Business Comment dec/jan 09/10

Scotland’s recovery starts here Time for Renewal in Edinburgh – pages 24-25

DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

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Dec/Jan 2010

Contents

Edinburgh truly does sparkle December notice in camping shop window: ‘Now is the Winter of our Discount Tents.’ Old joke perhaps, but a telling message.

The vibrancy of our city’s economy floats on a number of key tides: the flow of money overall (do we have successful businesses, happily employed people, well heeled visitors); can I stop and enjoy a meal somewhere pleasant; if I’m a visitor can I find accommodation of the quality I want at the price I want; and (vitally) is the retail façade of the city attractive, alive and welcoming? If you get all these things right – you have a lively and lovely city centre.

Edinburgh aspires to all these peaks and has the added attraction of the best winter festival scene in Britain. What could be better than whizzing round the ice in Princes Street Gardens, seeing the grand vista from the big wheel, enjoying a ‘stollen’ moment in the German market, loading up your trolley with special Christmas gifts in the St James Centre or picking those few special items for a loved one on Rose Street? All part of the unforgettable Edinburgh Christmas experience.

Jingle bells? It’s not just about getting the tills ringing. It’s about creating a genuine atmosphere and the feeling that this is a place you want to be. A recent regional survey asked its respondents: ‘How much of your Christmas shopping will be done here?’

Maybe online gifts outweigh the attraction of shopping locally.

Maybe you were put off by the tram works. Well folks, pay attention to the recently launched Christmas programme, Edinburgh Sparkles. Remember that all renewal and progress takes a time of difficult rebuilding, and trust your City to deliver.

The Observer did recently, in yet another accolade for ‘the City that most people want to visit’.

Chamber transport policy is first priority; we walk there if we can. Over recent months I have learned so much, walking to meetings through our city – and I’m sure my Christmas presents will be Edinburgh bought, as will my entertainment across the winter solstice.

We need our businesses to be earning well; of course they’ll discount to get income where they need to. But the future of our city’s economy is not about discounts, it’s about quality. And nobody does quality Christmas and New Year better than Edinburgh.

Happy Yuletide!

Ron Hewitt chief executive

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27 03 04 05 07 08 09 13 15 16|17 19 22|23

Introduction / contents Chamber news Robert Carr Interview Capital view Customer service team Chamber news Be the best Going international Inspriring connections 60 seconds Bobby Hain

24|25 Cover feature 27|33 Energy feature

37 In the spotlight

38 Transport policy

41 Ask the expert / get with IT

44 Getting started

45 Business Stream offer

47 Arts

49|50 Movers & shakers

Business Comment is an Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce publication.

All editorial an d g en eral en qu iries: Edinburgh Chamber Customer Services Team Phone: 0844 736 2992 email: customerservices@edinburghchamber.co.uk Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Capital House, 2 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SU www.edinburghchamber.co.uk President: Robert Carr Chief Executive: Ron Hewitt Bu sin ess Com m en t Editor Josef Church-Woods, Marketing & Communications Executive Phone: 0131 221 2973 email: josef.church-woods@edinburghchamber.co.uk P RO DUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0191 4788300 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0191 4788316 john.neilson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk FEATURE E DITORS John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com DIS CLAIMER

Distinctive Publishing or Business Comment cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Business Comment.

Cover im ag e kindly supplied by She’s Gott It! Ltd. www.shesgottit.com

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Chambernews Calling all young entrepreneurs… n Are you 16-24yrs old? n Do you love the idea of being your own boss? n Do you have a brain full of business ventures you think will work? n Do you have the passion and commitment to the cause? n Are you the next Richard Branson?

If you think you have what it takes to run your own business, or would like to explore the idea of self employment, we would like to hear from you.

We can give you all the support and skills needed to get your business off the ground – everything from developing your ideas, writing your business plan, developing a marketing plan, access to a test trading grant, signposting to other agencies and much more.

Starting a business is a legitimate career choice. Gone are the days when you had to have years of business experience under your belt before you might even consider taking the plunge with a startup of your own: nowadays everybody’s doing it.

If you’re interested in chatting to our Young Enterprise Guide and obtaining further information, please contact Rebecca Burnett on 0131 221 3190 or rebecca.burnett@ edinburghchamber.co.uk.

TIGER TIGER What the Haymarket development might have looked like completed.

The decision by Scottish Ministers not to grant permission for the Haymarket Development to proceed has been described as a setback to the local economy by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

After a prolonged planning process, culminating in an enquiry held earlier this year, Ministers opted not to support Edinburgh Council’s decision to permit the development to proceed. They decided that the design and scale of the five-star hotel, which would occupy the site adjacent to Haymarket Station, was not in sympathy with the skyline and the heritage of the local area.

The Chamber’s Deputy Chief Executive, Graham Birse, said the decision was a blow for Edinburgh’s economy: “Here was a development, ready to proceed, that would have delivered over £250m of investment and over 2,100 jobs to Edinburgh. We simply cannot afford to turn away investment such as this – especially from a five-star brand like Intercontinental.

“It is absolutely essential we reach out to developers and ensure they are aware they are welcome in our city. The Chamber will continue to work hard with the current developer, Tiger Developments, to seek a viable solution to the Haymarket project – although it will be difficult. We’ll also continue to engage with the City Council and the heritage community to ensure that we are able to provide more effective guiding principles for future development proposals. Our recovery from this recession depends on it.”

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Meet Robert Carr – a man with a mission Graham Bell explores the motivation of the Chamber’s new President One thing Robert Carr is not is pompous. My last question – ‘What would be your desired legacy from your Presidency?’, provokes a deflationary laugh.

“I’m part of a continuous movement. I want to carry on the good work of people like Peter Taylor and Richard Jeffrey. It’s about a direction; building an independent body with an objective voice,” he says.

Robert Carr was elected President of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce with an impressive record. As Chairman of Anderson Strathern (AS), Robert is at the heart of a successful Scottish law practice going back over 200 years. His role as a dispute resolution lawyer and solicitor advocate continue during his Chairmanship of AS, where he sees his responsibilities to the organisation as facilitating the strategic thinking, supporting but where necessary challenging the operational managers, his pastoral role and promoting the firm and its clients.

He is clear that any input he gives outwith the company’s activities must be directed at bringing benefits through knowledge gained, positive public exposure for the firm and its clients and a contribution to debates about where the law is going in Scotland. Robert is President of the Society of Solicitors in

the Supreme Courts and was a Policy Group member of Lord Gill’s Scottish Civil Courts Review, which has just delivered its report.

When you speak with Robert you get an obvious sense that his world is driven by clear vision.

“As the Prince of Wales Ambassador I am committed to Corporate Social Responsibility,” he says. “I want to see business objectives which are in harmony with that.”

He uses the word ‘synergistically’ and I have the feeling it’s not a buzz-word but an honest and constant measure of how the organisations for which he is responsible are performing.

“Edinburgh is vital to Scotland’s economy and this is where I feel I can try to make a

difference; in the City I know best, with the people I know best and the economy I know best. Our capital is competing for talent and investment on a global level, so it’s vital we also offer the best quality of life – excellent housing, education and transport connectivity are key issues.”

“It’s about a direction;

building an independent body with an objective voice

”

“As President of Edinburgh Chamber I take on a role of stewardship and trusteeship for a period of time. I will be following the roadmap of those who went before, collaborating with the CEO, to expand the membership and grow our relevance. We have to build our collective appetite for collaboration between the public and private sector. I admire Ron’s campaign ‘Time for Renewal’, to bring greater effectiveness to our public sector partners, whom we are fortunate to have when we share some of the daunting challenges we face in the present economic climate.”

Robert concludes “I seek to create sustainability in business.Yes, that includes pressing environmental concerns, but it’s also about maximising the potential of a skilled workforce, creating safe and healthy communities and using ethical leadership to develop the right atmosphere in board rooms. We need to embrace diversity, offer transparency in management and lead with a clear set of values.”

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Fairplace SPECIAL FEATURE

Who’s managing your career?

Are you deliberating over which gadget to buy for a loved one this Christmas? Most people spend more time planning which iPod to get than planning their career. If something goes wrong with your gadget you’ve usually got the guarantee to fall back on. If something goes wrong with your career, what’s your plan?

The new year is traditionally a time to set goals – why not put some effort into your career goals for the year ahead? If you’re at risk of redundancy, or affected by a merger, acquisition, or restructuring, you need a plan. If you’re an employer, or a manager responsible for the careers of others, you have a role to play in managing their careers too.

Despite everything that’s happening in the economy at present, the fundamentals of career management haven’t really changed in the last hundred years. As early as 1909, Frank Parsons, an American social reformer was counselling people on three things: know yourself; know the market for your skills and abilities; and know how to successfully marry the two.

Who’s managing your career?

Everyone should have a career management plan.

Whether you’re a business owner planning your exit strategy, a manager having to take some tough decisions about releasing or redeploying some of your staff, or a professional considering your next move, we can help.

We are experts in outplacement and career management.

Here are some tips on how to cover those three aspects of essential career management: 1. Understand what you’re really good at and what you enjoy at work. What conditions need to be in place for you to perform at your best? What kind of people and environments help you achieve peak performance? If you’re stuck for answers, consider asking trusted colleagues and friends what they observe in you when you’re performing at your best.

2. Explore the market for what you have to offer. Use your network, colleagues, friends and family, or tools like LinkedIn.com to research the kind of work people with your abilities are doing. Find out what’s happening in other sectors, even in other geographies, and determine where your skill set is in demand. Don’t be put off by negative reports about the economy – there is always demand for good people, you just need to know where to look.

3. In terms of landing that dream job, within your current organisation or elsewhere, recent research amongst job seekers has shown that more proactive people find a new role almost twice as quickly as those who just browse for jobs. They are clear on what they want and focused on where and how they can add value, and they employ five or more routes into the job market – don’t just rely on job boards and newspaper ads. Use networking, trade publications, agencies, speculative applications, etc.

And if you’re an employer, discuss all of the above with your staff. Exit interviews show that, when people leave an organisation for career advancement, their previous employer could have held onto them if their manager had been more proactive with career development discussions. There will be some people you want to keep and some whose career progression lies outside your organisation. Proactively managing their careers can have a huge return on investment for you in terms of increased productivity, improved retention and more engagement.

For a FREE introductory session on achieving your career goals, contact Chris Perkins, Regional Director, on 0131 220 8292 or email: chris.perkins@fairplace.com Fairplace, One St. Colme Street, Edinburgh EH3 6AA, Tel: 0131 220 8292 www.fairplace.com

Fairplace 1 St. Colme Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6AA D: +44 (0)131 220 8292 M: +44 (0)7720 839059 E: chris.perkins@fairplace.com L: www.linkedin.com/in/chrisperkins172 www.fairplace.com

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Capitalview Destination Edinburgh – the challenge lies in attracting inward investment, argues Simon Farrell, Managing Director, Tayburn Edinburgh.

Cities operate in a competitive environment.

So promoting all that’s good and great about “Auld Reekie” is absolutely essential and the much more coordinated approach Destination Edinburgh Marketing Alliance (DEMA) is taking is also important; this is one city after all.

It may mean different things to different people but at the heart must be a coherent story that captures the essence of why Edinburgh is such a fantastic destination. And herein lays the challenge.

As a born and bred Mancunian I knew Edinburgh was a great place to visit; I came many times to take in the festivals and atmosphere. I knew it was a great place to study with a superb range of Universities and Colleges. I also knew it was the best city in the UK to live and I upped sticks and moved here four years ago.

The stories for visitors, students and potential residents, in my eyes, are relatively clear.

What isn’t so clear is the story for investors and businesses outside Edinburgh. Why should they choose Edinburgh over Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham or even Barcelona?

I know this is a tricky task as the tangible benefits aren’t immediately obvious but I think it’s the one that needs most attention. I would hope that a disproportionate amount of attention is given to creating a really compelling investor proposition and selling it convincingly, rather than focusing on the relatively easy tourist, student and resident sells.

Inspiring Capital may well be the ambition but where’s the substance?

www.tayburn.co.uk

Edinburgh gets set to sparkle!

Organisations throughout Edinburgh have teamed up to create one of the capital’s most spectacular Christmases ever. With an investment of over £800,000, the brandnew ‘Edinburgh Sparkles’ campaign will be promoted throughout the UK, bringing together fresh events and free parking with traditional favourites.

The city’s marketing body DEMA (Destination Edinburgh Marketing Alliance) has come together with retailers (Open for Business and Essential Edinburgh), event organisers (Edinburgh’s Christmas), Edinburgh’s tramworks and the City of Edinburgh Council, to lead the collaborative approach and spread the message further and wider than ever before.

Head of DEMA, Kenneth Wardrop said: “There are very few places in the world that can offer the same mix of events, shopping,

nightlife and scenery as Edinburgh. It’s especially beautiful over winter so we’re proud to promote the city’s inimitable sparkle.

Christmas celebrations in Edinburgh this year will be second-to-none.”

Edinburgh’s shopping continues to get better and better with the addition of new shops, including hip fashion store, Urban Outfitters and luxury jeweler, Pandora, both set to open before Christmas.

Retailers in the city will have specially extended opening hours over the Christmas period and there will be free parking in various parts of the city centre, weekday evenings and Saturdays from 26th November.

Buses will return to Princes Street from 29th November and there will also be the option to Park and Ride.

For more information, visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/comeintotown

With an all-star cast of high street favourites and a whole host of unique boutiques, bars and restaurants, Edinburgh has everything to make the festive season sparkle!

