Business Comment 11 by Distinctive Media Group Ltd

Presenting Edinburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case for the Green Investment Bank pages 24-25

JUNE/JULY 2011

Edinburgh Chamber â&#x20AC;&#x201C; UK Chamber of the year for international trade support and skills development BC issue 11.indd 1

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Contents

JUNE/JULY 2011

Green Investment Bank for Edinburgh

It has been a busy Spring promoting the location of the Green Investment Bank (GIB) in Edinburgh. Your Chamber has led the way in this campaign with a magnificent wide ranging support including cross party MPs Mike Crockart and Mark Lazarowicz and a wide range of companies. Grant Thornton prepared a hard hitting business case for our launch at Westminster where Scottish Secretary Michael Moore MP and former Chancellor Alasdair Darling MP joined us on the platform. Our delegation met privately with Dr Vince Cable afterwards. The event received over one hundred and fifty pieces of media coverage. Our arguments are simple, but together form a complex web of good sense as to why the £3bn investment, due to launch in 2012 should be based in Edinburgh. Answering the question- “Where is the right location in the UK for GIB, the business case says: “The answer… lies not simply in the scale of the clean energy investment challenge but also in the unique combination of factors, technological, financial and commercial – that need to be addressed to meet targets and deliver a resilient and viable industry.” Edinburgh has a fantastic record in raising major project capital finance. This is crucial to the city’s excellent record on leveraging private sector funding need to multiply up the GIB’s cash offering. “Location matters because successful commercialisation depends on effective collaboration and partnership between industry, technology and knowhow and finance.” And Scotland’s capital has all of those attributes- world leading academic research, large scale energy industry players with international expertise, a maritime support base in the Port of Leith, a vibrant financial services sector, many smaller companies providing innovation at component level and technical ability from welding to oceanography. Edinburgh is an attractive place to live and work and lies close to huge renewable energy opportunities in off shore wind, wave and tidal power. It has the highest per capita GDP outside of London, and the best educated workforce in the UK after Oxford. As we showed at the launch and at our first Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference last autumn, our existing commitment in the sector is characterised by a very high degree of private/public sector co-operation. By the afternoon of launch day the Scottish Conservative Party had issued a press release in support.The choice of location lies in the hands of the Department for Business Innovation & Skills at Westminster. As I write this, it is too early to say what the outcome will be. The business case talks about the opportunity as a jigsaw. I like the analogy. The pump priming of £3bn in an industry that needs some £200bn has a practical as well as a psychological boost for Scotland’s ambitions if the Green Investment Bank can be secured for Edinburgh. What satisfaction there would be in putting that last piece of the jigsaw in place. My thanks to all our members who have supported this vital campaign. Last word to Friends of the Earth: “A properly funded Green Investment Bank with real borrowing powers could play a really positive proactive role in speeding the urgent transition to a low carbon future. There are many sensible arguments for locating such a bank in Edinburgh – where it will be ‘closer to the action’ and able to exploit an impressive concentration of skills and expertise in clean energy and finance.”

Ron Hewitt chief executive

03 Introduction / contents

24|25 Cover feature

04 Design company wins award

35 Going international

05 Capita Carillion invest in Edinburgh

37 In the spotlight

07 Capital view

38 City & World – Chamber policy

13 Be the best

39 Legal

41 Ask the expert / get with IT

44 Getting started

14|15 Asian theme for festival 16|17 Inspiring connections

19 60 seconds

22|23 The interview

50 Companies issued with warning about fraud

54 Movers & shakers

Business Comment is an Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce publication. All editorial a n d g en eral en qu iries: Sharon Duncan, Customer Services Team Manager Phone: 0131 221 2976 email: sharon.duncan@edinburghchamber.co.uk P RODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2345 john.neilson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com DISCLAIM ER 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.

Co ver photo istock photo

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Chambernews Design company celebrates award after transforming fortunes A design agency that used the recession to transform its business has won an award.

“The extra space and time allowed us to engage more directly with our clients’ businesses and as a result we have built some really strong and fruitful relationships. Highland Experience is a great example.

Edinburgh-based H&A was awarded the top accolade at the Design Effectiveness Awards in the corporate/brand identity category for its work with Highland Experience Tours (HET). The awards are run by the Design Business Association (DBA).

“Although the move to redesign our company was bold, it was necessary in the current climate and we know we are not alone in this rational re-thinking. We have spoken to a number of businesses who have been re-aligning their business models and are now ready to push on in 2011.”

H&A founder Ross Haddow said: “The recession was most definitely a catalyst for the company’s change of direction. We pulled back our client base, stopped working on a short-term project basis and stripped away everything bar our core services. Although it was tough, we stuck with it and the benefits have been huge.

H&A’s work with Highland Experience generated immediate results. Business through the HET shop went up 40 per cent, agent sales grew by 200 per cent and online sales increased by 50 per cent. Within two months HET saw a full return on investment, and by the end of 2009 overall turnover was up 60 per cent compared to 2008.

Ross Haddow

Natalie Maher, DBA awards and communications manager, said: “H&A should be very proud to be accepting a gold award for their work with Highland Experience Tours as it’s a great example of the impact that design investment can have in SMEs, delivering results not only sales but on the internal culture, and setting them a clear step ahead of their competition.

Historic hotel banks on restoration renaissance A treasured 17th century hotel on the outskirts of Edinburgh – which was partially destroyed by fire last year - has reopened following a major restoration programme. Guests had to be evacuated when a blaze at the Retreat Castle Hotel in Bonnyrigg in September 2010 ignited in its kitchens and quickly spread through the ventilation ducts. Thanks to support from Bank of Scotland, the listed Retreat Castle – which dates back to 1640 - is again welcoming guests, wedding parties and diners. Husband and wife proprietors, Peter and Judith Hood, were able to leverage working capital from Bank of Scotland to enable the extensive £250,000 refurbishment and restoration work to the hotel they purchased in 2006.The hotel boasts eight en-suite guest rooms, as well as bar, dining and function facilities set in 1.5 acres of picturesque grounds.

When severe weather conditions at the turn of the year hampered the progress of building works, Bank of Scotland agreed to extend its initial six-month financial assistance package by a further two months.Peter Hood, who has been a Bank of Scotland customer for more than 15 years, said: “The day of the fire was a devastating and frightening experience which threatened to destroy everything we had worked for. “A very early visit from Bank of Scotland relationship director David Allan reassured us that we could count on their continued support while we worked through invariably complicated and time-consuming insurance issues. Ultimately, though, adversity spawned opportunity.While we remain respectful of the building’s proud past, the restoration has

Peter & Judith Hood (right) with Bank of Scotland Relations Director David Allan (left) outside the Hotel.

enabled modernisation as part of the hotel rebuild.The new-look Retreat is now ideally positioned to accommodate the needs of the burgeoning local community and appeal to guests and clients from further afield. It’s an exciting time for all.”

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Capita Carillion invest in Edinburgh We are delighted that the Capita Carillion partnership has joined the Chamber as our latest Partner in Enterprise. We look forward to working with them to deliver the shared ambition of a thriving and prosperous City and Nation. Their contribution and commitment to the City is tangible and more recently they have been working with the Chamber to develop skill and training opportunities for young people, skills exchange to stimulate enterprise and energy reduction & generation initiatives to drive down carbon use. Capita and Carillion are two of the UK’s largest property and services organisations and work in partnership across the UK and with many Scottish based organisations including HBOS, the Scottish Court Service, Glasgow City Council, Heriot-Watt and Napier Universities, MacDonald Estates, the Scottish Prisons Service, Centrica and Siemens. Between them Capita and Carillion employ over 85,000 people, have joint annual revenues of circa £8.5bn and have an existing significant Scottish presence with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen that employ over 3,000 staff. Capita and Carillion have been working in partnership for over 10 years and have delivered nearly £800m of projects and services across both the public and private sectors throughout the UK, including the delivery and management of many new schools under the ‘Building

EMS

Chamber does to stimulate economic growth and believe we can work together to provide future economic opportunities, especially for young and disadvantaged people, therefore helping deliver sustainable communities throughout the City”. The partnership continues to go from strength to strength and is currently working together on new opportunities with a pipeline value of over £1bn including several long term strategic partnerships with Local Authorities and other public sector bodies.

Partnership in Motion: Roy Wallington, Programme Director, Carillion (left) and Keith Edwards, Director, Capita.

Schools for the Future’ programme and the delivery of several major infrastructure projects including the multi award-winning extension to the M6 motorway north of Carlisle. The Capita Carillion approach, and key to its success, is working with and understanding the needs of local businesses and communities, building lasting relationships and delivering on partnership outcomes.The partnership is one of the largest providers of apprentice training in the UK and is therefore well placed to deliver opportunities for young people within the City of Edinburgh.

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Carillion is the largest UK support services company, particularly in property support services, and also operates in the Middle East and Canada. It has recently strengthened its service offering with the 2011 acquisition of Eaga, now an integral part of Carillion Energy Services.

Roy Wallington, (pictured) Programme Director at Carillion, says:‘We look forward to playing an integral role with the Chamber of Commerce and celebrate the Edinburgh brand, the City’s heritage, its place as an inspiring Capital and one of Europe’s leading centres for business.We have been very impressed with the work that the

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These recent acquisitions have strengthened the ability of the partnership to deliver a fully integrated property and facilities management service, supporting organisations to deliver improved strategic asset management and sustainability whilst ensuring buildings are maintained to their optimum level and energy use reduced.We look forward to working with Capita Carillion within the Chamber.

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Tel: 0131 552 4085 June/July 2011

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The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon. A sound business choice.

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Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the E 220 CDI SE Auto Saloon: urban 36.2(7.8), extra urban 64.2(4.4), combined 48.7(5.8). CO2 emissions: 154 g/km. *For business users only. All payments subject to VAT: Example based on a Mercedes-Benz E 220 CDI SE Auto Saloon with metallic paint on a 36 months (3+35 profile) Mercedes-Benz Operating Lease agreement, excluding maintenance, with an advance payment of £1,107 and a £180 acceptance fee payable in addition to and at the same time as the first rental. Based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges may apply. Rental includes first year’s Road Fund Licence only.

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Capitalview Trams, boats and automobiles Vic Emery, of Edinburgh Trams, arrived at a crucial time immediately prior to mediation – so what makes someone with Vic’s industry track record take on the mantle of such a high profile and controversial project? All of my previous track record leads me naturally to here. My knowledge of large contracts, of negotiation, of management and leadership – and principally because trams are a very important part of the leadership of the City’s vision. But above all, because it excites me. It is a great project. I believe that trams will play a key role in supporting the economic development necessary for the City over the next twenty years. My intention is to focus entirely on securing the final agreement for the City and until that is done, I will have very little to say on the subject, except, of course, to recognise the understandable concern that everyone has to see that solution reached. I have been accustomed to some significantly challenging roles in the past – and actually there are some parallels between what the Clyde shipyards were like when I arrived in 2004 and where trams are now. At that time in the shipyards, morale was low, prospect of work was not good, and contrasting with the trams, technically the yards were bankrupt, with a workforce average age of 48.That meant that the youngest person there had been there for about 10 years, with little or no mechanism for refreshing the workforce, the place was stale and it was not a good environment at all.

I’ve had lots of challenges in my time, but that one covered so many different areas it probably presented itself as the biggest challenge to me. And we turned all that around. We implemented an apprenticeship scheme and during the period we were there we actually had about 500 apprentices, so we became the largest private apprenticeship scheme in Scotland. Other public companies had larger schemes but ours was the biggest private apprenticeship scheme. “We focused hard on increasing the turnover and when I left it was about £700m and had an order book of about £2bn. By the time I left we were employing about 4000 people, whereas when we took it over there was about 2000 people so we better than doubled the workforce. We persuaded the Ministry of Defence to allow the company to build all of the Type 45 destroyers, these are very sophisticated ships and the company was only allocated one of them to build and the others were going to be built in Barrow in Furness and we persuaded the MOD to build all of them in Scotland which gave everyone a future. I mention this because sometimes when you are at the heart of the storm it is hard to see how things will look once a project is delivered and running successfully. It takes a lot of resilience

Vic Emery

to find a way through and to keep everyone motivated, particularly when there has been such constant negative comment. So do I believe that this situation can be turned around? I absolutely do and I am very confident in the City’s skills and experience that will support me and the organisation in achieving this. Sue Bruce has quickly immersed herself in understanding what needs to be done and this is a very welcome addition to the larger team on the project and we appreciate her involvement. I am also looking forward very much to working more closely with Chris Walton and all the team at Lothian Buses in the coming months. I have no doubt that I will have much progress to report in the next three to six months.

Company confident for the future Edinburgh-based Robertson technologies, the computer support franchise, is set to add more franchisees following its success at the ExCel London Franchise Show. Robertson technologies received 86 enquiries at the exhibition and is confident that a number will join the business. Hamish Robertson, founder of robertson technologies and a key speaker at the event, said: “There was strong support for the income guarantee scheme run by the

franchise. This pays new franchisees a certain amount if they meet set targets on the marketing activity they carry out in the first few months of trading.

hard drive on the internet and allows them to access all their files whether they are at home, on their laptop or on their business machine in the office.”

