The Voice Issue 1 by Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

Issue 1 â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2012

...of business in Dumfries & Galloway

Cheapest fuel in Scotland?

D&G Business Awards Putting on a Show

New Look You’ve probably noticed a fresh new look to Chamber communications as we roll out our new brand. our Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce is the region’s fastest growing local business organisation, offering our members exceptional services and a growing portfolio of events and activities to support Dumfries & Galloway’s business community. We thought it was time that our logo illustrated our more dynamic, more inclusive, more optimistic outlook. The new Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce brand reflects the community aspect of membership of the Chamber. As a region we’re stronger when we’re working together, sharing ideas and opportunities and creating a confident future for business in Dumfries & Galloway. We are continually developing your Chamber to make sure it’s an organisation that you’ll be proud to be a member of. An organisation that you know is working hard for you and your business, with a range of services that give you support when support is needed, and an organisation that provides opportunities for you and your business to connect, to develop and to play your part in our region’s future success.

Y Campaigning Serving Networking Informing

New Magazine Welcome to this first issue of The Voice, the new magazine of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce. esigned, edited and printed by businesses in Dumfries & Galloway for the business community of Dumfries & Galloway, we want The Voice to become a focal point for business news, discussion, commentary and debate in our region. Extensive business News and Appointments & Achievements sections will provide opportunities for members of the Chamber to highlight their successes, thematic features will examine business topics (Issue 2: Renewables for Business), members are invited to share their expertise in Knowledge Exchange and each issue will profile a Chamber member selected by a random number generator. With an increased print run, greatly improved distribution and fresh new design, The Voice is an exciting new publication for Dumfries & Galloway and one that will give business in our region the platform it deserves.

t: 01387 270866 e: admin@dgchamber.co.uk www.dgchamber.co.uk

Contents 4 News Dumfries & Galloway’s business news digest.

10 Appointments & Achievements Who’s moving on and moving up.

14 Networking Connecting and communicating.

15 Celebrating Success

“And the winners are...” Full coverage of the Dumfries & Galloway Business Awards.

22 Putting On A Show A preview of Dumfries & Galloway’s Presidency of the Royal Highland Show.

25 Knowledge Exchange Members share their expertise and specialist advice.

28 Not Even Small Earthquakes

Publisher: Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce T: 01387 270866 E: admin@dgchamber.co.uk

Economic Commentary from Professor Hervey Gibson.

Editor: Lorna Young T: 01387 263886 E: editor@dgchamber.co.uk Design: Ian Findlay Design T: 01387 252599 E: design@dgchamber.co.uk

29 In Focus

Advertising: Helen Holt T: 07966 162654 E: advertising@dgchamber.co.uk

30 Learning. Networking. Growing. Your guide to D&G business events and opportunities during the next 3 months.

Photography: Reproduced by kind permission from Allan Devlin, Ian Findlay, Martin McNae, Gordon Rae and contributing businesses. Additional images from shutterstock.com The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the veracity and integrity of the companies, persons, products and services mentioned in this publication and details given are believed to be accurate at the time of going to press. However no responsibility or liability whatsoever can be accepted for any consequence or repercussion of responding to any information or advice given or inferred.

Advertorial profiles of three Chamber members.

32 Welcome New members of D&G Chamber of Commerce, with advertorial enhanced listings.

34 Meet The Member Our random number generator selects Grierson & Graham.

25 Partners for Business

South of Scotland Business Solutions: A partnership between Barony College, Borders College, Dumfries & Galloway College, Scottish Agricultural College, Heriot-Watt University, University of Glasgow & University of the West of Scotland

your local magazine for business & enterprise 3

News

Dumfries & Galloway’s business news digest Email your news to editor@dgchamber.co.uk

Marketing tools for tourism businesses

Forestry First Aid

estination Dumfries & Galloway (DD&G) has released the first of a series of new images of the region that will be available to businesses free of charge for individual and collaborative marketing. The new images, commissioned by DD&G from Dumfries photographer Colin Tennant, will form part of a marketing toolkit for the region’s tourism businesses. The toolkit will include still and moving images, as well as the recently unveiled Dumfries & Galloway Tourism Brand. Wilma Finlay, Managing Director of Cream o’ Galloway and Chair of DD&G said: “The library will provide businesses with top quality images to use during individual and collaborative promotion. Through the toolkit and the Dumfries & Galloway Tourism brand, the region’s tourism

he unseasonably warm weather at the end of March sparked drama in Ae Forest when Company Training Solutions (CTS) seized the opportunity to create an immersive role playing training scenario for Forestry Commission Scotland. CTS, the business training team at Dumfries & Galloway College, adapted the delivery of the ‘Health & Safety Executive: First Aid at Work Programme’ to the specific requirements of the forestry team, covering a series of forestry specific challenges that the workforce could encounter. Twelve members of staff took part in the training and CTS’s innovative approach to delivery has resulted in them being championed by Forestry Commission Training as the recognised training organisation for First Aid at Work. David Denholm, the CTS

industry can create a collective and consistent voice to market the region to visitors, ultimately attracting new visitors and building the profile of the region as a rural tourism destination.” Tourism businesses can access the current image library, and be kept informed of when the new imagery will be available, by registering for free on DD&G’s tourism industry website www.dgtourism4 business.co.uk

TripAdvisor advice usiness Gateway in Dumfries & Galloway has introduced a new workshop to help businesses get the most out of one of the internet’s most influential review sites – TripAdvisor. With more than 50 million unique visitors to the site each month TripAdvisor invites members of the public to share their reviews of

accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions and tours with the world. Business Gateway has responded to the increasing impact of the site by developing a free workshop to help businesses make the site work for them. The half day workshop is an indepth look at how to take ownership of a listing, how

to enhance the business presence and how to post management responses to reviews. Linda Dodd of Hunters Lodge Hotel took part in the new workshop which launched in March. She said:

“The workshop really opened my eyes to the value of TripAdvisor. We are now going to take control of our

4 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

First Aid Trainer, relished the opportunity to deliver training in such a targeted way: “The event was both exciting and interesting for me and allowed me to let the imagination flow. The customers taking part in the day were all training professionals themselves, so to now be championed by them as their recognised training provider is great news.” CTS credits the success of the training day to their method of customising delivery of industry standard courses to individual business requirements, an approach that has already worked well in schools and industrial settings across Dumfries & Galloway.

own listing and encourage guests to write reviews.” The new TripAdvisor workshop complements the Social Networking for Business workshop that explains how businesses can harness the power of social networking. The next Marketing Your Business on TripAdvisor workshop takes place on 28th June in Dumfries and full details of all Business Gateway and other business events in the region can be found on page 30-31.

Team Tuesdays wo Chamber members at opposite ends of the business spectrum have joined forces to launch a new training project called Team Tuesdays. Developed by Insight Training Coaching & Consultancy and delivered at Loch Ken Gallery Conference Suite near Castle Douglas, Team Tuesdays will provide a fresh approach to team training in inspiring surroundings. Kath from Insight said: “I’ve been training mostly in the North East recently

and I felt I needed a local, different venue, to deliver fresh, new bespoke team days for businesses in Dumfries & Galloway and beyond! After visiting the Loch Ken Gallery, with its beautiful location and outstanding local food, I knew this was the place.” A Team Tuesday open evening with refreshments will take place on Tuesday 29th May from 6pm-8pm at Loch Ken Gallery for businesses who want to find out more.

The cheapest fuel in Scotland? arend Holiday Village has created a new incentive offering its visiting holiday makers up to 70 pence off each litre of petrol or diesel when they fill up at the Esso Maxwell Filling Station in Dalbeattie. The Barend Booking Bonus gives visitors a discount card entitling them to a minimum of 5p off fuel when they arrive at Barend Holiday Village. To get a larger discount visitors can collect discount stamps provided by a wide range of local retailers, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants in Dumfries & Galloway. Gordon Colquhoun, a partner in Barend Holiday Village, hopes that the new scheme will encourage visitors to explore what the region has to offer. He said: “We know how expensive it is for people to buy fuel, but we wanted our visitors to not have to worry so much about the cost of touring the area and its attractions, which is one of the great joys of visiting Dumfries & Galloway. “A number of local businesses already see an impact from the scheme and have secured business from

Olympic Activity Days alloway Activity Centre has launched a new series of events inspired by the 2012 Olympics. The Olympic Activity Days are designed to give children a taste of some new sports as well as encouraging them to engage with the London Olympics.

Activities on offer will include sailing, kayaking, mountain biking and archery, with some friendly competition encouraged and awards presented at the end of each day. More than 500 children from across Dumfries & Galloway are already signed up to take part.

it. Our visitors are of course very pleased with the fuel discount and we’re expecting the discounts redeemed to rise significantly as the warmer weather arrives. “Esso have been very supportive of the idea and have worked closely with us on developing it. There is so much to see and do in Dumfries & Galloway, the idea behind the scheme is to encourage our visitors to fully explore what the region has to offer.” Other businesses participating in the incentive scheme include Cream o’ Galloway, Dalbeattie Golf Club, Jean’s Shop, Colvend, Barend Bar and Restaurant, Galloway Activity Centre, Neilson Bros, Butchers, The Willow Tree in Palnackie, The Gallery at Laurieston, The Devil’s Porridge Exhibition and Esso Maxwell Garage. All of the participants are offering various amounts of discount relating to visitor spend. The incentive is set to run till autumn. Businesses interested in becoming involved should contact Gordon Colquhoun on 01387 780 525.