For full details on what’s happening in Edinburgh over Christmas, as well as special offers and competitions, log onto www.edinburghsparkles.com.

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Making customer services a priority…

Name: Ben Stocks Job title: Manager, Group Customer Services Age: 29 Hometown: Penistone (yes, really), a small village in Yorkshire I currently reside in: Edinburgh Family: Just about to be married Favourite hobby: A toss up between squash, mountain biking and cooking

Ben Stocks.

The Customer Services Team has been up and running for quite a few months now – what’s been your biggest triumph to date?

The amount of interaction we’ve managed to have with our membership.

We’re a membership organisation and we’re always delighted to hear how we can help, guide, assist or change to better meet the needs and requirements of our customers. When a customer calls us, be it for something simple like booking an event, or something more serious, like wanting to know the process for using the chamber legal advice line, we get a great deal of satisfaction from knowing we’ve helped.

And the biggest challenge?

Getting our name and number out there. Having a dedicated Customer Service Team is a real innovation among Chambers of Commerce, but I sometimes think there is a perception that our team is just a telephone answering or a complaints handling service. We’re more than happy to act as both of those, but we’re far more than that. We’ve made a real effort to recruit from across the whole Chamber to make sure we have

Favourite place for food and/or drink: My absolute favourite place to eat is Kampong Ah Lee in the Southside – amazing Malaysian food. As for drinks, being a northern boy, anywhere that serves a decent pint of bitter that I can enjoy with friends is good enough for me. the skills and experience to truly act as a one-stop-shop for any enquiry contacts might have.

informal chat about any questions or issues you may have, or simply to find out more about Edinburgh Chamber.

What’s the one thing you would like your team to have achieved by this time next year?

For any queries at all, or to find out about the next member drop-in, contact us!

I’d like the team to be recognised as delivering truly outstanding customer service.

What does it take to work in your team?

You have to be adaptable, hard working, resilient and above all passionate about customer service and the aims and objectives of both the Chamber and its members.

Is there anything else you want to say to Chamber members?

Yes, if any of our members would like to know more about Edinburgh Chamber, what we offer, how we operate or if they have any ideas for improvement, then the Customer Services Team is delighted to answer your call and give you the best advice we possibly can.

We are also holding regular members’ drop-in surgeries, to which you can pop by without an appointment for an

Ben with the rest of the Customer Services Team – (L to R) Lynn Mackay, Carrie Wilson and Fionnuala O’Donovan

Tel: 0844 736 2992 Email: customerservices@edinburghchamber.co.uk

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Chambernews Free support to shrink the credit crunch down to size

Preston Fields Hotel has benefited from the One-Stop-Shop The ‘One-Stop-Shop’ service, part of the City of Edinburgh Council ’s Economic Resilience Action Plan (ERAP), is a partnership project with the Business Environment Partnership (BEP) to ensure businesses continue to prosper through the recession.

The One-Stop-Shop provides tailored advice to any Edinburgh-based company from a micro-sized start-up to a larger SME. Advice ranges from Government funded grants & loans, resource efficiency, green marketing opportunities to legislation with the aim of identifying cost saving or new sales opportunities for businewsses.

Prestonfield Hotel has benefited enormously from Government funded support, cutting energy bills by 30% and waste bills by 50%, saving £19,000 per annum. Savings were achieved through replacing an ageing boiler, installing energy efficient lighting, implementing staff awareness training and improving recycling.

The One-Stop-Shop service is also holding a series of free training workshops at the City of Edinburgh Council Chambers, designed to give practical ideas to cut utility bill costs and advise on environmental legislation. Upcoming workshops are:

• Demystifying environmental legislation. What SMEs need to know to ensure compliance. – 26th January 2010 • Understand Your Utility Bills to Cut Costs – 25th February 2010 To access free support and start saving today or fore more information re: the above workshops, contact Amy Burnett on 0131 561 6262 or e-mail: amy@thebep.org.uk.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

The winning experience…

glass in hand, glorious views over the F “Champagne thundering down the home straight as the crowd ro That’s the sights and sounds to be enjoyed when you are a hospitality guest at Musselburgh Racecourse, Scotland’s most stylish race track and situated only six miles and a 20 minute taxi trip from Princes Street.

Edinburgh’s very own racecourse is the perfect backdrop for entertaining important business contacts, rewarding loyal and hard working staff or for a morale boosting team building exercise.

Whatever your budget, Musselburgh Racecourse can tailor a hospitality or corporate package to suit, which will combine high quality food and service in luxury surroundings, with the sporting thrill of turf horse racing.

Musselburgh Racecourse is a VisitScotland 5 star attraction with a record for innovation and constantly improving facilities to offer

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race goers the ultimate racing experience.

Our investment in a dedicated Pommery Champagne Bar, in conjunction with our hospitality providers Heritage Portfolio, has proved a great success with guests who enjoy a classic bubbly treat or champagne cocktail.

But our drive to maintain the highest standards is not confined to brick and mortar and that’s why we have introduced changes to the 2010 racing programme. The most significant change is to our summer highlight meeting, Musselburgh Ladies Day, which moves to a new Friday afternoon race day on June 18.

This fashion and sporting spectacular – Scotland’s mini-Ascot – has sold out weeks in advance for the past three years. A Friday afternoon, in high summer with high fashion, is a winning combination and we fully expect 2010 will be no different if advance ticket sales are anything to go by. Don’t delay in booking for Ladies Day as last year we unfortunately had to turn away hundreds of disappointed race goers.

By switching Ladies Day to June 18 it allows us to introduce the new Edinburgh Cup meeting on Saturday June 5 (Derby Day). This

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will be Musselburgh’s richest ever race day – it will attract some of the UK’s leading owners and trainers – and our vision is to build this race day to take its place alongside the Scottish Grand National and Ayr Gold Cup. Our full range of corporate and hospitality packages are available on Edinburgh Cup Day but, like Ladies Day, sales are very healthy so book early if you want to combine Epsom Derby Day with real time racing action at Musselburgh.

Following a £200,000 refurbishment the Queen’s Stand has a range of private suites with race sponsorship available for bookings of 10-120 guests. Each has a private balcony with amazing views of the racecourse and the all important winning post. Typically, packages include VIP admission badges for each guest, a Pommery champagne reception with canapés, three course lunch and a guest tipster providing the latest pre-race betting information. A free betting voucher and race programme for each guest, floral decorations, tote betting facilities and complimentary parking are included.

With race sponsorship your company can capitalise on great marketing opportunities.

You will be able to name a race with a title of your choice and with resultant coverage

the Firth of Forth to Fife and the sound of hoofs wd roars its approval of another worthy winner. in local and national press and on SKY channel Racing UK. A full page advert in the race programme, banner displays and the opportunity to judge your race’s Best Turned Out Horse with your guests, is included in the package.

In the summer months our Marquee Hospitality packages include a VIP badge, buffet lunch, access to a private garden viewing area and a dedicated table from which to watch the action close up. And for a more informal but sophisticated experience why not try our popular Champers and Hampers package, available on Ladies Day and Edinburgh Cup Day, which includes Pommery champagne, a top quality hamper lunch and a reserved picnic table?

One of East Lothian’s best kept secrets is the Epperston Restaurant, situated in Musselburgh’s historic grandstand, overlooking the finishing straight and with panoramic views of the course. For groups of 2 to 14 you can entertain guests in style, choosing from our carefully prepared Fine Dining menu

and enjoy the racing from a table reserved throughout the meeting.

We have just kicked off our National Hunt season and most will agree there is something special about the excitement that jumps racing offers. If you have still not booked the office Christmas party, are looking for a Christmas lunch outing with a difference or want to escape the madness of Festive shopping, our Christmas Lunch Raceday on Monday 21 December could be the answer.

Other Yuletide meetings include the New Year Sprint Raceday (Tuesday Dec 29) which brings together horseracing and the famous New Year Sprint athletics meeting, while you can raise a glass to auld acquaintances and a prosperous 2010 with racing taking place on New Year’s Day.

”

In addition to first class horse racing and hospitality. Musselburgh Racecourse Conference and Banqueting Centre offers a unique and versatile venue for business meetings, conferences, weddings and other celebrations. With extensive free on-site parking and superb access to the A1 and Edinburgh city bypass, our facilities can be hired exclusively for events of all sizes.

For full details of racing fixtures, hospitality and corporate packages, and conference and events facilities at Musselburgh Racecourse, please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse. co.uk or telephone 0131 665 2859.

The winning experience

How to get your finances back on track after the crunch

By Malcolm Good It’s sound practice to regularly review the employee benefits that an organisation offers to ensure these remain contemporary to the business’ and employees’ needs and that they are provided in a cost-effective manner.

Most businesses have, quiet rightly, been completely focussed on their core business activities during the downturn. However, taking time to review the benefits offered to both Directors and other employees usually proves to be a very valuable exercise. For example, these can: n Minimise the adverse impact of a key member of staff becoming incapacitated and unable to work n Ensure that regulatory requirements are met (such as minimum legal pension requirements)

n Make the overall remuneration and benefits package attractive to employees n Reduce tax and national insurance paid Thus, perhaps every 18 months to two years, it is wise to review the benefits in place to ensure that your organisation: n Fully understands its current employee benefits arrangements n Aligns these with the organisation’s objectives n Utilises the most tax efficient options available

So maybe, as organisations work through the recession, now is the time to review business and ‘keyman’ protection; company pensions; death in service options; private medical covers and other benefits which the organisation provides.

Malcolm Good is a Director of Independent Financial Adviser firm Melville Hutchison Financial Management, www. melvillehutchison.co.uk, and is the author of ‘Self-Help for the 21st Century’.

n Knows how much it is paying for these services (source alternative quotations to ensure the services bought remain price competitive)

Scotland’s planning reform bringing planning to the people Scotland’s planning system is undergoing changes.

Many more delegated decisions are being taken by council officers, and the government’s allowing councils more power over the decisions that they make.

Under this new approach, there are now three categories of development – national, major and local – and there is an obligation for developers to carry out pre-application public consultation on larger developments. These have been introduced to ensure the public gets a chance to have its say on planning applications. For major and national projects, developers have to consult. So what exactly does that mean?

Firstly, there will be a need for a pre-application consultation period. Rather than submitting an application, the applicant will notify the council of their intention to apply and then carry out a

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By Donald Anderson, Director of PPS Scotland

consultation, which will include: a pre-application consultation period; a publicly advertised consultation process; a public event; and the production of a pre-application consultation report.

Sound scary? It’s not, but you need to make sure you get the process right. Public consultation can actually help you get the result you are looking for by directly talking to the general public.

Most members of the public do actually support development.

The new system is there to make sure that the public’s views – rather than the views of the active minority – prevail, and with better consultation, more and better development can be delivered for Scotland.

www.ppsgroup.co.uk

Bethebest Going public

By Bryan Leslie

Would you rather die than speak in public?

Plan

In a recent survey of 100 people, asking for the top three things that scared respondents, dying came in 3rd place, spiders in 2nd and top of the list of greatest fears…? Public speaking!

Identify the key messages you want the audience to remember. Build your presentation around these messages, integrating connections to the audience based on what you know about them.

This finding came as no surprise to Chamber Business Solutions Manager and public speaking expert, Bryan Leslie. He said: “The real issue for most people is less about the fear of speaking in public and more about the fear of experiencing the mental pain of people laughing at you or judging you. The fear of getting a negative reaction is enough to stop some people from even trying.”

Communication is a core competency of all leadership and management roles and an absolute necessity for all business owners.

Being able to deliver a confident, effective presentation can give you a distinct advantage over your competitors for promotion or winning a tender.

The four Ps of successful public speaking Prepare Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Clarify the objective of the presentation. Make sure you know the subject and your audience – find out who they are and what will interest them.

Practice Practice, practice, practice! Record yourself and spot the good things you want to repeat, as well as things you want to stop or add.

Keep improving the presentation until you are happy with it. It will build your confidence.

Passion Speak with passion. The audience will remember YOU far longer than they’ll remember what you said; leave them with a great impression and your key messages will be remembered for longer as well.

Ian Duncan from Faithful & Gould recently asked the Chamber to run two in-house presentation skills courses. He says: “The training sessions had an instant impact on the presentation skills of our team. Everyone now feels more confident and our delivery is much improved. I was really impressed at just how much progress we made in two days and that is testament to the well-structured, bespoke and highly interactive training sessions that the Chamber delivered. We were 100% satisfied.”

In addition to bespoke training courses, Edinburgh Chamber offers a number of open courses, including, Effective Presentations and Confident Public Speaking, Presenting and Public Speaking Made Easy, and Advanced Presentations.

For more information, go to www. edinburghchamber.co.uk or contact our Customer Services Team on 0844 736 2992 or email customerservices@ edinburghchamber.co.uk.

To receive our free special report on how to effectively plan presentations, please send an email to Bryan Leslie: bryan@chamberbusinesssolutions.co.uk

Accessing land and property information Registers of Scotland (RoS) is responsible for compiling and maintaining the land and property registers.

RoS publishes a quarterly statistical release, tracking the movement of property prices in local authority areas across Scotland. This now includes house price information by house type (detached, semi-detached, terraced and flatted), providing a more detailed picture of the Scottish housing market.

The report is based on records of every property transaction in Scotland, including the 45% that currently do not involve a lender. You can view the latest issue and further property data (volume, average, value of sales), updated monthly, on the RoS website: www.ros.gov.uk

In addition, RoS recently launched a new weekly house price information service, which provides the latest information on average price, volume and percentage change for the latest four-week and 52-week periods for each of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland.