“In addition there was a lot of interest also our new Cloud computing product called CloudDrive, which, in effect, gives users a

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Businessnews Businesses urged to review fuel costs as pump price rises Tian Tian, and inset: Yang Guang

Pandas’ impending arrival ‘good for city economy’ The eagerly-awaited arrival in Edinburgh of two giant pandas is expected to provide a major economic boost to the city. Tian Tian and Yang Guang are due to arrive at Edinburgh Zoo this summer from Ya’an in China as part of an international breeding programme involving zoo owners the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). The background to the pandas’ arrival is an agreement signed in January this year, between RZSS and the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Organisation, allowing for the gift of two pandas to Edinburgh Zoo. Iain Valentine, RZSS director of animals, conservation and education, said: “Given that Scotland is home to some of the world’s leading expertise in animal nutrition, genetics, embryology, immunology and veterinary medicine, we are well placed to support a number of vital areas. “Primarily, our research plan will be looking to provide further insight into the genetic makeup of giant pandas, including the diseases to which they are prone and their choice of food. There is still a long way to go in the world’s conservation efforts and research such as this is vital if we are to ensure the survival of the giant panda.” RZSS and civic leaders hope that the arrival will support the marketing of Edinburgh as a destination for tourists. In the early stages, the

zoo expects visitor numbers to double, with a corresponding increase throughout the year. This is seen as important for Scotland to the Scottish economy as it will draw in significantly more visitors, who will spend money in the city. In addition, it will strengthen cultural links between Scotland and China, particularly in the year in which the Edinburgh International Festival will have a specific Asian theme. Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Culture and External Affairs Minister, said: “As well as supporting China’s work to protect these animals, the arrival of the pandas is expected to bring significant economic benefits for Scotland in terms of tourism, attracting hundreds of thousands of additional visitors to the zoo. “Edinburgh Zoo has demonstrated that it has world-class expertise to breed and care for these rare animals and this announcement reflects our continuing work to strengthen the cultural, educational and economic links between Scotland and China.” Hugh Roberts, “interim” chief executive officer of RZSS, said: “This represents the beginning of a programme of research, education and partnership and the project has huge benefit for the UK and Scotland, both in supporting giant panda conservation and in enhancing our programmes in education, science and conservation.”

Scottish companies that use large quantities of fuel are being advised to review their purchasing strategies after average UK fuel prices recently hit £1.30 per litre for the first time. Many existing fuel hedge contracts are set up for users with annual consumption of a minimum of hundreds of thousands litres of fuel each month. David McGill, a treasury partner at Clydesdale Bank, said Scottish businesses that use even 50,000 litres a month should look at the security that hedging provides. He said: “Now is a good time for businesses to review their fuel purchasing strategy and budgets given the day-to-day price changes. SMEs, in particular, can take advantage of this solution by committing to hedging smaller quantities of fuel than have traditionally been possible. “The obvious advantages for these fuel hedging strategies are the benefits of taking the guesswork out of budgeting and relieving worries about possible sharp increases in fuel prices affecting cash flow. For businesses where fuel is a significant proportion of costs, any increase in price could have a highly detrimental effect on its profit margin.” The risk with fuel hedging is that there is the possibility that fuel prices could drop below the pre-arranged price set out in the contract, but with many market commentators believing that prices are on an upward trajectory, treasury specialists at Clydesdale Bank believe it is an opportune moment for businesses to look at the options.

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BC June/July 2011

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Economic Trends By Cliff Lockyer,

The Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Coordinator of the Scottish Chambersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Business Survey

The effects of the harsh winter weather were again evident in a number of surveys of Scottish business for the first quarter of this year, slowing activity in January but potentially contributing to some improvement in activity in February and March as firms sought to complete delayed work. However, there is much evidence in the results to suggest the Scottish economy, to all intents, stalled in the first quarter, with a combination of weak demand, low consumer confidence and rising costs and price pressures. Economic growth is likely to be subdued in 2011, typically financial based recessions tend to have a slower recovery than others, and the Fraser of Allander Institute is currently forecasting (March 2011) economic growth of 1% in Scotland in 2011, whilst the Lloyds TSB Scotland Business Monitor anticipates growth at 1.25%. However, rapidly rising oil prices and their impact on energy and transport costs, coupled with rising raw material costs may combine to slow this fragile growth.

Cliff Lockyer

Activity and occupancy in hotels was little changed from first quarters of previous years, and demand for bar/restaurant facilities remains weak. Rising price pressures and weak demand seem set to continue in the service sector, for many Scottish businesses the combination of limited improvements in turnover, rising costs, pressures on margins and declining trends in profitability will pose real problems in 2011. In the current climate of uncertainty planning to deal with these pressures is harder. It is to be hoped that the election in May will at least lead to some clarity to Government policies.

Currently a pervasive sense of uncertainty surrounds the Scottish economy. Government policy in the run up to the election lacked detail and firms remain uncertain as to the scale and impact of anticipated spending cuts. Uncertainty as to the continuing increases in oil and energy prices is affecting business decision making, as is uncertainty in export markets. Uncertainty as to income and job security continues to influence consumer behaviour. In addition to the impact of rising oil prices the rate of economic growth may be affected by: - rising inflation; the continuing sovereign debt issues in the EURO area; continuing weak household demand; the impact of the spending cuts and tax rises, and exchange rate movements in export markets. The Scottish Chambersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Business Survey for Q1 2011 noted that within manufacturing export led demand continued to improve, but in common with other sectors confidence eased and generally expectations for the year ahead were weaker at the end of Q1 2011 than in 2010. Concerns as to rising raw material and transport costs were more widespread and pressures to raise prices in manufacturing are at their highest for more than two years and the highest recorded in retail. Both the Lloyds TSB Monitor (three months to February) and the Purchasing Managers Index (for March 2011) noted rising price pressures impacting on business confidence. Scottish Chambersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; manufacturing respondents expect little change in total orders over the year, with export orders less able to offset a decline in Scottish and rest of UK orders. Activity in construction is set to remain weak, and much will depend on Government action to stimulate activity. In the service sector weak consumer confidence and inflation will continue to adversely impact on weak retail sales trends.

June/July 2011

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Peter Vardy Corporate. The complete corporate service.

As your local BMW Dealer, we understand the needs of business users and Fleet Managers alike. Whether your needs are small or large â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for one car, or 100 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we have the skill BOE FYQFSUJTF UP â&#x20AC;Ť×Šâ&#x20AC;ŹOE UIF SJHIU solution for you. Our team has over 25 years combined BMW and corporate experience, and we will make every effort to help you work to your budget and maximise return on your investment. Combine this expertise with BMW &Gâ&#x20AC;Ť×Šâ&#x20AC;ŹDJFOU%ZOBNJDT BOE ZPVS PSHBOJTBUJPO XJMM CFOFâ&#x20AC;Ť×Šâ&#x20AC;ŹU GSPN GBOUBTUJD WBMVF GPS NPOFZ GSPN TUBSU UP â&#x20AC;Ť×Šâ&#x20AC;ŹOJTI 8JUI 1FUFS 7BSEZ ZPV BSF JO JEFBM IBOET If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it to us then we can easily come to you, so please do not hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated team Robert Simpson or Callum Sharp to discuss your needs. Robert states: Ĺ&#x2030;"U 1FUFS 7BSEZ PVS NBJO GPDVT JT UP EFMJWFS B personal service around whatever your business needs are. Regardless of whether you are looking GPS POF WFIJDMF GPS ZPVSTFMG PS GPS ZPVS â&#x20AC;Ť×Şâ&#x20AC;ŹFFU Callum and I will always take the same care and professionalism to ensure that we come up with the ideal tailored solution for you. BMW with its &Gâ&#x20AC;Ť×Šâ&#x20AC;ŹDJFOU%ZOBNJDT UFDIOPMPHZ NBLFT JU UIF JEFBM choice for any company car user regardless of size

PG WFIJDMF PS TJ[F PG â&#x20AC;Ť×Şâ&#x20AC;ŹFFU 8JUI PWFS #.8 HSPVQ WFIJDMFT FNJUUJOH H LN PS MFTT BOE FNJU MFTT UIBO H LN NFBOJOH UIBU XJUI UJHIUFOFE #*, bandings they are even more effective in managing the cost of business vehicles.â&#x20AC;? A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUR TEAM Robert Simpson our Corporate Sales Manager IBT PWFS ZFBST FYQFSJFODF JO UIF DPSQPSBUF market with BMW and has been with us for over two and a half years as our own Corporate Manager. Robert is married with three boys and lives in the Borders. His interests are football, family, swimming and naturally Robert can be contacted directly on 07912 895 777. Callum Sharp is our newly appointed Business Development Manager who has been in the Leasing industry for over 10 years and lives with his partner in Edinburgh. Callum can be reached directly on 07841 878 873.

At Peter Vardy our main focus is to deliver a personal service around whatever your business needs are.

BMW NEWS JOY REACHES NEW HIGHS #.8Ĺ&#x2020;T &Gâ&#x20AC;Ť×Šâ&#x20AC;ŹDJFOU%ZOBNJDT UFDIOPMPHZ IBT not only made BMW an excellent proposition as a company vehicle and a favourite with drivers but we have also been fortunate to pick some awards up along the way. Year on year, BMWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to sustainability has been recognised by the industry and were named Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year 2010 by Fleetworld and Business Car Manufacturer of the year 2010. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon was named Best Executive Car in the FleetWorld )POPVST UIF E &Gâ&#x20AC;Ť×Šâ&#x20AC;ŹDJFOU%ZOBNJDT TBMPPO IBT been awarded Best Executive Car at the recent WHATCAR? Green Awards and, for the second DPOTFDVUJWF ZFBS UIF #.8 4FSJFT IBT DMBJNFE the title of Best Luxury Car in the Fleet News awards; conclusive proof that sustainability and desirability neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be mutually exclusive. Corporate Sales Manager Robert Simpson 07912 895 777 robertsimpson@petervardy.com

Business Development Manager Callum Sharpe 07841 878 873 callumsharpe@petervardy.com Or you can call our dealership on 0131 669 0900 or visit us at www.petervardybmw.co.uk

E C Did you know at Peter Vardy we give 10% of our profits to charity. The Peter Vardy Foundation was launched as a means of distributing 10% of our annual profits to worthwhile causes in the communities where we operate across Scotland. When we opened for business in Scotland, we were determined that Peter Vardy would be a company that did things differently for the benefit of customers, staff and the wider community. The Peter Vardy Foundation is our mechanism for delivering on this commitment. Recently Edinburgh sick kids hospital received a boost as Peter Vardy, Edinburgh handed over a cheque for ÂŁ4,451 at the hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open day. We raised the money in just six months by holding a casino night, taking part in a raft race, selling home baking and running raffles. More recently a number of us also slept out under the stars in support of The Bethany Big Sleep out on the Royal Mile. As a company Peter Vardy Ltd also continues to be acknowledged as one of the best places to work, recently being voted 15th best company to work for in the Sunday Times top 100, moving up from 22nd in 2010â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s survey.

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BMW accounts team white water rafting to raise ÂŁ2,000 for Edinburgh Sick Kids.

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MINI COOPER D CLUBMAN ÂŁ189 PER MONTH (PLUS VAT).

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BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE ÂŁ529 PER MONTH (PLUS VAT).

MINI COOPER D CONVERTIBLE ÂŁ189 PER MONTH (PLUS VAT).

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BMW 730d SE SALOON ÂŁ479 PER MONTH (PLUS VAT).

MINI COOPER D COUNTRYMAN ALL4 ÂŁ229 PER MONTH (PLUS VAT).

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Peter Vardy Edinburgh

4FBâ&#x20AC;Ť×Šâ&#x20AC;ŹFME 3PBE &BTU &EJOCVSHI &) &% 0131 341 0787 www.petervardybmw.co.uk OfďŹ cial fuel economy ďŹ gures for the BMW range: Extra Urban: 26.2-78.5mpg (10.8-3.6l/100km). Urban: 14.6-56.5mpg (19.3-5.0l/100km). Combined: 20.3-68.9mpg (13.9-4.1l/100km). CO2 emissions 325-109g/km. OfďŹ cial fuel economy ďŹ gures for the MINI range: Extra Urban 45.6-80.7mpg (6.2-3.5l/100km). Urban 27.4-67.3mpg (10.3-4.2l/100km). Combined 36.7-74.3mpg (7.7-3.8l/100km). CO2 emissions 180-99g/km. This quote is indicative and is available to any business purchaser, ďŹ&#x201A;eet size upto 50 cars. Prices are held for 30 days unless there is any change in the Manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s price for the Vehicle or in the Road Fund Licence fee or VAT or as otherwise provided in the Agreement. This quotation is subject to the Vehicle detailed above being available and sourced from our associated ďŹ nance partners. All rentals shown are exclusive of VAT which will be levied at the relevant rate, currently 20%. BMW EfďŹ cientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Hiring examples are based on 48 month BMW Corporate Finance agreements for the models shown, a BMW 320d EfďŹ cientDynamics Saloon, a deposit of ÂŁ1,650.00 followed by 47 monthly rentals of ÂŁ275.00, mileage charge in excess of contract mileage 7.07 pence per mile, a BMW 520d SE Saloon, a deposit of ÂŁ2,034.00 followed by 47 monthly rentals of ÂŁ339.00, mileage charge in excess of contract mileage 6.89 pence per mile, a BMW M3 Convertible, a deposit of ÂŁ3,594.00 followed by 47 monthly rentals of ÂŁ529.00, mileage charge in excess of contract mileage 18.30 per mile, a BMW 730d SE Saloon, a deposit of ÂŁ2,874.00 followed by 47 monthly rentals of ÂŁ479.00, mileage charge in excess of contract mileage 15.75 pence per mile. Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Figures are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change without notice. All hiring is subject to status and available to over 18s in the UK only (excluding the Channel Islands). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Hiring facilities provided by BMW Financial Services, Europe House, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9UF, BMW EfďŹ cientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range. **Saving is based on BMW 318d Sport Plus Edition Saloon, ÂŁ2,930 worth of additional equipment for ÂŁ610.00.

