Nourishing the Green Investment Bank
APRIL/MAY 2012
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It would be difficult to over-estimate the significance of Vince Cable’s decision to award the UK’s Green Investment Bank HQ to Edinburgh.
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Along with the status (and the responsibility) of funding the UK’s renewable energy and low carbon future, comes an investment of £3 billion and approximately 40 high value executive jobs. Of more significance, perhaps, is how the GIB reaffirms Edinburgh’s credentials as a centre of excellence in financial services, project finance and partnership development. These are the elements of our ‘knowledge economy’ which will nourish the GIB, enabling it to support the UK and Europe’s green energy revolution, with Edinburgh at its heart. Alongside the Enterprise Zone status awarded to Leith, where Forth Ports are investing in Scotland’s offshore wind potential, Edinburgh is now able seriously to state its case as the leading hub for low carbon and renewable energy investment. I am enormously proud of the role that this Chamber of Commerce played in the partnership which assembled a winning bid, particularly my predecessor, Ron Hewitt; your President, Robert Carr; and Director of Policy and Communications, Graham Birse. They played a leading role in the coalition of public and private sector partners who developed a winning mentality and a winning bid. As a result, our economy and our membership stands to benefit from the impact that investment on this scale will facilitate.
– 3.5), agreed poses.
07 Capital view 08 Enterprise Areas ‘good for Scottish business’
37 In the spotlight 41 Ask the expert / get with IT 44 Getting started
13 Be the best
47 New members
15 Going international
49 Partners in enterprise 50 Movers & shakers
ALL EDITORIAL AN D G EN ERAL EN QU IRIES: Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Tel: 0131 221 2999 email mayan.grace@edinburghchamber.co.uk
Business Comment is an Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce publication.
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Capital House, 2 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SU www.edinburghchamber.co.uk
• Advocating a ‘developer friendly’ approach to planning and economic development
President: Robert Carr Chief Executive: Dave Birrell
• Organising our first Edinburgh Chamber Business Awards in aid of Cash for Kids, on March 29
BU SIN ESS COM M EN T EDITOR Mayan Grace, Tel: 0131 221 2971 Email: mayan.grace@edinburghchamber.co.uk
David Birrell
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24|25 Nourishing the Green Investment Bank
• Arguing for Business Rates relief for those affected by tram construction
David.birrell@edinburghchamber.co.uk
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05 Group unveils strategy for tourism sector
22|23 The Interview
But there’s much more to be done. As you’ll see elsewhere in this edition, your Chamber has been acting in your interests on a raft of issues, including:
We never forget that we are here to support you, our members, in your businesses, so that you can grow and prosper. And I want to hear from you if you have any advice for me on how we might improve.
ive, 4DJ
04 Scottish Apprentice star leads next generation of entrepreneurs
19 60 seconds
16|17 Inspiring connections
• Helping to shape a new Economic Development Strategy for Edinburgh
ATE
03 Introduction / contents
P RODU CTION & DESIG N Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISIN G Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2345 john.neilson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk FEATU RE 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.
chief executive
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Chambernews Scottish Apprentice star leads next generation of entrepreneurs A Scottish entrepreneur, who made it to the final stages of ‘The Apprentice’ has launched a course with Jewel & Esk College, aimed at training young entrepreneurs. The course - called ‘Scotland’s Next Millionaire’ because of its focus on entrepreneurship - will challenge 12 students, aged 16-19, to run a business for six months whilst learning crucial entrepreneurial skills. The business boot camp is currently recruiting its first round of applicants. Sharon McAllister, who appeared alongside Lord Sugar in series two of the Apprentice and made it to the last three, is now Head of Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Jewel & Esk College and will mentor the students. She said: “This course is designed to inspire entrepreneurial students and equip them with the skills required to be successful -
whether that’s setting up and running their own business or having transferable skills which will help make them employable. “It is a tough job market out there and especially so for this age group. By giving students such a practical and hands-on approach to learning, we hope to equip them with a competitive edge and entrepreneurial mind-set..” Scotland’s Next Millionaire is being run in conjunction with Edinburgh Guarantee which was launched in response to rising levels of youth unemployment in the city. Sue Bruce, Chief Executive of The City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Jewel & Esk College is an important contributor to the Edinburgh Guarantee programme which aims to ensure that, at a time of high youth unemployment, all school leavers in Edinburgh go on to a positive destination. “This new course will provide an excellent opportunity for young people to develop entrepreneurial skills which will enable them to achieve success as future entrepreneurs and Jewel & Esk College is to be congratulated on this initiative.”
Sharon McAllister
Students who successfully complete the course will achieve a National Progression Award (NPA) in Enterprise and Business, which can then be progressed to an HNC in Business. If the initial project is successful, the college hopes to run the course again in August.
Edinburgh flying high in world airport rankings Bosses at Edinburgh Airport have praised the hard work of staff following an announcement that the gateway has been rated among the top in the world in an independent survey measuring passenger satisfaction. Edinburgh’s terminal, services and facilities placed 2nd in Europe, triumphing over 47 other airports. Malta ranked 1st in Europe and Porto placed 3rd. The capital’s airport has been awarded a 2011 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award which is given to airports which receive the most positive feedback from passengers who are interviewed while they are waiting to board their flight at the gate. The annual ASQ Survey is considered the global standard for measuring passenger
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satisfaction and asks more than 350,000 air travellers in 200 airports worldwide to rate their satisfaction with the airport they are in that day. Jim O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Edinburgh Airport, said: “This award is a fantastic validation of the dedication and hard work of the team at Edinburgh Airport. ASQ scores are vital to us in improving our service because they give voice to our passengers. We’re listening to them and I believe that it is paying dividends.” Ten factors identified by the ASQ Awards as essential for high customer service ratings are, by order of importance: the ambience of the airport, cleanliness of the terminal, comfort
of the waiting areas, availability of toilets, cleanliness of toilets, courtesy and helpfulness of the airport staff, business lounges, ease of making connections, passport / ID inspection experience and good shopping facilities.
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on the economic, social and cultural life of the city. Once a highly seasonal destination, Edinburgh now has a rich, diverse yearround industry, with a very strong, high yield conference and meetings sector. Tourismrelated employment has gone up from 12,000 in 1989 to 32,000 today.
Pipe up for tourism – ETAG chair Robin Worsnop (left) and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing (right) launches the new strategy with the help of a couple of Edinburgh Zoo’s pandas
“By providing a network for communication and bringing businesses together to share best practice, collaborate and innovate, we can simultaneously helping individual business improve their performance while enhancing the visitor experience and strengthen Edinburgh’s position as a world class visitor destination.” Edinburgh 2020: The Edinburgh Tourism Strategy is available to download at www.etag.org.uk
£1/2 million ambition for Edinburgh tourism
Bright start for office centre
A new strategy published by the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) has pledged to increase the volume of the industry by £485 million by 2020
players from the capital’s tourism industry, setting out the strategy‘s core objectives to:
The Edinburgh 2020: Edinburgh Tourism Strategy, launched on behalf of the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG), sets out key priorities for the continued growth of the city’s tourism sector.
* reduce seasonality across the sector by achieving 50% of growth during October to March, reducing current 40:60 split in visits to 43:57 between October to March and April to September.
Speaking at ETAG’s seventh annual conference, held at the John McIntyre Conference Centre, Mr Ewing addressed key
Chair of ETAG Robin Worsnop said: “The past 20 years have seen a remarkable transformation in the scale and nature of Edinburgh’s tourism industry and its impact
EMS
* increase the number of visits by one third: from 3.27m to 4.39m per annum * increase the value of every visitor’s spend by 10% from £310.40 to £341.44 per trip. Combined with increasing the number of visitors by a third, this will generate an additional £485 million per annum by 2020
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ROYAL HIGHLAND CENTRE PROVIDES A GLOBAL STAGE FOR SCOTLAND The Royal Highland Centre (RHC) is once again demonstrating it means business by hosting a diverse range of world-class events at the largescale venue adjacent to Edinburgh airport.
and leading tour operators in the capacious Highland Hall. This event will provide a welcome £1.7 million boost to the local economy as well as reaffirming RHC’s ability to deliver client’s aspirations.
Recently voted the UK’s best agricultural show, this year marks the 52nd anniversary of the fourday event which consistently attracts upwards of 180,000 visitors each year.
Tee Time
Flower Power
www. royalhighlandcentre.co.uk
Teeing off with The Scottish Golf Show from 30th March to 1st of April, organisers are confident that the switch to the RHC will assist in attracting higher numbers of consumers making it the biggest show yet.
Show on Scotland
Showcasing Scotland in its best light will be the role of the RHC as it welcomes back to Edinburgh the country’s biggest tourism trade show, on the 25th and 26th April. Organised by VisitScotland, over 230 tourism businesses will meet with the world’s press
Gardening Scotland, organisers of Scotland’s largest horticultural and outdoor living show, expects to build on the 40,000 visitors it attracted last year when it returns to RHC between 1-3 June 2012. Organisers have recently signed a three-year deal with the RHC underlying their confidence in the venue.
The Greatest Show on Earth
Arguably the jewel in the crown of the Centre’s calendar of events, The Royal Highland Show makes a welcome return between 21-24 June.