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News

Dumfries & Galloway’s business news digest. Email your news to editor@dgchamber.co.uk

HSBC to open in July SBC have confirmed a July opening for their new Dumfries branch, creating 14 new banking roles in the town. HSBC recently announced their lending in Scotland had passed the £1bn mark for the first time, with lending to SME customers up 38%. John Rendall, CEO for HSBC in Scotland said: “We’ve made considerable progress in encouraging businesses to move their banking to HSBC, largely through the lending facilities we’ve made available to SMEs to support their business growth. Our strong support for businesses which trade internationally has also been key to customer attraction, with 75% of our new customers in 2011 having an international element to their business. “We’re investing heavily in our infrastructure to provide the service standards we know are vital to retaining and attracting customers, and believe the new branch will bring a

Businesses invited to Meet the Contractor cottishPower Renewables (SPR) is inviting local businesses to “Meet the Contractor” after their recent appointment of Farrans to deliver the infrastructure works for Harestanes Windfarm. The Meet the Contractor days will let local businesses and local people explore business opportunities relating to the construction of the windfarm. SPR and Farrans are eager to meet local contractors, plant hire companies, accommodation providers and other businesses or suppliers who could provide services and support to the development. Located between Moffat and Dumfries in the Forest of Ae, the 68 turbines of Harestanes will be capable of producing enough cleaner, greener energy to power the equivalent of over 78,000 homes. Work is due to get underway in early June and will continue until the summer of 2014.

ScottishPower Renewables, Senior Construction Project Manager, Stephen Ward said: “Working with local companies is a key aim of all our developments and we know that there are many companies in Dumfries & Galloway who can bring invaluable local services, knowledge and experience to this project and we want to try and utilise what is right on our doorstep.” Meet the Contractor days will be held from 3pm to 8pm on 15th May at the Buccleuch Arms Hotel in Moffat and from 3pm to 8pm on 16th May at Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries. Businesses that are unable to attend the events are invited to submit their business details for inclusion within ScottishPower Renewables’ dossier of skills and services by e-mailing Harestanes@ scottishpower.com

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new banking dimension to Dumfries.” Sales and Service Manager Katriona Bailey brings 20 years of Dumfries banking experience with her to her new post in HSBC and she is looking forward to creating a branch that meets the specific needs of

Dumfries & Galloway customers. She said: “Banking in Dumfries is where my experience lies and I’ll use my knowledge of Dumfries people and rural businesses to create a branch that delivers exceptional service. I want everyone who comes through the door to enjoy visiting the branch and know that customer service always comes before a sale. “I’m delighted to be joining an international company with such a distinctly local outlook, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in building an exciting new branch from scratch.”

Company Training Solutions Whatever business you’re in, CTS can support the development of you and your team. From short courses to open learning, vocational training to customised training solutions, our team can deliver training that suits the needs of your staff, around the demands of your business. 4 Care

4 Catering & Hospitality 4 Childcare

4 Computing

4 Construction

4 Electrical Engineering

4 First Aid

4 Gas Training & Assessment

4 Health & Safety 4 Management & Accounting

FREE Short Courses! Over 60 courses to learn at home or at work, including: Word 2007 / Excel 2007 / Photoshop CS / Web Design & Graphics / Stress Management / Negotiating Skills / Dealing with Difficult People (in the Workplace) / Financial Accounting. Call 01387 734188 or email community@dumgal.ac.uk

Individual Learning Account If you earn £22,000 or less you may be entitled to Individual Learning Account (ILA) funding which can be used towards the cost of some CTS courses. Call 0808 100 1090 or go to www.ilascotland.org.uk

Flexible Training Opportunities Less than 50 employees? Apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs from Skills Development Scotland. For advice on how to apply, call free on 0800 783 6000

Tel: 01387 734198/9 Email: cts@dumgal.ac.uk www.dumgal.ac.uk Dumfries & Galloway College, Bankend Rd, Dumfries DG1 4FD Scottish Charity Number: SCO21189

your local magazine for business & enterprise 7

News

Dumfries & Galloway’s business news digest. Email your news to editor@dgchamber.co.uk

Beyond Chapelcross thinks local hamber member Eskdale Solutions were recently appointed to deliver marketing and communications support for the Beyond Chapelcross project, with the aim of raising the profile of the project and the services available to Chapelcross staff, local businesses and the local community. Beyond Chapelcross is a strategic project for Dumfries & Galloway Council, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Magnox Ltd, providing resources to strengthen and help diversify the local business base in the GretnaLockerbie-Annan corridor, as well as the wider Annandale & Eskdale area. The project will support personal development planning to Magnox staff, encourage business start-ups and help facilitate the

Left to right: Bev Bamford of Dumfries & Galloway Council, Ewan McDonald of Magnox Ltd, Steve Shields of Eskdale Solutions, Don Taylor of Dumfries & Galloway Council.

growth of existing businesses, supported by a £300,000 grants programme. Eskdale Solutions based in Langholm were chosen following a competitive tender process and Steve Shields, Business & Marketing Consultant, of Eskdale Solutions said: “We are very excited to be involved in the Beyond

Chapelcross project. We are proud to be working closely with Dumfries & Galloway Council to help support a project which will have such a positive impact on our local communities and the local economy. As a local business staffed by local people, working in the local business community, getting involved with such

an important local economic investment is something that is personally and professionally close to our hearts.” Ewan McDonald, Transition Manager, at Magnox said: “The £1.2M funding awarded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) for the Beyond Chapelcross Project is to mitigate the impact of decommissioning at Chapelcross within the local economy. Under the NDA Socio-Economic Policy one of the four main criteria is to support the local supply chain, so it is fantastic news, and wholly appropriate, that Eskdale Solutions, a local company from Annandale and Eskdale, has been successful in securing the contract to market and communicate the project.”

Youth Contract wage incentives orking Links in Dumfries is encouraging Dumfries & Galloway employers to find out more about a new programme in which businesses could benefit from a £2,275 wage incentive by taking on 1824-year-olds. Worth almost £1billion the Youth Contract is a package of support aimed at helping employers recruit nearly half a million young unemployed people. The scheme was launched on 1st April 2012 and is expected to run for three years.

The employer wage incentive payments are available on a first come, first served basis as follows: • Full time employment, of 30 hours or more per week: £2,275 per person. • Part time employment, of 16-19 hours per week: £1,137.50 per person. • For organisations with over 50 employees, the wage incentive payments are made at the end of 26 weeks. • For organisations with 50 employees or less a £700 interim payment can be claimed after eight weeks.

Sharon Doyle, Performance Manager at Working Links in Dumfries, said: “Youth unemployment is too high but the Youth Contract gives employers a fantastic incentive to hire young people and give somebody a chance. We are working with many young people who have been unemployed for a considerable period of time and who have a lot to give the local economy.” Working Links is a contracted facilitator of the Youth Contract, and has placed around 200 people

8 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

back to work in Dumfries & Galloway over the last three years. Dumfries & Galloway businesses who want to find out more about the Youth Contract can call 01387 243 700.

British Library

BDS wins major contract hamber member BDS has successfully retained a contract to supply data for the British Library’s Cataloguing in Publication (CIP) Programme after a lengthy and rigorous tendering process. BDS, based on the Crichton Business Park, has grown steadily since its foundation in 1995 and the company now employs 60 people, of which 52 are based in Dumfries & Galloway. This contract award maintains BDS’s role of providing data to the British National Bibliography (BNB), the list of UK

publications maintained by the British Library which safeguards the literary heritage of the United Kingdom and Ireland. “This is excellent news for our region,” said Lesley Whyte, Managing Director of BDS and leader in the bidding process. “BDS is a significant employer locally and this award reaffirms our reputation as a centre of excellence on a world-wide scale and supports the growth of our company. It also enables us to maintain our investment in new product development and in local cultural initiatives

which we believe benefits Dumfries and Galloway and its residents.” Neil Wilson, Head of Metadata Services, Collection Acquisitions and Description at the British Library, said: “We are delighted to be working with BDS to ensure that the British Library’s CIP programme remains as

£5,000 grants still available T

he Financial Assistance for Small Business (FASB) grant scheme is still accepting applications for grant funding to support business development and sustainability among new start and established micro and small businesses in Dumfries & Galloway. Re-launched last year the popular support programme, accessible through Business Gateway, awards grants of up to £5,000 and a recent series of roadshows across Dumfries & Galloway has encouraged businesses from a diverse range of sectors to find out more about it. Open to businesses with less than 50 employees in the tourism, food and drink, manufacturing and business to business services sectors, FASB operates on a match funding basis with the public sector contribution being a maximum of 50% of total project costs. All applicants to the

programme will be expected to demonstrate aspirations to develop their business to create or increase employed positions and to provide a production or service which

bedrooms at the hotel. Ian McAndrew of Blackaddie said: “In these difficult trading times it is never easy spending money but we

enhances the regional offering. More than twenty Chamber members have so far taken advantage of the grants and Blackaddie Country House Hotel in Sanquhar has recently been awarded a grant to support improvements in the guest

firmly believe that to go forward we have to continue to invest and improve everything we do. Some of the hotel rooms did not match the service and the quality of the food we offer so it was essential to bring them up to the standards that we are

timely, comprehensive and relevant as possible to the library and publishing communities.” BDS has held the CIP Programme contract since 1995 and the new contract runs for two years, with yearly options for the British Library to renew for three years thereafter, before retendering has to take place.

becoming known for.” A recent Dumfries & Galloway Business Awards winner Galloway Activity Centre, is another recipient of FASB support. Richard Hermon said: “Business Gateway has been really helpful and helped us secure a Financial Assistance for Small Business grant. Not only will the funding allow us to create a new ‘water wipeout’ zone and overflow car park but our adviser has also advised us on a variety of other business issues.” Business Adviser, Heather Richardson said: “Richard has built a fantastic business and we were delighted to be able to help him get some new services in place for the coming season.” Members of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce who have not yet taken advantage of an FASB grant are encouraged to contact Business Gateway on 0844 875 0161 to find out more.