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The winners celebrate

The best of legal expertise honoured at award ceremony More than 450 guests celebrated the best in Scottish legal expertise when they attended the Scottish Legal Awards 2011 held at Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Fourteen winners were announced with Thompsons Scotland collecting the DX Firm of the Year Award 2011. Sir David Edward was honoured with the Scotsman Lifetime Achievement Award for his career as a lawyer, academic and former Judge of the Court of Justice of the European Communities. Former Firm of the Year winner, Harper Macleod, continued its success by collecting four awards including the new Energy Team

of the Year category, Support Team of the Year, Public Sector Law Team of the Year and individual recognition for Susan Breen as Paralegal of the Year. In the most popular category, the Litigation Team of the Year, Digby Brown was highly commended by the judges, but the ultimate winner was Simpson & Marwick. Pagan Osborne enjoyed a successful evening, with three awards going to the East Coast firm including Private Client Team of the Year, Gillian Gibbons as Rising Star of the Year and Colin Clark, agricultural specialist for Specialist Lawyer of the Year. In the team categories, awards were

presented to Biggart Baillie for Commercial Property Team of the Year, maloco + associates for the Residential Property Team of the Year and ros.gov.uk for Fundraising Achievement of the Year for its efforts for Alzheimer Scotland. Russel + Aitken won the Innovation Award for its property film trailers and the Law Society of Scotland was awarded Training Provider of the Year. The event, which was hosted by Scottish comedian Jonathan Watson and BBC Scotland’s Catriona Shearer, also raised funds for Children 1st, Scotland ’s leading child welfare charity.

THE WINNERS IN FULL

Energy Team of the Year • Harper Macleod • Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie WINNER: Harper Macleod

Scottish Paralegal Association Paralegal of the Year • Susan Breen, Harper Macleod • Brendan Kelly, Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie WINNER: Susan Breen, Harper Macleod

Law Society of Scotland Fundraising Achievement of the Year • Inksters Solicitors • McGrigors • Ros.gov.uk WINNER: Ros.gov.uk

Hotel Du Vin Private Client Team of the Year • Archibald Campbell & Harley • Brodies • Pagan Osborne WINNER: Pagan Osborne

LexisNexis Innovation Award • Inksters Solicitors • Pagan Osborne • Russel + Aitken • Young & Partners WINNER: Russel + Aitken

MCL Public Sector Law Team of the Year • Biggart Baillie • Civil Legal Assistance Office - Highlands and Islands • Harper Macleod • Scottish Court Service - North Strathclyde WINNER: Harper Macleod

Grant Thornton Litigation Team of the Year • Andersons Solicitors • Biggart Baillie • Davidson Chalmers • Digby Brown • Halliday Campbell WS • HBJ Gateley Wareing • Simpson & Marwick • Thorntons • Young & Partners HIGHLY COMMENDED: Digby Brown WINNER: Simpson & Marwick

Ros.gov.uk Residential Property Team of the Year • maloco + associates • Simpson & Marwick WINNER: maloco + associates Rising Star of the Year • Gillian Gibbons, Pagan Osborne • Erica Buchan, Ledingham Chalmers • Philip Hannay, Macdonald Henderson • Paul McNairney, Morisons LLP • Anna Louise Christie, The Wood Group WINNER: Gillian Gibbons, Pagan Osborne

Scottish Law Directory Specialist Lawyer of the Year • Andy Drane, Davidson Chalmers • Carol Fox, Fox Cross Solicitors Ltd • Iain Nisbet, Govan Law Centre • David Kaye, Harper Macleod • Colin Clark, Pagan Osborne • Iain Clark,Young & Partners HIGHLY COMMENDED: Iain Nisbet, Govan Law Centre WINNER: Colin Clark, Pagan Osborne Millar & Bryce Support Team of the Year • Harper Macleod • First Scottish Group Ltd WINNER: Harper Macleod GP Wolffe Training Provider of the Year • Central Law Training • The Law Society of Scotland WINNER:The Law Society of Scotland DX Firm of the Year • Davidson Chalmers • Simpson & Marwick • Thompsons Scotland WINNER:Thompsons Scotland

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Bethebest Be the best with the Chamber Business School To add to its comprehensive range of skills training, Chamber Business Solutions will launch its very own Business School in August, giving members of the Chamber access to diploma level qualifications at a discounted price. Qualifications will be available in Leadership and Management and delivered and assessed by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM). The ILM is the UKs largest awarding body for Leadership & Management qualifications with more than 90,000 learners registered each year. The offering will include a selection of qualifications which can be tailored to the full range of management roles and functions in any size of organisation. You can be sure that when you enrol for one of our qualifications you will be undertaking practical learning based on your role through a local business school with a national

standard of excellence.Your qualification will be recognised throughout businesses in the UK. Units available cover the entire Leadership & Management functions including HR, Finance, Marketing, Leadership and many more. All units are assessed by practical and reflective assessment rather than examination, enabling study to be undertaken whilst in full-time employment and the learning to be applied directly to the learner’s business.

for management staff in larger organisations or those with aspirations of achieving management level.

These courses are ideal for anyone running a small business with no formal management training or qualifications. They are also ideal

For more information please contact Gil Steele, Training Manager on 0131 221 7511, gillian.steele@edinburghchamber.co.uk

Gil Steele

UK’s ﬁrst tax rates app launches for business owners & ﬁnancial directors A new mobile app has been launched for business owners, financial directors and financial controllers, giving instant and continuous access to the latest UK Tax Rates on their iPhones. Fraser Kerr, Partner at Haines Watts, said: “No other UK accountancy firm has offered such an app. At Haines Watts we make sure we give business owners what they want, when they want it – technology is the ideal way to do this. “Time is money – and anything that streamlines accountancy and makes things faster and more efficient is worth embracing. Rather than having to use the internet via a PC to find out relevant tax rates or keep a hard copy tax card to hand, the app will

allow access to tax rates anywhere, at any point in time.” The app is free to download from the app store. Paula Ketterer, Marketing and Business Development Manager at Haines Watts, said: “Our partners, who are also business owners, rely on their phones now to access information 24/7 as a matter of course - we know that other business owners would be doing the same. Time is at a premium for business owners and FDs, and this is just a

small step in the process of driving efficient and massively more convenient accountancy services.”

stay one step Ahead with free branding & marketing advice; call 0844 736 2992

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Photo: Liu Yang eif.co.uk + 44 (0) 131 473 2000

Asian theme for Festival

Edinburgh International Festival 2011 Peony Pavilion The National Ballet of China

The programme for Edinburgh International Festival, which runs between Friday 12 August and Sunday 4 September, is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse cultures of Asia. Artists from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, as well as North America, Germany, Belgium, Russia, the UK and from across the Arab-speaking world will gather in Edinburgh for three weeks of classical and contemporary music, dance, theatre, opera and visual arts. Highlights include The Peony Pavilion, performed by the National Ballet of China with western classical ballet, a symphony orchestra, traditional Chinese instruments and a Chinese story. The Tempest is re-imagined by Mokwha Repertory Company from Seoul in a production weaving Shakespeare’s tale with fifth-century Korean chronicles. King Lear is deconstructed as a one man tour-de-force by Contemporary Legend Theatre from Taipei. In another adaptation of Shakespeare, Shanghai Peking Opera Troupe will retell Hamlet, setting it in China.

Scottish Ballet and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra will perform Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet Song of the Earth, set to Mahler’s song cycle inspired by Chinese poetry from the T’ang Dynasty. Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, one of the world’s leading artists, brings two poetic series of work not presented before in Europe and the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert will feature more than 100,000 firing sequences launched from Edinburgh Castle, choreographed to music performed by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra on Sunday 4 September at 9pm. Businesses are among those supporting the festival. Jonathan Mills, Edinburgh International Festival Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome new businesses, individuals, trusts, foundations and international partners in 2011, and to see growth in our relationships with continuing partners and our public funders Creative Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council.

“These investments highlight the continued recognition of the value of the arts to the vitality of national, regional and international communities and are very important in bringing the stages of Edinburgh to life and creating so many memorable Festival experiences.’ Councillor Jenny Dawe, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council , said: ‘This year’s Edinburgh International Festival theme reflects our shared bonds with other cultures and countries through artistic expression. Notwithstanding the extremely challenging financial pressures facing all public bodies,The City of Edinburgh Council is proud to continue its support of this prestigious and important event and its clear contribution to the reputation of the city both at home and across the world.“ Bookings can be made online at www.eif.co.uk and by phone on +44 (0)131 473 2000.Tickets start at £10 and a range of discounts are available.

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Edinburgh International Festival 2011 Symphoca Princess Bari (This World) Eun-Me Ahn Company

Edinburgh International Festival 2011 Semiramide Vlaamse Opera Thursday 25 August and Saturday 27 August, 6.00pm, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

Photo: Liu Yang eif.co.uk + 44 (0) 131 473 2000

Photo: Annemie Augustijns

Edinburgh International Festival 2011 Die Frau Ohne Schatten Mariinsky Opera Photo: Natasha Razina eif.co.uk + 44 (0) 131 473 2000

www.eif.co.uk Hub Tickets: 0131 473 2000

Photo: Youngmo Choi eif.co.uk + 44 (0) 131 473 2000

Edinburgh International Festival 2011 Saturday 3 September, 11am, The Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall

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Inspiringconnections

Premier Series Dinner – STV Rob Woodward, the CEO of STV Group plc, has led the corporate turnaround of the group. From an ailing disparate organisation STV has emerged as a strong, innovative, focused company positioned as Scotland’s Media Company of Choice. Rob described the turnaround process, the growth strategy for the company and the plans for the future. He also outlined the technological and regulatory changes that are revolutionising the way the media is consumed.

Ron Hewitt Edinburgh Chamber CEO and Rob Woodward CEO OF STV Group plc having a chat with Ann Confrey of Proscot PR.

David Frost, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce with Fiona MacFarlane of George Watson’s College.

Budget Breakfast

David McMorrine of Carron Bathrooms and Kenneth McDowell of Chiene & Tait, ready and waiting for speakers Bill Jamieson of The Scotsman and David Collier of Chiene & Tait.

Premier Series Dinner – MITIE Global recession and climate change fundamentally changed the way corporations need to operate in the 21st century. Ruby McGregor-Smith, CEO of MITIE, explored how these phenomena have affected business and how she sees the business world changing. Mrs McGregor-Smith drew on experience to share her ideas about how businesses have to develop new ways of working in partnership, in order to survive and prosper.

Edinburgh Chamber President Robert Carr enjoying a catch up with Ruby McGregorSmith of Mitie, Ken Scotland and Stuart Douglas of ADT.

Photos by Graham Carnie, Tuskite Photography

Budget analysts Bill Jamieson, from the Scotsman, and David Collier, from Chiene + Tait, showed themselves accomplished at digesting, analysing and presenting the budget impact, just a few hours after the Chancellor had finished his Budget Speech.

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An audience with Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce hosted an event with Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and President of the Board of Trade. Dr Cable is at the heart of the Coalition’s policies for recovery and the growth of businesses & private sector employment. He outlined his department’s strategy for supporting and developing businesses, including a commitment to remove red tape, encourage entrepreneurship and support small enterprises.

Ron Hewitt Edinburgh Chamber CEO warmly welcomes Rt. Hon Dr.Vince Cable, Secretary of State for BIS.

Rt. Hon Dr.Vince Cable under siege by the press.

L to R: Ron Hewitt, Rt. Hon Dr.Vince Cable, Dave Anderson of City of Edinburgh Council and Scott Black of FWB in deep conversation with Angus Macpherson of Espirito Santo Investment Bank Incorporating Execution Noble

Photos by Graham Carnie, Tuskite Photography

Business Hustings – Breakfast Edinburgh Chamber argue that reducing the size of the public sector is necessary, even overdue, but that we must stimulate business and the capacity of SMEs to replace the jobs lost in the public sector.We want to hear from the party leaders on plans to protect fragile SMEs, promote exports, create jobs and develop an agenda for growth. In partnership with Bank of Scotland, we presented a ‘Business Hustings’ event with all the party leaders in attendance; Alex Salmond, Annabel Goldie, Iain Gray, Patrick Harvie and Tavish Scott.

L to R: Andy Kerr Labour MSP, Murdo Fraser Scottish Conservative Party, Nicola Sturgeon Scottish National Party, Ron Hewitt Edinburgh Chamber CEO, Patrick Harvie Scottish Green Party and Tavish Scott Scottish Liberal Debocrats are all ready to start the proceedings…

Donald Kerr of Bank of Scotland (left) discussing the morning’s event with Graham Birse Edinburgh Chamber Managing Director and Ewan McCulloch Bank of Scotland

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60seconds Q In five words or less, what do you do? A Safe, reliable, trusted taxi service. Q How long have you been a Chamber member? A We’ve been members for over 10 years and counting. Q Why did you join? A Central Taxis joined the Chamber so that we could grow as a business through learning about local opportunities and networking. Q What services do you use? A We attend many of the Chamber events and of course, the magazine is widely read in the office by all of our staff.