To find out more about the Royal Highland Centre please visit www.royalhighlandcentre.org.uk or call us on 0131 335 6200
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Capitalview Connecting is key for the Capital’s small businesses If you listen to the news these days, you’d be forgiven for wanting to hide under your duvet amid all of the bleak reports of huge bank losses, rising unemployment and the double-dip recession that’s supposedly looming on the horizon.
In the five years since then, we’ve grown our own business rapidly and now have customers all across the UK and overseas. Our staff numbers have tripled in the past 12 months and we’re now looking to expand further into international markets.
It’s depressing stuff but, despite the doom and gloom, it’s important to remember a few positives. In Edinburgh - and throughout the rest of the country - we have a wealth of freelancers, sole traders and micro-businesses that are proving resilient to the downturn; and I believe that these entrepreneurs are likely to be the people who lead our economy on the path back to health.
But we’re still an Edinburgh company at heart, with strong roots and an HQ in the heart of the city as well as a passionate base of core customers in the Capital. Although we have global ambitions, we’re also fiercely committed to the local economy in Edinburgh - and we regularly meet start-up companies and freelancers in the city who impress us with their innovative ideas and enthusiasm.
I feel very strongly about the overwhelmingly positive effect that small businesses and freelancers can have on the local - and national - economy. After all, when my co-founders and I started FreeAgent in Edinburgh in 2007, we were all freelancers and extremely proud of the fact we were working for ourselves. Our one frustration was that we found bookkeeping to be a nightmare and couldn’t believe that there wasn’t a simple, cost-effective system that was specifically designed for freelancers or sole traders to use - so we created one of our own. And we launched with a single ideal: to “democratise accounting” by giving other micro-businesses and freelancers like us the opportunity to manage their books, track their time and expenses, and invoice their customers more easily.
Because of our own origins as a small startup, we now want to give other fledgling businesses in Edinburgh the chance to establish themselves and be successful. Our vision is to create a FreeAgent community in the city where we share our own experiences with freelancers and small business, as well as providing a platform for other successful Edinburgh companies to pass on their own business insights. There’s no doubt that times are tough just now and a lot of businesses are struggling, but I believe that innovation, collaboration and support will be vital to securing Edinburgh’s future economic stability. We need to ensure our start-up scene is a beacon for the rest of the country and that micro-businesses and freelancers in the city
Ed Molyneux CEO Freeagent
are nurtured properly, so they become the business leaders of tomorrow. I’m very proud of the fact that FreeAgent has retained its identity as a business that is run from Edinburgh, and that the majority of our staff either live or work here. I’m sure that many of Edinburgh’s current group of start-ups and freelancers feel a similar strong connection to the city - so it’s imperative that they receive the support they need to stay and grow their businesses in the Capital. Ed Molyneux is CEO and co-founder of FreeAgent, who provide an award-winning online accounting system designed to meet the needs of freelancers and small businesses. Try it for free at www.freeagent.com
Above average salaries in energy sector UK oil and gas industry professionals enjoy competitive wages, according to The Oil and Gas Global Salary Guide 2012, which is based on data from more than 14,000 respondents, 5,000 of them in Scotland. The Guide, produced by Hays Oil & Gas and leading jobsite Oil and Gas Job Search, shows that full-time UK oil professionals
enjoy average salaries of approximately £55,850 per annum which is more than twice the national salary average of £26,244. The 2012 survey also demonstrates strong growth in salaries for imported labour in the North Sea; experienced engineers and managers can expect average rates of £540 per day and, for director level contractors, the figure rises to around £900 per day.
Matt Underhill, Managing Director of Hays Oil & Gas, said: “The figures from the 2012 guide demonstrate that the UK oil and gas industry has maintained this recovery and day rates remain buoyant.”
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Businessnews
Enterprise Areas ‘good for Edinburgh’ The announcement that four Enterprise Areas are to be created in Scotland, two of them taking in Edinburgh sites, has been welcomed. The Port of Leith and the Port of Dundee have been selected as one of two Scottish Enterprise Areas covering renewables and low carbon technologies. The announcement that Edinburgh is to be the UK headquarters of the Green Investment Bank has further enhanced the Port’s status and potential. Ministers selected the Port of Leith because it offers uninterrupted access to the Forth estuary and the North Sea, providing significant opportunities to develop an offshore wind sector supply chain. The Port of Leith was also chosen because the 60 hectare site is the largest potential development area across all Scottish east coast ports, making it attractive to potential investors. The other Enterprise Area with specific Edinburgh involvement covers Life Sciences, including the BioQuarter in Edinburgh, a flagship life sciences site which offers
manufacturing as well as research and development opportunities. Other sites involved include the Biocampus, Midlothian, Irvine (North Ayrshire), Inverness Campus, Forres (Moray), Annickbank and Biocampus (Midlothian). The Scottish Government is now working on specific incentives that will be offered to encourage private investment at each of the sites. Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said: “As a Government we are doing all we can to support jobs and create the best possible business conditions to achieve sustainable economic growth for Scotland. “Enterprise Areas are another means to help us achieve this and form a key part of our Government Economic Strategy. “We have worked closely with our enterprise agencies to select sites which can exploit opportunities in growth sectors and in many cases these will help create jobs in areas of Scotland that are facing challenging economic conditions. “We are taking this innovative sectoral approach as it will make better use of resources and target investment where it will be most effective. Incentives available will depend on the characteristics of each site and these may include reduced business rates.”
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Scottish Enterprise managing director of operations Jim McFarlane said: “We particularly welcome the focus on manufacturing and anticipate that all the designated areas will offer significant potential to stimulate and deliver new jobs in some of Scotland’s leading industry sectors such as renewable energy, life sciences and creative industries.” Among those welcoming the initiatives was leading Scottish commericial property consultants Ryden, for whom Dr Mark Robertson said: “The recent rise in Scottish unemployment highlights the need for initiatives such as EAs to bring jobs to locations across the country and generally make Scotland more attractive to high growth firms and for inward investment.” Colleague David Fraser said: “‘From an Edinburgh perspective, the inclusion of the Port of Leith within an EA is a major step towards reinvigorating this once-thriving industrial area of the City and will hopefully have a positive wider economic impact for the region.”
The other Enterprise Areas are: Low Carbon / Renewables North Enterprise Area: Hatston (Orkney), Arnish (Western Isles), Nigg (Highland) , Scrabster (Highland) and Lyness (Orkney). They specialise in technologies including marine and wind. General Manufacturing and Growth Sectors Enterprise Area: Creative Clyde (Glasgow) – a 14 hectare site based at Pacific Quay offering opportunities for creative industries, and Prestwick International (S Ayrshire) – the vast majority of the Scottish aerospace industry is based in the west of Scotland with Prestwick accommodating 12 companies in the sector.
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Scottish Chambers prioritise youth unemployment challenge inspiring solutions that bring together businesses, government and young people. “Scotland is at one in acknowledging the pressing problem of unemployment among our young people. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce are looking forward to working closely with the Scottish Government and others to ensure that its youth employment budget is directed in the best possible way to support businesses to contribute the jobs, work experience and training that are needed to address this.
Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance MSP discusses the programme with two clients
Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Cameron has pledged to support Scottish Government initiatives to tackle youth unemployment. She was speaking after discussions by Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance in the Scottish Parliament.
“A substantial amount of the youth employment budget remains unallocated; we welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to work with us on a series of regional youth employment events, creating a real partnership between government and the private sector to drive progress. “In this tough economic environment, public funding is precious and we must make sure we optimise it effectiveness. Scottish Chambers of Commerce hope that the Scottish Government’s commitment to an ‘all-Government, all-Scotland’ approach to this issue will mean that employability funding across the piece is coordinated and directed to where it is most effective.
Liz Cameron said: “Youth unemployment must be a priority for businesses across Scotland. Scottish Chambers of Commerce, through our network, look forward to developing effective, innovative and
Biomass plan withdrawn Forth Energy has announced its intention to withdraw its biomass plan for the Port of Leith. The move comes in light of the new proposals to develop the Port as a hub for offshore renewable energy manufacture and support, and the consequent demand for space at the site. Forth Energy – the joint venture between Forth Ports Limited and SSE plc – will re-assess the potential for renewable energy production at the Port of Leith, owned by Forth Ports, once the plans for the site become clearer. Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “The level of demand from renewables companies keen to locate at the Port of Leith means that it is appropriate that we draw breath while we see how the land configuration at the port evolves.”
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ADVERTORIAL
How can Scottish companies thrive by pooling their resources? Sarah Deas, Chief Executive, Cooperative Development Scotland (CDS), explains how companies can come together to grow their business. Scottish businesses are facing up to the challenges of the on-going economic storm. In times of hardship companies survive and thrive by working together and pooling their resources. At Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) we offer companies the tools to do just that, through a consortium business model.
Sarah Deas, Chief Executive, Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS)
Consortium Model Through establishing a consortium, businesses are better placed to enter and develop new markets and bid for contracts that might otherwise be out of their reach. Consortium working allows businesses to work as equal partners regardless of their size. The structure is flexible and can be established with minimal cost. Companies increase their economic resilience and reach, without compromising their own independence. We have highlighted Yellow Brick House as an example of how this works in practice.Yellow Brick House is a consortium of four businesses specialising in new media content and marketing, television production, web development and graphic design. By combining their complementary capabilities the four members are able to pitch for bigger contracts that would be out of their reach as smaller individual entities. The result is a new agency producing cutting-edge broadcast and internet content. This kind of co-operative has real relevance to Scotland’s modern day business landscape. So having run through the theory of the consortium model, it is worth exploring the other types of practical scenarios these can be applied to: n Buying products or services together to achieve volume discounts and cost savings n Facilitating access to new markets - marketing and selling together n Sharing resources such as premises or capital equipment
Likewise we know that 2013 will see new legislation on food waste segregation that will be of concern to small restaurants. Compliance could be costly and complicated. But a consortium, owned and run by the restaurants, might provide technical advice, waste uplifts and income from the sale of waste for renewable energy regeneration.