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Appointments & Achievements

People laine Carruthers has joined Easterbrook Hall as Sales Manager. Formerly of the Aston Hotel Group, Elaine brings a wealth of experience within hospitality sales and business development. She said: “I am very much looking

forward to a successful journey with Easterbrook and am excited about the opportunity of growth development within this first class venue. I am looking forward to enhancing Easterbrook’s profile within the corporate market.”

020 Ltd has created two new posts to support the continued growth of the company. Barry Strathearn, previously Regional Branch Manager with Cumberland Building Society, has been appointed Operations Manager and Erin Carter has joined as IT Support Manager.

BC Recruitment Services has appointed Ronnie Bradford to the newly created role of Business Development Manager. Managing Director Clive Rumbold said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of someone with the considerable business and marketing skills and experience that Ronnie displays and I am confident that he will be a huge asset to the business as we move forward with our development plans.”

Andrew Edgar, Managing Director said: “We are delighted to have attracted such high calibre candidates and to be creating new roles and career opportunities when there are such high levels of unemployment in so many parts of the country.”

Left to right: Shelley Bell, Chris Churms, Eric Brown, Juliette Cooke, Mark Geddes

ive new posts have been created as part of the South of Scotland Business Competitiveness Project, a new project funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Dumfries & Galloway Council, that supports local businesses and promotes economic growth. Shelley Bell and Chris Churms join the Economic Development team at Dumfries & Galloway

andi Shields of Colledge & Vaughan LLP, Family Law Practice, has been admitted by the Law Society of Scotland as a Solicitor. Originally from Kirkcudbright, Sandi studied at Glasgow University and has returned to the area to complete her legal qualifications, joining Colledge & Vaughan in March 2011. “Sandi is an absolute asset to our firm” said Partner Lynda Vaughan. “We are very fortunate to have found a rising star in the profession locally.” Sandi said: “I am generally involved in family law and civil court cases. I am able to represent clients in court if necessary and I have a particular interest in children’s cases. The first year of my training has flown in and I am enjoying every minute of it. I am glad there has been this opportunity for me to work locally with a specialist firm. I think that I have had much better training than I would ever have had in the city because I have been so hands on.”

Council as Economic Development Officers and Juliette Cooke joins as Project Support Officer. Eric Brown and Mark Geddes move to their Economic Development Officer roles from other positions. The South of Scotland Business Competitiveness Project runs until December 2013 and provides advice and specialist support to rural businesses across the South of Scotland.

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Awards UK Shopping Attraction of the Year he World Famous Blacksmiths Shop, Gretna Green has been named UK Shopping Attraction of the Year at the recent UK Coach Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of the group tourism industry. The award follows an investment of more than £2 million in the centre over the past two years to create an experiential shopping environment designed to delight the 750,000 visitors who come to Gretna Green each year. Around 30% of visitors to the centre come from overseas locations including China, Russia, Mexico and Brazil.

T rmstrong Watson has appointed Andrew Kilby as Managing Director of its Financial Planning and Wealth Management arm, taking over the responsibility from Managing Partner Paul Dickson. The company’s tax expert Graham Poles, who works across Dumfries & Galloway and in Carlisle, has been promoted to Partner. Andrew, who joined the company in 2009, will be responsible for the day to day strategic direction and management of the financial services businesses. He said: “Financial planning and wealth management is a key part of Armstrong Watson’s service proposition and under Paul’s guidance has grown to be a significant financial services business with over £550m of investment funds under advice for clients, and 40 specialist staff. I am looking forward to further developing our services throughout the Armstrong Watson group.” Graham Poles joined Armstrong Watson in 2002 to focus on delivering tax solutions to businesses, he said: “I am delighted to receive recognition for my work in promotion to Partner. Our Carlisle and Dumfries offices continue to grow in part because of the wealth of specialists we have, and bespoke tax planning plays a very significant part in that growth.”

Scottish Thistle Awards finalists

even tourism businesses and organisations from Dumfries & Galloway have been selected as regional finalists for the tourism industry’s Scottish Thistle Awards, the tourism industry’s annual celebration of business achievement. Chamber members Galloway Activity Centre are finalists in Best Visitor Attraction Award and Training and Skills

Development Award, while Solway View are finalists in Best Self Service Accommodation. Richard Hermon of Galloway Activity Centre said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted as regional finalists. The competition is tough and we wait with baited breath for the announcement of the regional winners in late May.” Other regional finalists

include Cream o’ Galloway who are finalists in 3 categories, Abbey Cottage Tearoom, Spring Fling, Thistle ‘B’ Scrumptious and Big Burns Supper Festival. The regional final will take place on 23rd May with winners going on to compete at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2012 finals to be held on 8th November.

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12 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

#media2012 award for UWS project

Most trusted garage rierson & Graham Ltd has been named one of the UK’s best 100 garages by Motor Codes, the provider of OFT-approved codes of practice for car service and repair and new car sales. The list of the nation’s 100 most trusted garages was compiled following six weeks of voting by thousands of motorists. Edward Graham of Grierson & Graham is proud to be named as one of the country’s most trusted garages. He said:

“This is fantastic news for us because it’s recognition by the people that matter most – our customers.” Motor Codes invited customers to nominate their local garage through their annual Garage of the Year contest. Thousands of

people voted in the campaign and the full shortlist can be found online at www.garageof theyear.co.uk. Customers of Grierson & Graham can continue voting to help select the regional and then overall winner.

Top green tourism business C

hamber member Solway View Holidays near Borgue has been named one of the most green tourism businesses in the UK after being shortlisted for the Green Tourism Business Scheme GoldStar Awards 2012. The shortlisted 53 businesses, which also includes Cream o’ Galloway, comprise the greenest 2% of the total 2,400 GTBS membership across the UK and Ireland. A total of eight GoldStar Awards will be presented to the companies who have demonstrated the highest levels of green

University of the West of Scotland project has won a prestigious award from Podium, the Further and Higher Education Unit for the London 2012 games, for creating the world’s first Olympic and Paralympic citizen newswire. #media2012 is aiming to change the way the Games are experienced by developing citizenled media channels to create a social media legacy for London 2012. By participating in #media2012, students and the general public will become Games reporters, amplifying stories that would otherwise go unheard and promoting freeto-share media content. Professor Andy Miah of University of the West of Scotland’s School of Creative & Cultural Industries is Chair and Editor of #media2012. He said: “We are delighted to have won this award and have #media2012 recognised in this way. Regions all over the UK have signed up to the initiative and are creating original media content that is helping to connect communities around the Games. This project will give members of the public the unique opportunity to report on the world’s biggest global sporting and cultural event.”

ambassadorship, innovation and cost savings over the last year. Neil Picken of Solway View Holidays said: “Farming this land meant we were concerned with the impact a tourism business would have on it. With thoughtful sourcing and planning we feel our holiday business has provided a sustainable diversification business that enhances and complements our farm.” The top 2% grading is a result of green activities including ‘Tina the Turner’ a 15kw turbine that supplies

all the electricity for the holiday business, solar panels to help heat the shower block water, a sheiling dryer, low energy light bulbs and PIR sensors on lighting, a weather compensator on heating controls in the shower block and the use of eco-friendly products. Solway View Holidays is holding an open day on 17th June when members of the public can find out more about their green approach to business development, as well as taking part in a wide range of fun activities.

For more information or to take part in #media2012 visit www.media2012.org.uk

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Networking

Business voices from D&G heard T

he impact of late payments, competition with the public sector, finance for business expansion, the modern apprentice scheme and renewable energy were all hot topics discussed at a meeting between Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing, and ten Chamber members

representing a broad spectrum of Dumfries & Galloway business sectors. Following the meeting, Mr Ewing, said: “The Scottish Government is committed to promoting prosperity in Scotland and much of this depends on the performance of our businesses – both large and small. We are

Network 530

Crossing borders B

he first of the Network 530 events took place last month, a new after-work business event organised by Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce that’s been designed to take the formality out of networking. Instead a coffee, a cake and a chat was the offering at Kings Coffee Shop in Dumfries where Jennefer Tobin gave an inspirational talk on Southwest Scotland RnR and around 25 business people swapped cards and made contacts. More Network 530 events will be scheduled in the coming months and suggestions for interesting venues for meeting and chatting over coffee are invited. Contact admin@dgchamber.co.uk

usinesses from three Chambers of Commerce gathered at Gilsland Spa in Brampton last month for a multi-region networking and mini-exhibition event. Seventeen businesses from Dumfries & Galloway joined ten from North East Chamber and 71 from Cumbria Chamber to enjoy a buffet lunch, speed networking and one minute presentation session. Euan Macleod of Paterson Engineering in Dalbeattie was the first business card

working with our enterprise agencies to secure new jobs and investment to Scotland, and to retain Scotland’s position as the most competitive environment for business in the UK.” Stuart Callander President of the Chamber added: “It is important that we

drawn for the presentation session. He said: “The event was, I think, very successful and demonstrated the benefits of collaborative working to increase business development opportunities. Paterson Engineering were pleased to be “first up” for the 1minute presentation and the speed networking session proved useful and provided some opportunities for further business.” Chamber Board Member

14 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

raise the profile of Dumfries & Galloway and ensure that we are heard in the corridors of power and I am keen that during my term of office that the Chamber works hard to achieve this. This meeting was a great example of local businesses engaging with the Minister in a very constructive way.”

and Business Development Manager for ABC Recruitment Services, Ronnie Bradford also found the day valuable. “Many elements combined to make the event stand out; from the excellent venue to the variety of the businesses represented to the friendly style of the presenters. The result was a relaxed, fun atmosphere which was conducive to quality networking. “The speed networking element immediately broke down barriers as people launched into their ‘elevator pitch’ in an effort to make the most of each opportunity afforded within the allotted 3 minutes. I found it an excellent way of making new business connections and judging by the buzz in the room, I am sure most of the attendees would say the same.”