Name: William Purnell Company Name: Central Taxis Website: www.taxis-edinburgh.co.uk

Q What’s the best business/benefit you have won through the Chamber? A Definitely meeting key contacts and educating them about what Central can do for them.

Q Are there any additional services or information you’d be particularly interested in? A We’d really like to find out more about The Partners in Enterprise membership. As an innovative, local business, we have recently announced our status as Scotland’s first CarbonNeutral® Black Taxi Company and hope we could contribute to this strategic alliance of key business players. Q If you were telling another business person about the Chamber, what’s the first thing you would say? A As an established Edinburgh business, the Chamber helps us to promote our services and news, develop business networking skills and seek out new and innovative business ideas. Q Where do you read your copy of Business Comment? A The magazine is a great read whilst I’m sitting in my cab, enjoying the fantastic Edinburgh scenery and atmosphere.

New long haul routes to Florida and Mexico from Edinburgh Airport Thomson Airways, the airline for Thomson and First Choice, has announced it will be introducing Cancun and Florida as new destinations from Edinburgh Airport for its 2012 summer season. The move underlines the current demand from customers seeking long-haul holidays from Edinburgh. Kevin Brown, Managing Director of Edinburgh Airport, said: “Our passengers and stakeholders are continually asking us for more direct flights from the Capital so I’m delighted to be announcing these new destinations from Edinburgh to Cancun and Florida. “We’re committed to growing our long haul reach and continue to discuss opportunities with carriers travelling both East and West.” Paul Cooper, Head of Airport Negotiations for Thomson Airways, said: “At Thomson Airways we are fully committed to our regional airports in Scotland as we

understand the importance of allowing our customers greater choice and flexibility. For those looking to escape for some summer sun next year, we will have more choice then ever before without the inconvenience of a long journey to the airport”. Direct flights from Edinburgh to Cancun and Florida are now available to book for summer 2012, starting from £609 per person return to Cancun and £689 return to Florida and will go on sale from today, 5th May 2011.

scrum to board the aircraft, and for long haul flights they offer more legroom in economy than BA,Virgin Atlantic, bmi and Monarch. For a full schedule of flights from Edinburgh, or to book, visit www.thomson.co.uk/flights or call 0871 231 4787. For further information, please contact Gordon Robertson on 0778 537 2961

As the UK’s biggest leisure airline, Thomson Airways offers fantastic customer service; ensuring holidays can begin as soon as customers depart the UK. All seats are allocated at check-in, meaning there is no

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Key tenant kick starts £45m development in Edinburgh ’s old town Work is starting on a £45m development on the edge of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to bring a new hotel-led, mixed use development to the Castlehill area of the city. Multi-sector property developers, Chris Stewart Group, have announced that they have completed the purchase of a 140,000 sq ft site and have agreed terms with Motel One, one of Europe’s fastest growing hotel groups, to anchor the development by opening their first UK hotel in the Scottish capital next summer. Motel One, a luxury budget operator which has 32 hotels in Germany and two in development in Austria, have agreed terms for a 208 bedroom hotel located in the former buildings of Edinburgh City Council’s Economic Development department on Market Street . The £25m hotel will form the cornerstone of the development which already has planning consent and will include 30,000 sq ft of residential space including self catering apartments, plus six office premises comprising 10,000sq ft each, and two new restaurants. The development site which stretches from Market Street towards Advocates Close off the Royal Mile will take three years to complete. Chris Stewart, the award-winning property developer who has been converting historic buildings in Scotland for over 15 years, said that the agreement with Motel One was crucial in securing the future of the site. He said: “Bringing Motel One in to anchor the whole development kick starts the regeneration of a key part of the Old Town which will take place over the next three years. I am delighted that we can now start to physically move the project forward. Motel One were introduced to me by Scottish Development International at the annual International Investment Hotel Forum

in Berlin and it was clear that they were actively looking at the UK Edinburgh was high on their target list and although this site has been challenging for us due to its sensitive nature and historic context, we were sure it could provide Motel One with everything they were looking for. I hope that Market Street is the first of many projects which we do with Motel One.” Anne MacColl, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Development International, said:“On behalf of Scottish Development International, I am pleased to welcome the announcement of Motel One’s first UK property in Edinburgh SDI has been actively engaged since early 2008 to help them identify the right property to grow their European business as well as introducing them to the property’s developer, Chris Stewart. “UK hotels continue to be the most occupied in Europe, with Edinburgh showing the highest occupancy in the UK outside of London . Motel One’s decision to locate in Edinburgh reinforces the fact that Scotland presents significant opportunities for hotel development and this project will help to generate additional tourism revenue for Scotland from increased international visitors.” Market Street will be the fourth major hotel development carried out by Chris Stewart Group in recent years. The company has successfully developed three other sites in Edinburgh City Centre, two on Waterloo Place now occupied by Apex Hotels and Travelodge, and one further site on Baxter’s Place which is due to move forward later this year.

Business events relaunched Business Forum Scotland has relaunched its regular sessions aimed at supporting emerging companies, bringing together entrepreneurs and potential investors. Mary Strachan, recently appointed as Programme Director of Business Forum Scotland, said: “There is no question that the banks and other traditional sources of funding for young companies have reduced their investment programmes during the past two years. “We aim to help bridge this gap by ensuring quality young companies get a chance to set out their business strategies in front of potential investors. “We are relaunching Business Forum Scotland and have signed an agreement with Peter Shakeshaft of LINC Scotland that will ensure we have potential investors present at each session this year, four in the east of Scotland and four in the west.” More information is available at www.businessforumscotland.com

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eastcoast.co.uk/welcome

Good things taste even better when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the house Complimentary meal available in First Class on journeys over 70 minutes

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Theinterview sPeCiAl FeAture

Exploring the nature of leadership Mike Fiszer is fascinated with exploring the factors that hold business people back from achieving their true potential. It’s something he has tested time and time again during his varied and successful career.

Currently Director of Leadership Development at The Edinburgh Institute of Leadership and Management Practice established by Edinburgh Napier University Business School, he helps employees realise that potential through a better understanding of their behaviour patterns.

psychology and several years of industrial experience across Europe. As a teacher he helped students develop their curiosity, a theme that occurs time and time again in his work with businesses.

His own views on leadership have developed over many years. Born in Stirling, he took up secondary school science teaching after studying

He said: “I remember we had a child who asked why do some firelighters not work so we set out to find out.

“Then someone asked why do lawnmowers not start in the spring so we took them apart to find out. And someone else asked why does one candle last longer than others so we set out to answer that question as well. “It was about encouraging the students curiosity and ownership of the answer. For me, there are parallels with great leaders. I am always looking for a sense of the child in a person, not childishness but that curiosity of the child.”

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“We can all think of companies where people are not in the best jobs for their talents. Good leadership recognises that and encourages people to develop those talents.” Mike Fiszer

After teaching, he moved into marketing and saw plenty of examples of poor leadership as he worked with companies ranging from dockyards to science laboratories. He said: “My ideas on leadership did not come suddenly, they developed gradually. I saw a real lack of leadership in some companies. For me there is a difference between management and leadership. Management is more about making sure that we now do what we do right. Leadership is more about choosing to do the right thing and then at ways to improve it.” “You see organisations with people who have worked themselves into positions that they think are unassailable.They are resistant to change. I think that good leaders are the ones that help create the future. It’s that curiosity again.” “Although highly motivated people, they realise that they are not good at everything.They have a sense of humility.They know their strengths but realise that they may be average in other areas and bring in talented people who excel there. I think good leaders are more openminded.You hear of cases where a CEO who was finance director still thinks they can do the job of finance director better than the person in the post. Good leaders do not have that envy. They need and want excellent people around them who complement their own skills.” “Leadership is not simply about headship. Good leaders look for leadership throughout their company. Leading well may only be about a couple of characteristics in a person that are different from others and good leaders direct and develop others to work in the areas of their strengths. Leaders are mood engineers; the mood of achievement in all.” Mike has developed those theories in many different forums. He has an MBA from the University of Warwick, a B.Sc. Psychology

at the University of Edinburgh, a PG Cert. Ed from Moray House - Edinburgh, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts and a Member of the Chartered Management Institute. He headed up Leadership, Coaching and Personal Development in the Irish Management Institute, where he created leadership programmes drawing on the disciplines of management science, performing arts, sports and psychology. Recently, he has worked with many large and small organisations throughout Asia, Europe and the US on mergers, board succession, restructuring, culture change and organisation development.That has included coaching and mentoring senior executives and their teams. At the moment he is leading the MSc Advanced Leadership Practice (ALP) programme at Napier, which is for experienced mid to senior level managers who wish to challenge themselves and discover their leadership edge. It is designed to engage them in a move from managing to leading through gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, their performance and their impact on others. Mike said: “People on the programme get results from and are rewarded in their behaviour change quickly. Employers can see results within the first few workshops. In fact, more than 70% of this year’s cohort has been promoted to positions of substantial responsibility during the programme. Scottish and Southern Energy, for example, see it as a key programme for the development of their emerging leaders. “We do want ALP to provide a unique personally challenging environment.Those who do sign up want to discover their current boundaries and to be prepared for the moment when a leadership challenge asks them to step up and be counted.This programme is not

about leadership, it is about supporting and developing the leader in the participant as they make their own very personal journey.” At whatever level he has worked, the lessons are the same. He said: “We can all think of companies where people are not in the best jobs for their talents. Good leadership recognises that and encourages people to develop those talents.” Mike has also developed those themes as an author and workshop leader for Henley Management College Programmes, developed case studies and residential schools for The Open University MBA and also worked with the University of Warwick Business School on the Practice of Management for MBAs. A motivational conference speaker, he has delivered keynote sessions at conferences throughout Europe, and said: “One of my messages is that great leaders know their strengths and allow other people to develop theirs.They are decisive and flexible people. They have a self-awareness about their weaknesses, know what they do well and create the environment where others develop and perform to the best that their skills allow.” He believes that the need for good leadership is acute at the moment as businesses deal with the effects of recession and public sector cutbacks. Mike said: “Just as happened in the late eighties and early nineties, people adopt the Survivor Syndrome.They survive the redundancies and the restructuring and they think ‘oh, my God, I could be next’That creates an insecurity and you end up with people who think good management is simply cutting costs and making things more efficient. Good leaders are the ones who can see beyond that. I’ll happily provide a short free seminar for any organization that wants to create this alternative mood.”

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Coverfeature Edinburgh’s campaign to win the green investment bank gathers strength

Edinburgh is now being seriously considered as the home of the UK’s first Green Investment Bank, as a result of a campaign being led by the Chamber of Commerce. Heavy hitters from the fields of asset finance, utility generation and financial services have rallied to Edinburgh’s cause- arguing that the city is best placed to deliver the projects that

will kick start the UK’s renewable energy future. The city’s campaign was launched at Westminster, where a business case prepared by accountants Grant Thornton was presented to MPs and formally accepted by the Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore MP. Later, at a private meeting, the Business Secretary Vince Cable listened to Edinburgh’s case- and followed up this briefing with a visit to meet with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce members on April 17, where he learned of the gathering momentum behind Edinburgh’s case.

The commitment to establish a Green Investment Bank is included in the Coalition Agreement. It is not a bank, as such, but an enabling body, using public money tactically to leverage large-scale investment, working in partnership with international investors and corporations. The Government’s intention is to establish GIB with £3 billion of funding, but with the aim of leverage a further £20-30 billion of investment with which to usher in the UK’s renewable revolution, primarily in offshore wind. “Locating the Green Investment Bank in Edinburgh will, at a stroke, position this city as the renewable energy capital of Europe,” says Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce President Robert Carr. “That’s how significant this decision is.” The campaign has been energetically led by Chamber Chief Executive Ron Hewitt, who has galvanised cross-party support from politicians, including Edinburgh MPs Mike Crockart and Mark Lazarowicz; energy giants, including Scottish and Southern Energy and Scottish Power; financial institutions, including RBS and Lloyds Banking Group; international investors including Execution Noble and the Swedish Export Investment Corporation; as well as a broad coalition of professional services firms and agencies, including our leading Universities, the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Enterprise. A full list of official partners of the campaign is on page 25. Ron Hewitt said: “This decision is game changing for Edinburgh. Although the initial investment is GIB is relatively small at an estimated 40-50 jobs and a £3 billion budget over 3-5 years, it is the clustering effect that is so important, because dealmakers in renewable energy will come to Edinburgh to do business- and Edinburgh will become the fulcrum for investment in a low carbon future. “However, this campaign is far from won. There is much more work to do in building Edinburgh’s case and ensuring that the decision-makers in the department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and in the Treasury, understand that Edinburgh’s case in every way superior to London’s and not just a plucky bid from the Provinces.” An announcement on the bank’s establishment and location is expected from the Government in May or June.

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The Strength of Edinburgh’s Case We’re Banking on Edinburgh Edinburgh offers technical and financial credentials that will enable the Green Investment Bank (GIB) to make a quick and long lasting contribution to the Clean Energy sector. Because of its rapidly developing clean energy hub, Scotland is a magnet for clean energy and related sectors. The area surrounding Edinburgh has a deep concentration of higher Education and research establishments, with a major concentration of leading edge R&D in the clean energy related sector. The city’s hinterland has an unrivalled concentration of industry skills and experience in both clean energy and in oil and gas. This, together with the support services that have built up around the clean energy sector, provide GIB with a well established critical mass of activity into which GIB can immediately tap, thereby accelerating commercialisation at reduced risk. Edinburgh is ranked the fourth largest financial centre in Europe in terms of equity assets and the city operates globally as an international financial services centre – the only UK location outside London to do so. It is a city where GIB can develop a deep understanding of and close partnership with the clean energy sector with the goal of quickly playing an interactive role with industry and finance. Edinburgh’s positional advantages are unique. It is at the heart of clean energy activity and readily accessible to the rest of the UK as well as globally. As a destination for clean energy in the UK, it is a natural location for GIB.