Collaboration Prize CDS wants to help more businesses collaborate with each other. So, in conjunction with Business Gateway, we are setting up an exciting new Collaboration Prize. This aims to encourage businesses to consider collaboration and pitch an idea for a new consortium co-operative. The prize fund will be worth £30,000 and runs throughout 2012. The prize was launched by First Minister Alex Salmond at a special ceremony at Edinburgh Castle on March 29 and entries must be in by 31 July. Business Gateway is running a series of workshops across the country over the coming months where people can find out more. Winners will be announced in August 2012. Up to three winning concepts will be selected by a judging panel to each receive a cash prize of £5,000 and up to 10 days of consultancy support (valued at £5,000) to scope out the initial concept idea.
n Tendering to bid for higher value contracts n Providing mutual support and advice among members Scotland’s many small breweries could benefit significantly by collaborating with each other. For example, while they may compete with each other in the local market, by forming a consortium cooperative they could share the costs and risks of entry to export markets. If the breweries purchase similar ingredients – say barley or hops – the consortium could negotiate quantity discounts on behalf of all the members, thus reducing their input costs and improving business performance.
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To enter just find the online application form on the CDS website at www.cdscotland.co.uk Entries are assessed on five criteria: n Economic impact n Importance to key sectors of the Scottish economy n Commitment of members to work collaboratively n Level of innovation and creativity n Sustainability of the business model
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International Year of Co-operatives Did you know that there are over 550 co-operative businesses in Scotland with a combined turnover of more than £4bn and employing 28,600? Worldwide co-operatives employ nearly 100 million people – 20 per cent more than multinationals. 2012 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Co-operatives (IYC), highlighting the contribution of co-operatives to socio-economic development. We have developed a year-long programme of activity to raise awareness and understanding of the benefits of cooperative business models. The year was officially launched by First Minister Alex Salmond at Edinburgh Castle on 29 March. Like what you have heard so far? For more information or advice on starting your own consortium co-operative or for details of how to enter the Collaboration Prize, please visit www.cdscotland.co.uk or call us on 0141 951 3055.
Consortium Case Study: Yellow Brick House Leading players in Scotland’s digital media and television industries have collaborated, with help from CDS, to form a new agency producing cutting-edge broadcast and internet content. Yellow Brick House is a media consortium co-operative with four members. It was born in 2010 after two of the principals – Dougal Perman and Roger Dubar – met at a networking event. Dougal Perman said: “It allows us to compete on equal terms with bigger marketing, web and digital agencies who may be seen as the first port of call for big clients tendering these kind of jobs.” The members of Yellow Brick House are: Inner Ear Ltd – a digital media production and promotion business founded in 2000 by Dougal Perman and Tom Lousada, creators
Yellow Brick House is an example of a business consortium
of the highly-acclaimed internet radio station Radio Magnetic. Surefire Television Productions Ltd – a traditional television production company founded in 2010 by BAFTA award-winning producer Eric Coulter and media lawyer Roger Dubar. Ryan Addams – Freelance web and graphic designer. Don MacLellan – Freelance web developer and technology consultant. So how did it work? A specialist CDS adviser considered the members’ purpose and outlined collaborative options. Focussing on the consortium model, they showed how it applies in other situations and how it could operate for this group. CDS guided the members through the set up stage, providing memorandum and articles of association and developing a customised members’ agreement, all at no charge. No additional office space is required for the new entity. The challenge facing the group was how to establish the brand in a crowded marketplace and fit in with existing workloads. But through the use of regular board meetings, shared online tools like Google Docs and informal brainstorming sessions, members are fully engaged in the new venture.
And the benefi ts? n Scale: Improved market presence and access to larger contracts n Scope: Each business offers different strengths to form a strong collective unit n Independence: Not detracting from each individual’s core business or brand n Low risk: As a virtual agency, no additional premises or staff are required n Flexibility: New members can be invited to join the consortium as it grows n Growth: The overall aim is to promote the growth of members’ businesses For further information see: www.yellowbrickhouse.co.uk About CDS Co-operative Development Scotland is a Scottish Enterprise subsidiary set up to develop the contribution of consortium and employee-owned businesses to Scotland. It works in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
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Tram business rates relief? Assessor says no The Edinburgh and Lothian Assessor has firmly slammed the door on the prospect of businesses affected by tram works receiving any rates relief. Responding to a request from Edinburgh Chamber that a non domestic rates reduction scheme implemented in 2007 should be repeated in order to support vulnerable businesses in the West End and Haymarket, Ms Joan Hewton said she had no plans to re-introduce the scheme. The decision comes as a bitter disappointment to businesses in the West End, where the closure of Shandwick Place has made an already challenging retail environment much more difficult. Michael Apter, of Studio One and Paper Tiger, Chairman of the West End Traders Association, said: “When we last faced these problems, tram-facing traders received a 20% reduction in their rates. The benefit of this is that it is relatively easy to implement and it puts money directly into the P&L of hard-pressed businesses. We’ve been working with the city to introduce support measures, including marketing and signposting, so this decision by the Assessor is difficult to comprehend.” The Assessor was responding to correspondence from Graham Birse, the Chamber’s Director of Policy and Communications, who wrote to her following a meeting of businesses in the area convened by the City Council in February, when the extend of hardship became evident. Graham Birse said: “Economic conditions have worsened since 2007 when the rates reduction scheme last operated, so it is a significant set back that no relief is to be made available this time round. We’re talking about supporting the survival of businesses in the area so they can trade profitably when the tram finally opens, and enjoy the benefits that it will bring. This decision does nothing to support that objective. Businesses can be assured that this Chamber of Commerce will
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continue to campaign in their interests and I want to hear from any business in the area who has a challenge we can help them with. The Assessor operates independently of the City Council. In correspondence with the Chamber she points out that current net annual values are based on rentals pertaining in 2008, when tram works were already
taking place; that the implementation of the 20% reduction scheme last time did not reduce the number of subsequent appeal workload for the Assessor and that there are wider economic conditions affecting businesses that are not tram related.Graham Birse added: “I would therefore urge all businesses in the area to take advice and lodge appeals against their current valuation.”
Referendum debate, where does business stand? The political temperature is rising after UK and Scottish Ministers met to discuss the terms of the Referendum on Scottish Independence, due to take place in 2014. With almost 11,000 member businesses across Scotland, naturally the Chamber of Commerce network wants to play an active part in the debate- from the perspective of growing the economy and managing our businesses. Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the other 20 chambers across the country to inform the debate and ask the questions you want answered. As an apolitical organisation, we will not be expressing a view for or against independence- as that is a matter for individuals within the privacy of the ballot box. However, we do believe that as employers, employees and shareholders in the Scottish economy, we need to understand more about the question (s) begin asked of us- and the implications for business. • Therefore, we are asking for: • A firm date to be set for the Referendum asap • The questions to be published at the earliest opportunity • Politicians to explain what the various options would entail • The Referendum to produce a clear and unambiguous outcome
To inform the debate, we will be holding a number of member events with political leaders and Ministers, so that issues around tax, business support, trade and exports, employment and growth shall be debated. We want you to have an active voice in this debate, so keep an eye on www.edinburghchamber.co.uk for event details. LOCAL ELECTION HUSTINGS With local elections taking place across Scotland on May 3, the Chamber of Commerce has invited the party leaders in Edinburgh to participate in a business hustings event on April 18, so that you can have your say of the local issues impacting on your business. The event takes place from 12-2pm at the Hub on the Royal Mile, with Councillors Jenny Dawe, for the Liberal Democrats, Jeremy Balfour, for Scottish Conservatives, Tom Buchanan for the SNP, and Andrew Burns, for Scottish Labour. The event will be Chaired by the Chamber’s Director of Policy and Communications, Graham Birse, who would like to hear from you in advance if you have any questions for our panel. This is your opportunity to challenge the politicians on their priorities for business and growth in the economy, so don’t be shy. Book your place by e-mail events@ edinburghchamber.co.uk or call the events team on 0131 221 2972 / 3194.
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You’ve tried the dinner, now join us for lunch The finest networking dinner in town has just been reinvented- as a lunch. The Chamber’s Premier Series Dinner has seen some of the top names in business, politics and finance come to the city to share their insights with our members in a high-level networking environment. Obviously we’re maintaining the successful dinner- but on March 6th convened our first Premier Series lunch at the Bonham Hotel, with a discussion topic to be aired around the tables and then shared in an informal open forum session Chaired by our President, Robert Carr, of Anderson Strathern. Our discussion topic was ‘leadership’, which prompted a lively debate around the types and qualities of leadership in business, in the community and in the city. We agreed that leaders needed to be visible, good communicators and have a clear and compelling
vision. Above all , they needed to have the capacity, the gravitas and the ability to wins hearts and minds, inside and outside their organisation. Mally Graveson of Heehaw Marketing said that leadership for him meant creating the environment in which people could express and develop themselves while improving the performance of the company. He said: “My philosophy is to employ people who add value and know more than I do. My motivation is to ensure that they are brilliant in my organisation and not someone else’s.” Stephen Philip of the Cherrybank Dental Practice said that talent development was a vital part of their leadership role in an industry which is constantly changing and improving alongside innovations in science and technology. Therefore, maintaining investment in learning, even in a recession, was essential. He said that appetite for risk may be diminished in a recession, but that leaders should take calculated risks.”