This information is being broadcast every Thursday on local radio stations throughout Scotland. The broadcasts also provide information about the free house price search facility on the RoS website. The weekly property statistics can be found on the RoS website, under the public tab, and are updated every Monday.

Bespoke reports RoS also provide bespoke statistical reports on both domestic and commercial property sales from April 2003 to date.You can obtain reports for specific time periods and to post code sector level. Fees are charged on a cost recovery basis.

To find out more about the different types of reports available, please email: business. development@ros.gov.uk or call: 0131 5283814

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SPECIAL FEATURE

PHOTOGRAPH: SCOTT HUNTER

LOCAL HERO

Looking for a private aircraft charter? Highland Airways have a Jetstream 41 based in Edinburgh available for groups of up to 19 EDINBURGH now has its own locally based ceases to surprise me. aircraft available for private air charter.

I have one delighted client currently who Highland Airways specially converted wanted their staff to actually see the oil rigs Jetstream 41 offers travellers comfort, speed they were managing, and we organised a fly by and very useful geographic reach. Scandinavia, tour of their facilities. It was remarked as one Central Europe and Iberia as well as the whole of the best staff motivational projects they had British Isles are now within easy reach. ever undertaken, and they have signed up for Definitely a new local hero. more trips. Last week we had a delegation The Highland Airways J41 aircraft is offered taken to see the commissioning of a ship in in a spacious and comfortable 19-seat Norway, and again a fly over the asset was a configuration, when it is more usually presented high point of the trip. in a 29-seat offering. This generous layout Like previous years I expect rugby home delivers a 1000 mile flight internationals, and league and range for charters without the cup supporter groups to “I have had some need to refuel. This modern feedback from the contact me. fuel efficient and pressurised Golfing groups also are guys saying turbo-prop provides the ideal attracted by the time savings everything was so achieved in playing some of vehicle for small to mediumsized delegations or leisure well organised, so Britain and Ireland’s more groups. remote courses when time is thank you very With no dead-leg tight. Grand prix, skiing and much!” positioning costs users can horse-racing also stimulate depart from Edinburgh Edinburgh – charter demand by delivering a without additional day out to remember.

Amsterdam preliminary costs. When the Our 19-seat layout allows charter price is defrayed by a group as large our clients to avoid the hustle and bustle of as 19 the journey can prove to be extremely main airport terminals by using the much cost effective. Remember when chartering more comfortable and simpler Business you can specify your own departure and Aviation Centres, such as those at Edinburgh, arrival times, and therefore hotel and other Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness. away-from-home costs can be minimised by I would be delighted to hear from any avoiding unnecessary overnights away. businesses, groups or individuals who want Established in 1991, Highland Airways has to price up their special trip. I often work long experience of serving business and leisure with my clients to help them meet a budget clients, and the company has many colourful and to optimise their itinerary. Alternatively missions and destinations in its portfolio. on our website you can get a very good In charge of Highland Airways charter pricing estimate for any proposed itinerary sales Anne Maclennan observes,”The myriad from the comfort of your own desktop, with of reasons why people come to the some very clever charter pricing software.” conclusion that chartering is for them never � www.highlandairways.co.uk

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Just some of the things you could do with a chartered aircraft from Highland Airways

Goinginternational Intelligent exporting An exciting new European-funded project, led by Scottish Chambers International (SCI), is set to help even more businesses across the country access specialist international trade support and training services.

Branded ‘Intelligent Exporter’, this new initiative has been developed to meet the needs of many Scottish businesses that have struggled to access mainstream international trade business support services, due either to cost or eligibility constraints.

The project has been developed by SCI, in conjunction with Scottish Development International, Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Business Gateway. It aims to

address the gap in support services that will help Scottish businesses make international connections, explore opportunities, trade globally and transform their business.

SCI Director, Alasdair Kerr, said: “International markets and global opportunities will allow Scotland to recover from the current challenging trading conditions at home. We have recognised for some time that there has been a significant gap in help available to Scottish businesses through mainstream business support programmes. That was one of the main reasons why we set up SCI in the first place – to improve access to expertise and specialist services consistently across Scotland through the chamber network.”

Alasdair continues: “The Intelligent Exporter programme will complement existing service provision by helping raise awareness of exporting opportunities, improving skills and providing specialist support to maximise success in overseas markets. As we have managed to secure match-funding through the European Social Fund, we’re able to offer much of this support free of charge to businesses with real export potential.”

For more information, go to: www.scottishchambersinternational.co.uk

No1 Currency launches same-day Business Travel Money delivery service City centre businesses in Edinburgh will be the first to benefit from No1 Currency’s same day Business Travel Money delivery service.

No1 Currency’s convenient and reliable new service will save business travellers’ time, and the competitive exchange rates on offer will help businesses make savings on their overseas expenditure.

In a first for businessmen and women across Edinburgh, businesses can order dollar and euro currency before 2pm and receive the order that day. The super-fast service is both time-saving and cost-saving because No1

Currency exchange rates are consistently the most competitive on the high street. The order will also be delivered direct to their desk so this will help to save valuable time at the airport or queuing in banks or Post Office.

Colin McLauchlin. “Obtaining Travel Money has always been an expensive and timeconsuming chore, so the demand was there for a cheaper and quicker way for businesses to buy currency. Our new same-day delivery service meets this demand.”

“In the current economic climate businesses are looking for ways to operate more cost-effectively and efficiently,” says No1 Currency Sales and Marketing Director

For further information call the Business Travel Money Team on 0131 220 9402 or visit www.no1currency.com

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Inspiringconnections Our 2009 AGM, on 2 August, attracted almost 300 members, who came along to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre to hear all about our plans for the coming year and enjoy a captivating address from keynote speaker, Sir Tom Farmer.

Chief Executive, Ron Hewitt launched our Time for Renewal campaign and our new President, Robert Carr, was also elected at the gathering, as we said thanks and good luck to retiring President, Richard Jeffrey, who is now heading up tie.

Annual General Meeting 2009

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Newly elected President Robert Carr (left) presenting Richard Jeffrey with the Past Presidents Medal

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Sir Tom, Robert Carr, Richard Jeffrey (in the background) and the excellent EICC staff give the AGM the thumbs up!

Here come the girls…

Our ‘Into the dragon’s den’ Women in Business lunch on the 10th of September allowed attendees to get the inside story from Sacha Mann from Archangels, who discussed the demystification of business angels. In addition, Claire Stevenson from Lloyds TSB Scotland explained how to obtain finance from banks in the current economic climate.

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L to R: Sacha Mann of Archangels and Claire Stevenson of Lloyds TSB, with Kirsty Livingstone, Lloyds TSB, Nora Senior, Weber Shandwick, and Julie Britee plus Patricia Huth, both with the Royal Mail Group

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Suzanne Shinnie, of Techs in the City, left, shares a laugh with Laura Falls of HBJ Gateley Wareing (Scotland) LLP

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Boys allowed: John Macfarlane of Jefferson Sheard Architects proves that men can enjoy the Women in Business events too – with colleague Christina Stuart (left) and Kirsty Lloyd of OAexecutive

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Photography by Graham Carnie, Tuskite Photography

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Shaken not stirred – cocktail night 07

At Edinburgh Chamber we like to mix it up, and our ‘Shaken not stirred’ evening event on Thursday 22 October gave members the chance to relax and network over cocktails and canapés at Channings Hotel, where they were also given a full cocktail demonstration. Tasty!

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Time for a top-up! Graham and Dawn Carnie of Tuskite Photography enjoyed the evening.

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Debbie Louden, RBS, with Rory Moody, ICD Partnership Ltd.

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John Lee of MBM Commercial can’t hide his delight

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A whole lot a’shakin’ goin’ on – Channings Hotel’s cocktail mixer in action!

Photography by Graham Carnie, Tuskite Photography

Edinburgh Chamber in the news Our Premier Series Dinner on 5th of October with Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of British Airways, caused a flurry of media coverage, proving yet again that Edinburgh Chamber has its finger firmly planted on the pulse where business news is concerned.

In his speech, which was covered by both The Scotsman and The Herald, Willie spoke with gravity about the losses suffered by the aviation industry in 2008 and 2009 and the deep crisis facing the sector. The collapse of Lehman Brothers and the UK Government’s multi-billion pound cash injections into Lloyds, HBOS and RBS, triggered a huge downturn in demand for premium travel.

investing in customers, and seeking out new, innovative solutions and opportunities, including the controversial third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Despite BA continuing to perform significantly better than the industry as a whole, Willie explained how they have had to take a long, hard look at how they could reshape their business, while retaining their premier, global position.

The answer, he said, was cutting costs,

He also spoke of the importance of the Scottish market and his desire to increase and improve links between London and Scotland, as well as his confidence in a resurgent BA to maintain and develop its market position as the world’s favourite airline.

Photograph reproduced by kind permission of The Scotsman Publications

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60seconds Q In five words or less, what do you do?

A Managing Director, PR Pigeon (Edinburgh) Ltd. Q How long have you been a Chamber member?

A Just a few months.

Q Why did you join?

A People I met at the Business Gateway events sung the Chamber’s praise and told me I’d be missing out if I didn’t join.

Q What services do you use?

A I’ll use the business growth services and the mentoring programme when my business is a little bigger and aiming towards the VAT threshold turnover level.

Q What’s the best business/benefit you have won through the Chamber?

A I’ve noticed that being a Chamber member brings confidence to my new clients. It tells them I take my business seriously and that I’m interested in best practice and the opportunities that being affiliated with a member-led organisation brings

Company Name: PR Pigeon Ltd

Q Are there any additional services or information you’d be particularly interested in?

Website: www.prpigeon.co.uk

A Yes. How can small businesses be successful in the procurement process?

Q If you were telling another business person about the Chamber, what’s the first thing you would say?

A Take a few minutes to ring Josef Church-Woods, the Marketing and Communications Executive. If you’re not sure what the Chamber can offer you he’s the man to ask.

There’s nothing common about great leadership Common Purpose, established in 1989, is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of leadership in the UK by increasing the number of informed individuals who are actively involved in shaping the future of the areas in which they live and work.

It does so by providing experiential leadership programmes, which involve participants and contributors/speakers from all sectors and types of organisations and companies. The organisation actively seeks to improve the diversity of participants to better reflect the areas and communities in which it works.

Common Purpose helps provide the knowledge, inspiration and connections which assist people in becoming better leaders in the workplace and in wider society. Participants don’t sit in classrooms; programme sessions may be held in a corporate HQ, a housing association, a prison, a small hi-tech company, a school, or even a Government or public agency office.

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Participants will develop their leadership abilities through learning with and from their peers in other sectors on site visits, panel discussions and expert briefings. They will also be exposed to

Ü Ü Ü

Ü Ü Ü Ü

Name: Jill Blake

Common Purpose participants develop their leadership skills through hands-on learning and knowledge exchange numerous different approaches to leadership in the real world - in the here and now.

For more senior people, the Edinburgh & Lothians ‘Meridian’ programme runs February to June; while the Glasgow Metropolitan Region ‘Meridian’ programme runs February to July; and the MidScotland ‘Focus’ programme runs January to June.

Emerging talent may be interested in the Scotland Navigator programme, which runs April to June.

For further details email edinburgh@commonpurpose.org.uk or visit www.commonpurpose.org.uk.

Please note – a 20% discount is available for all members of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

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Legal EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES – DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT! Andrew Brown is a Senior Solicitor with our Partner in Enterprise, Anderson Strathern; here he gives us a summary of the main, employment law changes implemented in October 2009 that businesses need to keep on top of.

National Minimum Wage (NMW) increased Standard (adult rate) rate: £5.80 (rising from £5.73).

Development rate: £4.83 (rising from £4.77).

Young workers rate: £3.57 (rising from £3.53).

Accommodation offset rate: £4.51 (rising from £4.46).

Prohibition on using tips for NMW Employers are prohibited from counting service charges, tips and gratuities (even if processed through their payroll) towards the payment of the NMW. Maximum limit of a week’s pay The maximum limit of a week’s pay was increased from £350 to £380 and will affect all compensation payments to which the week’s pay limit is relevant (e.g. statutory redundancy pay). This will remain unchanged until February 2011.

Supreme Court Rules 2009 The Supreme Court has replaced the House of Lords as the highest appeal court in the UK. Scottish civil appeals will be heard by the Supreme Court. Criminal appeals continue to be heard by the Scottish Court of Criminal Appeal.

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Amendment to Information Commissioner’s notification fees Any organisation (unless exempt) which processes personal data (‘a data controller’) must notify the Information Commissioner who will publish their details on a register available for public inspection. Failure to notify is a criminal offence. The current annual flat fee of £35 has been replaced with a two-tier structure as follows: n

For a data controller in tier 1 - £35.

n

For a data controller in tier 2 (annual turnover of £25.9 million or more, and 250 or more members of staff, and any public authority with 250 or more members of staff) - £500.

It is for the data controller to determine which tier they fall into and to pay the appropriate fee.

The notification should be renewed annually.

and policies regularly checked by a lawyer specialising in employment law to ensure that their practices are up to date. Additionally, in an age where employees are increasingly aware of their rights, employers should query issues with their lawyer rather than simply acting and hoping for the best.

Andrew Brown is a Senior Solicitor in Anderson Strathern’s Employment Unit advising on all aspects of employment law.

If you have a query on any employment related matter he can be contacted on 0131 270 7700.