“Charlotte Square sees the Green Investment Bank as a key contributor to the financial landscape of Edinburgh and, as active investors in renewables, ethical and socially responsible assets, we see GIB as the key vehicle to expand this offering”

stephen Webster

Chief Operating Officer Charlotte Square Managers Ltd

“The clean energy sector requires both capital and know-how and GIB will be called upon to play a unique enabling role on the path to commercialisation in the sector. For these reasons it matters where the GIB is located. Edinburgh is at the heart of a region with a unique combination of industry and financial capability and in our view is ideally placed to host the GIB.”

nathan goode Partner Grant Thornton UK LLP

“Establishing the headquarters of the Green investment Bank in the vibrant financial community of Edinburgh will give it easy access both to the rich resource of Scotland’s University system and established industry players. The Green Investment Bank will get lost in London while Edinburgh, with these three ingredients, assures it stature and prominence. Established in Edinburgh, the Green Investment Bank has the potential to change the United Kingdom from being a laggard in Green investment into a European leader.”

Angus Macpherson

“The City of Edinburgh Council and this administration is delighted to support the initiative led by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce to secure the Green Investment Bank for Edinburgh. It would seem natural that Edinburgh is the chosen location, due to its a unique combination of strength in financial services and investment management, and a clear desire to be at the forefront of renewable energy and carbon reduction initiatives.”

tom Buchanan

Councillor The City of Edinburgh Council

Head of Investment Banking Espirito Santo Investment Bank, Incorporating Execution Noble

“We strongly support the campaign to locate the Green Investment Bank in Edinburgh. Scotland already has an established financial services sector and the low carbon energy industry continues to expand rapidly. Billions of pounds of green energy investments have been announced in Scotland in recent years and major global energy companies are coming here to do business. Edinburgh would be the ideal location for this important new financial institution.”

gordon Macgregor

“Edinburgh makes a compelling case to be the location for the Green Investment Bank. It sits at the centre of Europe’s greatest renewable energy resource, has been chosen as a location by numerous developers, and has an abundance of indigenous skills needed to lead a vital part of the UK’s strategy for meeting the 20:20 targets. Quayle Munro chose to build its own renewable energy team in Edinburgh for these very same reasons and it has been a great success. I am convinced it would be the same for the Green Investment Bank”.

Energy & Environmental Director Scottish Power

rob Cormie

“Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International are working closely with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce to develop a compelling business case to help attract the Green Investment Bank HQ function to Scotland. Scotland is an obvious frontrunner given its competitive advantage in renewable energy and low carbon technologies, unrivalled natural resources, pipeline of investment opportunities and strengths in financial services. ”

“Edinburgh is quickly becoming a focus for the renewable energy sector in the UK – it is a logical choice for the location of the Green Investment Bank with its strong financial community and range of experienced advisors in legal and technical disciplines“

Managing Director Quayle Munro

scott Black Director FWB Ltd

Jill Farrell

Regional Operations Director Scottish Enterprise

Peter spitzer

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sPeCiAl FeAture

Edinburgh: a special case? Prospects for Income and Growth: a letting agents perspective; a time to buy? As many are aware, gross rental yields, or that percentage of its capital value a property can be expected to generate in one year in terms of rental income, have been decreasing over the past ten years or so as capital values have soared, outstripping rents.

It is a trend we noticed a year plus ago: there exists a sector of young professional tenants earning respectable wsges, who may have £10k but not the £30-40k in savings for deposit, in order to obtain a mortgage rate low enough to warrant stepping off the letting train.

Although Edinburgh is made up of many ‘micro markets’ with their own returns, generally speaking the yield on quality central properties are 3.5%- 5.5%.

These erstwhile first time buyers represent what I envision as a great head of steam of demand for a certain type of property, namely that which we are sourcing for investment landlords and renovating according to this demand, along with those on our existing portfolio.

However, in recent times we have seen a disproportionate drop in interest rates relative to the fall in certain bands of house prices, resulting in a slightly perceived increase in yield and, for the first time in years, a reasonable gross profit on rental yields: provided that the property is not over geared (high mortgage:equity, or negative equity). These tend to be higher end properties and are worth hanging on to . Whilst it is still possible to achieve what can be considered respectable investment returns of around the 6% mark, these properties are becoming rare and must be cherrypicked with care. Nobody is better placed to advise you with greater accuracy than a switched-on letting & management agency. At present 5 plus bedroom HMO properties in particular in central/ improving areas are performing reasonably well in terms of rental yield.The average rent for a bedroom in a HMO flat is at present £335PCM. However, If at all possible, HMO properties should if at all possible be let to families/couples of professions seeking a bit of space: if the property in question is a student rental without possiblity of being anything else. We see some owners occasionally considering giving superb period properties "the HMO" treatment. Everyone is more knowledgeable about the realities of HMO letting these days and are aware that requirements result in absurdly high expenses.We strongly believe that any quality period property should be looked at carefully before embarking on this route. It is our heartfelt conviction that there exists now a solid opportunity in a niche Market; that of one bedroom traditional build central properties in certain undervalued relatively central areas.

I see the format as a type of one bedroom property, available chesply, that meets both the current rental demand and produces healthy rental returns, yet will fit the bill when mortgage products become more credible. As agents we now source these one bed properties with a thirst, as we are well placed to see that many see only the high gross incomes of HMO units, but over the years the costs are prohibitive. We have been pushing for some time to bring our portfolio, and new clients properties in this direction and are becoming specialists at this type of investment management. Simply put, too many agents have advised landlords to provide everything, producing an Undersupply of unfurnished and a culture of high transience, therefore higher costs of rent. Our model is a totally unfurnished 1 bed property, not a studio, stripped floors/ 'green hardwood' (we prefer bamboo as it is a sustainable, quick growing grassacts like a good hardwood floor in 12mm), neutral decor, GCH system, modular DG, solid little kitchen, gas burners, dishwashers.We find that many inexpensive extras, good material in small quantities ie where it matters.Very low repairs, nothing to replace/repair but White goods These units make around £6000 gross per year, yet not so long ago have been selling for £127k. Good returns immediately , supplying a large rental Market who are tomorrows buyers. It is not inconceivable that they will appreciate by 20% as soon as the mortgages become realistic. Michael Young Manager, Edinburgh Spaces Ltd 6 Waterloo Place

A Sales Agents / Solicitors perspective Much as I would like to tell you that things are on the up the figures will struggle to support this. ESPC figures for the quarter to the end of April disclose a drop in average house prices for the Edinburgh area of around 4.2% compared to the same period last year. However we are now 3 years into the property dip and as I am constantly reminding those clients that I visit who are looking to sell their home of 10, 15 or 20 years it will still have proved to be a very sound and financially rewarding investment. Investments by their very nature can go up and can go down. We are currently experiencing the downward trend which means that it is probably the best time to buy property for years, so if you take a sensible long term view there is every chance that it will still work out as the best place to have your money. Edinburgh’s property market has long been regarded as the jewel in the Scottish crown and that isn’t going to change because it suddenly goes through a bad spell. When the market comes back, as it inevitably will, Edinburgh’s sparkle will also return. Wilson hunter Partner for and on behalf of Hunters Residential

Despite the warnings in the press we would be of the opinion that most areas in Edinburgh will continue to see reasonable growth over the coming years, at worst a period of stasis for some. Of course, growth is not something to be relied upon – better to hunt down a decent rental yield that will cover costs and look to the long term for returns through appreciation, for in a world of scarcity land values ultimately go one way only- up.The trick is to be in position and properly advised when the wind changes.

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With the media constantly reporting that house prices are falling and now is not the right time to buy or sell, it’s little wonder that there is no confidence in the property market.

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Encouraging signs for financial sector recovery The UK financial services is showing signs of a strong recovery with recent statistics showing growth for the third quarter in a row. Figures in the latest CBI/PwC Financial Services Survey, for the three months to March, showed that firms considered the level of their business as only slightly below normal, the best result since the financial crisis began in September 2007. Asked how their business volumes fared in the three months to March, 33% said that volumes rose and 11% said they fell. Growth was particularly strong for business with private individuals with volumes rising at the fastest pace since December 1996. Growth was slower for business with industrial and commercial companies, financial institutions and overseas customers. Banking saw little change in business volumes over the three months, but reported that they were normal, which comes after three years of well below normal levels of activity. Unlike banks, building societies’ business grew for the third quarter in succession but continues to be regarded as well below normal levels. In Finance Houses, business volumes fell unexpectedly, leading to higher average costs per transaction and a fall in profitability this quarter. The survey revealed a strong feeling that the remainder of the year would see growth across many sectors. Ian McCafferty, CBI Chief Economic Adviser, said: “A

third quarter of strong volume growth shows the financial services recovery is building strength. It is particularly good news that firms consider their level of business to be only slightly below normal for the first time since the financial crisis began in 2007. “While business with private individuals has again shown the fastest growth, business with companies also shows some signs of improvement. Firms’ profitability has improved due to higher incomes and another big drop in the value of nonperforming loans.”

leader at PwC, said: “There is encouraging evidence that the banks are adjusting expectations in line with what constitutes the ‘new normal’. Despite a strong round of annual results, they are increasingly realistic about the challenges ahead - particularly in terms of demand and regulatory obstacles. “While they report near normal business levels for the first time since 2007, their actual activity is way below that seen before the financial crisis.

“Income levels and business volumes are stubbornly flat yet profitability is increasing strongly as declining average spreads are offset by steady costs and declining non-performing loan values. “Other indicators are mixed. For example, while headcounts are falling, advertising spend and technology investment are growing.”

Numbers employed fell for the second quarter in a row. Staff turnover rose, and is expected to be only marginally higher next quarter. Staff costs, as a proportion of total costs, are expected to fall further next quarter. Firms are planning to invest more over the next 12 months across land, buildings and information technology. Plans for investment in marketing in the coming year are seeing their biggest rise since December 1993. However, the largest proportion of firms since the survey began in 1989 says that statutory legislation and regulation is likely to limit their ability to raise levels of business over the next 12 months. Nevertheless, concern over a further worsening in financial markets fell back in the survey. Andrew Gray, UK banking

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It’s a Dog’s Life It all started with a conversation on a doorstep and is a far cry from Sandy Maxwell-Forbes’ previous career in the oil industry, but the success of doggy crèche, Citidogs, shows that it wasn’t a step that was completely barking mad. They say necessity is the mother of invention and that’s certainly true in the case of innovative, Edinburgh-based dog crèche, Citidogs. After waving goodbye to a high-powered career in the oil industry, Sandy found herself relocating to Edinburgh accompanied by her canine companions, Molly and Archie. She faced the familiar dilemma of what to do with her dogs whilst she worked, and that’s when she met business partner and canine expert, Sarah McLean. As Sandy explains: “We realised there was a gap in the market for a complete service for dog owners. As a customer, I mapped out the problems and anxieties I faced and then we built the service around that.” Client-centred approach Launching Citidogs in March 2010, 80% of the duo’s clients are working professionals. But Citidogs is much more than just a dog-walking service. “We didn’t want to be just another dog business,” explains Sandy. “By joining my business skills with Sarah’s background in animal welfare, we’ve created a unique brand – offering exceptional care for exceptional dogs. As well as walking the dogs, we offer training and socialisation and we’re very client-centric. Our clients need to be able to trust us and understand that we are reliable and compassionate. That’s the reason that we’re a crèche – we offer the same care to dogs as you would to children.” Starting out with just 11 dogs, Citidogs now has 85 clients. The attention to detail and the high ratio of staff to dogs, has seen the pair achieve their 18 month goal in just 10 months. Poised to open crèche number two this summer, there are plans for further expansion down the line, Sandy explains, through the support she’s received from RBS.

Phenomenal service “They’ve been absolutely phenomenal,” Sandy explains. “I’d banked with RBS personally since moving to Edinburgh and on the strength of that, I was happy to trust them with my business banking. “Our RBS relationship manager, Scott Rylance, really took the time to understand what the business was and our ambitions, so he’s been able to offer good solutions. He’s also aware of the time constraints we work under – it’s no use talking when you’re surrounded by nine dogs waiting for you to throw the ball – so, often, I’ll email him a question in the evening, and he responds to me first thing, before work.” responsive solutions Whilst the fast growth of the business has been exciting and rewarding, it has brought its own challenges. With 60% of clients requiring their dogs to be picked up from home, Citidogs’ ‘Bark & Ride’ service grew rapidly. “We soon reached the stage where we needed to buy another van to manage demand or we couldn’t operate,” says Sandy. “I called Scott, who immediately offered us several options and made it happen in just a couple of weeks.” As with most new businesses, cashflow was also an issue, RBS put in place an overdraft facility and a business credit card to enable Citidogs to manage its income and outgoings more sustainably.