Celebrating success in Dumfries & Galloway Over 200 guests attended the glittering final of the inaugural Dumfries & Galloway Business Awards. Held at Easterbrook Hall and hosted by BBC Scotland news presenter Catriona Shearer the event celebrated the achievements of Dumfries & Galloway businesses across multiple sectors.

速

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he quality of the entries across the 11 award categories was extremely high and the short listed nominees reflect an impressive breadth of business success throughout the region – from start-ups and individual entrepreneurs to long-established businesses. Ewan Green, Head of Economic Development at Dumfries & Galloway Council said: “Dumfries & Galloway Council is pleased to be the principal sponsor of the Business Awards and to sponsor two awards for Rural Business and for the Most Promising New Business through our Business Gateway contract.

16 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

“The Council remains committed to the current and ongoing support for the region’s small and medium enterprises who make up the majority of the business base in Dumfries & Galloway. It is important to recognise the success and achievements of these businesses, particularly in the current economic climate, and we are delighted to recognise their success in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.” Chief Executive of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber Gordon Mann said: “The event was a great celebration of the very best of business in Dumfries & Galloway and we were very impressed by the support and the high quality of applications.”

Sparklers’ “ success is all about its team of staff... ”

Outstanding Performing Business Award Sponsored by Gates Power Transmission Winner: Sparklers Private Nurseries Ltd Sparklers owns five nurseries across Dumfries & Galloway delivering high quality holistic childcare to over 500 families, offering the highest number of preschool education places in the private sector and employing 53 staff. Linda Shields, Human Resources Manager of Gates Power Transmission Ltd said: “Sparklers Nurseries are taking childcare to a completely new level! Their refreshing approach is addressing a whole spectrum of needs across a range of ages by delivering a creative and structured learning environment carefully designed to meet the specific needs of the age groups concerned. Their staff also benefit from the individual personal and professional development programmes available and this combination provides an innovative and highly progressive organisation destined for continuing success.” Ros White of Sparklers Private Nurseries said: “Sparklers Group were delighted to be recognised with this award for the high quality of the pre-school education and childcare they deliver

in Castle Douglas, Gretna and Annan. Sparklers works closely with the local authority and with local communities to deliver a wide variety of play sessions and educational training for children and adults. We listen to our parents and put in place flexible services that meet their individual needs. Sparklers’ success is all about its team of staff who passionately believe in the Sparklers Ethos and Vision delivering the highest quality childcare and education across the region.” Finalist: Positive Response Communications Ltd Providing unique safety and security monitoring systems, supported by a sophisticated 24 hour monitoring service. Their main product Staffsafe™ has saved lives, reduced physical and psychological trauma and has helped convict criminals across the UK and Ireland. Finalist: Galloway Activity Centre One of the largest outdoor activity providers in Scotland employing 5 full time and 25 part time members of staff. The focus of Galloway Activity Centre is providing fun, safe, informative and exciting outdoor activities across a wide spectrum and customer base.

Business Man of the Year Award Sponsored by Easterbrook Hall Winner: Ian Hobson of Positive Response Communications Ltd Technical Director Ian Hobson has continued to evolve Positive Response’s Staffsafe™ product, improving its technical performance and dovetailing with 3rd party technology to provide a seamless service to clients. Angela McIntyre of Easterbrook Hall said: ‘’Easterbrook Hall was delighted to present the award for Business Man of the Year to Ian Hobson of Positive Response Communications. Ian’s dedicated approach to business and forward thinking made him a well deserved winner’’ Ian Hobson, Technical Director of Positive Response said: “I am very pleased that my contribution to the growth of Positive Response and the continuing success of Staffsafe™ has been recognised, however this award says just as much about the success of our company and our team as it does about my role.

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“We have had a very exciting few years at Positive Response and are delighted to have secured the biggest names on the UK high street as clients over the past 3 years. I’m thrilled that our product Staffsafe™ is at the forefront of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in Britain’s workplaces and to hear the technology and our monitoring centre working seamlessly together to protect hard working people confronted with abuse or threat is enormously rewarding. We are now looking forward to a period of confirmed, sustained growth and increased employment over the next 3 years. This award recognises the success of our approach and I’m delighted to accept it on behalf of the Positive Response team.”

Business Woman of the Year Award Sponsored by Minerva People Winner: Claire Beck of The Cocoa Bean Company Claire Beck has been the driving force behind the success of the Cocoa Bean Company. She has grown the business from her kitchen to a chocolate factory supplying major clients and, more recently, a popular visitor attraction. Tricia Hunter of Minerva People said: “Claire Beck, owner of The Cocoa Bean Company, made a big impression in what she had achieved. Claire started a handmade chocolate business in her kitchen

selling to local markets and fairs then in a short period of time has grown the business to create a purpose built factory in 2010, manufacturing with contracts from John Lewis, Harrods, Waitrose, Boots etc. Claire further diversified by creating a visitor attraction both indoor and outdoor, a café and by running workshops. “In this economic climate Claire is to be congratulated. She is manufacturing as well as providing a quality visitor attraction in Dumfries & Galloway that employs many local people. This is a company who I’m sure will win many more awards in the future.” Claire Beck of The Cocoa Bean Company said: ‘I am very pleased to receive this award and am thrilled that the hard work invested has been recognised, particularly as I am completely self funded and this shows other business owners that they can achieve a great deal on their own in an industry that is largely funded.’

Young Entrepreneur Award Sponsored by University of the West of Scotland Winner: Carol-Ann Brown of F5 Karting In 2009 Carol-Ann Brown recognised that the beaches of Dumfries & Galloway were perfectly suited to a brand new sport – land-yachting – and she provides coaching and landyachting experiences to individuals, groups and corporate bookings. Professor Heather Tarbert, Head of Business School, University of the West of Scotland said: “University of the West of Scotland was delighted to sponsor the Dumfries & Galloway Business Awards in 2012. We are always keen to encourage a new generation of entrepreneurs and to support local business. Carol-Ann Brown of F5

18 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

Karting is a very deserving winner of the Young Entrepreneur award. Carol-Ann has done exceptionally well, not only is she a great ambassador for young entrepreneurs, she is a fantastic business woman and with her skills and enthusiasm I’m sure she will continue to be very successful.” Carol-Ann Brown said: “It’s so lovely to receive this award. As a young person in business I feel very well supported by the region and its people and long may that continue for me and other young people starting up. Thank you to those who nominated me.”

Most Promising New Business Award Sponsored by Business Gateway Winner: Brodies of Moffat Ltd Brodies was opened in May last year by husband and wife team Russell and Danyella Pearce. The concept behind Brodies is Wine, Dine & Relax, creating a calm and informal environment.

David McLean of Business Gateway said: “Brodies of Moffat is a highly ambitious new business and evidenced an entrepreneurial approach throughout the start-up

individuals, groups, injured service personnel, corporate team building and educational groups.

Excellence in Customer Service Sponsored by HSBC process which made them worthy winners of the award. Business Gateway was delighted to be associated with the 2012 Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. It was a superb night that demonstrated the excellence of our local businesses and it was great to see so many Business Gateway clients as finalists.” Danyella and Russell Pearce, joint owners of Brodies of Moffat said: “This has been a fantastic first year for both us and Brodies. We are extremely proud to receive this Most Promising New Business Award as it highlights the hard work and commitment of all our staff. All those years of planning have now borne fruit and we are continually striving to surprise and delight new and returning customers.” Finalist: Happy Feet (UK) Distributing Ltd Happy Feet is a high quality fluid filled insole which is clinically proven to provide pain relief from plantar fasciitis, sore back and legs, heel spurs, diabetic foot ulcers and corns. The insoles are imported from Florida and sold throughout the UK via internet sales and telephone orders. Finalist: Thistle ‘B’ Scrumptious Ltd A delicatessen specialising in local and Scottish produce Thistle ‘B’ Scrumptious work closely with local producers and Scottish producers. They also supply quality takeaway lunches using local produce as the key ingredients throughout the menu.