Anderson Strathern is one of Scotland’s leading full service law firms with offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Comment Employment law is constantly changing.

Forthcoming changes include amendments to maternity leave and agency workers’ rights.

Failure to be aware of the up-to-date position can result in employers making unlawful decisions rendering them liable to compensate employees, potentially including awards for injury to the employee’s feelings. Employers would be well advised to have their contracts

Stay One Step Ahead with free branding & marketing advice; call 0844 736 2992

SPECIAL FEATURE

Duties of directors of limited companies

By Austin Flynn

Partner - Corporate team Morton Fraser LLP

One of the main attractions of trading as a limited company is that the individuals behind the company have limited liability for the debts of the company.

However, directors of companies now have a number of legal duties imposed on them so that they do not benefit unfairly from that limited liability.

While these may be the last things on the minds of anyone setting up or running a business, as they juggle other priorities, it is vital to know what these duties and responsibilities are. Not complying with them could result in a fine, having to pay cash into the company if it becomes insolvent, being disqualified from being a director in future, and possibly even imprisonment.

The Companies Act 2006 says that a director must: n act within the powers in the company’s constitution and exercise those powers only for a proper purpose

If the company goes into insolvent liquidation and the directors have breached their duties, the courts may order any director to contribute to the company’s assets as compensation for that breach of duty. This effectively removes the benefit of limited liability from that director.

Personal Guarantees It is quite common for directors, particularly those of SME companies, to be asked by the company’s bank to give a personal guarantee of the company’s obligations. By giving such a guarantee, the director agrees to meet some or all of the company’s obligations if the company fails to do so.

n not accept benefits from third parties

The extent of the director’s liability will depend on the wording of the guarantee, and it is important to have a well drafted guarantee for the director’s protection; unfortunately, many directors do not seem to be aware of the terms of the guarantee they have given. This can result in the director being not only personally liable for the company’s debts, but also for bank interest and costs in recovering the debt. In the worst case the bank could repossess the director’s home, particularly if the guarantee was backed with a mortgage to the bank.

n declare any interest which the director has in a proposed transaction with the company.

If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this article, please call me for a free, no-obligation, confidential discussion.

n promote the success of the company for the benefit of all of its shareholders n exercise independent judgment n exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence n avoid conflicts of interest

Companies in financial difficulty When a company is in financial difficulty, however, its directors also owe an additional duty to the company to act in the best interests of the company’s creditors. Directors of these companies are therefore strongly advised to: n monitor regularly the company’s financial position n hold regular board meetings

austin.flynn@morton-fraser.com tel: 0131 247 1260 Partner – Corporate Team Morton Fraser LLP Save money with One Step Ahead; go to: www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/onestepahead

n take prompt professional advice from a lawyer or accountant.

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Theinterview Independent streak the key to surviving challenging times Just as with every other economic sector, the world of television is having to cope with the sharp downturn in trading conditions, and for television companies like STV, the challenges are even more acute because of the rapid expansion in the number of channels now available.

For Bobby Hain, Managing Director (Broadcasting) at STV, the challenges represent opportunities as the company increasingly shows a renewed sense of independence.

STV has already committed to much more local programming and proposed a new-look news programme with a stronger Scottish feel. Such measures, it feels, are crucial if it is to thrive in a market place that has never been more competitive with such a rapid expansion in channels and online providers.

Bobby, who spent a long time in radio before he switched to television, says: “If you look at radio in the late 80s and early 90s, when there was an explosion in the number of radio stations, then the same is true of television now.

“We have gone from a time when there were five channels to one where there are hundreds. The challenge for STV is how we operate in a digital world.

“If you look back to the first 25 years of the company, between 1957 and 1982, we were the only source of television advertising in Scotland. It was a 100 per cent market, but now advertisers have other alternatives.”

Interim six-monthly figures released at the end of June, showed how tough trading conditions have been with the STV Group’s pre-tax profit reduced to £0.7m, down from £4.5m in the same period the year before, on a revenue of £48.8m, down from £75.6m, with the decline partly due to the disposal of Virgin Radio in June 2008.

Contributing to tough trading conditions has been the £10m, or 21 per cent, decline in broadcasting advertising resulting in STV itself recording a revenue fall from £56m to £41.5m. Operating profit was £2.8m, down from £4.9m.

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However, the picture is not as gloomy as it might appear. The company feels that it is in a good position and, traditionally, second halves produce better figures than the first half of the year. Indeed, STV performed broadly in line with the national advertising market in the first half of the year and is on track to outperform in the third quarter of the year.

“ We have gone from a time when there were five channels to one where there are hundreds.

The challenge for STV is how we operate in a digital world.

”

Bobby says: “We are seeing the rate of decline in advertising slow down.”

Another reason for confidence is that STV has taken greater control of its schedule in 2009, catering for the diverse tastes of

its audience and providing a mix of strong home-grown productions and popular acquired series.

Bobby says: “We have taken more control of our own schedule than we had done in recent times.

There is a commercial imperative for us.

The situation had been that ITV took the decisions about the schedule but that is a model we have sought to change.

We want to support a strong television production sector in Scotland. If you look at some areas in England, they don’t have any programmes made in their area. We do not want to be like that.”

For STV, that stronger Scottish emphasis means the company can cater more for its audience and provide a service more tailored to the needs of advertisers.

Bobby says: “It means we have taken more control of the levers of our business.”

For Bobby, content remains at the heart of the business and it has taken responsibility for producing a number of factual series. In June this year, for instance, STV Productions won its first series commission from the BBC, to produce a 20-part factual entertainment series entitled Antiques Road Trip.

In May, it launched its live daily magazine show, The Hour. The programme frequently outperforms the Network and highlights STV’s commitment to home-grown productions, with the show delivering 148 hours of original production in 2009.

ITV has also ordered a re-versioning of four episodes of STV Productions’ Rebus, the crime series set in Edinburgh and starring Ken Stott, with the episodes edited down from 90 minutes to 60 minutes for the

Bobby Hain, Managing Director (Broadcasting)

autumn schedule. STV is also in discussions with ITV regarding a future commission of Taggart.

There is another big change being proposed.

For Bobby, news remains important for the company and STV has revealed an ambitious vision for the shape of television news coverage in Scotland.

STV has proposed a new one-hour integrated news programme at six o’clock for Scotland, which will build on the success of STV’s existing news service. Incorporating international, UK-wide, Scottish and

local news, the new programme would be produced by STV in partnership with ITN. Bobby says: “This is a bold, innovative and forward thinking proposal and is the next sensible step forward for Scottish news.

“STV’s unique news service is highly valued by viewers in Scotland and has seen a rise in audience share over the past five years.

We aim to build on this and believe that we are well placed to provide this unique new service, in terms of our profile, infrastructure, resources and expertise, working in conjunction with ITN who would bring

outstanding international experience.”

Such proposals are indicative of a company which looks to the future with confidence.

Bobby concludes : “I am very optimistic for the year ahead.Yes, digital is a challenge but it is also an opportunity - we already have a strong online presence and are developing it further. And now we have taken more control of our schedule, our destiny is in our own hands.”

By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com

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Coverfeature Time for renewal in Edinburgh

By Graham Birse

We have Edinburgh’s tourism sector to thank for supporting the local economy’s recovery from recession.

Supported by the creative energy of our festivals and many more nonstop flights from international destinations to our airport, virtually all the indicators in the leisure sector were positive through summer and in to the autumn.

performed all of them during the last year across a whole range of economic measures – from inward investment to hotel yields. In these conditions, we have demonstrated that we are much more than a financial services centre.

So we are in a very different place to a year ago – when our banks teetered on the edge of extinction and a global economic meltdown loomed large. As one insider at the centre of economic policy for the UK confided recently: “This time last year, we were petrified. Now we’re merely worried.”

So why are the policy-makers still worried? There are two reasons. The first is that the recovery is fragile – and could be fuelled by quantitative easing and other Government interventions that will soon come to an end as money runs out.

Edinburgh’s durability in the crisis had been truly remarkable. In a comparative study of more than a dozen UK cities, Edinburgh out-

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The second, and by far more significant, is the state of our public finances. Britain is no stranger to fiscal crises. They occurred under Labour in the mid-1970s and the Conservatives in the early 1990s.

Yet the deficits that caused such concern then (7% and 8% respectively) are dwarfed by the situation today. The Treasury forecast in April that public borrowing would exceed 12% of GDP and could be higher, on course to deliver us the biggest build up of debt in the G7 economies. And to give you some numbers on that score – from a start-point of a £35 billion deficit in 2007-08, borrowing has soared to a predicted £175 billion in 2009-10.

In Scotland, the picture is not less bleak and the need for reform of the public sector on a massive scale is only now dawning on senior managers and politicians.

Jo Armstrong, an economist with the Centre for Public Policy for the Regions, has predicted that Scotland’s public finances will need to be cut by as much as 20% of the total budget, around £4 billion, in order to balance the books.

Jo Armstrong predicts Scotland’s public finances will need to be cut by 20%, around £4 billion, to balance the books

She says: “We are currently at the high water mark of public spending in Scotland. It could well be 2017-18 before we see a return to the relative levels of public spending of the past few years.”

Even next year’s budget, set before the extent of the deficit became apparent, shows the strain in the system. Although spending goes up in cash terms by £175 million, in real terms it must come down by £270m.

Therefore, there are already winners and losers as a result of Ministers’ shuffling of budgets.

The most obvious winner? Health, which wins an increase of £97m next year (0.9% of the Scottish health budget). And the major loser? Enterprise, energy and tourism, which declines by £71m, or 14%.

Clearly, applying the brakes to public finances that have done nothing but grow for 10 years is a real challenge for politicians who like to do things with public money. But the logic of reducing spending on business growth and impeding its capacity to survive the recession and contribute to recovery does seem misguided at best, reckless at worst.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Cameron has challenged Ministers to focus on business sustainability and recovery as the key to re-balancing the public finances.

Some economists are equally concerned about the lack of long-term financial planning necessary to re-balance the books. Jo Armstrong says: “I am yet to see the evidence that those responsible for dealing with budget reductions fully accept the size of the challenge and have adequate plans in place.”

Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce

In Edinburgh, City Councillors are facing a deficit of at least £90m over the next three years, leaving every department in the organisation facing significant budget cuts for the foreseeable future.

According to Ron Hewitt, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, there are two challenges in re-balancing the books.

“The first,” he says, “is to avoid front-loading the cuts into one or two fiscal years and precipitate another recession, impacting everyone who does business with the public sector. “And the second is for reform of our public sector on a massive scale so that those with the responsibility for managing our public services can implement their ideas unfettered by the custom and practice that has impeded them for too long.

“There are leaders in the public sector, at NHS Lothian for example, who are applying themselves to the challenge and coming up with more efficient and enterprising solutions to the delivery of services and the management of cost. They need to be encouraged and enabled to operate in an environment that is very different to the traditional landscape of the public sector in Scotland.”

With un-funded pension liabilities in Scotland standing at over £3.5 billion each year and Ministers having to find a further £150£200m from the current account for every 1% above inflation public salaries are fixed, the scale of the problem grows year on year.

Edinburgh Chamber has pledged to work with its public sector partners to find solutions and bring private sector leaders together with their public sector partners to confront the issues and resolve them.

Ron Hewitt launches the Time for Renewal campaign at the Edinburgh Chamber AGM

“It’s important we do so now,” says Ron Hewitt. “After the next General Election, a change of Government is possible and with it the Barnet Formula would be under threat.

We need new ideas to re-balance the public finances and sustain a meaningful and longterm recovery.”

Edinburgh Chamber is organising a conference called ‘Time for Renewal’ in February 2010, on the theme of public finances and re-balancing the books, inviting all our political parties to participate.

Look out for details on our website: www. edinburghchamber.co.uk

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An energy audit will identify areas of savings in both electrical usage and heating or cooling bills.

Not many people realise that electricity is more than four times more expensive than mains gas.

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- using passive measures and systems that provide heating and cooling such as passive ventilation and solar shading without wasting energy and generating carbon.

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WHY RESORT TO EXPENSIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS IF THERE’S A MEAN, LEAN, GREEN ALTERNATIVE ?

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The cost effectiveness of each of these solutions needs to be considered along with increasing insulation or reducing glazing areas.

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Keeping on the right side of the law Investing in a Greener Future: We design, supply and install tailor-made photovoltaic (PV) solar systems.

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It’s one of those little things that could so easily be overlooked but businesses are being reminded of the latest rules governing the provision of alcoholic drinks during events.

The message from the Chamber is that businesses need to remember that that when serving drinks in any business premises (charged for or free), a licence has to be applied for.

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Even when there is no charge for drinks, and attendance is by invitation, the City Council advice is to still apply for an occasional licence, which costs £10 in Edinburgh.

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Forms and background are available at the licencing section of the Council website www.edinburgh.gov.uk

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Energy&theenvironment

Tackling the green agenda Scottish businesses are being encouraged to do more to comply with legislation introduced to reduce the damaging effects of climate change.

By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com

There are a number of new initiatives which focus on ensuring that businesses do all they can to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint, not least the Climate Change Act recently introduced by the Scottish Parliament.

The legislation covers everything from providing incentives to companies seeking to reduce wastage to elements which enshrine green thinking in the planning and construction sectors.

And the focus is even sharper this month (December) because world leaders are meeting in Copenhagen to stage a summit which will map out the world’s response to the challenges.