Customer Quote

“RBS took the time to understand the business and our ambitions, so it’s been able to offer good solutions” Sarah McLean & Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, Citidogs.

with a good dose of levelheaded business sense. But, as the pair acknowledge: “We couldn’t have got where we are without the support of RBS.” to ﬁ nd out more… For further information, please contact: Scott Rylance The Royal Bank of Scotland on Tel: 0131 523 6078 or Mobile: 07765 615942 www.rbs.co.uk

Describing themselves as “ambitious, but hugely compassionate”, Sandy and Sarah’s enthusiasm is infectious and is combined

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Goinginternational

How good is your international trade knowledge? Some Surprising Scottish Exports Whisky, salmon, oil, – all of these spring to mind when you think of exports from Scotland – but what about some products and services that don’t spring to mind quite so quickly: n acrylic teeth n electronic falcons n road cleaning machines n cats and dogs (don’t worry its all legitimate and not cruel in any way) n prosthetic limbs n christmas trees (for use in the oil industry) n printers blankets n environmentally friendly coffins n teabag paper n silicon breast implants n disposable surgical gowns n cigarette papers n tourism consultancy in post conflict countries n See you Jimmy hats

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organisation. Regardless of whether you are an SME that is new to exporting or are a medium to large company that has exported to date, Smart Exporter can provide free or subsidised support to increase your skills and knowledge in international business development. Ambitious companies are more likely to succeed if they understand, and are better prepared for, the global opportunities and issues faced in international markets. To find out more about Smart Exporter visit www.smartexporter.co.uk or call 0800 019 1953

Exporting does not have to be costly or risky. Through support from the Smart Exporter programme, our export experts can help you identify your key markets, introduce you to key contacts, assist with your strategy development and provide support and guidance on key topics eg: paperwork, finance and cultural considerations to improve the export readiness of your

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Inthe Inthespotlight Company name: the royal highland and Agricultural society of scotland (rhAss) Who? Mr stephen hutt, Chief executive Website: www.rhass.org.uk 1. What were you doing between 10 and 12 this morning? With this being my first week in the job much of the time is taken up with meeting the team. This morning I met with the Director responsible for the Highland Centre Ltd – the part of the business that manages the letting of the exhibition and conference space on Scotland’s National Showground at Ingliston. It is a tremendous asset, adjacent to an international airport, a few hundred yards from UK motorway network and only minutes from Scotland’s capital. 2. What do you see as your job’s biggest challenge? The biggest challenge is to guide through the 20 year Masterplan which will see major development and expansion to the portfolio of exhibition space, conference facilities, hotels and supporting offices. Alongside this will be to develop the Society’s overall impact estimated to benefit the Scottish economy by over £250m a year. 3. What do you consider your biggest business triumph? Sometimes the events that give you the most satisfaction are not always what others would see as successes or triumphs. I have played an enabling role in business growth and also set up new business units that have been very successful. The common thread is to make sure that people achieve their potential and that you create the environment and structure that allows and encourages success – not always first time round! 4. do you have any money-saving business tips? Developing long-term business relationships – ones that give mutual benefit and allow all parties to maintain flexibility and engender genuine mutuality. 5. What do you believe are the 3 key stages on your career ladder? I believe that an important knowledge base is a crucial start for any career – in

my case this was accountancy. This gives a good frame of reference. It is then vital to make sure that the experience you gain, particularly early in your career, gives a good overall balance – perhaps avoiding over-specialising. Finally, I believe it is vital to develop a strong but simple set of business processes that can be applied to any situation. 6. Where do you stand on work/life balance? Not an easy one! It varies but I try to make sure I take quality time away from work. When you are away from work you should be completely away – shared time is not effective for either one. 7. What do you like to do in your spare time? I have a young family so time with them is important, we recently moved into an old farmhouse so there is a fair bit of time and effort going into that. I also enjoy sport – watching rugby and I do a bit of running and cycling. I am also actively involved in my local church. 8. What qualities do you need to see in your employees? Important qualities include commitment and loyalty – not in a blind way but in a constructive and supportive manner. Like most people I prefer not to have surprises, so an open working environment is one I like to foster. 9. in business, is it more important to be liked or successful? Not sure that these are mutually exclusive; sustainable business has to be beneficial for both parties. At the very least I believe that successful business can be achieved whilst still maintaining respect. 10. What is the one piece of advice you would give to others trying to reach the top? Maintain a set of principles and be true to those. 11. Who is your hero? There are many people I admire, but I guess I would have to say that my father has always impressed me because he

stayed true to his principles even when that meant, from a personal standpoint, he had to give certain things up rather than compromise what he felt to be right. 12. Any business (or other) projects you would like to plug? The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society delivers a significant amount of its charitable objectives via the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET). The activities of this organisation includes ; taking children to farms, taking farmers to schools and providing educational resources plus the educational element of the Royal Highland Show. Last year they had contact with almost 73,000 children – that’s 1 out of every 8 school children in Scotland. 13. other than your current position, what would be your dream job? Dream job would be a test driver for TVR motor cars! 14. Who (living or dead) would you invite to a fantasy dinner party? It would be fascinating to have dinner with Winston Churchill who knew the value of “easily being satisfied with the very best”. 15. outside of business, what is the most important thing in your life? Most important is my wife and family – brings great perspective to everything else!

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City&World

Where next? We are entering a critical phase in the development of the Scottish economy. From one direction comes the flow of macro economic data - how exactly will the pattern of recovery unfold? From another comes the political news. The new Parliament is now setting a policy agenda that will define the next phase of devolution. Will we embark upon a radical course of reform, or will it be steady as we go?

In a way, therefore, Scotland has fallen into the same trap as many other oil economies.

The Scottish election aired some of the big issues that confront us locally, but it remains to be seen whether our political leadership is prepared to tackle the entrenched structural weaknesses in the economy. In contrast to the short-term big picture numbers, these are questions that we have the power locally to answer.

A healthier approach would be to use the oil / Barnett dividend (while it lasts) to invest in infrastructure and to create a competitive tax regime that encourages corporate investment. The flip side of this has to be higher productivity in the public sector to at least UK average levels so that spending on health, education and the rest can gradually come down as a proportion of GDP without harming front line services.

The unfolding story is so important to our prospects. The impact of Aprilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax rises and spending cuts (quite modest in Scotland) is still unknown. We can not yet rule out a situation where stubbornly rising commodity prices necessitate interest rate rises that choke off the recovery.

The main problem with the Scottish economy is low productivity within the public sector. For too long we have lived a feather bedded existence where high public spending has negated any urgency on this issue. In essence Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s North Sea revenue is recycled via the Barnett Formula into government spending that is 15% or so higher than the UK average with nothing much to show for it in terms of improved outputs.

In the meantime the Chamber has been doing its best to aid recovery by campaigning for the radical changes we need as well as lobbying for Edinburgh as a magnet for investment. For example, we have been taking a lead in persuading the government to establish the Green Investment Bank here. Cementing Edinburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position as the UK hub for renewable energy would be a great step forward for economic growth and diversification.

Nonetheless, the government is right to emphasise mastering the deficit. A more expansionary fiscal approach (such as that

Such profligacy is not just wasteful, it actually harms the private sector by crowding out the availability of capital and skilled labour.

No politician can hope to influence the short term economic news as it is revealed weeks or months after the activity it is supposed to represent. We wait with bated breath for each piece of data. All that can be said is that the picture is highly uncertain. The manufacturing surge that characterised the second half of 2010 seems to be subsiding, to be replaced (we hope) by tentative service sector growth.

followed in the US) would in Britain lead to higher borrowing costs and a long term debt problem that would do more economic damage over time.

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sPeCiAl FeAture

Your Guide to the Bribery Act By Austin Flynn

Corporate Law Partner Morton Fraser LLP

The Act received Royal Assent on 8 April 2010 and will come into force on 1 July 2011. It introduces significant changes to the law on bribery, replacing the previous piecemeal statutory and common law with definitive and far-reaching legislation. The Act creates new offences in respect of the following:n Promising or offering a bribe. n Requesting, agreeing to receive or accepting a bribe. n Bribing a foreign public ofﬁcial. n A corporate offence of “failure to prevent bribery” by persons associated with a business. Offences 1, 2 & 3 are relevant to individuals; offence 4 to companies. A company can be found guilty of an offence if a person associated with that company bribes another person, intending to obtain or retain business or a business advantage for the company. The offence can be committed in the UK or overseas. It is a defence for the company to prove that it had in place adequate procedures designed to prevent persons associated with it from undertaking such conduct. A person is ‘associated’ with a company for the purposes of the Act if they perform services for or on behalf of the company. The capacity in which they perform the services does not matter. This includes employees, agents and subsidiaries. In relation to what constitutes a ‘bribe’, this is defined broadly, and includes promising or suggesting (as well as actually giving) financial or other types of advantage. For the purposes of the section 1 offence (promising or offering a bribe), bribes offered to persons performing functions in private businesses are caught, as well as public sector officials.

Preventing Bribery The approach that companies take to the Act will be determined by a number of factors, including: the industry in which they operate, the extent to which they obtain contracts through public procurement and tendering processes; involvement with overseas contractors and governments; and, the reliance which they place on agents and subsidiaries when entering into contracts. Prior to the introduction of the legislation, companies should asses the risks posed by their particular circumstances. These risks should then be incorporated into a robust anti-corruption policy which has the support of the directors, but which is also proportionate to the company and workable in practice. Having put such a policy in place, the policy should be monitored and enforced, and adequate records kept of implementation. If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this article, assistance in drafting an anti-corruption policy, or help in amending existing contracts to introduce effective anti-corruption obligations, please contact me to arrange a free initial consultation on:0131 247 1260 austin.fl ynn@morton-fraser.com

A company convicted of failing to prevent bribery is liable on conviction to an unlimited fine. A company being prosecuted for this offence may also be debarred from public contracts under the Public Contracts Regulations in Scotland and England & Wales.

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Children

Weddings

I specialise in baby and childrens photography, and to be honest its a fabulous job! I like to take the time to be able to create something special, that will be treasured by you and your family for years to come. Portraits have the ability to help you remember what you never wish to forget, those moments and milestones that are just too quick in passing us by. Whether by email, or phone or if you just want to pop into the studio for a chat, I’d love to hear from you!.

www.belovedphotography.co.uk Email: joanne@belovedphotography.co.uk Phone: 07766 805304

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Support services tailored to your business Proactive monitoring and reporting Servers, virtualisation and storage Unified Communications and collaboration Networking and security services

Our clients recognise that we consistently ‘go the extra mile’ - contact us now to find out why: Pro Drive IT, Frederick Street, Edinburgh 0845 507 0846 sales@prodriveit.co.uk

www.prodriveit.co.uk

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Asktheexpert q: i’ve been asked to improve the processes my team use, to ensure they are ﬁ t for purpose. Where do i start? A: Process improvement starts with getting clear on why you need to improve; for example, are you looking to improve the customer experience, reduce cost, reduce turnaround time, eliminate errors, etc. Once clear on the purpose, there are five stages to process improvement: 1. document: draw a process “map” of the current way of working; 2. Validate: check the map of the current process is accurate; 3. Analyse: explore the map of the current process, and identify any areas of concern and potential improvements;

Bryan leslie

Manager, Chamber Business Solutions, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Bryan Leslie

4. improve: agree what changes you will actually implement and draw a revised map of the new process;

A very important (and often overlooked) aspect to process improvement is for the person or team managing the project to have excellent interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to understand team dynamics. This is so they can build strong working relationships with all the stakeholders, as their input will be crucial to accurately “mapping” the current processes, and identifying possible improvements. Chamber Business Solutions provide a range of training and consulting solutions for process improvement, including in-house and open one-day training courses and specialised coaching programmes. Please see www.chamberbusinesssolutions.co.uk for more information, or contact Jamie Lovie on 0131 221 3191.

5. Control: manage and control the implementation of the changes.

GetwithIT By Bill Magee

Scottish Business Technology Writer of the Year

Illuminating insights into business and commerce technology needs are evident in a groundbreaking IT survey, staged jointly by researchers at the Scottish Council for Development and Industry and IT consultancy, Virtual Stream. One thing that comes out strongly from the report is that firms who buy “a fleet of shiny new iPads”, instead of properly safeguarding their business against the risk of confidential data loss, are in danger of seeing things go seriously wrong when it comes to the security of their enterprise. Virtual Stream’s co-directors husband and wife team Russell and Tracy Robertson and SCDI officials surveyed over 300 companies, employing 50-to-500 employees across all sectors including manufacturing, oil and gas, finance, transport and retail. Tech expert Russell explains: “We found that data loss is the biggest irritation.Yet investing in data recovery and business continuity plans came out as the lowest chosen IT strategy.

“Such disaster recovery may appear a less visible investment than a fleet of shiny new iPads, but serves a far more serious purpose. Especially if you find yourself losing millions of pounds worth of data.” One attendee at the report launch Douglas Rintoul, a partner at Johnston Carmichael, said that regulations should be tightened up to force business and commerce to take greater care of their data. I recently interviewed Phil Smith, the Scots vice president and chief executive of Cisco UK, who says tech developments are all wrapped up in next generation communications as a platform for innovation. Collectively, a no tech brainer really when you think about it...

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Royal Highland Centre attracts VisitScotland expo back to Edinburgh The countdown is on to Scotland’s largest travel trade expo’s return to Edinburgh. After a five year absence, VisitScotland has announced that next year’s expo will be held at the Royal Highland Centre from the 25th to 26th April 2012. The expo, Scotland’s only business to business travel trade event, will bring together almost 1,000 international and UK buyers at the Royal Highland Centre on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Archie Glendinning, director of the Royal Highland Centre said: “The VisitScotland expo is a fantastic opportunity for Edinburgh and the surrounding areas to showcase its world class tourism and visitor experience offering to people from around the world and the Centre will be a key part of that.