David Welsh of the George Hotel said that leadership in his company meant trusting your people- even at the risk of making mistakes. “Culture is so important in changing behaviour,” he said. “The vision and values we live by are understood by everyone, not just employees, but suppliers and partners too. “In our experience, managers push and leaders pull. It’s vital for leaders to be visible and responsive, to listen as much as broadcast information.” The next Premier Series lunch is on August 7, with the theme of ‘Policy-Making’. How do you influence policymakers in local and national government? Share your insights with experts from the Chamber movement and a leading policy and government relations experts. To book your place contact events@ edinburghchamber.co.uk or call the events team on 0131 221 2972 / 3194
City sees surge in student entrepreneurs “It’s a tough jobs market and those with an entrepreneurial mind-set have taken the plunge and worked hard to create their own job. Part-time jobs are also harder to come by than they were, so we’ve also seen students finding innovative ways to fund their way through university.” He said that attendance at Moffat Centre workshops and seminars had risen sharply, and that many more students were now coming from backgrounds other than business and enterprise. Mr Fannin said:“Although we have seen a surge in entrepreneurial activity, sadly the number of females starting-up their own business has dropped in the last two years. “We would like to encourage more female students starting up their own business to come forward with their ideas as we have already had some fantastic female success stories.”
Becky Rawlinson (left) owner of Athena fashion boutique
Entrepreneurial flair is on the rise according to start-up experts at Edinburgh Napier University.
businesses like computer game development and aromatherapy massage.
They have recorded a 205 per cent increase in student business start-ups in two years, while enquiries to the University’s entrepreneur support unit – the Moffat Centre – have more than doubled.
Many students are in the process of developing creative concepts like the ballroom dancer who has seen a gap in the Edinburgh market for good quality ballroom dancing lessons.
The number of active businesses the centre has on record have also risen by 31% including a recently opened city centre hostel and a skate park building business. Students are also running home-based
“We have seen a sharp rise in the number of students looking to start their own business over the last two years,” said Nick Fannin, manager of the Moffat Centre and business advisor at Edinburgh Napier.
Becky Rawlinson, 24, is one such success story. She opened her fashion boutique, Athena, in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket six months ago which showcases her own up-cycling work as well as locally made art, craft and fashion from other artists, with the help of the Moffat Centre after completing her BA Hons in Culture, Media and Society at Edinburgh Napier. She combined her love of fashion and the creative industries with the trend for eco chic and now creates new clothing and fashion items by recycling anything from old fabrics to bike tyres.
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Picture: Jon-Paul Orsi
Tartan honour for Edinburgh pandas
If proof were needed that the Edinburgh Pandas have become adopted Scots then the design of a tartan in their honour should do the job. The unique tartan was commission by Edinburgh Zoo from Kinloch Anderson, an Edinburgh family company, commemorate the arrival at Edinburgh Zoo late last year of Tian Tian and Yang Guang.The tartan has been approved by the Scottish Registrar of Tartans. Deirdre Kinloch Anderson, Senior Director of Kinloch Anderson, said: “Careful attention was given to create a tartan with a meaningful
background, with relevance both to the Zoo and also to China and, importantly, a tartan that people find attractive.
Stable idea
“In 1909 the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland was founded by the Edinburgh Lawyer Thomas Gillespie, so the sett is based on the Gillespie tartan. Clearly, the tartan was to be black and white, but also with some grey to soften it, just as there is some grey in the Pandas’ fur. The green line is for the Pandas’ favourite food of bamboo. There are three fine red lines to represent China.
Alison Grieve, 34, from Bruntsfield, has developed a “non-topple” drinks tray, the result of once watching an expensive bottle of Champagne tip over at an event she organised.The firm she has set up to sell it has now struck a deal to supply major US hotel chains, with thousands already sold. Ms Grieve said: “I know first-hand how embarrassing and costly it can be, not just on the pocket but to a company’s reputation, when trays of expensive drinks fall over. It was one of those leap-out-the-chair moments.” She secured help from Business Gateway Edinburgh and Scottish Enterprise and businesses which have bought into Safetray include Four Season Hotels, Sodexo and Compass Group. Ms Grieve is exploring other areas of the world which have a similar approach to serving drinks, such as hotels in the United Arab Emirates.
“Number 3 is China’s lucky number and also the red lines are in the heart of the design to indicate that the Pandas are in the hearts and minds of the Scottish and Chinese people. “ Hugh Roberts, acting Chief Executive for Edinburgh Zoo, said: “This significant and highly exciting project symbolically demonstrates the coming together of Scotland and China’s heritage and culture – making it the perfect way to commemorate the gift of two giant pandas that China bestowed upon Scotland.”
LH Occupational Health & Safety Services General Advice • Policy Development • Risk Assessment • Workplace Visits • Health & Safety • Health Promotion Events • Stress Management • Lifestyle Screening
Health Surveillance • Lead • Asbestos • Radiation • Skin • Respiratory • Stonemasons • HAVS (Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome) • Audiometry • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and Statutory Requirements.
Fitness Issues • Occupational Physician Referrals • Pre-employment screening • Workplace Assessment • Disability Advice • Drug and Alcohol Screening • Immunisations • Executive Medicals • Pre-retiral Medicals • Night Worker Assessments • Drivers’ Medicals • Access to Counselling and Fast-track Physiotherapy.
www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/lhohs
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Goinginternational Understanding Letters of Credit Frequently in international trade activities, buyers and sellers may find themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum, where the buyer may not wish or may not be permitted to remit payment in advance for goods, and the seller may be reluctant to ship goods without any guarantee of payment.
makes the commitment to pay, albeit that payment may be channelled through a nominated United Kingdom bank.This release of funds by the issuing bank is entirely dependent on the seller providing documentary evidence that all he has complied fully with conditions detailed in the Credit.
To overcome this impasse, parties may agree that a Documentary Letter of Credit is the most appropriate Method of Payment, as this provides security for both parties to the transaction.
It follows that as compliance with the terms is of paramount importance, sellers who are to be paid by means of a Letter of Credit, examine in detail the Letter of Credit on initial receipt and highlight those any discrepancies or issues to the buyer, which may be of concern to the seller and affect his ability for fulfil the conditions contained in the Credit.
For the buyer, there is the security that that payment will not be released to the seller unless all conditions detailed in the Letter of Credit are complied with and documentary evidence is provided to support to evidence compliance. For the seller, provided they comply fully with the conditions and produces relevant documentary evidence then payment will be forthcoming. In this respect, a Letter of Credit may be regarded as a conditional Guarantee of payment, conditional in that the seller must adhere strictly to the conditions contained within the Credit. Of critical importance in the handling of Letters of Credit is the need to accurately interpret the conditions and requirements detailed within the Letter of Credit, it is therefore imperative that both buyer and seller agree in advance as much of the content of Letter of Credit as possible. Banks play a pivotal role in Letters of Credit transactions, as it is the issuing bank which
The seller may request that the buyer arrange for amendments to the Letter of Credit terms , and if agreeable, the buyer should request amendments be made by the issuing bank and notification of amendments by that bank to any other bank involved in the handling of the Letter of Credit. Letters of Credit detail dates by which certain activities must take place, e.g ship by dates, presentation of documents date, Letter of Credit expiry date etc and the seller must be fully aware of the need to ensure full compliance with these dates as any failure in adherence will effect release of payment to him. The use of a checklist to aid the examination process of a Letter of Credit, and further supported by a documentation and activity flow chart can be of great benefit in ensuring that shipment and all other aspects of the
Fuel advice Scottish companies are being advised to set their fuel costs now as a strategy to minimise the possible impact of the proposed fuel duty increase in August. Treasury experts at Clydesdale Bank say it is important for businesses of all sizes to stabilise their future fuel prices. Although the UK Government recently postponed the proposed fuel
duty increase of 3p per litre until August, fuel prices continue to fluctuate. The bank says businesses can prepare for fuel duty increases and fluctuating fuel prices by exercising a fuel hedging contract. Fuel hedging brings stability to a fuel purchasing strategy, allowing prices to be fixed for a set period.
Credit conditions are adhered to in a structured manner. Traders dealing in Letters of Credit should ensure that the any Letter of Credit received by them, clearly indicates that the Credit is subject to the ICC Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits 2007 (UCP 600) as this publication provides guidance on interpretation and phraseology in regard to Letters of Credit. For further information regarding Letters of Credit please contact your bank, or any of the major banks who should be able to help. We can assist you with all of the documentation and legalisation services you need to export your goods and services quickly and easily, avoiding costly delays and ensuring prompt customs clearance. Our services are provided by our dedicated team of qualified and approved documentation officers, located in Livingston.We also offer electronic certification services that are simple to use and can be completed online with minimum effort. For more information please contact Annette Kinghorn on 01506 468914. or e-mail Annette.kinghorn@ edinburghchamber.co.uk
Connecting the Capital Edinburgh is in position to receive a share of a £100 million capital fund from the UK Government to make the capital a ‘super-connected city’ by 2015. The outline proposal for the ‘Connected Capital’ Programme was submitted by the City of Edinburgh Council in February and focuses on driving economic growth and
digital participation through investment in wireless access in the city centre and other key city locations, as well as improvements to broadband connectivity and speeds across the city for both residents and businesses.