The Deputy Convenor of the Climate Change Committee, Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie said:“There can be no doubt that the this is one of the most important pieces of legislation that the Scottish Parliament will ever pass.

But, although it may all sound a bit intimidating, the message from those working in the field is that even the smallest of business can take simple and effective steps to meet their targets.

And they do need to be met. Under the terms of the Climate Change Act, the Scottish Parliament will work towards reducing Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050, with an interim target of at least 42 per cent emissions reductions by 2020.

To ensure that the targets are met on the Act, seen as one of the most stringent to be passed by a Western nation, business performance will be scrutinised to ensure that it helps the country to meet the targets.

“Not only does it define what Scotland can do to address the challenge of climate change— reduce emissions, build a green economy and adapt to change—it contributes to global action against climate change and allows us to set an example and raise the bar for climate change legislation.”

There are similar hopes for the environmental summit in Copenhagen with governments under pressure to put aside their differences and come up with policies to help reduce the planet‘s carbon footprint.

They are: n How much are the industrialised countries willing to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases? n How much are major developing countries such as China and India willing to do to limit the growth of their emissions? n How is the help needed by developing countries to engage in adapting to the impacts of climate change going to be financed? n How is that money going to be managed?

“If Copenhagen can deliver on those four points I’d be happy,” he said.

However, it has always been environmentalists’ mantra that the solution is to think global and act local and there are plenty of organisations in Scotland reducing wastage or exploring business opportunities in the low carbon sector. continued p30

For UN climate chief Yvo de Boer, there are four main questions to be answered at Copenhagen, all of which impact directly on businesses in Scotland.

Edinburgh Chamber is launching a new Renewable Energy Policy Group, which will be facilitated by Anderson Strathern. More information will be available soon on our website (www.edinburghchamber.co.uk), under policy, and in the Feb/March issue of the magazine.

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Energy&theenvironment With the Scottish Climate Change Act, the Scottish Government sets ambitious targets for carbon emission reduction and new low carbon industries that are seen as a key element in Scotland’s future prosperity.

John Stocks, manager Scotland, Carbon Trust commented: “For many the current economic situation equates to huge pressures to simply keep their business afloat and climate change may not be high on their agenda. However, I would urge those businesses to see the scale of the targets to reduce carbon emissions as an opportunity rather than a challenge.”

The Carbon Trust in Scotland is here to help Scottish businesses achieve this move to a low carbon economy, inspiring organisations to get

involved in taking action on climate change with the business benefits it brings. The Carbon Trust continues to make significant inroads by working with businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large industrial sites, to help them reduce carbon emissions and costs and to develop the low carbon technologies that will support Scotland’s future. This is especially important as Scotland takes the lead in action on climate change.

Since the Carbon Trust was established in 2001, it has helped Scotland’s businesses and public sector organisations cut emissions by over 2.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO2) and make direct cost savings of over £180 million.

For those organisations that are concerned about their environmental impact and would like advice on how they can reduce their carbon emissions, the Carbon Trust has developed guidance and training packages to explain the concept of a ‘carbon footprint’. This is supported

“ I would urge those businesses to see the scale of the targets to reduce carbon emissions as an opportunity rather than John Stocks, a challenge.

”

Manager, Carbon Trust in Scotland

Potterrow, University of Edinburgh As well as being one of the first to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard, The University of Edinburgh was highly commended for its Potterrow Development, which houses the Informatics Forum, at the 2009 Carbon Trust Low Carbon Building Award ceremony.

Potterrow has been predicted to emit 16kg CO2/m2/a (asset) which is almost an A-rated EPC level of performance. When electrical usage from IT and business activities are added, the operational emissions are predicted to be 42% less than from typical buildings of this type.

Michael Russell, Minister for Environment, presented the award to Gordon Duckett, representing the University’s School of Informatics and Gary Clark, Associate at Bennetts Associates Architects, at the Scottish Energy & Environment Conference (SEEC).

John Stocks, commented: “In highly commending Potterrow, the judging panel acknowledged that Bennetts Associates Architects had demonstrated that large scale headquarter standard low carbon buildings could be delivered in restricted city centre sites, creating an exemplar for all future large buildings in our city centres.”

The judging panel highly commended the passive design features such as the shallow floor plan and high floor-to-ceiling heights, daylight optimisation and exposed heavy thermal mass structure.

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Entries are currently being sought for the 2010 Carbon Trust Low Carbon Building Award.

Image courtesy of Keith Hunter

To register an interest and request an application form, please email emma.davies@smarts.co.uk.

The deadline for entries is 11 January 2010.

SPECIAL FEATURE by a wide range of free advice and assistance available through the Carbon Trust’s website or dedicated advice line. The Carbon Trust also offers on site carbon surveys, to help businesses identify and implement carbon savings and therefore cost reduction opportunities.

John added: “Determining your organisation’s carbon footprint needn’t be a daunting nor costly concept - there is ample help and support available to guide you through the process. Companies should embrace the opportunity to establish their carbon footprint and identify where steps can be taken to reduce emissions as, ultimately, this will result in financial savings.”

Achievements in reducing carbon emissions should be acknowledged and celebrated, and to this end the Carbon Trust recently launched the Carbon Trust Standard - the world’s first certification scheme which shows an organisation has taken genuine action on climate change by measuring, managing and reducing its carbon footprint; actually making real reductions year on year.

To be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard, businesses must demonstrate from base data, such as energy bills and production returns, that over the previous two years the carbon intensity of their operations has actually been reduced. To retain the Standard, organisations must re-apply every two years.

Thirteen high profile organisations in Scotland have been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard, including the University of Edinburgh, Scottish Court Services, DSM, Diageo Global Scotland Supply, Fife Council, FIS Chemicals, Hewlett-Packard (HP), LifeScan Scotland, Highland Council, Perth and Kinross Council, St Andrew’s University and the Department for International Development.The most recent addition to the award roll is Midlothian-based Grange Door Systems, which provides design, installation and maintenance of all metal structure products.

Another key focus for the Carbon Trust is reducing the amount of CO2₂ emitted from buildings, which are currently responsible for producing 50% of total carbon emissions*.

Going forward, it is therefore essential that all new and refurbished buildings work towards low carbon principles.

There are already some exemplars of low carbon construction in Scotland, and these are acknowledged through the Carbon Trust Low Carbon Building Award. Now in its fourth year, the award has been specifically designed to recognise and applaud the success of organisations in Scotland that design and constructing low carbon buildings. The 2010 Award will also see the introduction of a new category, with the aim to acknowledge those companies and organisations which have successfully included low carbon design

principles within a refurbishment project.

The judges will be looking for new or refurbished buildings that not only embody low carbon design principles, but also deliver reduced energy demand, emissions, sustainability and a high quality of occupant experience. The 2010 award will be presented at the Scottish Energy and Environment Conference (SEEC) in February.

John concluded: “Every organisation has a responsibility to play their part in helping Scotland achieve the targets set by the Climate Change Act. The Carbon Trust in Scotland has the advice, support and knowledge to help turn thoughts into actions and reduce emissions for companies of all sizes, which will not only impact positively on the environment but also their bottom line.”

For more information on the Carbon Trust visit www.carbontrust.co.uk or call the Carbon Trust Advice Line on 0800 085 2005.

*[2003 data from Scottish Energy Study (2006)]

MacTaggart Scott While a lot can be achieved by reducing our carbon footprints, that can only take us so far in meeting and beating the targets for carbon emissions reductions; in order to do that, we need to look at technologies of the future utilising resources such as the wind and sea.

Although still in its infancy, marine energy could provide up to 20% of the UK’s electricity needs. The Carbon Trust’s Marine Energy Accelerator (MEA) aims to bring forward the time when this technology is a viable commercial solution. The Carbon Trust offers not only financial support but advice and market expertise to help companies and academic organisations develop better and more cost-effective technology in this sector.

Using its experience building hydraulic motors for military and civil applications, Midlothianbased MacTaggart Scott has taken advantage of

the Carbon Trust’s MEA in its development of a prototype system to harness the power of the sea by making wave energy converters more efficient, reliable and cost-effective – currently the three main barriers to production.

Alan Bevan, business development manager of MacTaggert Scott, commented: “The partnership with the Carbon Trust has allowed us to produce a device that is generating considerable interest from wave technology developers.”

MacTaggart Scott’s Reactive Hydraulic Modulator (RHM)

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Energy&theenvironment … photovoltaic (PV) solar systems.

The systems provide clean green electricity which saves money and reduces a building’s carbon footprint.

Among organisations helping businesses is the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Here Rebecca Walker, Senior Climate Change Policy Officer, offers some thoughts: “In order to reduce the impacts arising from climate change, new policy and legislation has been developed at EU, UK and Scotland level. One new piece of legislation to emerge is the Climate Change Scotland Act 2009, which will have significant implications for Scotland.

The act, which received Royal Assent in August, sets out world-leading greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and places new duties relating to climate change on public bodies.

As Scotland ’s environmental regulator, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has an important role to play in helping Scotland achieve these targets; an interim greenhouse gas emission reduction target for 2020 of 42%, and an 80% reduction target for 2050.

Those opportunities can mean everything from harnessing wind energy and tidal power to developing biomass and solar power.

Mr Stocks said: “Wave and tidal power presents a specific opportunity for Scotland given its natural resources, academic talent and engineering skills.”

The Carbon Trust in Scotland sees such initiatives as crucial. The Trust, which advises businesses on the steps they need to take has, in the past eight years, helped companies and public sector organisations cut emissions by 2.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, with attendant cost savings of more than £180 million.

Another major area gaining popularity is the use of solar power to heat houses.

Companies like Edinburgh-based Solar Technology Limited, specialise in designing, supplying and installing tailor-made photovoltaic (PV) solar systems. The systems provide clean green electricity which saves money and reduces a building’s carbon footprint.

Scotland Manager John Stocks said: “We are now operating in unprecedented times, both in terms of the scale of carbon emission reductions needed and the wider economic challenges brought about by the global recession.

“The Scottish Government has responded to the challenges: the Scottish Climate Change Act sets ambitious targets for carbon emission reduction and new low carbon industries are seen as a key element in Scotland’s future prosperity.”

Indeed, the green agenda is also about creating new business opportunities and the Trust has been working in in the renewables field.

That includes wave and tidal power and the Trust supports the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney.

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Among other organisations pushing home the green message is BWEA, the UK’s leading renewable energy trade association, which warns that there are major cost implications to ignoring the message.

The organisation’s comments came after a report from energy regulator Ofgem which showed that having less renewables in the energy system, compared to targets, could end up costing consumers up to 60% more on household bills – due to fossil fuel price volatility.

Maria McCaffery, BWEA Chief Executive said: “Wind, wave and tidal energy can deliver both energy security and price stability. Putting our faith into fossil fuels could irreparably damage the environment and still not save us any money. Doing nothing is simply not an option.”

We are committed to working with the Scottish Government and other public bodies to help prepare Scottish businesses for the annual reduction targets in new environmental policy and secondary legislation that will be required to achieve this.

In June this year, SEPA’s Martin Valenti took up the role of Climate Change Business Delivery Manager for Scotland ’s Climate Change Business Delivery Group (CCBDG), where he will work closely with Scottish businesses on climate change issues. Chaired by the CEO of Scottish and Southern Energy Ian Marchant, the CCBDG is a highly influential business group comprising 14 of Scotland ’s top business leaders.

The group was set up in 2007 with the aim of inspiring Scotland ’s business community to do more to reduce their carbon emissions and to tackle climate change.

Martin will also be working with Scottish Business in the Community, assisting them to drive and support the May Day Network, which is the largest network of Scottish businesses that have made a commitment to tackling climate change.

The Climate Change ( Scotland ) Act provides both an exciting, and challenging, opportunity for Scotland ’s private and public sectors to secure the environment for future business. “ * To find out more about SEPA’s five-year climate change plan, including the NetRegs website, a partnership between SEPA and the UK’s other environmental regulators aimed at providing free environmental guidance for small and medium-sized businesses, visit www.sepa.org.uk/climate_change. aspx

SPECIAL FEATURE

Scottish Flood Forum Global Warming can bring out the ‘Superhero’ in some of us as we seek to save the world while there is still time. For others – apathy, ignorance and the feeling its not our problem is often evident.

Whilst the concept of climate Change is still a hotly debated subject, the effects we are all experiencing recently are a clarion call for action and concern. Flooding, wetter winters, rising sea levels, flash floods reminds us that this is not the way things used to be.

In Scotland there are currently around 13,000 businesses at risk from river and coastal flooding. However, all businesses are at risk from some form of flooding, be it, blocked drains, burst pipes or broken water mains.

• advise on protection to property to be

Environment Agency research found that – Floods are more costly than fire and burglary.

As homeowners stand to lose on average £28,000 compared to just over £1000 if they are burgled, and £7,300 for fire. And yet only 6% of all households have taken steps to prepare for flood, compared to 80% for fire and 54% for burglary

A flood can have devastating consequences for a business. Not only can it cause severe financial and emotional distress to its owners and staff, it can also result in the business closing down. In addition, a flood may expose your business to civil or even criminal liability if employees or customers are hurt or killed. By taking action to prepare, most businesses can potentially save 20-90% of lost stock and moveable equipment as well as reducing time spent getting the business back to normal.

• support communities to develop flood

People install alarms in their home to warn of fire and burglary but surprisingly few people have taken any steps to help safeguard their homes or businesses against flooding.

And statistics show us:

• 80% of businesses affected by a major incident close within 18 months.