Family Business Award Sponsored by Armstrong Watson Winner: Roucan Loch Crematorium Company Roucan Loch is a crematorium and woodland site providing people with a serenely peaceful and natural resting place at the end of their life. Douglas Russell of Armstrong Watson said: “Armstrong Watson was delighted to be involved in sponsoring the Family Business Award, and presenting this to a very worthy winner in Roucan Loch Crematorium. It is a fantastic example of how well-run family businesses remain a cornerstone of the local economy, providing an important service to the area within inspiring surroundings.” Mark Jardine of Roucan Loch said: “It was a privilege and an honour to be acknowledged as the top family business in Dumfries & Galloway. Roucan Loch is unique in many ways, and for it to succeed it required a completely novel business model. Our motto has always been our family caring for your family and from the outset at Roucan Loch we have wanted our wider family of funeral directors to feel that Roucan Loch was their crematorium for their families.” Finalist: Laggan Outdoor Ltd Laggan Outdoor offer indoor and outdoor adventure activities including clay shooting, archery, grass sledging, mountain boarding, zorbing and Segway adventure tours for

Winner: Prana Hair and Beauty Ltd Prana Hair and Beauty is an exclusive Aveda Salon based in Castle Douglas with an ethos of providing excellent technical skills in hair and beauty whilst making each visit to the salon unique and special. John Rendall, CEO for HSBC in Scotland said: “HSBC was delighted to support the Dumfries & Galloway Business Awards, which recognised the strong business talent present in Dumfries & Galloway today. I would like to congratulate Prana Hair and Beauty

on their win. We place a huge emphasis on the quality of service our staff provide and the satisfaction of our customers, and the high quality of entrants in this category indicates that businesses throughout Dumfries & Galloway are doing the same.” Carolyn Kennedy of Prana said: “It was a proud moment to receive the award. At Prana the guest’s salon experience is of the utmost importance. People’s me time is precious and must be the best experience it can be every time. It is wonderful to have our service recognised as being the best in the region. Thanks to all my fantastic team, my family and guests who have made this award possible.”

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Finalist: Boots UK Ltd A retail business focusing mainly on health and beauty products, Boots are also a pharmacy and dispense NHS prescriptions. They also provide all NHS funded pharmacy services including smoking cessation support and the minor ailments scheme. Finalist: Sparklers Private Nurseries Ltd Sparklers owns five nurseries across Dumfries and Galloway delivering high quality holistic childcare to over 500 families. They believe that excellent customer experience is the backbone of their continued success.

Rural Enterprise Award Sponsored by Dumfries & Galloway Council Winner: The Cocoa Bean Company The Cocoa Bean Company is a visitor attraction based in Twynholm offering interactive children’s chocolate workshops to visitors and manufacturing high quality handmade chocolate products for retail customers including John Lewis, Waitrose, Harrods and Boots. Ewan Green Head of Economic Development at Dumfries & Galloway Council said: “Throughout the judging process we were particularly impressed at how The Cocoa Bean Company has grown and diversified. The company has become not just a high quality chocolate manufacturer with major UK customers but a first class visitor attraction which contributes significantly to the region’s tourism offer. The company’s commitment to their staff is excellent and they have become a year round employer of a significant number of people, which is hard to achieve in a rural location The Cocoa Bean Company are very deserving winners of the award.”

Avive Asbridge of The Cocoa Bean Company said: “This is a great testament to the hard work and dedication of Claire and all the staff over the years and the commitment they have made to making the company what it is today.” Finalist: A Taste of Galloway A Taste of Galloway are farmers, butchers and event caterers who retail traditional Galloway beef, Blackface lamb and mutton, saddleback pork and bacon, free range Galloway goose and 3 bird roasts, with all the meat produced on the farm. Finalist: Eco-Genics Ltd Eco-Genics provide onsite dry ice blast cleaning services to heavy industry and production facilities which can help reduce running costs and maintain and increase the life of equipment. The process is kind to the environment and is completely nontoxic.

Destination Dumfries & Galloway Tourism Award Sponsored by Exchange Communications Limited Winner: Galloway Activity Centre Galloway Activity Centre offer a wide range of fun, safe, informative and exciting outdoor activities across a wide spectrum and customer base. A new waterfront café enjoys stunning views overlooking Loch Ken. Michael McMillan of Exchange Communications said: “Galloway Activity Centre is a great example of a business that has the confidence to invest in its own future success, developing new products and services and working with others to encourage people to visit the area. Dumfries & Galloway has a lot to offer to visitors and I’m delighted to be able to support these important awards which celebrate and

20 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

showcase our region’s business successes.” Richard Hermon of Galloway Activity Centre said: “We are very proud and flattered to have won this award. There are so many businesses in the region each contributing to help make Dumfries & Galloway a very special destination for our tourists. Collectively we are having an impact. We have a fantastic and unique product within the region, namely our stunning countryside, wonderful beaches and unique environment. These are supported by a range of growing opportunities within the accommodation, catering and activity sectors. We are very optimistic about the future.” Finalist: 7stanes Mountain Biking Community Interest Company A not-for-profit organisation whose role is to market and promote the 7stanes mountain biking trail centres, 5 of which are in Dumfries & Galloway. This is achieved via a wide range of information portals and direct support for potential visitors.

DGSEN Social Enterprise/Charity of the Year Award Sponsored by E-on Climate & Renewables Winner: Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service D&G CAS provides advice ranging from straightforward enquiries through to representing people in court and at tribunals. Quality is their mission and is at the heart of their work. Sophie Moeng of E.ON Climate & Renewables said: “Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service play a critically important role in the community by supporting people to deal successfully with a wide range of issues. The judging panel were impressed with the breadth of support available and the clear and tangible impact they have had in benefitting local people. E.ON is delighted to have supported this important category and we congratulate the organisation on a very well deserved win.” Sue Irving, Chief Executive of Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award and to have our work recognised by the business

community. D&G CAS is here for everyone in the region regardless of the type of advice they need, ranging from simple consumer queries to complex issues such as debt and home repossessions, and as a result we contributed £12 million to the local economy last year. We can only do this because of our amazing staff and volunteers so we would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce very much for recognising our individual and collective achievements.” Finalist: Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre As well as re-homing stray, unwanted and mistreated dogs the centre runs four charity shops in local towns and have a small army of local volunteers who act as directors, dog walkers, home visitors, fund raisers, DIY workers and more. Finalist: MoffatCAN Ltd MoffatCAN puts worth into waste. They operate a doorstep recycling service for households in Upper Annandale, have a market garden selling vegetables, flowers, herbs and fish to local hotels and operate the region’s only segregated domestic food waste collection service.

Savour the Flavours (Local Food Hero) Award Sponsored by Process Plant & Machinery Winner: Thistle ‘B’ Scrumptious Ltd Thistle ‘B’ Scrumptious is a delicatessen specialising in only local and Scottish produce. They work closely with local producers and also source stock from other producers throughout Scotland.

Anne Clark, Customer Services Manager at Process Plant and Machinery Ltd said: “I would like to congratulate Helen Cronie and Clint Burgess of Thistle B’ Scrumptious. The judging process clearly demonstrated what an exciting region we live in with regards to the food and drink industry and it was very encouraging to see how committed our local businesses are in sourcing, manufacturing and supplying top quality local products. It certainly bodes well for the future of the food and drink sector in our region.” Clint Burgess and Helen Cronie said: “We are thoroughly delighted to receive the Savour the Flavours Local Food Hero Award. This award is particularly special as our aim is to work with as many local producers as possible and the award is very much a credit to them too. Without them, their outstanding produce and their commitment, we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we do on a day to day basis.” Finalist: Border Tablet Founded in 1998 Border Tablet produces hand-made traditional tablet. The company sell worldwide via their website, have a long established loyal customer base and showcase Border Tablet at the prestigious Edinburgh Farmers’ Market and other events. Finalist: Brodies of Moffat Ltd A café/restaurant/wine bar which opened last year in Moffat, Brodies works closely with suppliers to source quality local food and drink and showcases local, seasonal produce across their menus. Finalist: Waulkmill Cider Waulkmilk Cider is a cider and perry maker and apple juice and apple syrup producer. They produce and retail quality apple products sourced from within Dumfries & Galloway and trade with direct retailers such as delis, farm shops and at farmers’ markets.

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Putting on a Show If the Royal Highland Show still toured Scotland then 2012 would have seen it held in Dumfries & Galloway. Instead our region holds the Show Presidency this year and thousands of visitors to the Royal Highland Show will be encouraged to explore the naturally inspiring sights, flavours and experiences of Dumfries & Galloway. 22 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

or President Alex Fergusson the 2012 Royal Highland Show offers a unique opportunity to showcase and promote the region’s rural industries. “This is the biggest rural shop window in Scotland,” he said. “Right from the start I recognised the value in inviting a broad spectrum of Dumfries & Galloway organisations and rural businesses to play a role in promoting our region at the Show. “Most people in Scotland already know that Dumfries & Galloway is a beautifully scenic area, but we wanted to highlight the many interesting, adventurous, delicious, exciting and enjoyable experiences that can be had here.”

Experiencing Dumfries & Galloway Close to 200,000 people attend the Royal Highland Show each year, all of whom have an interest in rural activities and so have a natural affinity with the tourism offering of Dumfries & Galloway. Showcasing our region as a tourism destination was an opportunity that was too good to miss and Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Gordon Mann has supported a collaborative tourism area at the Show. He said: “We’re creating a Dumfries & Galloway Village in the Countryside Area that pulls together some of the key tourism selling points of our region in a way that’s accessible and fun for visitors to the Show. Activity, adventure and culture are the main themes and we’ll be encouraging people to

This is “ the biggest

rural shop window in Scotland.