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Inspiringconnections Greggs on a roll – Premier Series dinner with Kennedy McMeikan, Chief Executive of Greggs
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Photos by Graham Carnie, Tuskite Photography
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Kennedy McMeikan, Chief Executive of Greggs meeting Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce President Robert Carr, and Chief Executive Dave Birrell
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Gavin Carson from Aon Risk Solutions with Liz McAreavey of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and Andrew Moorehouse from the RBS Group
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Roz Cushieri of Genius Good Ltd and Tom Faulkner of MacSween
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Keith Barbour of Network ROI and Valerie Mentiplay of the Point Hotel
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Tom Haplin of SACRO and Lynn Millar of the Signature Pub Group relaxing at the drinks reception
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Iain McLean of Biggart Baillie, Colin Henderson of Edinburgh Boat Charters Ltd and Pauline Platt of Pauline Platt Marketing
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Roger Colkett from Brightedge Project Management Ltd with Jonathan Evans from the Lloyds Banking Group and Luke Rodwell from Talent Focus Limited
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Photos by Graham Carnie, Tuskite Photography
Photos by Graham Carnie, Tuskite Photography
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Fiona Irving and Ann Mclellan from Capita Carillion
The Danish Ambassador visits the Chamber! 09
David Birrell, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Chamber with Ms Anne Hedensted Steffensen, Danish Ambassador to the UK, and Graham Birse, Director of Policy & Communications at Edinburgh Chamber and Liz McAreavey, Director of Operations at Edinburgh Chamber
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Inspiringconnections Upcoming Events Speed Networking
New Members Event
Wednesday 11 April 2012 | 09.30am - 1.30pm
Wednesday 18 April 2012 | 5.30pm - 7.00pm
If you prefer a more facilitated type of networking, then this is the event for you. During a morning you meet a minimum of 20 delegates face to face where you get the chance to talk about your business for a few minutes before moving on and meeting someone else. This is not one for the faint-hearted! There is also a chance to chat informally over a buffet lunch after the Speed Networking. Book now as places are limited. Due to the format only 1 person from each company can attend.
New Chamber members are welcomed along to a complimentary evening with Edinburgh Chamber. Come along, meet the team over a cup of tea and network with our newest additions at this low key relaxed evening. We will also hear from current member’s experiences and the value they have found with different aspects of chamber benefits.
Location The Hub, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Fee £33.00 (Chamber members and member guests) £63.00 (non-members)
Location HSBC, Princes Street, Edinburgh Fee This event is free to new members For further information or to book onto an event call the events team on 0131 221 2999 or e-mail events@edinburghchamber.co.uk
Breakfast Connections Wednesday 25 April 2012 | 8.30am - 9.45am Speakers Stephen Ingledew, MD Corporate, Standard Life One of the most important and radical reforms of our time will hit the UK’s pensions system later this year. Starting in October 2012 and being phased in at various stages after this, employers will be required to automatically enrol employees in a pension scheme and make contributions on their behalf. As an employer, you need to put plans in place to ensure you are compliant with the new rules and consult your workforce. And as an individual, you need to review your own provision and consider what options may be available to you. Help and advice is at hand from Stephen Ingledew, Managing Director, UK Corporate Business, for Standard Life. Location The Hub, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Don’t miss the next edition of the Business Comment Magazine (June/ July issue) with coverage of our inaugural business awards!!
Fee £33.00 (Chamber members and member guests) £63.00 (non-members)
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60seconds Name: Mally Graveson Company Name: Heehaw Digital Website: www.heehaw.co.uk Q In five words or less, what do you do? A We communicate brilliant stories Q How long have you been a Chamber member? A 12 years
Q Why did you join? A To be part of the vibrant business community in this amazing city. Meet cool companies and uncover interesting stories to tell to the world.
Q What services do you use? A Events, legal services and business mentoring.
Q What’s the best business/benefit you have won through the Chamber?
A Over £100,000 worth of new business when we were first starting out.
Q Are there any additional services or information you’d be particularly interested in? A Must get involved with the golf more, I need the practice!
Q If you were telling another business person about the Chamber, what’s the first thing you would say? A They are so helpful, they really care about your business and they help you make great contacts.
Q Where do you read your copy of Business Comment?
A Don’t ask!
Women mean business Statistics show that Scotland’s economy would be boosted by £400m annually and the unemployment rate reduced by 8% if only modest growth was achieved by Scotland’s women owned businesses. The 2010 UK research also confirmed that 66% of women in business want to grow their companies and that women owned businesses have achieved sustainability slightly higher than average during the economic crisis. Recognising the economic impact of supporting more women to grow their businesses, Edinburgh Chamber, in partnership with Blue Horizons (Scotland) Ltd and supported by Edinburgh Council and European Regional Development Fund, launched the Women Mean Business (WMB) programme in 2011. The aim was to support women interested in growing their businesses through an innovative and comprehensive programme of training and guidance. In launching this programme, The Chamber has achieved a first in Scotland – the first
growth programme specifically for Women Entrepreneurs. And the programme is free thanks to the financial support received. The programme was designed by Jackie Waring, Managing Director of Blue Horizons, who is a specialist in women’s enterprise development and previous policy advisor to government. Jackie has brought together a top team of subject specialists, all of them running businesses from marketing, communications and recruitment through to specialists from Finance and Business Growth from within the Chamber and even a guest actor in one session! The 6 workshops which participants will take part in are: You the Leader – The Psychology of Growth on Thursday 10th May A Clear Sense of Direction – Your Vision & Your Plan on Thursday 24th of May Strategies for ‘Scaling Up’ & Marketing Your Business on Thursday 7th of June
Sales Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs’ on Thursday 21st of June Financing Your Growth - Knowing Your Options & How to Access Them On Thursday 23rd of August Recruiting & Inspiring Your Team to High Performance on Thursday 13th of September The first programme finishes on 6th March with 11 women entrepreneurs having participated. Places are now available for the next programme which will be launched at the 25th of April event with workshops starting in May. For further information please contact Nikki Black on 0131 221 3184 or email: nikki.black@edinburghchamber.co.uk
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BC ADVERTORIAL
Jewel & Esk College pledges support for young entrepreneurs Jewel & Esk College has launched a dedicated business support unit to help encourage entrepreneurship and business growth throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. Opened as part of the College’s Centre for Enterprise & Entrepreneurship, the specialist facility, named Nuclei, will act as a new home for up to 10 new student businesses, and provide competitively priced space for 10 local companies at any one time. The rental revenue generated will provide a funding stream for the College and will be reinvested back into the new centre. Those using Nuclei will have access to some of Scotland’s best-known entrepreneurial minds including David Wightman who is an experienced technologist and entrepreneur with an outstanding track record in computer gaming, research development and the media sector, and Andrew Russell, owner and sales director of Arran Aromatics, Scotland’s leading manufacturer of
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luxury toiletries. A series of business master classes will take place at the centre, led by the entrepreneurs. New student businesses making Nuclei their entrepreneurial home include a vintage clothing company, a sports management agency, wedding planning and a car cleaning services. Sharon McAllister, who appeared alongside Lord Sugar in series two of the Apprentice and made it to the last three, is Head of Centre for Enterprise & Entrepreneurship at Jewel & Esk College and has been the driving force behind the opening of Nuclei. She said: “Nuclei will act as a one stop shop for students and local businesses to develop and grow their ideas with the support of the College. The hope is that the new facility will act as a stepping stone to enable young entrepreneurs to develop
their aspirations, as well as their business strategies, and encourage them on the path to long-term commercial success. “Business success stories like Andrew Russell and David Wightman will be on hand to provide inspiration and advice to our aspiring businesses which is a fantastic opportunity. “Renting space to local businesses will also provide a steady funding stream for the College which will be reinvested in the new centre to help continue to support students and their growing ideas.” As well as access to real-life business success stories, those using the new centre will also receive help from other Jewel & Esk students in skills like marketing and website development. This means a free resource for the new businesses and live, learning projects for Jewel & Esk students. Sándor Méhes, 26, from Hungary, studies sound production at Jewel & Esk. He will be working from the new space to develop a musicmaking app business, Acre
Industries, for iPhone, iPad, and Android users. He said: “The development of Apps has exploded over the last few years and it seems you can get an App for just about everything! The software I’m developing will be aimed at those who enjoy making and editing music, so they can edit on the go. The idea is that it will help those that previously would have had to rely on expensive studio space. “Although the App industry is booming, there are frustrations amongst some users when an App isn’t available across all smart technology providers. This new App will be universal; in fact it will be the first of its kind to be available across both iOS and Android technology. “The aim is to have something fully developed in about five months’ time so that I can take it to market. It will be a hectic few months trying to get the software just right but it will all be worthwhile once I start seeing people using and downloading the App.”