• 90% of businesses that lose data from a

disaster are forced to shut within 2 years.

• 58% of UK organisations were disrupted by the September 11th disaster.

We carry out a range of activities including:

•

• provide independent advice to businesses

one in eight was seriously affected.

Experience has shown that organisations with business continuity arrangements in place are more likely to stay in business and recover quickly in the event of a flood emergency than those who do not.

The Scottish Flood Forum (SFF) is the only charitable organisation operating in Scotland solely devoted to working with flood-risk communities. It is run by people who have many years experience in supporting victims and businesses affected by flooding both before, during and following a major flood event.

flood resilient by advice on flood protection products and developing resilience.

• offer training to the voluntary sector and organisations in flood recovery

groups and community flood plans

Our work throughout Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government, and we work closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Local Authorities whilst at the same time maintaining our independent status.

Our contact details are paul@hendymail.co.uk and you can see more about what we do here: www.scottishfloodforum.org Mob Tel: 07825010436 or 07747702299 Scottish Flood Forum, c/o S.E.P.A., 7 Whitefriars Crescent, Perth, PH2 0PA

about flooding and flood risk,

• providing guidance and training to

businesses (SME’s) and staff in developing business continuity planning

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Sustainable energy solutions from ENER-G ENER-G (www.energ.co.uk) delivers a variety of energy efficiency services and solutions for industrial, commercial and public sector customers throughout the UK. Solutions are specifically aimed at consumption reduction, cost saving and meeting CRC obligations.

According to Alan Cramond, Business Development – Scotland: “Our engineering and service solutions include renewable and energy efficient power generation; and every aspect of energy management, including consultancy; energy procurement; smart metering & data management; heating controls and efficient lighting. In most situations, when Smart Metering is linked to our Energy Control Systems we can and do guarantee substantial energy savings.

ENER-G is entirely independent of the energy supply companies and works with clients to develop and implement energy efficiency strategies and targets, recognising objectives, timescales and investment constraints. Funding is often a key part of the solution provided.

Technologies and Products:

Services:

• Combined heat and power (CHP), 33kW to 10MW and micro 4-25 kW • Smart Metering, sub-metering, data housing and web-based software • Heat Pumps (heating & cooling) • Efficient Lighting (HID & fluorescent) • District Heating, tenant metering & billing and cash management

• Energy Procurement • Energy consumption profiling, checking & monitoring • Energy Consultancy and Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) guidance • Carbon Trust funded surveys & interest free loans • Funding, rental options & Guaranteed Savings, subject to conditions

For further information contact Alan Cramond, Energy Services Limited on Tel: +44 (0)845 300 8882 or by email: alan.cramond@energ.co.uk ENER·G plc www.energ.co.uk

Libraries mean business!

Did you know that libraries can offer a wealth of business information and resources – completely free of charge?

Libraries can support the business community as well as the general public with their business-related needs and enquiries, and can also help jobseekers and students in researching companies.

A whole range of information and resources exist to support businesses, including copies of Scottish, UK and European legislation; online databases, such as Kompass; business directories; company histories for local and national companies; information sources for investors, such as annual reports; market research reports, statistics and periodicals; and even building regulations.

Some of the information is available online and other is specific to the Reference Library in Central Library.

Check out www.edinburgh.gov.uk/librariesmeanbusiness for more information.

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You can access a whole range of business support information in our libraries

Energy&theenvironment Where sustainability meets the bottom line For those involved in promoting the green agenda among businesses, an increasingly strong argument has always been that sustainability represents a good commercial opportunity.

That is certainly the argument used by Verdex Ltd, an Edinburgh agricultural research business which works in the field of replacing mineral-oil derived performance products with plant-based ones.

Using plants grown in a sustainable manner which does not to lead to loss of food crops and forests,Verdex had devised a range of products offering pigments for the coloration of inks, coatings, paper, cosmetics and architectural materials.

For companies using the products, there are significant financial benefits.

Company agriculturalist Bill Rustrick said: “Petrochemical companies have to crude oil into a derived oil-based ink, coating or adhesive.They commit huge amounts of energy performing these conversions and each additional step away from the starting material adds more cost to the final product.

“The beauty is that the oil-bearing plants that

we’re using, including crambé and vernonia, have done many of these synthesis steps for us.They deliver the base oils we need, so our performance products are just a few chemical reactions away.”

And it is all sustainable:Verdex has used its Ethicrop auditing process to select oil-seed bearing plants, including crambé, a native Mediterranean plant and a species of vernonia common in East Africa.

Bill said:“We have audited our Ethicrops to ensure they do not come from food crops and do not displace them. Sustainability covers more than just the environment – there’s economic and social sustainability, too.

“Our audit, which our customers are free to interrogate, will allow manufacturers to say to their own customers:‘The product you are buying is sourced from Ethicrops and as such has created less greenhouse gas, used less process water, produced less groundwater pollution, supported greater bio-diversity and, importantly, has not contributed to food prices and starvation.’”

Verdex expects that this message will lead to a rapid increase in demand for its products and that when that happens, demand for niche oils will outstrip current supply.

So, the company is constantly opening up new markets, everything from inks which can stick to metal cans, plastics, cardboard and glass to those used by printers of floors, sheet metal, plastic bags and much more.

Adding to the pressure on businesses is the UK Government’s new Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), a mandatory climate change and energy saving scheme, due to start in April 2010.

Part of the Climate Change Act 2008, it is designed to raise environmental awareness in large organisations, especially at senior level, and encourage changes in behaviour and infrastructure.

Schemes such as the CRC provide financial incentives to reduce carbon emissions by putting a price on them. Organisations buy allowances equal to their annual emissions.

The overall emissions reduction target is achieved by placing a ‘cap’ on the total allowances available.

However, within that overall limit, individual organisations can determine the most cost-effective way to reduce their emissions. This could be through buying extra allowances or investing in ways to decrease the number of allowances they need to buy.

The scheme features an annual performance league table that ranks participants on performance.

Included in the scheme will be large public and private sector organisations, who are responsible for about 10 percent of the UK’s emissions. This will affect 20,000 organisations, including supermarkets, water companies, banks, local authorities and all central Government Departments.

The UK Government has developed the policy in partnership with the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Department of Environment Northern Ireland.

Meeting the challenges of climate change can often come down to commonsense measures. Business Comment makes some suggestions: Water:

The office

The rate of water use by businesses in the UK stands at 1.3 billion cubic metres each year – the equivalent to 1400 Olympic swimming pools every day. Businesses that set out to reduce that typically achieve a 20-50 per cent decrease

Many businesses spend four per cent of their turnover generating waste and the largest outgoing in an office is often energy consumption. Good practice can reduce bills by up to 50 per cent. l Ensure that all photocopying and publications are produced in double sided format on recycled paper l Cancel junk mail l Consider setting aside one business printer for draft documents only – and load it with scrap paper l Use electronic material where possible to reduce printing and faxing l Ensure fax machines are set so they do not produce unwanted header or report sheets l Post reminder notices on the walls to ensure staff remember to switch off lights, printers and faxes when not in use. l Place paper recycling bins in all offices. A good guide is one bin between six staff and one next to each photocopier and printer.

Choose minimally packaged products or ask your suppliers to supply products in less packaging.

Ask your suppliers to take excess packaging away with them when they deliver.

Tips include: l Find out where water is being wasted, including leaks l Make sure staff are fully aware of the importance of water minimisation/ appoint a water monitor to undertake periodic site inspections l Keep water-using equipment well maintained and check it periodically for leaks. Ensure staff are encouraged to report leaks and that leaks are repaired quickly l When purchasing new equipment, take its water efficiency into account. l Fit water minimising controls where possible, eg push taps, flow regulator/restrictors, cistern displacement devices, spray nozzles on hoses, low flush toilets and sensor urinal flushing controls.

Source: Envirowise

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Let’s start at the beginning Insuring effective employee benefits is a balancing act – it works best when insurers properly understand your situation; trust the track record of your adviser and are encouraged to be creative .

That’s the Fulcrum effect.

For further discussion contact Malcolm Brebner on: 07500 10 50 55, or email: malcolm.brebner@fulcrumieb.co.uk website: www.fulcrumieb.co.uk

Fulcrum helps employers to design, buy and communicate better benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision Care Group Life, Critical Illness & Income Protection Protection for Business Travellers & Expatriates Multi-National Pooling

Fulcrum

insured employee benefits

Fulcrum Insured Employee Benefits Ltd is authorised & regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA number 479266).

SPECIAL FEATURE

Revealed: how caring employers can save thousands on benefits Savvy employers could save thousands on employee benefit insurance costs without having to compromise on care, according to one of the country’s industry experts.

Fulcrum IEB said it has helped progressive employers save as much as 40% on employee benefit premiums, as HR departments strive to cut costs while maintaining competitive packages.

the money saved has been freed up for investment in other business priorities, including training and job retention.

“Today, Fulcrum manages our group life, income protection and medical insurance contracts and has negotiated tens of thousands of pounds in savings. Remarkably, this has all been achieved without decreasing the level of cover offered to staff – in fact, in some areas, the benefits are greater.”

A creative approach and thorough knowledge of plan design is at the heart of achieving significant savings, according to Malcolm Brebner, the company’s founder and driving force.

On achieving the reductions, Malcolm Brebner said: “In Ahlstrom’s case, their enlightened return to work and rehabilitation practices meant they were comfortable to consider a more creative insurance funding approach. And by understanding the trade off between managed financial exposure and substantially lower premiums, their decision making process became clearer and easier.”

Brebner cites as an example speciality paper manufacturer Ahlstrom Chirnside Ltd, which is regarded as offering one of the best benefits packages locally and in its industry.

He said: “Ahlstrom’s Group Income Protection benefit (which enables it to financially support employees during periods of long term sickness) solidly under-pins the business as a caring employer.

“Yet, despite a genuinely impressive rehabilitation and return to work track record (far exceeding the norm for its industry), its original insurance advisers weren’t showing it how to leverage this to reduce its insurance premiums.”

“ … the money saved

Prentice said: “We had been poorly advised on the design of our original Income Protection policy, which resulted in claims for relatively minor ailments being accepted.

has been freed up for investment in other business priorities, including training and job retention.

“These ‘soft’ claims were potentially damaging to work force morale, frustrating to us as a business, and definitely hurting us financially.

directly in this process, he helped us to demonstrate that we were actually a very good risk.

“Malcolm helped us to deconstruct and rebuild our policy to fit the level of exposure we wanted. Critically by involving insurers

“The result was a tighter more appropriate policy – the kind we’d have bought in the first place if we’d known about it – and

The company’s HR Director George Prentice recalls meeting a ‘closed door’ in his search for more flexible plan design prior to working with Brebner.

Malcolm Brebner

”

He added: “In essence, when insurers price any risk they consider the impact of actual historic claims as well as the potential for future claims. So, regardless of past claims performance, if you have the confidence to tighten the eligibility rules governing future claims you can improve the price.

“Once you get your head around this it’s just a matter of working through different plan design ideas to see what fits. This process works best in three-way discussion (client, adviser and insurer) and it relies on all parties coming to the table with an open mind.

“Its also important to realise that even with good design, the claims that employers want to support can still gradually push premiums back up, so you need to review regularly and keep dialog open with insurers to find new solutions. I’ve always believed in working this way – and clients like Ahlstrom are proof that caring employers really can spend less without compromising benefits.”

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Gazingperformance SPECIAL FEATURE

Stop your training department behaving like Santa?

Andrew Marriott

Gazing Performance Systems - Scotland The run-up to Christmas is an exciting time! However those of you who are parents will know the frustration as children’s presents are unwrapped and last years toys are abandoned.

What does this have to do with training? The fact is many training departments act like Santa, giving ‘shiny new toys to children who still haven’t played with last year’s!’

Consider these thoughts: 1) Even if they try to connect, most training departments remain remote from performance results.

2) Trainers are obsessed with getting ‘good’ feedback.

3) The ‘training needs analysis’ allows employees to act like they’re writing a letter to Santa.

You ask “Why’s that wrong? It’s good for morale to give people the development they want!” The problem is this, ‘what people want is

not necessarily what they need,’ especially if like us, your goal is to provide programmes that have a measureable and sustainable impact on performance. The desired ROI from development is rarely delivered, and it’s accepted that a high percentage of the spend on training doesn’t translate into long-term gains.

But there are still too many ‘Santa-like’ training decisions and in today’s climate, so it’s easy to see why companies feel their people can “go without another shiny new toy that they are unlikely to use!”

So what’s the answer? Firstly don’t underestimate the challenges; ‘shiny toy’ culture still exists. At Gazing Performance Systems we understand that organisations need a joined up approach between strategic direction, critical business processes and their development strategy. This must be underpinned by a commitment to disciplined execution and long-term support to build skilful use. That’s how we’ve developed programmes to drive significant and sustainable results in high-profile businesses and with international sports teams.

Maybe last year some of us just bought the wrong presents?

gazing performance systems Developing teams and individuals to perform under pressure

The Mental Skills Development Experts in Scotland Website: www.gazing.com

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Call Direct: +44(0)7887 743483

6/11/09 01:07:22

Inthespotlight Company name: Mercedes-Benz of Edinburgh Name and job title of respondent: Graham Affleck, Market Area Director Website: www.mercedes-benzofedinburgh.co.uk 1. What were you doing between 10 and 12 this morning?

Updating our current performance in Sales, Service and Parts and planning the rest of the week.