A collaboration of organisations including the Royal Highland Centre and DEMA secured the event which offers a great opportunity for Edinburgh and the Lothians to showcase its world class tourism and visitor experience offering to promote the capital to all sectors of the travel industry. The economic benefits to the city are estimated to be £1.7 million.

“The team at the Centre will be working closely with VisitScotland and DEMA ahead of the event to deliver Edinburgh’s first expo in over five years and to position the city as the host for this event for many years to come.”

To find out more, please visit www.visitscotlandexpo2012.com

People Scotland www.peoplescotland.org.uk

People Scotland is a Social Enterprise established to help Public, Voluntary, Private and other Social Enterprise organisations meet the people challenges faced as a result of the current financial climate, while helping to mitigate the impact on communities of significant job losses and reduced statutory services. We achieve this by designing and delivering socially responsible strategies for organisations experiencing redundancies, with a view to improved outcomes for the individual and their community. These are based around an awareness of health and well-being, understanding the current job market and the need to keep individuals engaged professionally, socially and economically while they seek to secure new employment.

“Quality people delivering better outcomes”

the highly informed thinking required to meet the needs and challenges of a truly diverse client base. People Scotland is simply committed to achieving better outcomes. We firmly believe that to achieve these services must not only be highly informed and therefore highly effective, but should have the concept of social responsibility at their core. To this end we offer our clients a range of products and services that are not only leading edge in terms of matching current market need, but are delivered in a socially responsible way . . . through Social Enterprise. Ian Todd Director People Scotland

At the same, time we provide a single point of access to some of Scotland and the wider UK’s leading talent, knowledge and expertise, helping organisations achieve the change needed at the pace required. We posses the country’s only cross - sector Interim Management talent pool and a genuine UK - wide Executive Search capability. Crucially we deliver our services not as a large consultancy but through people; the natural network of highly qualified, like minded individuals and organisations that exists across Scotland and the UK able to provide

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Competence in Management The need for sharp, flexible, focused education, skills and training at a high level is strongly recognised. Professional Development Awards (PDAs) are designed to develop and deliver these skills. Ideal for workforce development, they are quick and cost effective to deliver. PDAs have been designed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) – Scotland’s national body for qualifications - and are backed by our world-renowned excellence in developing and quality-assuring qualifications. They develop specialist skills applicable at all stages of career development and are aligned to National Occupational Standards (NOS) and/or professional body requirements. They clearly support Continuing Professional Development and are recognised on UK and European Qualifications Frameworks as well as on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). PDAs are available in an increasing range of subject areas supported by continuous partnership work with employers and industry. Entry to the PDAs is flexible and can be based on formal qualifications or experience, the college or training provider delivering the award can advise on this. Some awards may be offered on a part-time, open or distance learning basis. A new suite of six PDAs in Management have been developed and are jointly certificated with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). All of these qualifications are made up of SVQ Units and designed to enable candidates to develop and achieve competence in a specific area of management work. They provide recognition for management competence achieved by candidates in their work as a manager. And they meet the needs of candidates with different experiences and different managerial responsibilities. In addition, the PDAs allow for progression within the SVQ framework and the SCQF framework of qualifications. Candidates will also benefit from the development of generic skills across the whole range of managerial work The six PDAs in Management range from SCQF level 8 to level10

The Units that make up these PDAs in Management have been developed by the Management Standards Centre (MSC). The MSC is an employer-led organisation which champions management and leadership and is the government recognised body responsible for the development and on-going enhancement of the National Occupational Standards. Candidates achieving this qualification will have demonstrated that their work meets these national standards. They will also be contributing to their own future and to that of the organisation they work for. More information about PDAs in Management is available from SQA’s website www.sqa.org.uk or email customer@sqa.org.uk

n PDA in Managing Self and the Work of Others at SCQF level 8 n PDA in Leadership at SCQF level 8 n PDA in Managing Finances at SCQF level 8 n PDA in Managing Projects and Business at SCQF level 9 n PDA in Planning and Implementing Change at SCQF level 10 n PDA in Leading Change at SCQF level 10

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Gettingstarted Q2: What gives your business ‘the x-factor’? We have created the “Home of Tickets in Scotland” exclusively for the attractions, tours, activities and events markets. It is a group of unique and dynamic website portals with innovative plans to grow and develop in a very interesting way.

Q3: What motivated you to set up in business for yourself? I knew the market inside out and felt I had identified a gap, so I set up a pilot. The research was thorough and feedback was excellent, which was really exciting so we took it to market.

Name: Gillian Scott Business name: Ticket Scotland.net Start up date: June 2010 Website: www.ticketscotland.net Q1: Tell us a bit about your business? Ticket Scotland.net is the first in a group of specialist tourism portals. We are developing exclusively for the attractions, activities, events, eateries and tours market. The portals make up a membership website, which offers suppliers a year-round platform to maximise daily yield and increase low season business, whilst providing a one-stop-shop for UK and international visitors and affiliates.

Q4: What do you like most about working for yourself? The flexibility and variety of tasks - there is never a day the same which I love. Also, setting your own agenda for the future and the opportunity of building your ideal team.

Q5: What has been your greatest business success to date? I have to say going live with Ticket Scotland.net with a list of partners already on board prior to the launch - it has been a great start.

Q6: What has been your lowest moment?

starting from scratch - but belief in myself and the business has got me through.

Q7: In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years? To be at the helm of the UK’s market leader for online ticketing and gift vouchers in the attractions, tours, activities and events market. Then opening up Europe while retaining the heart of the business by engaging with our customers through our blog reviews, features and social media campaigns.

Q8: What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business? You need to be committed and passionate with experience in the industry of your choice, believe in yourself and go for it. Put in the preparation time and create your own clear plan covering the three key points: • How big is your target audience and who are they? • How will you reach them? • What are your revenue streams? Get a good identity with a strong name and logo. Stay compact in the first instance, network through memberships and create a Social Media platform. I thoroughly recommend the evening course at the Social Media Academy, Junior Chamber of Commerce. Above all, believe in yourself!

The end of a previous business partnership and

TheRoyalTerraceHotel The Royal Terrace Hotel in central Edinburgh is part of an impressive terrace of prestigious Georgian townhouses, overlooking Scotland’s historic capital.

DAY DELEGATE PACKAGE SUMMER OFFER: £29.00 PER DELEGATE reduced from £36.00 per delegate

Combining traditional charm with contemporary luxury, the hotel enjoys a tranquil location on a quiet city street and is only a short walk from Princes Street, George Street and The Royal Mile. Many of our rooms offer spectacular views of either The Firth of Forth or our own private gardens to the rear of the hotel. Facilities include an onsite swimming pool, sauna & steam room. We also offer an exclusive complimentary techno gym with cardiovascular equipment.

includes

Edinburgh meeting venue

• Delegate Stationary

The Royal Terrace Hotel offers an excellent central conference venue, and is easily accessed by delegates arriving at Edinburgh Airport or Waverly Train Station. With a variety of meeting space available, you can be sure that we are the ideal venue for your next event. Full of traditional features, such has high ceilings, ornate cornicing and two large chandeliers, The Balmoral Suite provides stunning views towards the Firth of Forth, large windows providing full natural daylight, blackout facilities, air-conditioning and is able to cater for up to 100 guests in a theatre style. The more intimate Adams Suite can accommodate up to 50 guests and has three sets of floor to ceiling windows, allowing light to flood in. Our dedicated boardroom, The Duke of Edinburgh Suite caters for up to 12 delegates and offers state of the art audio visual equipment and executive black leather chairs. All of our meeting rooms offer free Broadband internet access.

• Main Meeting Room Hire • LCD Projector, Screen and Flipchart Stand with pads and pens • Still & Sparkling Mineral Water and Cordials • Arrival Tea and Coffee served with Fresh Fruit & Pastries • Mid Morning Tea and Coffee served with Shortbread and Fresh Fruit • Lunch (Buffet Style) • Barbeque Lunch available for booking for 20 delegates or more • Afternoon Tea and Coffee served with a Selection of Sorbets and Fresh Fruit MINIMUM NUMBERS OF 10 DELEGATES AND FOR MEETING TAKING PLACE IN JUNE, JULY & AUGUST APPLIES TO NEW BOOKING ONLY TO BOOK THIS SPECIAL OFFER PLEASE QUOTE BCM11

18-22 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5AQ

Tel : 0131 5573222

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Modern conferencing   historic setting Our comprehensive facilities at the Royal College  Physicians  Edinburgh range  lecture theatre to meeting rooms, Great Hall  Georgian suite Choice of spaces for conferences, meetings, dinners  receptions for 3–300 Full AV support  video conferencing Stylish central Edinburgh location  9 Queen Street Please contact us on    or events@rcpe.ac.uk

www.rcpe.ac.uk/conferencing Scottish charity no. SC009465

ART. WORKS. www.trevorjonesart.com Artist

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“LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS” COMPANY IDENTITIES / BROCHURES WEBSITES / CORPORATE REPORTS MAGAZINES / BRIGHT IDEAS

giving your business the edge

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Outsourcing – all about the money That’s just not our style Do it with Social Awareness Improved Quality Increased Bottom-line Profits Create Employment in the UK

l Weight loss with a Virtual Gastric Band l Stop smoking l Staff development and motivation

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e: info@hypnotherapy-now.co.uk www.hypnotherapy-now.co.uk

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EVANS HALSHAW FORD EDINBURGH YOUR “CAPITAL” ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL THINGS FORD

New car and commercial vehicle sales

Massive UK wide stock of quality used cars and commercials. Ask us about our everyday low pricing policy and the Evans Halshaw price guarantee!

Service , MOT and Mechanical repairs Ford Accident Repair Centre. Exclusive offers for Chamber members. l 10% discount on servicing, repairs , parts l 50% discount on MOT fee l Ask us about our service advantage plan, spreading service & repair costs and giving you additional discount entitlements on many more of your motoring needs l Service and bodyshop courtesy vehicles (subject to forward booking & availability)

l New commercials - 7.9% APR low rate finance available l Ford lease - Fiesta Van from £41.99 / Week l Ford lease - Transit Connect from £45.99 / Week l Ford lease - SWB Transit from £52.99 / Week l Ford lease - LWB Transit from £69.99 / Week l Ford lease - Ranger from £64.99 / Week

Contract hire based on 48 month non maintenance agreement, 3 payments in advance followed by 47, 10,000 miles per annum. Payments exclude VAT. Weekly equivalents shown, payments must be made monthly. Terms and conditions apply, finance subject to terms and conditions and underwriting acceptance of provider.

All you need to do is bring in your copy of this advertisement and proof of chamber membership. Service offers valid until 31/7/11, finance offers until 31/6/11, for registration up to 30/9/2011

Evans Halshaw Ford Edinburgh 0131 669 6261 graham.west@evanshalshaw.com www.evanshalshaw.com

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sPeCiAl FeAture

Jewel & Esk ﬂourish at National Competition Staff and students from Jewel & Esk College returned victorious from the recent Scot Hot trade show in Glasgow with no less than twenty-two certificates gathered across seven different competitive classes, including the future talent kitchen; flambé and innovation in pasta. Scot Hot is the biennial three day trade gathering for those involved in the Scottish hospitality, catering and tourism industries. Bringing together professionals from across the country the event highlights the best in the Scottish industries and showcases new innovations. The Jewel & Esk team were awarded certificates in every class they entered.

Ron McGilp, who was himself awarded in the Sugar Works class, works in the Hospitality & Catering section of Jewel & Esk, said: “This year’s Scot Hot team did really well to compete in so many classes and to return with so many merits and awards. “We’ve got a great learning environment at Jewel & Esk and whether it’s working in eh15 restaurant & bar or preparing food for staff and students in the Edinburgh food court, our students are working for real on a regular basis. Competing at an event as prestigious as Scot Hot just adds another dimension and exposes the students to what’s going on in the industry.”

Celebrating Creativity CRE:8, home to Jewel & Esk College’s creative courses in music, sound engineering, TV and multimedia, will be hosting an end of year Celebration of Creativity on 16th June. The evening event allows business representatives to watch a very special showcase of student talent, featuring live music performances and a show reel of TV work. Anyone from a business in the creative sector who is keen to attend should contact marketing@jec.ac.uk

eh15: one of a kind eh15 restaurant & bar is on the top floor of the Jewel & Esk Club building. Clear from your mind any preconceived idea of a ‘training’ restaurant, eh15 is something else entirely.With stunning views across Arthur’s Seat, eh15 is fast gaining a reputation across Edinburgh as a quality restaurant with a delicious locally sourced menu with a topclass wine list. The young staff at eh15 work alongside chefs and front of house managers who have industry experience taking in The Royal Scotsman,Tigerlily and cooking for the Queen at Ascot. The eh15 experience, therefore, is fantastic for both diner and student alike. Maître D Ian Matson, formerly of the QEII, comments,“The emphasis at eh15 is on giving our customers an excellent dining experience. We’ve got many diners who are regulars, including local businesses.We’ve hosted several special events since moving into the new Club buildings in 2008: Burns Suppers, Hogmanay,Valentine’s – they’ve all been sell outs and the fact that our customers come back to us again and again is testament to the quality of the experience and excellent value for money.” Call 0131 344 7344 to book your table.

