognised; SQA has introduced a range of new Replaced by

New National Qualifications

1 and 2 Access 1 and Access 2

National 1 and National 2

3

Access 3 Standard Grade (Foundation Level)

National 3

4

Standard Grade (General Level) Intermediate 1

National 4

5

Standard Grade (Credit Level) Intermediate 2

National 5

6

Higher

Higher (new)

7

Advanced Higher

Advanced Higher (new)

30 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

Awards, which are designed to evidence the life and work skills that come from a wide range of activities that take place at school, college or elsewhere, including: sport, mentoring, voluntary work or fundraising activities etc.

How will the new qualifications be graded? n National 1 to National 4 will not be graded, but will be assessed as pass or fail. n National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher will be graded A to D or ‘No Award’.

First school leavers

When will young people start to leave school or college with the new qualifications?

The first young people to leave school with the new National 1, National 2, National 3, National 4 and/or National 5 qualifications, will do so in June 2014.

Many young people will continue to study at school or college after they turn 16 and some may go on to study for the new Higher and Advanced Higher. The first of these young people will leave school or college in June 2015 and June 2016 respectively.

Where can I find out more?

For more information on the new National Qualifications, visit www.sqa.org.uk/ curriculumforexcellence You can keep in touch with SQA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ScottishQualificationsAuthority or follow them on Twitter@sqanews SQA’s Curriculum for Excellence Liaison Team, www.sqa.org.uk/cfeteam, is also available to answer any queries you may have about the new qualifications.

The future of Britain’s Reserve Forces 2020 In an ideal world there would be no need to retain Armed Forces. Unfortunately, that situation does not exist and Great Britain must therefore maintain a force that is capable of defending the interests of its people and its allies.

For many years that force has been a combination of Regular and Reserve Forces.

The current fiscal situation has required the Government to consider alternative ways of proving a suitable defence force which also acts as a deterrent, while making savings in line with all other Government departments. The ‘Strategic Defence and Security Review’ identified the need for a detailed examination of the way in which reservists are employed as part of the whole force, with a view to increasing their commitment. The ‘Review of Reserves’ suggested a number of proposals to modernise the Reservist Strategy, which led in turn to the production of a Government Green Paper at the end of 2012.

Early in 2013 a number of focus groups were staged across the UK in order to consider the questions posed in the Green Paper. At the same time an interactive questionnaire was launched on the UK Government website, seeking the views of those currently serving in the Reserve Forces and their employees.

Eight focus groups were held in Scotland with the aim of gaining as much input as possible from participants. The following groupings took place throughout the Highlands and Lowlands: n n n n n n n n

National Health Service Local Authorities Education Establishments Uniformed Emergency Services Large Employers Small to Medium Enterprises Employers’ Organisations Employers with no experience of Reservists

A large majority of the employers expressed their wish for improved communications with the Defence sector. This would help to identify who among their workforce are Reservists, when they are likely to be mobilised and what training they would have to attend prior to deployment. In addition, employers would like to know what the reservist has achieved, both in terms of life experience and transferable qualifications.

The results of the consultation are now being considered by the Ministry of Defence and wider Government, with a view to delivering a Government White Paper in the Spring.

For more information on the role of Reservists, contact

Highlands

Ron MacGregor Highland Reserve Forces and Cadet Association, Seathwood, 365 Perth Road, Dundee DD2 1LX T: 01382 631 026 E: hi-empsp@hi.rfca.mod.uk

Lowlands

Colin Vooght Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadet Association, Lowland House, 60 Avenuepark Street, Glasgow G20 8LW T: 0141 945 6751 E: lo-employer@lo.rfca.mod.uk

Legal help/Charity spotlight

Enter the ‘Dragons’ Glen’ for a chance to put Children 1st CHILDREN 1ST, Scotland’s leading children’s charity, has developed an enticing challenge enabling your staff to work with some of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Dragons’ Glen is a Scotland-wide entrepreneurial corporate challenge, where teams comprised of up to 10 employees compete against each other to transform £500 into £5,000+ within five months.

This is a unique opportunity for your staff to pitch to and be mentored by some of Scotland’s most respected business leaders. The list of Dragons who have been involved since the challenge began in 2012 includes Frank Blin, Ken Lewandowski, Chris van der Kuyl and Duncan Skinner.