2. What do you see as your job’s biggest challenge?

Ensuring that our customer care is consistently exceeding expectations.

3. What do you consider your biggest business triumph?

Being actively involved in the development, planning and launch of our state-of-the-art Newbridge dealership.

4. Do you have any money-saving business tips?

There are savings to be had in greener driving techniques – or you could change your car to a new, low emission Smart Car wor Mercedes-Benz!

5. What do you believe are the 3 key stages on your career ladder?

Knowledge of my industry, experience in a variety of roles and empathy with staff and customers.

6. Where do you stand on work/life balance?

It’s swung back to work more than life over the last year – but I hope to get it back again as things pick up.

7. What do you like to do on your spare time?

Spending time with my children, aged 7 and 3 – or going to the gym (for a rest!).

8. What qualities do you need to see in your employees?

Enthusiasm and a real interest in our business.

9. In business, is it more important to be liked or successful?

We are in a results-driven business, so success is the key measure.

10. What is the one piece of advice you would give to others trying to reach the top?

Focus and work hard and you have every chance of achieving your goals.

11. Who is your hero?

No one specific – although I do admire the achievements of many sports people and athletes; their dedication is a real strength.

12. Any business projects you would like to plug?

As a Partner in Enterprise, we can offer some great deals for Chamber members – for business or personal use. Come and visit our 32-car Newbridge showroom, part of Edinburgh’s new Luxury Car Village – it’s definitely worth a look!

13. Other than your current position, what would be your dream job?

I have always thought about running a small business of some description. I am reading a book by Charles Handy at the moment, called The Elephant and the Flea. It does inspire you to try something different.

14. Who (living or dead) would you invite to a fantasy dinner party?

I don’t really know – I’d certainly have a celebrity chef on hand to do the cooking and mix in some academic people together with some entertainers to make for a good night!

15. Outside of business, what is the most important thing in your life?

My wife and children are a great strength and I enjoy good times with them. I also enjoy music a great deal and my iPod is straining with all I’ve got on it!

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Transportpolicy Setting the transport agenda

Ann Faulds, Chair of our Transport Policy Group, has practised transport law for over 20 years and worked on a number of high profile projects in Edinburgh. Here she gives an overview of the Group’s work, challenges on the horizon and her vision for the future of our capital’s public transport system.

Key objectives, priorities and successes of the Transport Group

views are sought on emerging issues and that they are kept up to date with our activities.

Before the recession, we were making progress in transport infrastructure investment – and we had a lot of catching up to do! Our transport infrastructure is a key driver of sustainable economic growth. It affects us all – as individuals and businesses we need reliable, affordable, comfortable and accessible transport links to meet our economic and social needs.

Highest priority transport infrastructure projects? How should they be funded in current economic climate?

I wanted to focus the Group’s resources where they could have maximum impact. That meant mirroring government policy and funding structures so that we were able to inform the debate and influence emerging policy.

We can be influential, as we saw with the decision not to abandon the trams and with the decision on a high speed rail link to London.

We have sub-groups on national projects, regional projects, local projects and emerging policy. This allows the main Group to consider strategic issues arising in each sector. Our communications sub-group ensures members’

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The Scottish Government carried out a Strategic Transport Projects Review, which lists the projects with government support but is silent on prioritisation and funding commitments – and that was before the banking crisis. So, there is a lot of uncertainty about the impact of predicted cuts in public expenditure on these projects. The Chamber fully supports the Replacement Forth Crossing so we will be watching the budget debate and any parliamentary review carefully.

The completion of the tram project is another important priority for Edinburgh.

We need a pragmatic funding solution.

Expenditure demands on health, education and social work are very important so we need real innovation to secure transport investment.

Of course, transport projects cannot be delivered without a long term approach to investment, which often sits uneasily with the

short term approach inherent in our political system. Sometimes we just need political courage to make the tough calls.

My transport vision for Edinburgh in 10 – 20 years?

We will have a public transport system second to none. Our local bus/tram network will be the envy of other UK cities; we will have a regenerated city centre which is accessible to all without being car dominated. The streetscape will be transport friendly but not transport cluttered. We will have exceeded our clean air targets. But we will only get what we are prepared to pay for…and that is a question for everyone to think about.

My preferred mode of travel on business?

I walk to work and travel by train wherever practicable. I also use the excellent airport bus service.

To find out more about Edinburgh Chamber’s Transport Policy Group, go to www.edinburghchamber.co.uk

For a FREE initial consultation call Brendan on 0131 313 2456 or email: brendan@fourthcraw.com

6-8 Alexander Drive, Edinburgh, EH11 2RH

W : www.fourthcraw.com

Asktheexpert Q: I am just about to start my new business and I know that I will be dealing with a number of customers and suppliers on a regular basis. Can you give me some advice on the type of system and procedures I need to help my business?

G.V. Edinburgh

A: Dealing with both customers and clients, it is essential that you have a system that records all your transactions and provides you with information to assist you in making business decisions.

Spreadsheets are a great place to start and I am sure you are aware that one of the most important issues in businesses today is ‘cash flow’. Without cash flow, the business cannot survive.

Before taking on a new customer: Discuss and agree terms and conditions including methods of payment.

Consider credit checking customers by using either bank references or a credit reference agency e.g. www.riskdisk.com Dealing with customers: Make sure you have a credit control system, including procedures for collection of invoices e.g. standard letters and use of late payment legislation (www.payontime.co.uk)

Alistair Armstrong Building a relationship with your customer is vital to your business, will certainly help cash flow and perhaps even generate new and repeat business.

Alistair Armstrong,

Chartered Accountant, Director, The A9 Partnership Ltd, www.a9partnership.co.uk.

GetwithIT

By Bill Magee

Scotlands Technology Journalist of the Year

Is ICT the ABC of recession recovery?

Have a good look at your organisation’s skillset. Are you really happy with the levels of expertise onboard as you conduct your daily work activities?

crucial towards ensuring we all have the motivational and complementary technology skills needed to compete effectively.

A newly-established Scottish Employer Board (SEB) is tackling the vital question of e-skills as it affects businesses and the wider society. Scottish director of chamber member BT, Brendan Dick, is the chairman of SEB and he says its work will prove

Information and communications technology (ICT) skills could generate an extra £2.8bn for the Edinburgh and wider Scottish economy by year 2015. Tech expert Andy Bird, managing director of Inoapps, an Oracle applications, technology, hosting

Also, says Brendan, to emerge from this recession stronger, fitter and ready to successfully compete in the global digital economy, everyone should put their “considerable energy and influence” behind the plan “to deliver best possible value to employers across all sectors and to Scotland overall.”

and education provider, reports from his Edinburgh office: “It’s all about using the right technology for the right job to ensure clients’ expectations are exceeded.”

Bird has just collected finalists accolades at Oracle’s global OpenWorld in San Francisco, and ScotsSoft Edinburgh forum, and he adds: “Much can be achieved within a fixed scope, low risk approach designed to maximise budget and realise business value quickly.”

Check out www.inoapps.com for more details on how we can all overcome that recessionary-into-recovery nagging question; how to achieve real and sustained return on investment through a cost-effective tech solution.

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Frasersuites Fraser Suites brings new style luxury living to Edinburgh In a city brimful with stylish accommodation and heritage you may think it’s hard to find a new destination that offers to take hotel living in Edinburgh to new levels.

Prepared to be amazed with Fraser Suites Edinburgh...

Located in a restored landmark, Grade B Listed Building (dating back to 1871), Fraser Suites Edinburgh has been carefully crafted to blend jaw-dropping Victorian opulence with superstylish contemporary cool.

Fraser Suites Edinburgh was the original site of the Edinburgh Courant – one of the first regional newspapers in the UK and whose editors included Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe. So as well as enjoying luxuriously appointed rooms, you get to experience living in a truly historic building that boasts an intriguing legacy and amazing features and finishes.

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Seventy-five individual styled bedrooms – including four sumptuous themed suites – provide guests with the ultimate in comfort and sophistication as well as amazing views of Scotland’s capital.

Its marvellously central setting in St Giles Street, just off the Royal Mile and just a few minutes from both Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens, is also a winner.

Business travellers will find the city’s main conference and meeting facilities close at hand, with many national companies having their head offices conveniently suited within a mile.

Likewise, leisure visitors have the chance to explore the many cultural, entertainment, shopping, fine dining pleasures – as well the simple enjoyment of strolling through the Old and New Town – of Edinburgh on its doorstep.

Guests at Fraser Suites Edinburgh can choose from seven room types, ranging from classic rooms to plush one bedroom suites. Standard

features in all rooms include kitchens or kitchenettes (all with microwave and fridge and some with full hobs), satellite television, designer furniture,Villeroy & Boch bathrooms, iPod docking stations and broadband access.

Other features include an on-site gym, restaurant and complimentary city centre shuttle bus.

So if your stay in Edinburgh is all about wanting to get away from the norm – make sure your next night at Fraser Suites Edinburgh.

For more information or reservations on Fraser Suites Edinburgh - www.edinburgh.frasershospitality.com or 0131 221 7200.

SQA

HN – qualifications for the real world

application in the workplace. This means that individuals are not only rigorously assessed to national standards, but they are also up to date in their content, so an HN graduate is familiar with the latest techniques and, in practical subjects, equipment.

HN qualifications have played a unique part in Scottish life since they were first introduced over 80 years ago – and there’s no doubt they continue to do so.

An HN graduate is a well-trained, motivated individual with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to help a business or company compete in local, national and international markets.

Scotland’s employers and the country’s learners are continuing to benefit from the biggest range of Higher National (HN) qualifications ever offered.

Today, as we move towards the second decade of the 21st century, HNs have undergone their latest, carefully crafted modernisation programme to ensure, as always, they are as flexible and as up-to-date as possible.

These important revisions make HNs as credible, contemporary and relevant as possible to everyone concerned.

HNs - with several new ones introduced in key areas such as science are aimed at developing the skills and knowledge needed for today’s modern workplace.

And that, without any shadow of a doubt, means employers can trust them fully.

Developed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in partnership with Scottish colleges, universities, industry and commerce, these widely acclaimed, nationally recognised qualifications show that a person has gained practical skills and the theoretical knowledge expected by today’s employers, who are boosted by well-trained personnel in their ranks.

There are 249 HN Courses covering subject areas from the more traditional - accounting, business administration, childcare, computing, engineering, hospitality – to the newer – creative industries, paralegal, sports and leisure.

Crucially, these vocational qualifications focus on practical skills and their

Because they are well established and recognised qualifications with a long history of delivery in Scotland, employers know that someone who has HNCs/ HNDs has had a sound training with practical results on courses as contemporary as possible.

Whether a company is in a traditional industry or is a leading edge e-business, its future lies in the skills and attributes of its people.

HNCs and HNDs can also be used as CPD to enhance employees’ performance and effectiveness and, in turn, improve the profitability of a business.

For further information please visit www.hninfo.org.uk

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Gettingstarted Q1:Tell us a bit about your business?

A: We offer ironing, cleaning, dry cleaning and carpet cleaning and provide an excellent next day service.

Q2:What gives your business ‘the x-factor’?

A: Our service; we pride ourselves on our ability to give our customers what they want.

Q3:What motivated you to set up in business for yourself?

A: I’ve always ‘been in business’, I have what I call ‘small business syndrome’ – I just thrive on the challenge and being my own boss.

Name: Jane Blair Hunter Business name: Kwik Ironing Limited Start up date: 4th September 2008 Website: www.kwikironing.com

Q4:What do you like most about working for yourself?

A: Not having to depend on anyone else to put food on the table and the achievement of paying money into the bank knowing it is all down to me.

.Q5:What has been your greatest business success to date?

A: Taking my own 6 product hair care range to the multinationals and seeing them on the shelves.

Q6:What has been your lowest moment?

A: Losing a registered trademark to Kangol for another product range I had, then having to contact my customers telling them to remove the product from the shelves.

Q7:In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years?

A: My ambition is to grow Kwik Ironing to make it a strong recognisable brand.

Q8:What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?

A: If it’s what you really want to do, give it a try, but putting your assets on the line isn’t worth the sleepless nights; better to start small and grow. Stay focused and look after the cash flow.

Add your employees’ miles together to create Company Rewards.

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19/10/09 11:41:38

BusinessStream Save £££ on your water bill We have joined forces with Business Stream, the leading water and waste water services supplier in Scotland, to offer Edinburgh Chamber members a substantial minimum 2.25% discount when you sign up to a five year contract paid by direct debit.

This level of discount isn’t normally available to businesses like yours, but with the buying power of the Chamber, we can bring you this great offer.

Advice to help you:

As well as a discount, you also get the following valuable benefits!

n treat waste water more efficiently

n save money by using less water

n minimise your impact on the environment

Access to a team of experts who can: n help if you experience a problem with your water supply n answer any general or billing queries with a knowledge of your account n set you up with eBilling – view and pay your bills online, saving time, money and paper and get a further 0.25% discount

n get access to water efficiency equipment tailored to your business We will also keep you informed of any other great exclusive offers we develop For more information or to sign up for this discount and benefits, call Business Stream on 0131 445 8290 today.

n help you with consolidated billing – if you have 30 or more sites, you can get your bills through consolidated eBilling into one and even get a 0.5% discount

NKD Clothing invests in training Award-winning NKD Clothing is investing heavily in its staff by bringing in one of the UK ’s leading professional coaching and training experts.

While the economic climate means many companies are cutting back on staff, corporate couture specialist NKD Clothing has teamed up with globally renowned business development experts, Shirlaws.