 48

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Partnership supports business Edinburgh businesses are benefitting from an alliance between 2kt partner Jewel & Esk College and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.Working with the Chamber’s Business Advice Team, Jewel & Esk College uses its academic expertise and access to facilities and funding to assist start-up and high-growth companies. 2kt is a collaboration between eight of the east of Scotland’s leading universities and colleges. It is the gateway to over 1,000 sector specific experts and provides businesses with

straightforward and cost effective access to expertise, facilities and funding.With many of the Chamber’s business clients looking to develop innovative products, processes and services, Jewel & Esk College and its 2kt partners can help identify business needs and support their delivery. To find out more about how 2kt could help your business and the range of clients we have worked with visit www.2kt.org.uk or contact Donald Calder on dcalder@jec.ac.uk

Bliss Hair & Beauty team of fully qualified hairdressing students offer a range of hair services at excellent prices. With a cut and blow dry from just £10, or a one hour hot stone massage just £25, the experience will revitalise your wallet as well as your body and mind. Both salons are open throughout the summer. Check out the range of treatments at www.jec.ac.uk/the-club/bliss-hair-abeauty or call 0131 344 7356 to book.

The salons at Jewel & Esk College’s Edinburgh Campus, have a loyal, expanding clientele, who return regularly for the range of treatments and services. The beauty therapists are fully qualified students, who are now taking their first steps into the world of business. They take pride in offering a friendly, professional service. Likewise, in Bliss Hair’s Saturday Salon, the

Leadership Training As part of an expanding portfolio of leadership and management services Jewel & Esk College have recently began work on an innovative leadership programme in partnership with Europa Services Ltd, a large property and infrastructure support services company. Building on their existing management development programme, Europa have now launched ‘Evolve’ which identifies and develops the next generation of senior leaders. They worked with Jewel & Esk to accredit the programme. The partnership draws on the core talents of both partners, with Europa delivering training which meets their exact business needs whilst Jewel & Esk match this development to existing qualification frameworks and assess the qualifications, adding validity and value. Participants can now achieve an ILM Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management or a Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management dependent upon their progress. Sally Clark, Head of Commercial Development at Jewel & Esk, said “This programme demonstrates our ability to provide high level leadership and management support to partners which integrates seamlessly into their commercial framework. This service complements our bespoke leadership and management development work. It’s all part of our drive to listen to what the market wants and to develop innovative solutions quickly.”

  

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Businessnews Companies issued with warning about fraud Businesses have been warned to watch out for a scam which allows criminals to get hold of their bank details. The warning from the Scottish Business Crime Centre Liaison Unit of the Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) is based on intelligence from the Scottish Financial Crime Group,The National Anti-Fraud Network and NHS Counter Fraud Services. The fraud happens when a fraudster poses as a customer, gains control of an account and makes unauthorised transactions. It relates to bank, credit card, email and other service providers. According to the SCDEA, organised criminals pose as representatives of a genuine supplier company.They send letters, facsimiles and/or emails to accounts payable staff and request that the bank details for genuine supplier companies are changed to bank accounts over which the fraudsters have control. By the time the scam has been detected, the fraudsters have emptied the accounts. According to the SCDEA, the activity is widespread and has extended to local authorities and other organisations, including private sector companies.The fraudsters: n Target large supplier companies, possibly

using tender documents or publicised creditor lists n Have called telephone switchboards asking

for contact names responsible for authorising payments in order that correspondence is directed to the relevant staff members n Have requested supplier details such as

telephone numbers, presumably to be added to the fictitious requests to add authenticity

n Have telephoned to chase payments, in the

n If you receive a letter, immediately place it in

hope that checks might not be carried out

a suitable document holder to protect it as it may be subject to forensic examination

n Cited Company Secretary, Finance Directors

and other authorised contact details, including signatures, almost certainly having been scanned from published information available from various sources including the internet. The National Anti-Fraud Network has issued intelligence bulletins to local authorities, having noted that the fraud initially centred on requests to change bank details relating to construction companies frequently engaged on construction projects within council areas. Companies are also at risk because fraudsters can submit fake papers to Companies House and have the details of the director or official address of the company changed. Businesses can prevent fraudsters from changing their details by registering for the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Proof â&#x20AC;&#x2122; system at Companies House.This means that companies can only change their details online, using a password and confidential authentication code and by using a registered email address. These security measures make it significantly more difficult for fraudsters. Businesses and organisations can reduce the risk of fraud by measures including:

n Do not use the details supplied in the letter,

fax or email to contact the company n Take steps to ensure that appropriate

confirmation is obtained from supplier companies regarding any changes to business bank account information or key business personnel information n Check all details on any request for change

against information already held. This will include company names, contact numbers, company registration numbers,VAT numbers, addresses, web addresses and all email addresses. n Telephone the contact number for the

suppliers head office used on previously paid invoices and confirm the change. n Contact police if attempted fraud is

identified. For information, you can contact the Scottish Business Crime Centre Liaison Scottish Intelligence Co-ordination Unit and Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency on 01506 524 548

n Remind staff not to provide genuine supplier

companies reference information via the telephone n Review and verify bank account and single

point of contact information for all supplier companies

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Edinburgh now a key focus in the easyJet expansion strategy. By Hugh Aitken,

easyJet’s Scotland Commercial Manager The city’s growing prominence as a business and leisure destination has seen us launch three new routes from Edinburgh Airport this year. From September we will begin flying to Tenerife and will introduce Scotland’s only direct route to Athens. In addition December will see us launch Grenoble as another great ski opportunity from the city. The new destinations bring the number of easyJet routes from Edinburgh to 23, meeting our objective of responding to customer demand by providing an even greater choice of city, sun and ski destinations. The new routes will be supported by the arrival of a new 180-seat Airbus A320, as we deliver close to an additional 260,000 seats to our business and leisure routes from Scotland’s capital city. The main focus now for growth in Edinburgh and Scotland will be on increasing capacity and frequency on our domestic routes as we continue to win a greater share of the business travel market. We currently offer more than 300 weekly flights between Scotland and London and our ongoing engagement with the Scottish

business community has told us that business travellers in Scotland demand flexibility and value. We have responded to this by introducing a new ‘Scotland Flex’ product, a flexible ticketing arrangement which gives passengers the freedom to fly back from any London airport to any Scottish airport. Added benefits like being able to print your boarding pass up to 28 days before departure, switching to an earlier flight home for free, and the ability to transfer onto the next available flight for a flat fee of £42 if you miss your flight, also combine to give our passengers a great product. Going forward we will continue to develop our product offering and work with the city and the local business community to enhance Edinburgh’s position as a leading business and leisure destination.

New ‘green’ division for Warners Commercial lawyers Warners have launched a new division to serve the legal needs of the rapidly-growing energy sector in Scotland. The creation of Ennova Renewable Energy Law comes as Warners Commercial has seen demand for its specialist ‘green’ services grow. Ennova will comprise three partners – Bill Gibson, Ross Kennedy and John Cumming - a consultant, two solicitors and support staff, as well as having the scope to draw on other expertise.

Bill Gibson said: “Energy development and the intelligent and efficient use of renewable energy is now of vital importance to everyone in Scotland. “Many of our clients have been among the first early adopters of renewable energy projects. That’s meant we have been growing our knowledge of the often complex and comprehensive legal aspects of the sector for a considerable time.”

The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies: Alpha Man Limited Angela Carr Arnatt Abrey Bennett Limited Ather & Co Limited Back Roads Marketing Brightspace Design Consultant Limited Caledonian Tree Co. Limited Carnival Chaos Cockburns Cushman & Wakefield Drum Central Edinburgh Limited Eleonorwapler French Translation Services Epic Software Limited Eulysis Limited Executive Electrical Flintriver FWB Limited Gourmet Cooking Services Grigor Mitchell Architect HPD Couriers I Luv Limited Independent Women Jewellery Bird Limited Lift Financial Mapix Technologies Limited Mcdowall Consulting Limited Medicalternative Morgan + Rose Photography Morningside School of Music Nested Limited Pistepals Limited Place2Be, The Praefectus Consulting LTD Prestland & Co Property Consultants Limited Proactive Living Rav Web Solutions Riccarton Garden Centre Rombo Verde Limited Spirit Lettings & Sales Limited St James’s Place Steven Kerr Public Affairs SunGard Availability Services TANK Communications The William Tracey Group Treasury Sense Usher hall Visualise Scotland Wired in Scotland

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Partners in Enterprise Business Innovation gets a Boost Scottish SMEs can now access a range of expertise, facilities and funding to boost innovation and profitability, though a £2.3 million initiative led by Edinburgh Napier University.

initiative is able to provide businesses with a truly unique offering; stimulating innovation across Scotland’s businesses via spanning easy access to specialist skills, technical support, facilities and funding.”

The initiative is one of the first of its kind and offers SMEs unique access to a network of nine University and College partners from across the East of Scotland, providing a gateway to a range of support designed to assist in the development of innovative products, processes and services.

Partners in this initiative include Queen Margaret University, University of St Andrews, Carnegie College, Elmwood College, Jewel and Esk College, Oatridge College, Edinburgh’s Telford College and Stevenson College Edinburgh.

Support provided by the initiative will focus on priority sectors including creative industries, energy & renewables, food & drink, informatics, life sciences & healthcare, manufacturing, sustainable construction, tourism and rural business.

The initiative is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Scottish Funding Council’s SEEKIT fund. For further information, contact Samantha Penn on: 0131 455 6311, email: s.penn@napier.ac.uk

To help develop projects between SMEs and academic partners, the initiative has access to an innovation fund.The initiative can also assist SMEs to access additional sources of funding support such as Innovation Vouchers, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, SMART awards and R&D Grants. Dr Brendan McGuckin, Head of Commercialisation at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Scotland’s university based research is ranked amongst the best in the world. By combining business access to research results in combination with the vocational expertise of the College sector, this

College Edinburgh, on an Innovation Funded project focusing on creating renewable energy from a novel source. The company is utilising the expertise of academic staff with Stevenson’s electrical engineering department to assess the feasibility of converting human kinetic energy, generated through the use of self-powered exercise equipment (such as bikes and cross-trainers), into electricity. If successful, the company plan to develop the system into an innovative training device, with a range of individual incentives being put in place for achieving energy generation targets. The system will also result in significant cost savings for the company by reducing their reliance on electricity imported from the grid and provide an excellent demonstration of OneLife Leisure’s commitment to the environment. On completion of the feasibility project, the company expects to apply for further funding to work with Stevenson College Edinburgh, or one of its other academic partners, on the development of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

Case study: getting Fit for innovation OneLife Leisure, based in Livingston, is receiving funding and support from Stevenson

Find out more about our Partners in enterprise on our website: www.edinburghchamber.co.uk in the ‘About us’ section.

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Moversandshakers ART. WORKS. Since graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in 2008 trevor Jones’ career ascent has been exceptional. Involved with four near sell-out exhibitions to date, Jones’ work is in such high demand that a limited edition print division to his art business has been established. Jones has exhibited in numerous galleries including the UNIONgallery, Edinburgh and the prestigious Lemon Street Gallery in Cornwall. His original paintings and prints can be found

in public and private collections nationally and internationally. “Trevor Jones is an exciting, young artist who is making his own distinctive contribution to abstract painting in Scotland.” Bill Hare, writer and Scottish art historian To discuss commissions or to enquire about work for your office or your home contact the artist at info@trevorjonesart.com www.trevorjonesart.com

Investing in the future at Turcan Connell Turcan Connell is delighted to announce the appointment of tim hall as Nonexecutive Charity Investment Consultant and the promotion of richard hyder to Head of Charity Investment.

From left to right: Alex Montgomery (Partner & Head of Asset Management) welcomes Tim Hall and Richard Hyder.

Ali joins up Ali Paterson joined Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) as Fundraising Manager for South East Scotland in January after more than 20 years work in the voluntary sector. From producing theatre in the 90s to slightly less dramatic work fundraising for conservation, gender equality, and life-long learning charities, the importance of partnerships has always been key; partnerships with the public, with peer organisations and with businesses.

CHAS is a charity which provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children with lifeshortening conditions. CHAS runs two children’s hospices, Robin House in Balloch and Rachel House in Kinross, as well as a homecare service called CHAS at Home which operates throughout Scotland. There are four CHAS regional fundraising offices and the South East Office covers the Borders up to Falkirk. Each office has associations with their local Chambers of Commerce.

Solving students’ storage problem Stewart Arbuckle has launched a business aimed at helping international students. During studies at Edinburgh and Northumbria Universities, during which he achieved Masters degrees in Mathematics and Economics and Real Estate Management, Stewart realised that there was a lack of an all-in-one summer storage provider for international students.

The result, in February this year, was the launch of StudentStorage.Com to resolve the problem. For more contact: stewart@studentstorage.com or go to www.studentstorage.com

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Business por traiture by Graham Car nie B.A.

Graham Carnie Tuskite Photography 0131 477 6594

Graham’s commission was to photograph Malcolm Scott, one of Scotland’s most respected and influential business men. Malcolm’s latest venture is the revolutionary ‘ART ROCH’, Edinburgh’s first Boutique Hostel. For more information about Graham Carnie and his work, go to: www.grahamcarniephotography.co.uk

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Skills mean more with SQA.

SQA offers a range of qualifications and services to develop the skills people need to work more effectively and more productively. Meaning happier employers, happier staff, happier results.

Smile.

Log onto www.sqa.org.uk/employers Contact SQAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Development Team on 0303 333 0330 or email mycentre@sqa.org.uk

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