In the current climate when budgets can be restricted, entrepreneurial challenges can inspire and motivate your staff while providing a no-cost solution to help companies deliver continued personal and professional development. This is a great way for staff to volunteer in a way that can make a meaningful difference for themselves and their communities.

Dragons’ Glen Challenge will run from the end of August 2014 to the end of December 2014, with the Dragons keeping an eye on the progress of each team. It will culminate in early 2015 with a celebratory awards ceremony and networking event.

Last year the challenge was a runaway success with some superb examples of entrepreneur

ship coming to the fore. Winning teams have seen a return of between two and four times the initial target. One 2012 contestant said: “We’ve broken the project down with each person taking on a job which is outwith their regular role or responsibility. It is a brilliant opportunity for us” The 2014 competition is now open in four cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. Each city will have a panel of distinguished Dragons, committed to supporting their team through this unique development opportunity.

All money raised through the challenge will further the work of CHILDREN 1st, a Scottish charity which needs to raise £8 million each year to support over 10,000 vulnerable children,

young people and their families. Some of the children we work with have suffered abuse, others are struggling to cope with parental substance misuse, family breakdown and chaotic home lives.

Our vision is for every child to have a happy, healthy, safe and secure childhood. We have 130 years’ experience of working with children and families, previously as the Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children (RSSPCC).

By taking part in this year’s Dragons’ Glen Challenge, you can make a real difference and help build brighter futures for Scotland’s vulnerable children.

Spaces go very quickly so please get in touch with Eleanor Harris, CHILDREN 1st’s corporate fundraising development manager on 0141 418 5681 or Louise Sutherland, senior major gifts and corporate fundraiser in Aberdeen on 07759 595005) to register your interest.

For more information on the charity and its events, please visit www. children1st.org.uk or email corporate@children1st.org.uk

IoD support boosts Venture Trust The Venture Trust, which was our nominated charity at the IoD Scotland Conference in November, has contacted head office to thank members for their generosity on the day. The trust said: “Thanks to IoD members and their guests for the generous donations and pledges at the dinner in November. Venture Trust raised a grand total of £1,836 (including gift aid).

This amount could provide 125 hours of one-to-one support, keep our vehicles on the road for over 4,500 miles, or purchase 92 sets of thermals to enable us to run wildernessbased personal development expeditions all year round.

“Thank you for all your support. We hope you’ll stay in touch with Venture Trust long-term; please do sign up to our e-newsletter at www.venturetrust.org.uk, or

32 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

follow us at @Venturetrust or www.facebook. com/venturetrust.”

• If you’ve been inspired to continue to support Venture Trust, and / or you’re thinking of taking on a challenge in the New Year, why not consider taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival? Venture Trust has places for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, which is being held on the weekend of the 24-25th of May 2014. The 5k, 10K and the Junior Races will take place on day one, while the Sunday will play host to the marathon itself, as well as the half-marathon and the relay events.

By taking part you can take great satisfaction in knowing that every step you make on the road will help a young person make a positive step in their life. We’ll support you through the miles of training,

cheer you on the day, and worship you like the hero you are. All we ask in return is that you raise sponsorship to support us: (£500 for the marathon, £300 for the halfmarathon and £600 per team of four taking part in the relay). There’s plenty of choice and many different and fun ways to get involved!

For more information, please contact Kathryn@venturetrust.org.uk

IoD Scotland Spring 2014 | 29

Techs and Balances

The hi-tech way to make a difference

by Bill Magee Scottish Business Technology Writer of the Year

business plan and reduce the time to market. See www.gabriel-is.com/2013/12/gabriel-helps-launch-cojengointo-africa/ for more details.

Drake Music Scotland

S

cots’ technological excellence has long been renowned for its groundbreaking and quite innovative accomplishments – and on a global scale at that.

Two such projects that have caught my attention involve diverse but equally key initiatives. One is a early stage tech company Cojengo, the other Drake Music Scotland.

Glasgow-based Cojengo (www.cojengo.com) was founded by a group of Strathclyde University computer science graduates and focuses on developing animal and human health software mobile applications for the emerging African economy.