NKD Clothing director Gill Eastgate believes the investment will help her further grow her business which recently celebrated a number of high-profile contracts wins, including airline Flyglobespan.

Gill, who won the 2009 Junior Chamber International Creative Young Entrepreneur Award, said: “2009 has already been an

incredibly successful year for NKD Clothing.

As well as the award we have won a host of new contracts with a number of very highprofile names.

“The coaching we received from Shirlaws helped us with these projects by allowing the NKD Clothing management team to view the project from a creative perspective rather than from solely a business viewpoint.”

Gill led a management buyout of the company in 2005 and promptly delivered a doubling of turnover to £1.3 million. Success has been underpinned by contracts with respected hotel groups like De Vere Hotel Group Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, which helped the bespoke work wear supplier to grow rapidly across the UK . www.nkdclothing.co.uk

Stay One Step Ahead with free branding & marketing advice; call 0844 736 2992

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Gardening SPECIAL FEATURE

GARDENING Scotland 2010, the National Gardening and Outdoor Living Show, is set to take place from 4 until 6 June at The Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh and the organisers are offering Chamber of Commerce members the chance to enjoy the first day of the Show with a special half day ticket offer.

For just £6, Chamber Members will be able to gain access to Gardening Scotland from 3pm until the new closing time of 7pm on the Friday and Members can also bring family and friends at the same special price with children under 16 going free!

The ticket offers the perfect chance to catch the Show at its very best when the Show Gardens are newly completed and the floral exhibits are at their freshest.

The ticket also represents a significant saving on the full-day price of £14 on the Friday and £12 per day for the rest of the weekend.

So what can members who come to Gardening Scotland 2010 expect to see?

Well in the Dobbies Floral Hall they will be greeted by the overwhelming scents of hundreds of thousands of perfect blooms.

This is where specialist nurseries and growers, many of them Chelsea medallists, flock from all over the UK to sell their plants direct to the public.

Outside the inspirational Show Gardens, created by some of Scotland’s top designers, will this year be joined by a new Courtyard Garden section that will challenge up-andcoming designers to create memorable gardens in a very small space.

travelling to Gardening Scotland to create an authentic Tuscan Garden in partnership with Edinburgh design company, Primo Landscaping, who import olive trees and terracotta pots from Italy.

The Big Back Garden, where the emphasis is on family fun, will be back for another year and so too will the Earthy Green Garden, with its grow-your-own and recycling theme, while, more than 20 conservation organisations will be represented in a re-designed Living Garden to mark the International Year of Bio-Diversity.

More than 400 exhibitors take part in Gardening Scotland, selling everything from seeds to sun loungers and many will be offering special deals at the Show, so if you have been thinking on splashing out on a water feature or you’ve taken a shine to a smart greenhouse, then this is the place to find it.

There’s something for everyone at Gardening Scotland and increasing numbers of organisations are discovering that it is also a very good place to do business. To cater for them, Gardening Scotland offers special corporate hospitality packages that can be tailored to suit all requests. These packages make use of the excellent facilities offered

by The Quality Hotel that is situated at the entrance to the Showground.

For more information on these, the special half-price Friday tickets or tickets to any day of the Show, then call 0131 333 0965, visit www.gardeningscotland.com or email info@gardeningscotland.com.

Each package includes entrance to the Show, free parking and a Show catalogue and full details are available from the organisers.

Also in 2010, a team from Murabilia, which is one of Italy’s top gardening shows, will be

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Thearts

Edinburgh

Art Fair

www.artedinburgh.com

SPECIAL FEATURE

concentrate your efforts in the direction of a certain medium, as this will directly influence your budget.

Find a place to buy The art world can often make it difficult for new collectors. Galleries and auction houses can sometimes be intimidating places to visit when peering in from the outside but you shouldn’t be afraid. A new collector needs to be embraced and educated, and finding an environment to achieve this in is all important.

Art fairs now play a major role in the cultural calendar of many major cities throughout the world, and Edinburgh is lucky enough to play host to the largest art fair in the UK outside of London.

The annual Edinburgh Art Fair is a great place for any budding collector to view works by hundreds of artists under one roof, and takes place every November. The ethos of any art fair is to breakdown the barriers that can often exist in many galleries, and make art more accessible.

The art of collecting

Enjoy your collection and look after it It is important to adequately insure your collection, keep it safe, and plan for it’s long-term future.You should also keep up-to-date with the career of the artist whose pieces you purchase, for insurance purposes and to track any potential return on your investment.

When people talk about collectable art they’re often referring to works by artists considered to be rising talents, whose paintings may increase in value.

Above all, enjoy your collection. By surrounding yourself with art, you will enhance your visual experiences and enrich your life with a sense of vitality and fulfilment that will uplift your soul.Viewing art is good, owning art is better.

However, ‘Collectable art’ is a term best used to describe works that appeal on a personal level. After all, if you feel an affinity towards a painting or piece of sculpture, surely that’s enough to make it collectable?

If you are considering starting an art collection, either as an investment, or simply for enjoyment, here are some tips to get you started.

Get an education Education for the new collector is about knowing what you like, and dislike. The more time you spend viewing art, the more you will develop an eye for quality, and truly identify your own tastes.

Have you ever bought a painting, or even decorated a room, and a few months later experienced the feeling of becoming tired of it?

Well, as you become educated in buying and appreciating art, you can experience the complete reverse. When you buy a quality, original piece of art you find yourself appreciating it more and more as time passes and picking out new details that you never noticed before.

So, before you start hammering the chequebook, spend time visiting galleries, joining their mailing lists, attending opening nights, and researching artists, then you can work out why you like the pieces you like.

Set a budget and remember your goals

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It is important to set a budget before purchasing art. It is one of the most emotive buying decisions that you will experience, and there is always the danger of falling in love with a piece that is out of your price range.

By arrangement with the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Samuel French Ltd.

If you are aiming to build a collection, or simply trying to fill an empty wall, it is important to remain focussed in your quest. It is useful to

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LYC0100007 Peter Pan Ed Business Comment 86.5x110.indd 1

Kelso Voted ‘Britain’s Friendliest Racecourse’ in a Sunday Times survey, Kelso Racecourse is the ideal place to visit for a first time race goer or a seasoned professional. We believe in looking after you in the proper manner and go to great lengths to make you, the race goer feel welcome during our National Hunt season from October to May. This beautiful racecourse is situated in the picturesque Scottish Borders, surrounded by charming countryside and rolling hills. The course is steeped in history and tradition. Opened in 1822 the original building is still the centre of activity on a race day, with coal fires blazing during the cold winter months, it maintains a unique charm that has welcomed race goers for over a century.

We provide a diverse selection of facilities ranging from a private box that can host 50 people for a full three course lunch, or simply a delicious hot beef sandwich accompanied by a cup of tea in our bistro- to us “hospitality” is not just a word it is key to your enjoyment.

Kelso would like to offer all Business Comment readers the opportunity of 20% off The Pavilion Marquee Gold Hospitality Package, when booking a table of 6 or more guests on Saturday 6th March.

Simply mention Business Comment Magazine when booking your package on 01668 280 800.

Analysys Mason is a trusted advisor on telecoms, media and technology to private and public sector. Our team of over 250 people across 11 offices is respected worldwide for its exceptional quality of work, independence and flexibility in responding to client needs.

We work closely with local government, enterprise companies, emergency services, transport, network operators, financial institutions, equipment suppliers and many other telecoms users in Scotland delivering innovative and wide-ranging consultancy services including:

• Mobility solutions – experts in wireless technologies • IT and telecoms convergence – getting more from your network • Green IT - best practice in IT and data centre design • Information security – developing the right protection for your specific needs • Contact Centres – engaging with customers and connecting with citizens.

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If you would like more information about advertising opportunities in Edinburgh Business Comment Please contact John Neilson - Managing Director, Distinctive Publishing Limited, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU

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Telephone 0191 4788316

Tel: +44 131 443 9933 Email: enquiries@analysysmason.com

john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

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Chamberappointments Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce New starts to the team: David Chisholm has started work at the Chamber as a Business Adviser based at the North East Business Incubator. David can be contacted on 0131 552 1042.

Angela Wyllie has assumed her post at Craigmillar Business Incubator as receptionist.

New director for Edinburgh International Book Festival The Board of The Edinburgh International Book Festival has announced the appointment of Nick Barley as the new Book Festival Director, replacing Catherine Lockerbie who left after a nine-year tenure at the end of August.

Mr Barley, who most recently was Executive Director at The Lighthouse in Glasgow, ran his own publishing company, August Publications, before becoming Editor of The List in 2003. He held this post until 2006 when he took over as Director of The Lighthouse, Scotland’s National Centre for Architecture and Design where he worked with a range of Scottish authors.

Whilst at The List, he introduced and developed the List Edinburgh Festival Guide and Map, the quarterly contemporary art magazine. He also set up The List Festival Writing Awards in association with the Writer’s Guild.

Susan Rice, Chairman of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce Nick Barley’s appointment. The Book Festival is pre-eminent among literary festivals around the world. The size and quality of the events, the number of visitors and authors and the extent of public praise all expanded remarkably under Catherine Lockerbie’s leadership. She leaves a strong legacy. Nick Barley is now just the person to move us forward to the next level altogether – with his literary connections, his experience running arts organisations, his design background and above all his vision for the Book Festival in the future. With one of the strongest and most experienced teams in any arts festival, and with Nick at the helm, we look ahead with confidence and enthusiasm.”

Nick Barley said “The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a forum for

sharing and celebrating ideas. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction; literary or genre writing; political or cultural criticism, writing is the means by which we explore and reflect on the world we live in. It is a great honour to be asked to lead the Book Festival into a new era and I am very much looking forward to working with the Festival team to shape the 2010 programme and inviting the authors whose ideas are shaping the way we look at the world to discuss these concepts with our Edinburgh audiences. “ The 2010 Edinburgh International Book Festival will take place from Saturday 14th to Monday 30th August 2010.

Full details of the programme will be released in June 2010, and audio recordings of a range of events in the 2009 programme can be found on www.edbookfest.co.uk.

Edinburgh Chamber’s Partners in Enterprise

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Moversandshakers Hotel announces new Sales Director The Roxburghe Hotel, part of the Macdonald Hotels and Resorts Group, has announced the appointment of Sales Director Louise Rattray.

Aberdeen-born Louise, who will be based at the four-star Roxburghe Hotel in Edinburgh’s city centre, has many years experience in the hotel and hospitality industry having previously held the Account Director post at The Westin Turnberry Resort.

Prior to that, Louise was the Regional Sales Manager in Scotland for the Gleneagles Hotel.

She said: “I am delighted to join the Roxburghe Hotel, especially at such an exciting time as this. The recent refurbishments have greatly enhanced the Roxburghe and I look forward to further developments within the hotel”.

General Manager Christopher Wayne-Wills said: “We are very happy to have Louise Rattray join our award winning staff and look forward to her contribution to the sales team to help us secure the Roxburghe as the hotel of choice within both the consumer and mice markets.”

Established in the early 1800s and designed

by Robert Adam in what is now a World Heritage Site, the hotel is located on the fashionable George Street in the heart of the Georgian New Town, overlooking Charlotte Square.

The Roxburghe has made significant investments into its development over the

past year with a £7.5 million refurbishment to all 198 bedrooms and the refurbishment of public areas and meeting space which is due to finish at the end of 2009.

Kate makes move North for new challenge Kate Longmate has joined The Royal Lyceum Theatre as Development Manager.

The move is the latest stage in a career which began as a fundraiser in community and medical charities.

Kate spent some time as a Manager and Agent in the Music Industry before moving into the theatrical field as Development

Manager at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, in Scarborough. working as part of the senior team alongside Artistic Director Alan Ayckbourn. She has now made the move north to the Lyceum from.

Kate, who as a wealth of experience in areas including sponsorship and cause-related marketing, would be delighted to discuss opportunities for partnership with fellow Chamber members.

She can be contacted by email on: klongmate@lyceum.org.uk.

Financial talent shines brightly at Deloitte ‘Rising Star Awards’ Alison Rodger has been named as the winner of this year’s Deloitte Financial Services Rising Star Awards.

This prestigious event hosted by The Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland which took place in the National Galleries in Edinburgh on Wednesday 23 September, saw four finalists take to the stage to present in front of some of the industry’s most prominent figures.

Alison from Lloyds Banking Group in Edinburgh beat off stiff competition,

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impressing the judging panel with her interpretation of how banking may evolve over the next 10 years to reflect the current and future economic landscape.

Alison said: “Reaching the final stages of the Rising Star competition was a great achievement and I’m honoured to take the top spot especially as I was up against three other strong candidates. I’m keen to progress my career in the financial services sector and look forward to the opportunities this award might open up for me.”

Your sanctuary in the city Imagine a world where you enjoy first class service with all the comforts of home, in our brand new boutique hotel. A luxurious and relaxing sanctuary where you can unwind after taking advantage of our state of the art fitness suite, in-house restaurant and city centre shuttle service.

Choose from plush classic and executive rooms or one of our well appointed sumptuous suites and stay for one night or longer. Experience the finest local hospitality in majestic settings around the world all offering unique contemporary living. Welcome home to Frasers.

Where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more than just a guest.

12-26 St Giles Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PT Tel: +44 (0) 131 221 7200 Fax: +44 (0) 131 221 7201 Email: sales.edinburgh@frasershospitality.com

By Frasers Hospitality The Fraser Worldwide Collection at www.frasershospitality.com

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