”

explore different ways of interacting with the varied landscape of our region. “We had a trial run of a collaborative tourism stand at the Scottish Outdoor Pursuits Show recently where over 3,000 visitors had a taste of Dumfries & Galloway and it was fantastic to see so many businesses and organisations working together to promote our region.” Kayaking and Segways will get people thinking about different ways of interacting with the varied landscape of Dumfries & Galloway and countryside rangers will meet with children and their families to explain the natural tourism experiences available with a host of hands on, practical activities to highlight the region’s spectacular wildlife and countryside. Children will be encouraged to connect with Dumfries & Galloway’s cultural heritage in a Storytelling Tipi. The theme towns, Wigtown, Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright will be represented, performance artists will provide entertainment and Drumlanrig Castle will illustrate the area’s cycling heritage and highlight the Galloway Country Fair. The stunning garden displays made possible in the region by the warming influence of the Gulf Stream will be explained and a new regional event catering group, Deliciously Good Food, will invite visitors to sample a taste of the region’s finest produce.

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Play your part! lans are well underway but there are still opportunities for businesses and organisations to take part in the Dumfries & Galloway Village. This part of the regional presence at the Royal Highland Show is being co-ordinated by your Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce.

Contact Gordon on 01387 270 866 or email admin@dgchamber.co.uk for details of literature display and other opportunities.

Wilma Finlay who chairs Destination Dumfries & Galloway commented: “With more and more people opting for a staycation we’ll be encouraging visitors to the Royal Highland Show to come down to Dumfries & Galloway to experience the beauty and the richness of this inspirational part of Scotland.” Tasting Dumfries & Galloway As the biggest agricultural show in Scotland food and drink is high on the agenda of Royal Highland Show visitors and Dumfries & Galloway is taking its food presence at the Show very seriously indeed. Recognising that Dumfries & Galloway is an important centre of food production in Scotland the President’s Initiative has encouraged Show caterers to source their main product from Dumfries & Galloway. Their ambitious goal of encouraging 70% of caterers to use Dumfries & Galloway produce looks set to be achieved and Alex Fergusson has received a warm reception to this innovative approach. He said: “With so much quality food produced in Dumfries & Galloway, and so much quality produce served at the Royal Highland Show we thought working with the Show caterers was a perfect match. We’ll be highlighting all the caterers who are using D&G produce to Feed the Show so that visitors can see which catering options are offering a real taste of Dumfries & Galloway.” A Dumfries & Galloway stand in the Food Hall will invite visitors to buy speciality produce direct from the producer, to hear the stories behind the products and to discover exactly what makes artisan food and drink

24 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

so special. The stand, organised by the South of Scotland Business Competitive Project, will provide practical support to help small local food producers attend. It will also include a collaborative area hosted by the region’s farmers’ and community markets which will be full of delicious produce from some of our region’s micro food and drink businesses. Meanwhile regional food group Savour the Flavours is title sponsor of the Scotland Food & Drink Cookery Theatre, putting local chefs and local produce in the spotlight as well as launching the programme for the 2012 Flavour Fortnight food festival. Liz Ramsay of Savour the Flavours said: “The Royal Highland Show is a perfect platform upon which to showcase Dumfries & Galloway’s exceptional food and drink. From catering to producers to chef demonstrations to food festivals, the joined up approach taken to organising this regional presence will mean that visitors to the Royal Highland Show will be in absolutely no doubt that Dumfries & Galloway provides a delicious and naturally inspiring holiday experience.”

Knowledge Exchange Harnessing the knowledge and expertise of Chamber members, Knowledge Exchange shares advice, ideas and suggestions to help you do business better in Dumfries & Galloway.

Should you make a Tax Return? raham Poles, Partner at Armstrong Watson explains why higher rate tax payers can be at risk of underpaying tax. During the year ahead many people will be finding out the hard way that they should have completed a tax return and are now about to be penalised for not doing so. The basic rules are quite simple. If HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) sends you a return then you have to fill it in and send it back before the deadline. However, even if you do not receive a tax return you are still required to ask for one if you owe tax for the year, and it’s up to you as the taxpayer to know when this might be the case. If HMRC finds out about the missing tax later you will be fined – even if you were not aware of it – and you’ll be

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charged interest in addition to the fine! HMRC already send regular tax returns to people they think will have tax to pay, but those who have liabilities for the first time can escape their notice. HMRC is now targeting this group and, in particular, those who pay higher rate tax. The normal PAYE system applied to wages, salaries and pensions will generally collect the right amount of tax on that income. Rents or self-employment mean you should already be submitting tax returns but if there is another source of income, such as dividend income, only the basic rate liability is satisfied when you receive it, so a higher rate taxpayer will have more to pay. This is usually where the missing tax arises for those who fail to pay accidentally. This is likely to be an increasing problem over the next few years as the higher rate tax threshold is not being increased in line with inflation, remaining at £42,475 for most people, which means many more will pay 40% tax. Careful planning can often remove or reduce these tax issues but if you think you may be affected it’s a good idea to have your position checked.

Your Gateway for business advice ngus Robertson of Dumfries & Galloway Business Gateway takes a look at simple ways you can help your business flourish. As any business advisor knows, words like business plan or cashflow forecast are often greeted with sighs or disinterested expressions. Rather than thinking of them as necessary evils I encourage people to think of them as the foundations for future business success. A business built on solid foundations with regular checks of its structural integrity is much more likely to weather economic storms and to seize opportunities for growth.

Cashflow Keeping on top of your cashflow is vitally important for every business, now more than ever. A cashflow forecast projects the income you expect to receive from sales and any expenditure you are likely to make each month for at least a twelve month period. Think about your expenditure first – how much will you spend on materials, travel, utilities, insurance, advertising, rent, office expenses and, most importantly, how much you need to take out of the business as your own wage. When you update your cashflow regularly it can help identify potential problem areas in plenty of time to rectify them.

Business Planning Creating a realistic, working business plan when you’re starting or growing a business can pay dividends. There are hundreds of business plan templates available but writing your own needn’t be complicated or time consuming. Focus your business plan around the following areas: • An executive summary: an overview of the business • A short description of the business opportunity: details on the business and the products / services available. • Your marketing and sales strategy: who your customers are and how you plan to attract them • Your personnel: who will be employed within the business? • Your operations: premises, production facilities, the management information systems and IT. • Financial forecasts: everything contained within the previous sections turned into numbers. And the final most important business planning tip “keep it short” – after all it’s much more likely to be read if it’s a manageable length.

Getting what you want from business listair Tait of Tait Enterprise Development asks is your business working for you, or are you working for your business? A quick way to see whether you are getting what you deserve out of your business is to answer the following three questions: 1. Do you pay yourself enough for the effort you put in to your business? 2. Do you get enough time to do the things you want to do? 3. Are you relaxed when you are away from the business? When someone answers NO to any of these questions they are usually working for the business rather than having their business working for them.

There is a better way! Instead of working hard to make today better than yesterday and tomorrow better than today, make a plan. The plan should start with a simple question. ‘What do you want?’ Make some time to think about what you want right now, what you want later and what you want eventually. To begin with just think about one thing that you could change that would move you closer to a YES answer to the questions above. It could be something small like taking a half day away from the business once a month or something bigger like doubling how much you pay yourself. You decide.

26 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

Then write down the clear steps you need to take to change it and make it happen. By changing one thing, and then another and another, you will start to believe that things can be changed and you can do it. Before too long there’s a good chance you’ll be answering YES to all three questions, and there will be no stopping you when you get on to the bigger questions!

Talking point ndrew Edgar of communications and IT specialists 8020 Ltd in Dumfries helps you get the most from your telecommunications. 118 calling…. Can we have your money please? It’s amazing how much some businesses spend on Directory Enquiry Services. Costs have continued to creep up and up, and, as all the TV show disclaimers say, “calls from a mobile may be considerably higher”. The spiralling costs of directory enquiries began in 2003 when the government opened up the market, ironically to increase competition and reduce costs to businesses and consumers, but the Directory market now is very confusing with offers and charges varying across the board. We have three key tips for business mobile users: 1. If you have a smartphone forget phoning any 118 numbers, simply hop on the internet at www.192.com and search for the number for free (assuming you have a data bundle of course). 2. If you do use a Directory Enquiry Service, never get put through when they politely ask you if you’d like them to connect you to your requested number. This can cost a staggering amount per minute for the entire duration of the call. Instead ask them to text you the number then simply redial using your call plan minutes. 3. Get to know your own network’s preferred number. This is the cheapest service to use whilst on your mobile. O2 – 118402, Vodafone – 118881, Orange 118000. Is free public Wifi really on the horizon? O2 are building a hotspot network called O2 Wifi. It’s free and you don’t even have to be an O2 customer to use it. Even if your mobile’s with another network or you get your home broadband from someone else, everyone will be able to use it. This means we’ll be able to use O2 Wifi in shops, cafes and bars, then train stations, airports, shopping centres, libraries, parks and stadiums. O2 Wifi will give you speeds up to ten times faster than a normal mobile connection and when you’re browsing on Wifi you’re not eating up your monthly mobile data allowance. By the end of the year O2 will have set up thousands of hotspots, and by 2013, they aim to have 14,000 hotspots across the UK – double the number anyone offers now. It’s well worth keeping an eye out for the hotspots on your travels to help you stay connected without making a dent in your data.

get more from your business communications & IT

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Not even small earthquakes Economic commentary by Professor Hervey Gibson n the first months of 2012 the UK found itself slipping into the second dip of recession, and many businesses in Dumfries & Galloway continued to bump along on our bottoms. The earth isn’t moving for us yet, not even a little. UK Gross Domestic Product was dragged down by a lack of large construction projects, as the big build for the Olympics drew to a close, and government spending cuts drove down both concrete plans and confidence.

migrants, especially from the cities and from North West England. Traditionally many of those welcome in-comers have been entering or approaching retirement. Pensions and retirement dates are now in flux, as the country comes to terms with its demography. They and the granny tax increases will hit us more than anywhere in Scotland. Here, where we have the longest-lived population of any council area, we must watch out for different patterns of later-life moves, and how they may affect us.