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The centre’s name, Nuclei, was created by Jewel & Esk Creative Industries student, Ann Harrison, who was chosen from 40 applicants who entered the competition to name the new College business centre. Ann is in the process of developing a digital design studio, with her business partner, Rachel McFarlane and will be working from one of the new units. She said: “The growth, energy and nourishment of a cell come from the nucleus – ultimately, it is the beginning of everything. In business, an idea needs to start from somewhere and to make it a success, the idea needs to be nurtured and developed. The new Nuclei Centre gives me, and other budding entrepreneurs, the chance to grow and nurture our business ideas. We’re all very excited about the opportunity.” Each individual incubator unit will comprise of a small office, computer and internet access, as well as a dedicated phone line.
Space at Nuclei will be provided free of charge to Jewel & Esk students. Private companies can rent a pod in the centre from £150pcm. For those that are interested, please contact Sharon McAllister on 0131 344 7000 or info@jec.ac.uk The launch of the incubator units follows the College starting a new course last month called ‘Scotland’s Next Millionaire’, aimed to tackle youth unemployment for those aged 16 -19. The students who started the course will be using the new facilities. For more information about the course and the next intake of students, please visit: www.jec.ac.uk
Date
Time
Event
Thurs 19th April
4:45pm - 6pm
Master class “Getting your Business right at the start” with David Wightman
Thurs 19th April
1pm - 8pm
Commercial course Good to Great series: 1. How to set-up a business
Thurs 26th April
1pm - 8pm
Commercial Course Good to Great series: 2. How to sell yourself and your business
Fri 27th April
12pm – 1pm
Business Lunch Building a great team
Thurs 3rd April
1pm - 8pm
Commercial Course Good to Great series: 3. Presenting your Entrepreneurial Brand
Wed 9th May
8:30am - 9:30am
Business Breakfast
Thurs 10th May
1pm - 8pm
Commercial Course Good to Great series: 4. Behavioural Economics
Thurs 17th May
1pm - 8pm
Commercial Course Good to Great series: 5. Social Media
Thurs 17th May
4:45 - 6pm
Master class with Charan Gill
Thurs 24th May
1pm - 8pm
Commercial Course Good to Great series: 6. Mental Toughness
Thurs 24th May
4:45 - 6pm
Master class Resilience
Fri 25th May
12pm – 1pm
Business Lunch The Art of Networking
Thurs 31st May
1pm - 8pm
Commercial Course Good to Great series: 7. Exporting: The Pros and Cons
Thurs 31st May
4:45 - 6pm
Master class Exporting
Wed 6th June
8:30am - 9:30am
Business Breakfast Corporate Health and Wellbeing
All events take place at Jewel & Esk College, Edinburgh Campus, 24 Milton Rd East, Edinburgh EH15 2PP Commercial courses cost £175 www.jec.ac.uk
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Theinterview SPECIAL FEATURE
Time to speak in praise of Edinburgh Talk to David Birrell and the theme that comes through time and time again is the need to understand the needs of the customer. It was a focus that served him well during a long career with Unilever and one which he now brings to his role as the new chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Born in Fife, David has a strong affinity with Edinburgh, having studied economics and accountancy at Edinburgh University, trained in the city and married an Edinburgh girl. After leaving Edinburgh, his career took him to global giant Unilever, where he worked for 25 years, specialising in developing brand awareness for products including the Bird’s Eye and Walls ranges. The job took him all over the world as he helped develop markets in the likes of Europe and Asia. His last post with the company was as a board member of Bird’s Eye/Walls with responsibility for sales, after which he worked for a Glasgow company which specialised in developing some of the world’s biggest brands. Now he is at the helm at Festival Square, believing that the lessons of his previous jobs chime with the work he does as the Chamber seeks to strengthen the service it offers its members. He said: “I was aware when I took the job that the Chamber had gone through recent commercial challenges. My task is to ensure that we able to meet the challenges that we will encounter as we go forward. “It is important that we have a strategy to enhance our offer to our members. During my time at Unilever, I learnt to focus on an understanding of what the consumer wants. It is important to have that insight and a lot of my work was based around understanding customers’ needs. “I think that translates to the Chamber. We are a membership organisation and we have to understand that we are here to serve our members. That means we need to understand what they need and what gives the Chamber added value in their eyes. “It is important that we help our members grow and that we help them develop costeffective ways of doing business.
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“It is absolutely critical that we invest quality time in developing strong business relationships with our members. ”I have inherited a strong team here at Edinburgh. They are already doing a great job for our members.” David believes that the Chamber has also to represent its members’ interest at the highest levels. He said: “In addition to having strong relationships with our members, we have to develop those relationships with other organisations in the city as well “We need to play our part in creating the right conditions for growth and that means the Chamber has to have an influential voice when it comes to dealing with national and local government. We have to be able to influence the opinion formers at local, regional and national level. “We also have to remember that we are part of the larger Chamber of Commerce network. “This is all part of giving our members good reasons to be part of this organisation. The Chamber is a 225-year-old brand and we have to respect that heritage. We have to represent our members at the very highest level. We have to demonstrate that we are their voice.” He believes that there is much for Edinburgh’s economy to build on, saying: “Edinburgh is in a strong position and I am sure we can help to strengthen it even more. “We have sustainable sectors such as financial services and tourism and festivals as well as emerging markets such as renewable energy and biosciences, which we have to support. “It is critical that we support initiatives to create jobs, including backing the city council in its efforts to reduce youth unemployment. “We also need a strong partnership with the city council to create the conditions for attracting inward investment to Edinburgh.”
Despite difficult economic times, he can see a bright future for Edinburgh, saying: “I am optimistic. This is a great city. We have to be ambitious about the opportunities but we also have to be realistic. “Challenges like access to finance do remain and there are likely to be changes to the level of jobs in the public sector. We need a collective strategy to address those concerns and create the jobs that we need. “We’re proud of our city and proud of our members. For me, that’s not just a slogan, it means working hard every day to add value to membership subscriptions, returning your investment in spades; introducing business opportunities to members by bringing partners together, formally and informally; acting as champions for our members when they have been stymied by local bureaucracy or officialdom; and leading the charge for more economic development and jobs for our city, winning the Green Investment Bank, supporting the creation of Enterprise Zones, supporting business start ups and entrepreneurship through projects like the road to Investment. That’s what we’re all about.” “I am passionate about this city but one frustration for me lies in the Scottish psyche. We tend to be on the dour side and I do feel that we have to speak up louder for Edinburgh. We have to tell people what it is like to live and work in in this great city. “I also think we have to think not just in terms of Edinburgh - which we will always champion, of course - but also about the wider Scotland. “Team Scotland, as people are calling it, needs to be supported. We cannot see Edinburgh in isolation, it has to be viewed on a regional, national and international level and if we do that, we can take advantage of the many opportunities out there.”
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David Birrell
Chief Executive, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Made in Edinburgh - the Green Investment Revolution Edinburgh will house the UK’s first Green Investment Bank after beating off competition from 31 other cities to win the most valuable inward investment in decades. The announcement by the UK Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills,Vince Cable, is a triumph for the partnership which assembled Edinburgh’s business case, securing an investment of £3 billion and 40 high value jobs for the city. The bank is expected to achieve a significant degree of leverage from its funding, however, with a predicted investment of £200 billion in the energy system alone required by 2020 to achieve carbon reduction and green energy targets.
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Edinburgh’s Green Investment Bank Project Team was formed after the Chamber of Commerce launched a campaign to win the bid. Working with politicians of all parties, including Mike Crockhart MP of the Liberal Democrats, Mark Lazarowicz MP for Labour and Councillor Tom Buchanan for the SNP, a coalition of private and public sector partners stepped forward and put their shoulder to the wheel. Edinburgh Chamber President Robert Carr, who Chairs the legal firm Anderson Strathern, said the partnership contributed to the development of a compelling case for our city. He said: “This is a once-in-ageneration opportunity, not just to leverage private sector investment in renewable and low carbon projects- but to locate Edinburgh at the epicentre of Europe’s green energy revolution.” Mr Carr praised the contribution made by the public agencies- Scottish Enterprise and the City of Edinburgh Council- in presenting
the evidence to UK Government in a comprehensive and compelling document. He said the GIB project team represented the perfect model for winning more investments and events in future. Angus McPherson, Head of Investment Banking at Espirito Santo Investment Bank, a global player in green investment, was a valued member of the project team. He said: “If you look at how Hyderbad, or Bangalore, or Silicon Valley became world centre in information technology, there was industry know-how, intellectual rigour, research and financial knowledge, all located in one relatively small place. “They were also away from the conventional centres, which seemed to encourage unconventional thinking. If you get all three working together, as is already happening in Edinburgh, you have the basis for developing a significant centre of expertise.” The City Council’s Chair of Economic Development, Tom Buchanan, agrees. He
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said that the bank’s potential to position Edinburgh as the centre of green energy investment in Europe should not be overlooked, adding that the Scottish Government’s recent award of ‘Enterprise Zone’ status to Leith would help to attract investors in offshore wind and other renewable technologies to the city. He said: “The city was recently awarded the best European City for Investment by FDI magazine, a tremendous achievement for a city of our size. Following that up with the Green Investment Bank award, in competition with 31 other UK locations, provides us with all of the incentive we need to achieve great things here in Edinburgh.” The clustering of research and academic excellence in Edinburgh was also a significant factor in Edinburgh’s favour, with institutions like School of the built Environment, the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the Institute of Petroleum Engineering at Heriot Watt University contributing the knowledge and understanding of renewable and low carbon technologies. On the day the news broke that GIB is coming to Edinburgh, the Secretary of
Vince Cable
UK Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills
State for Scotland, Michael Moore MP, was visiting Heriot Watt University. He spoke with Principal Steve Chapman and Professor Philippe De Wilde, who supported the bid, meeting among others Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Vince Cable, who made the announcement. They stressed the technical challenges of developing green energy, the pool of technical expertise available to the GIB in Scotland and Edinburgh and the strength of Scotland’s research pooling across boundaries which can exist within and between universities in other parts of the country. They also underlined Heriot-Watt’s position of strength in green energy, eco-buildings and construction, as well as in relevant areas of finance. Professor Chapman said, “We are delighted that the UK Green Investment Bank is to be headquartered in Edinburgh, and at the part that Heriot-Watt has played in reaching that decision. We now look forward to working with the Bank in developing renewable energy sources both for Scotland and with our global partners.”