Drake Music Scotland (www.drakemusicscotland.org/), a non-profit-making organisation, relies entirely on grants and donations, as it removes any perceived notions that disability is a barrier to making music. Patrons include Dame Evelyn Glennie and The Proclaimers.

Cojengo Chief executive Craig Taylor says the company is working closely with Microsoft Africa, given his tech background, through the software giant’s 4frika Initiative, and Cojengo relates to what represents a massive growth of mobile and cloud-tech solutions in the developing world.

In his initiative’s case, it is looking into just how high-tech can solve real world problems; in this instance, that’s by providing remote diagnostic tools and live disease surveillance data at low cost.

Craig tells me that its solutions enable, for example, veterinary professionals and rural farmers to quickly and accurately diagnose livestock illness and source appropriate assistance.

This allows users quickly to gain access to diagnostic advice and medication, store data for compliance purposes, disease surveillance plus monitoring and improving information sharing between key stakeholders.

Working with the latest Windows phone and cloud technology, Azure and Office 365, Craig and his colleagues are creating market-entry mobile applications that address the need for better education and decision making. The pilot app is VetAfrica (www.cojengo.com/2013/12/field-testingvetafrica-app/).

Cojengo combines the right balance of technical delivery, infrastructure optimisation and sales experience to help customers create solutions that really make a difference.

The outfit recently completed an investment deal with Gabriel Investment Syndicate, together with Scottish Investment Bank, which has enabled it to accelerate its global

34 | IoD Scotland Spring 2014

Scotland’s leading arts organisation lays an emphasis on workshops, training and tuition providing music-making opportunities for people with disabilities.

Such expertise involves music technology and specialist teaching methods to support people of all ages and a wide range of disabilities to play, learn and compose music independently. Since 1997 over 7,000 children and adults have been given this opportunity.

Artistic director Pete Sparkes says he is completely convinced that making music is fun, good for us in many ways and we should be doing more of it – all of us! His colleague, music technology officer Rick Bamford, has designed their new recording studio.

It’s all based on what chief executive Thursa Sanderson says is the transformational power of music: active participation in creative activity and access to the highest quality cultural learning experiences for all.

Drake’s ‘Figurenotes’ simple system is based on ‘Play What You See’ as it demystifies the first steps in learning to read music – each musical note has a corresponding coloured symbol, with the help of stickers on the instruments (www.drakemusic scotland.org/figurenotes/).

Using both conventional instruments and inclusive technologies, a wide range of education and training projects enable the participants to make music to whatever level they aspire. Each project is led by a growing number of talented and experienced professional musicians.

The latest involves The Deep, an improvised performance

by Antony, Stephanie and Rhona, based on the idea of moving from the bottom of the ocean to the surface air. It was launched at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, and you catch the event at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Xd86k6uRIOA. This launch came hard on the heels of BBC show Reporting Scotland’s coverage of ‘Technophonia’ (www. drakemusicscotland.org/news/drake-music-scotland-on-thebbc/), a commission that was nominated for a prestigious British Composer Award (Community/Education Category) and written by Oliver Searle of the Scottish Music Centre.

Catch my Daily TechPost (most days!) on Twitter #billamagee and regular tech microblog at www.Kiltr.com/

Sounds great: Youngsters get a chance to compose their own pieces with the help of Drake Music Scotland’s innovative software

O R K N E Y

D E S I G N E R

J E W E L L E R Y

Snowdrop Collection

Sheila Fleet Gallery

House of Fraser, Glasgow

Jenners, Edinburgh

Jenners Loch Lomond Shores

18 St Stephen Street | Edinburgh Tel: 0131 225 5939

45 Buchanan Street | Glasgow Tel: 0141 221 3880 Ext. 2304

48 Princes Street | Edinburgh Tel: 0131 260 2201

Ben Lomond Way | Balloch Tel: 01389 722 212

Designed and made in Orkney, Scotland www.sheilafleet.com

New Qualifications.

New Opportunities.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority is introducing new qualifications in Scotland to support Curriculum for Excellence.

The new National 1 to National 5 qualifications are now being delivered.

These will equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed beyond the classroom.

For more information, visit www.sqa.org.uk/curriculumforexcellence