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Number

Close to home Jobs reinforce the message Dumfries & Galloway claimant unemployed 2007–2011 In our region, house When it comes to jobs, Monthly claimants Underlying trend (seasonally adjusted) 3,800 sales have been rolling reflecting conditions for all age slightly downhill since groups and right across the 3,600 September – hinting at a economy, the development of 3,400 third dip for our recession. recent economic trends is very 3,200 Monthly completions in similar. The really bad period ran 3,000 Dumfries & Galloway are from spring 2008 to summer 2,800 still around the 150 mark, 2009. Since then things have 2,600 where they have been for been much the same, or getting 2,400 three and a half years now, slightly worse as we wait for compared with 285 per growth to appear or policy to 2,200 month in 2007. ease. 2,000 Low demand means a 1,800 big overhang of unsold Creating a brighter outlook properties, keeping the The overall economic climate prices agreed between is still heavily overcast, seller and buyer low. The by developments in Europe even overhang is growing, report local estate agents, solicitors, if North America is brightening a little, and we can’t rely on and property valuers. Local prices are as erratic as ever, improvements from national level. So we need to make our partly because of the great variety of different property own weather. types found in a rural area, and the widely varying Many local firms have completed their retrenchment and circumstances of individual sales. The Dumfries & cost cutting and need to keep up the pressure for efficiency. Galloway price trend has been slipping downwards for two For many of us growth must now depend on developing years now, while the Scottish trend has remained steadier. new ways of doing business, reaching new customers with In the past, the Dumfries & Galloway housing market has new products. Businesses who can adapt so that they picked up when prices are low enough to attract inflourish even in uncertain weather will reap the rewards.

28 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

Martin McNae

In focus The beauty of network marketing

Relationship counselling

Future-proof your finances

fter retiring from my job with the NHS last year I was keen to start my own business and when a friend introduced me to Arbonne International I jumped at the opportunity. With their wonderful products and their genius business plan, this was a winning combination, allowing me the flexibility to work hours that suited me and to control the amount of income I wanted to earn. Arbonne International is a 34 year old Swiss-based company started by a Norwegian entrepreneur Petter Morcke who wanted to make products for his family that were made from only natural ingredients, such as plants and flowers, making them pure, safe and free from harmful chemicals. The products are sold on line and delivered directly to the customer’s door so no need to keep stock and handle cash. Contact Hania Proudfoot, Arbonne Independent Consultant, to find out more about getting involved in this business opportunity.

couple relationship can be a deeply satisfying experience and fun. Running a business as a couple can be a deeply rewarding experience and fun. But… When things go wrong, when the cracks start to appear, it can be a lonely and scary place to be and definitely not fun. Relationships Scotland may be able to help you put some of the fun back. We offer a safe, impartial space in which to explore what is going on and why. We can help you to understand what changes may be needed. We can help you to help yourselves to whatever course of action is right for you both. Relationships Scotland offers a confidential, non judgemental professional service at various locations in Dumfries & Galloway. As well as support for couples and relationship counselling, we also offer mediation services and child contact centres. Please contact us for further information or to make a donation.

Hania Proudfoot, Arbonne International t: 0742 745 4252 e: hania@tinyworld.co.uk www.hania.myarbonne.co.uk

Mount St Michael, Craigs Road, Dumfries, DG1 4UT t: 01387 251 245 e: info@relationships-scotland.org.uk Scottish charity number SCO38795

25 Buccleuch Street, Dumfries, DG1 2AT t: 01387 247 757 e: Brian.Rennie@sjpp.co.uk www.rennieandmacneillie.co.uk

ennie & MacNeillie combine local expertise with the security of partnership with one of the world’s most discerning financial management companies. Brian Rennie and Ronnie MacNeillie help individuals and businesses plan for a secure future, providing appropriate advice and guidance on savings and investments, retirement and inheritance tax planning, as well as financial safeguarding. Both Brian and Ronnie bring over 20 years professional banking experience within Dumfries & Galloway, supporting individuals and businesses in realising a prosperous future. As a partner of St James’s Place Wealth Management Ronnie MacNeillie can help you access a wide and growing range of financial services of outstanding quality from a company that manages funds amounting to £28.5 billion. Chamber members are invited to undertake a complimentary financial review, with no obligation.

your local magazine for business & enterprise 29

Learning. Networking. Growing. Business events in Dumfries & Galloway

Linking Entrepreneurs he Chamber and South of Scotland Business Solutions (SoSBUS) have developed a new programme of Linking Entrepreneurs which will run throughout this year. Bringing together entrepreneurs from different business sectors to discuss common problems these sessions start off with a short presentation from an expert followed by an open facilitated discussion. Powerpoint is banned and the emphasis is on sharing knowledge and experience to learn from each other. All Linking Entrepreneurs events cost £10 per head plus VAT and places are limited to one person from each business. For more information and to book visit www.dgchamber.co.uk

15th May – Energy, Is it Costing the Earth? Station Hotel, Dumfries; 5:30pm for 6pm start – 7pm Join a representative from both Energy Saving Scotland and the Crichton Carbon Centre to share good practice and learn how to take control of and to reduce your energy costs.

24th May – Service Quality Selkirk Arms Hotel, Kirkcudbright; 5:30pm for 6pm start – 7pm David Moyes from the Business School and Enterprise and Economics at UWS will lead a discussion on service quality and how to use this to keep and generate customers/clients for your organisation. 28th May – Business Planning Queensberry Arms Hotel, Annan; 5:30pm for 6pm start – 7pm Joan Scott and Anne Hill, lecturers from the Business School at UWS, will lead a discussion on the relevance of planning for small businesses including how to set sensible objectives, targets and milestones and monitor performance. 31st May – Protect Your Ideas! New Cample Farm, Closeburn, Thornhill; 5:30pm for 6pm start – 7pm Alastair Cameron, Adviser from ICASS will help you think about how to protect your idea, product or service. 14th June – Recruitment Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries; 5:30pm for 6pm start – 7pm Recruiting the right person can make

30 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

the difference between business success and failure. This session will look at good practice and some pitfalls in recruitment. 19th June – Financing Projects in Difficult Economic Times Douglas Arms Hotel, Castle Douglas; 5:30pm for 6pm start – 7pm Alison Watts and Tom Riddet of Armstrong Watson will share their knowledge and expertise on raising finance from a large business and micro economic point of view. 3rd July – Keeping it in the Family Aston Hotel, The Crichton, Dumfries; 6pm for 6:30pm start – 7:30pm George Stevenson, Chairman of Scottish Family Business Association will focus on the practical issues of running a family business and how to plan for an orderly succession.

Business Gateway Workshops ll workshops are free of charge. To book your place call Business Gateway on 0844 8750161. Dumfries workshops are held at Business Gateway, 39 Castle Street, Dumfries. Stranraer workshops are held at WRDC Business Centre, Castle Street, Stranraer.

16th May – Business Start Up – Finance Dumfries and Stranraer; 9.30am – 12.30pm Learn how to manage a profit and loss account, produce a cashflow statement, understand working capital and the different legal structures of a business. 22nd May – Google Adwords Dumfries; 9.30am – 4.30pm How to plan, launch and manage your Google AdWords campaign, covering the Google keyword research tool, campaign management, budget control, market targeting, ad serving and click fraud.

23rd May – Bookkeeping Dumfries and Stranraer; 9.30am – 12.30pm An introduction to bookkeeping principles, including the implications of VAT registration and why keeping accurate financial information is so important. 29th May – Customer Care Skills Dumfries; 9.30am – 12.30pm Highlights the benefits of good customer service and how this can affect the business as a whole. 30th May – Marketing Your Business Dumfries; 9.30am – 12.30pm Create a realistic marketing plan to improve your marketing efforts and lead to more sales. 6th June – Business Start Up – Business Planning Dumfries; 9.30am – 12.30pm This workshop shows you how to create a robust business plan. 7th June – Improve Your Search Engine Ranking Dumfries; 9.30am – 12.30pm Find out how search engine optimisation techniques can help you improve your search engine ranking, attract more visitors and improve your website’s performance. 7th June – Business Start Up – Business Planning Dumfries; 5.30pm – 8.30pm This workshop shows you how to create a robust business plan. 8th June – Website Builder Part 1 Dumfries; 9.30am – 12.30pm Examine your website requirements and explain your website building options. No programming or advanced IT skills are required. 13th June – Business Start Up – Marketing Dumfries; 9.30am – 12.30pm Understand your competitors, identify your customers and what to consider in formulating effective marketing for your start up business.

14th June – Website Builder Part 2 Dumfries; 9.30am – 4.30pm This workshop follows Website Builder Part 1. You’ll learn about domain names and how to connect them to your website project. 14th June – Business Start Up – Marketing Dumfries; 5.30pm – 8.30pm Understand your competitors, identify your customers and what to consider in formulating effective marketing for your start up business.

28th June – Bookkeeping Dumfries; 5.30pm – 8.30pm An introduction to bookkeeping principles, including the implications of VAT registration and why keeping accurate financial information is so important.