Minister hails ‘historic’ bank announcement Business Minister Vince Cable has said the Green Investment Bank, which is coming to Edinburgh, will be recognised in 20 year’s time as one of the most significant achievements of the coalition government. Responding to a question from Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce President Robert Carr at the British Chambers of Commerce annual conference in London, the Minister acknowledged the strength of Edinburgh’s case in winning the bid. Vince Cable said: “The Green Investment Bank is one of the most important elements of our programme. In 20 year’s time, when the history of this coalition government is written, the Green Investment Bank will be considered to be one of its most significant achievements in my view.”
THE GREEN INVESTMENT BANK- FACT FILE What exactly is the Green Investment Bank? It’s not a bank, as such, but an investment agency. It will assess the potential of renewable energy and low carbon projects, selectively investing public money and leveraging significant private investment. Why all the fuss about its location? Winning the GIB is a significant inward investment for Edinburgh, as it will be capitalised with £3 billion and bring around 40 high-quality jobs to the city. More importantly, it positions the winning city at the centre of the UK and Europe’s renewable energy sector. How did Edinburgh win the investment? In short, a winning team, comprising public and private sector leaders, pulled together and declared their ambition to win the bid for Edinburgh. We met all of the criteria set by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills- demonstrating a strong desire to deliver, not just for Edinburgh but for the rest of the UK. What will the bank’s objectives be? A Project Board has been appointed by Ministers to oversee the formation of the bank. It is Chaired by Sir Adrian Montagu. Its strategy and business plan targets have yet to be made public, but Ministers have made plain that they expect to see investment of £200 billion in the energy system by 2020, so the GIB is going to have to achieve massive leverage for its £3 billion capitalisation. What are the next steps for GIB? The recruitment of a Chair and Senior Independent Director so that it will be in a position to be fully operational this Autumn, subject to state aid approval. The bank will employ 50-70 people in Edinburgh and London. Where can I obtain more information? Have a look at www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom
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BC ADVERTORIAL
Carbon Reduction Commitment what you need to know This year the CRC Energy Efficiency scheme (previously known as the Carbon Reduction Commitment) enters the next phase of implementation. This means, that from June 2012, participating organisations will be able to buy allowances to cover their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. With measures to simplify the scheme also under discussion, 2012 will be a year of change for CRC participants. In Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is responsible for auditing and, if necessary, enforcing compliance for the scheme. Here, Janice Milne, SEPA’s Head of National Operations
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looks at how the scheme is doing in Scotland, explains what’s involved in buying allowances and what the proposed simplifications will mean for Scottish businesses. The CRC in Scotland Since its introduction in April 2010, 176 Scottish businesses and organisations have registered as full participants of the CRC Energy Efficiency scheme. We have been working closely with these organisations to ensure effective implementation. The scheme, which is part of the UK’s strategy for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, encourages large organisations and businesses to reduce their emissions by improving their energy efficiency. It applies to all organisations from both private and public sectors that have at least one half-hourly electricity meter and consume at least 6,000 megawatts per hour (MWh) of electricity.
These organisations account for around 10% of the UK’s total CO2 emissions. Implementing a new and often complex piece of regulation, such as the CRC scheme, can be challenging. During the initial registration period and throughout the completion of first phase footprint reports and the first set of annual reports, we actively engaged with organisations to provide help and advice, particularly with those having issues or difficulty. All Scottish participants that were required to submit reports as part of the scheme have done so without the need for us to look at enforcement options such as the use of civil penalties. We believe that this is a significant achievement. As the body responsible for monitoring compliance with the CRC in Scotland, we are carrying out compliance audits for the 2010-2011 period. The audit process is an essential part of any self-certified scheme,
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and CRC is no exception. All participants of the CRC scheme will be audited during the first phase of implementation. Compliance audits are carried out in line with our better regulation principles as outlined in the SEPA Corporate Plan1. The next phase - buying allowances One of the ways which the CRC Energy Efficiency scheme promotes energy efficiency is through financial incentive, with organisations and businesses being required to buy allowances to cover their CO2 emissions in each reporting year. The less CO2 they produce, the fewer allowances they will need to buy. During the first reporting year of the CRC scheme participants did not have to buy allowances, only report on emissions. This year, as the scheme enters the next phase, the allowance part of the scheme will come into effect. From 1 June to 31 July 2012, you will be able to buy allowances from the UK Government for the second annual reporting period (1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012). If your organisation is participating in the scheme you need to ensure that enough allowances are bought to cover the organisation’s total CO2 emissions for this period. The allowance price, which was announced in the 2011 Budget, is set at £12 per tonne of CO2. Both the purchase and surrender of allowances and submission of the next annual report are to be completed by 31 July 2012 using the online CRC Registry. Guidance will soon be available from the Environment Agency, providing a step by step breakdown of the process for the purchase and surrender of allowances. Simplification The CRC scheme is a complex piece of regulation and has led to compliance difficulties for some UK organisations, especially those that are new to emissions reduction initiatives. Following feedback received from participants during the introductory phase, the UK Government and devolved administrations are proposing to introduce a series of simplifications to the scheme. The aim is to tackle some of the complexities while retaining the same overall energy efficiency and carbon reduction objectives. One of the first simplification measures to be introduced was the removal of the revenue recycling component of the scheme. Although this would have provided a further financial incentive for organisations to improve their energy efficiency, with all revenue raised through the sale of allowances being ‘recycled’ back to those participants that made the greatest energy efficiency improvements (as reported in the annual Performance League Table), it was removed to help streamline the scheme and give participants a clearer idea of the costs associated with CRC. The Government has identified several other areas for simplification. The focus has been on reducing the burden on participants while ensuring the scheme continues to offer a combination of reputational, financial and energy monitoring drivers that will encourage energy efficiency and the reduction of CO2 emissions. The following are some of the more significant simplifications being proposed:
n Simplify organisational rules: introduce greater flexibility so that larger organisations and businesses can disaggregate from their parent organisations and participate separately in the CRC scheme. This will make it easier for participants that have complex economic structures, such as franchises or trusts, or whose parent company are based overseas. n Streamline record and report keeping: participants will no longer need to maintain records to the same level, with a reduction in the length of time annual reports must be kept, and footprint reports will no longer be required. This will help reduce the administration burden. n Reduce the number of fuels covered by the scheme: at the moment emissions from 29 different fuels have to be reported. To help reduce the administration burden this will be reduced to four: electricity, gas, and kerosene and diesel for heating. n Reduce the overlap with other schemes: organisations and businesses that are already covered by a Climate Change Agreement (CCA) or EU ETS will be exempt from the CRC scheme and will no longer be required to report on their energy supplies. This will prevent organisations having to report under more than one scheme. The proposed simplifications are still under consideration but once agreed should be implemented from the start of the second phase in April 2013. Going forward and future developments While we aren’t likely to see the results of simplification for another year, other measures have been put in place to ease the scheme’s regulatory burden for participants. The UK regulators have developed a new consolidated guidance document which provides CRC participants with a single reference point to access all areas of guidance on the scheme. The document also provides in-depth examples to illustrate the more technical points of the scheme. The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Guidance for participants in Phase one is available from the Environment Agency2. And here in Scotland, we will continue to support businesses and organisations looking for effective ways to reduce their energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Through our better regulation programme we are working to streamline the way we implement regulation, with the goal of reducing the regulatory burden, and the CRC scheme is no exception. Regardless of your level of participation in the CRC scheme, our staff are available to provide advice and guidance, and to work with you to resolve any are issues or particular concerns. If you need to contact us with any queries relating to CRC you can do so by emailing the CRC team on crc@sepa.org.uk 1: www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/publications/corporate_plan.aspx 2: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/pollution/127831.aspx
n Introduction of fixed price allowances: rather than using an emissions cap and holding auctions, similar to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), allowances will be sold at a fixed price twice a year; once for forecasted emissions and once for retrospective emissions. This will create price certainty and remove the need for businesses to develop auctioning strategies.
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BC ADVERTORIAL
Soldiers’ charity seeks increase in donations One of the oldest charities in Scotland is seeking to raise extra money to help soldiers and their families who have fallen on hard times.
in married quarters when the Battalion returns, but TA soldiers come back and are much more isolated. They are the only ones in their world who have gone through these things and they can struggle to adapt. We have to be ready to help them. “Our big challenge is making sure people are aware of what we do. Scottish people are very generous when they know the need is there. Our challenge is making sure that they know the need is there and we are for soldiers, for life.”