Other Events

17th May – Building a Future for Your Tourism Business – Planning for Continuous Improvement – Preparation is Everything! 19th June – Google Adwords North West Castle, Stranraer; Dumfries; 9.30am – 4.30pm 10am – 2.30pm How to plan, launch and manage your An interactive workshop to help you Google AdWords campaign, covering stay ahead of the competition and the Google keyword research tool, exploit future market opportunities. campaign management, budget control, Hosted by the University of the West market targeting, ad serving and click of Scotland and supported by fraud. Dumfries & Galloway College and South of Scotland Business 20th June – Business Start Up – Solutions. Finance Cost: Free. Spaces are limited, to Dumfries; 9.30am – 12.30pm confirm attendance, email Graeme Learn how to manage a profit and loss Robison at RobisonG@dumgal.ac.uk account, produce a cashflow statement, understand working capital and the 23rd May – UWS Inspiring People different legal structures of a business. Lecture ‘Promoting Concordance in Mental Health’ 21st June – Business Start Up – Browne House, Crichton Campus, Finance Dumfries; 5.30pm Dumfries; 5.30pm – 8.30pm Discussing a contemporary approach Learn how to manage a profit and loss to Mental Health Nursing, account, produce a cashflow statement, specifically relating to dementia, understand working capital and the psychosis and depression and the different legal structures of a business. implications for carers. Cost: Free. Seats can be reserved in 26th June – Social Networking for advance 01387 702075 or Business inspiringpeople@uws.ac.uk. Dumfries; 9.30am – 12.30pm An overview of how social networking 12th June – Women in Business opportunities and how you can use Networking Evening social networking to help your business. Empire Suite, Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries; 5:30pm for 6pm start – 8pm 27th June – Bookkeeping A networking evening for women Dumfries; 9.30am – 12.30pm based in the region or with business An introduction to bookkeeping interests in Dumfries and Galloway. principles, including the implications Hear from Fiona King, founder and of VAT registration and why keeping director of Totsbots, and take part in accurate financial information is so some speed networking. important. Cost: £10 per head plus VAT for Chamber members (for a stand add 28th June – Marketing Your Business £10 plus VAT); £15 per head plus VAT on TripAdvisor for non-members (for a stand add £15 Dumfries; 9.30am – 12.30pm plus VAT). www.dgchamber.co.uk How to market and manage your business on TripAdvisor, of value to any tourism related business.

your local magazine for business & enterprise 31

Welcome Arbonne International Beattock Contact: Hania Proudfoot Tel: 07427 454252 www.hania.myarbonne.co.uk Border Tablet Langholm Contact: Vi and Charlie Graham Tel: 013873 81224 www.sweets-online.co.uk

A warm welcome to new members of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce. Our full membership directory is available on www.dgchamber.co.uk

Grierson & Graham Ltd Dumfries Contact: Mark Harris Tel: 01387 257800 www.griersonandgraham.com

Insight Training Coaching & Consultancy Dalbeattie Contact: Kath Lord Green Tel: 07921 072792 www.insighttcc.co.uk nsight provides one to one life coaching for individuals and business coaching, diagnostics and bespoke training for small businesses and voluntary organisations. You: Life coaching supports you to achieve your goals in work, life and relationships. Insight are members of the Association for Coaching UK and offer individualised life coaching support. Your Business: Take advantage of business diagnostics services and sector specific training solutions, such as Salon Sense, business and marketing training designed for owners of hair and/or beauty salons. Your Team: Enjoy Insightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flexible, focused and fun training, such as Team Tuesdays at Loch Ken Gallery, team building designed to harness the knowledge and inspiration of your team to create a stronger business. Contact Kath for a no obligation chat about you, your business or your team, email on info@insighttcc.co.uk or follow on Twitter @KATHInsight.

Equip4Work Heathhall Contact: Derek Hutchinson Tel: 08444 999 222 www.equip4work.co.uk quip4Work is a family owned mail order and online retailer based in Dumfries, supplying business equipment from office furniture, warehouse and workshop products, to health and safety and cleaning equipment. Over the last seven years we have forged successful partnerships in healthcare, education, public sector and commercial business sectors, supplying quality products at competitive prices, with friendly and efficient service. Our recently launched sister website www.officefurniture online.co.uk specialises in a wider range of office furniture, seating, education furniture, reception and home office furniture solutions. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making a single purchase, planning a full office refurbishment or fitting out a new warehouse, Equip4work and Office Furniture Online can help. We offer free delivery and can even help plan your space and install your furniture for a hassle free solution. Our expert team are available to assist either by phone or by using our live chat system.

Johnston Carmichael Aberdeen Contact: Sarah Robertson Tel: 01224 212222 www.jcca.co.uk

32 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

Lowland Training Services Newton Stewart Contact: Anne Clark Tel: 07908 852990 www.lowlandtraining.co.uk Santander Business Banking Dumfries Contact: Fiona Black Tel: 07545 699215 Scallops Direct Alba Ltd Annan Contact: Geoff Tunstall Tel: 01461 206511 www.scallopsdirectalba.co.uk Solarae Heathhall Contact: Vanessa Salthouse Tel: 01387 252423 www.solarae.co.uk Solway View Holidays Borgue Contact: Patricia and Neil Picken Tel: 01557 870206 www.solwayviewholidays.com

Tait Enterprise Development Ltd Beattock Contact: Alistair Tait Tel: 01683 300118 www.tedl.co.uk qualified chartered accountant with particular expertise in supporting owner managed businesses, Alistair Tait can help you build the business you need to get the life you want. Tait Enterprise Development brings objectivity, clarity of thought and a solution seeking approach to business development, along with

25 years professional experience of supporting businesses across multiple sectors. Working too many hours for too little reward is a stage of business growth that’s all too common. Alistair can help you understand why you want to develop your business, what needs to be done to make it successful and the steps required to make that happen. When your business is busy it can be difficult to decide what critical issues need dealt with first. Alistair can provide strategic direction, business planning, financial management and business coaching services, at all times tailored to your individual needs.

Workplace Relations Consultancy Castle Douglas Contact: Deborah Solley Tel: 01556 660336 www.workplacerelations.co.uk herever there are two or more employees in a business there is the potential for friction. Deborah Solley of Workplace Relations Consultancy provides consultation and guidance on employee relations to small and medium sized businesses across all sectors. Clients across Dumfries & Galloway and further afield benefit from straight talking, practical solutions to a myriad of workforce issues including disciplinary and grievance procedures, performance management, long term sick absence, redundancies, dismissals, TUPE transfers, re-structuring, litigation issues, policies and procedures, research, training and representation. Deborah’s expertise is informed

by over 8 years practice in employment law and she has experience in advising public and private sector organisations, and businesses in construction, forestry, retail, agriculture, motor trade and child care. Deborah ensures that she has a sound understanding of your business needs in order to deliver a resourceful and cost effective ‘fix’ to your employment situations.

Affiliate Members: Association of Dumfries & Galloway Accommodation Providers Contact: Gordon Colquhoun Tel: 01387 780525 www.adgap.org.uk Nithsdale Furniture Project Dumfries Contact: Alan McLauchlan Tel: 01387 720961 www.nithsdalefurnitureproject.com

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Meet the Member rierson & Graham are a Honda dealer based in Dumfries. Founded in 1911 when the company began servicing bicycles in Dumfries town centre, Grierson & Graham are now one of the largest independent car dealerships in the region and the company is committed to building strong relationships with its customers by offering consistent, excellent customer service.

Meet Franchise Manager David Graham and Business Development Manager Mark Harris, of Grierson & Graham. How has your business changed over the past century. Mark: Well, there certainly weren’t as many cars on the roads in 1911! We were actually looking through old photographs last year to pull together for a centenary display and we were surprised at just how diversified the business has been over the years. From bicycles, motorcycles and motorcars to televisions, prams and gramophones! What steps do you take to remain dynamic and competitive? David: By constantly reviewing what we do. Providing an excellent service and exceeding our customers’ expectations is something that definitely hasn’t changed over the past 100 years. We still see a real value in keeping the family run feel of the business and we like to make sure all our staff feel part of it. Mark: Teamwork helps give a sense of responsibility to all our staff and allows everyone to communicate their own ideas. There have been many effective business decisions taken by

us in the past based on the collective input of the team. How has your location shaped your business? David: Our success over the years has been down to the support of local people and their businesses. With the ever-increasing impact of the internet on customers’ purchasing decisions we are focussing even more firmly on supporting and engaging with our local community. Who inspires you? Mark: A man called Jack Taylor. He started a very small independent car leasing company in St. Louis, America in the 1950’s and by never losing focus on his customers, grew this business into one of the US’s biggest privatelyowned companies. They currently employ over 50,000 people. What’s your favourite part of day / week / year and why? David: The build-up to, and the launch of, the new car registrations on the 1st March and 1st September each year are always exciting and hectic times for us. Why does membership of D&G Chamber of Commerce matter to you? David: There are the obvious

34 The Voice of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

benefits of the many resources available to us as a member, but we feel that being able to meet and network with other members, along with sharing ideas and advice is invaluable to us. Tell us about a recent business highlight. David: We’ve just been shortlisted as one of the 100 best garages in the UK, as part of the Motor Codes Garage of the Year competition. This really does mean a lot to us as it is voted for by our customers, who are after all the people best placed to judge us. Tell us something surprising or unexpected about your business. Mark: Grierson & Graham were one of the first businesses in Dumfries to have a telephone! Dumfries ‘40’ was our number. What does the future hold for Grierson & Graham? Mark: There’s no doubt that the future will be challenging. The automotive industry is constantly moving and nobody can be complacent, but we are in a great position to develop and grow our business in the years ahead.