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity can trace its roots back to 1944 and the creation of what was then the Army Benevolent Fund. Scotland Director Major Roy Robertson said: “The charity was set up to help those soldiers who were coming back from World War Two. The idea was to avoid what had happened at the end of the Great War when soldiers came home and there was no help for them at all.
having been a soldier they simply felt too proud to seek help.
“We have been helping soldiers since 1944 and even though the name changed a couple of years ago, we have not changed the way we operate. We are still the same.
“We have seen a 30% rise over the past two years in applications from soldiers who have taken part in previous and current conflicts and we currently raise £7 million a year nationally to meet this need. In Scotland we give out a million pounds each year and every penny donated goes to soldiers and their families or to charities which run services for them.
“We are the soldiers’ charity and we give lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families. We provide financial assistance when they are in real need. That’s what we’ve been here to offer for approaching 70 years.” Major Robertson points out that the charity does not just help wounded men and women. He said: “There is a lot of awareness about wounded soldiers, and quite rightly, but we deal with men and women whose problems may be more complex. “Almost all soldiers finish their service without having been damaged in any way but many will face problems later. “The average time between someone leaving the Army and seeking our help is fourteen years. That is because the problems may take time to develop. It can take a long time to drop through life’s assumed safety nets. Maybe they have been trying to cope on their own, maybe they have self-medicated with drink and drugs, maybe because of
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“It may also be that it takes time for problems to develop. We recently had a chap whose problems can be traced back to the Suez Crisis in 1956 but who has only just come to us.
“As a result of current Military operations, it is anticipated that the requests for assistance will rise significantly in the coming years. It is the aim of The Soldiers’ Charity nationwide to increase fundraising to £14 million a year by 2015 to be sure that we can help each and every soldier that needs our help and we need to be raising a million a year in Scotland. We help hundreds of people and every one is entitled to come back to us as their needs change.
Major Robertson hopes that the charity’s link up with the Chamber will help. He said: “We hope to appeal to businesses which have corporate responsibility policies and wish to help our work. “We rely entirely on donations and we need to be in a position to help the increasing number of people who come to us. Every donation is crucial.”
For further information please contact: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity The Castle Edinburgh EH1 2YT Tel: 0131 310 5132 0r 5116 email: Scotland@soldierscharity.org www.soldierscharity.org http://www.facebook.com/ pages/The-Soldiers-CharityScotland/125844697486449
“Given that average time for someone to approach us is 14 years, we envisage an increase in veterans of the Iraq action, which started in 2004 and most especially from Afghanistan which started to heat up two years later.. “I am particularly worried about our Territorial Army soldiers. Regulars come back together, maybe live next to each other
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Getting the message right in an everchanging world Marketing and communication has found itself having to cope with the dramatic development of technology over recent years. Now, it is evolving yet again. The sector is no stranger to change. When it comes to distributing press releases, for instance, the traditional way for decades was by post until fax changed that, which was soon followed by the advent of email. Suddenly, a press release can reach a myriad of media outlets in seconds. The effect has been dramatic: a PR agency sending out a release can see it hitting the web within minutes, particularly as many traditional media outlets now consider themselves as much Internet news providers as anything. And there has been a dramatic proliferation in specialist web-based news sites as well. Webâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dramatic expansion does not mean that more traditional outlets are being ignored. The newspapers, radio and television remain important, it is just that for many PR specialists hits on the web is where their successes are increasingly being recorded. Certainly being recorded first. And now the industry is contending with another massive change; the age of Social Media is well and truly with us. Twitter, Facebook and their ilk are rewriting the rules like never before. PR professionals, while concerned that it is more difficult to control the message, can nevertheless see great opportunities in the new ways of contacting customers directly. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just that Social Media allows that message to be questioned within seconds. Some of the gloomier pundits have predicted that this is end of traditional PR because now everyone can practice it. However, the cannier practitioners disagree and are learning new skills to take advantage of the new platforms that are emerging. PR is not dying, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just evolving.
Marketing companies, too, are showing increasing levels of imagination as they respond to the new world. They are experimenting with the likes of podcasts, audio files, flash banner advertising and video, which offers opportunities for companies commissioning corporate films and taking advantage of the links of U-Tube for viral marketing. They can see that a short film showing someone enthusing about a product can be a very effective marketing tool. Companies are also taking advantage of the exciting revolution in hand-held technology and the opportunities it offers for downloads. The Age of the App is upon us, too. Another media still popular is the most traditional one of all. For many companies, producing their own print publications remains the key to success and those who succeed are the ones who value creativity above everything else, who dedicate time and effort to getting the look and the text right so that they make for attractive and informative reads. Offering opportunities as well is the proliferation of independent television and radio stations. That has resulted in companies sponsoring programmes in return for a mention in the advertising breaks. Some television programmes even allow product placement in popular shows. For all marketing experts, though, one thing has not changed. Success is about making the client stand out. Whether it be attractive adverts in magazines and newspapers or inventive use of downloads and websites, creativity holds the key to success. Always did, always will.
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ADVERTORIAL
SECURITY IMPLICATIONS: SOCIAL MEDIA David Stubley is a Director with 7 Elements, an Edinburgh based security consultancy. He brings with him 12 years of experience within the technical security market where he has gained a huge wealth of knowledge and expertise through the delivery of security testing and in the provision of technical expertise to high profile incidents. In the following article, David explores the security implications of Social Media. The use of Social Media has become a ubiquitous component of the ever more interconnected world in which we now live. The use of Social Media such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn can provide organisations with new and innovative ways in which to engage with their customers and staff. However this highly dynamic and end-user focused environment can also bring with it a number of security concerns. Information Disclosure The data held within Social Media can provide an attacker with a huge wealth of information about the internal workings of your organisation.This information can include detail on roles and responsibilities, projects, commercial relationships as well as exposing information about internal IT systems (including the ability to identify security vulnerabilities).
and the organisation. However, organisations need to understand both the positive and negative impact that Social Media can have on their brand and manage this channel of communication effectively.This will enable them to avoid potentially damaging stories around poor customer experience, service outages and other issues going unmanaged. Malware and Viruses URL shortening services are now an essential component for Social Media.This approach is commonly used by malicious parties to spread malware and viruses, as the use of shortened URLs can hide the real destination. 7 Elements recently conducted an analysis of URL shortened links within Twitter, of the 3465 links assessed, 520 linked to malicious content such as malware. Clicking on a shortened link would on average take the user to two different sites (via automatic redirections) for each single
David Stubley Director, 7 Elements
URL advertised, which could further increase the likelihood of coming into contact with malicious content. Bringing it all together Without doubt, the use of Social Media provides a new avenue for organisations to exploit, but at the same time will introduce fresh and potentially serious threats. Organisations should confirm that they have the appropriate policies and procedures in place, such as an effective Acceptable Use Policy,Training and Awareness for Social Media and a Social Media Handling Policy. This will ensure that they are able to exploit this opportunity without unduly exposing themselves to new threats and associated risks. For more information please call us on 0131 208 1772 or visit www.7elements.co.uk
This information can provide a valuable insight into your organisation and increase the likelihood of a successful social engineering attack or even a direct attack against your systems. As an example, during a recent client engagement, we use openly available Social Media information to map their internal organisational hierarchy to within 86% accuracy and detect vulnerable operating systems and browser software that could have resulted in them becoming an easily identifiable target. Reputational Damage Social Media offers the ability for organisations to spread messages in real time to a much wider audience and promotes a two way interactive dialogue between the end-user
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Automatic enrolment – What it means to you This year will see people being enrolled for the first time into a workplace pension. Beginning in October for employees of the biggest companies, and gradually including workers in the smallest firms, this change will have a massive effect on saving.
to now focus fully on running their business until the economy is back in firmer territory. “We believe this will also allow small business the extra time to plan for and subsequently implement the scheme successfully.” Minimum contributions
Eleven million of us will live to be 100. We are now spending a quarter of our lives in retirement.Yet at the same time, we as a society have never been saving less for our later lives.
n offer membership of a defined benefit scheme or certain hybrid scheme which either has a contracting out statement or meets the test scheme standard.
Currently, only one in three workers in the private sector is contributing to a workplace pension.Young people often prefer to save for a house instead of a pension. And the end result is that people simply are not prepared for their retirement and could find themselves poorer as a result.
An eligible worker is an employee aged between 22 and state pension age and earning above the income tax personal allowance (£7,475 in 2011/12). Contributions will be payable on earnings between £5,035 and £33,540.
Minister for Pensions Steve Webb said: “We know that people want to save, but too often it becomes something to think about another day. And as we all know, the sooner you begin to save, the better. “These changes will make it as straightforward as possible for you to get saving for your retirement. Saving will be automatic, you will put money aside, and your employer will contribute too. The basic State Pension will always be there, and these changes will ensure that people have to opportunity to save on top of it for the lifestyle they want in retirement.” What you need to know: The new employer duties are planned to come into force from October 1. Under these duties, employers will have to: n enrol eligible workers into a qualifying workplace pension arrangement; n make a minimum 3% contribution towards a defined contribution scheme (based on qualifying pensionable earnings) or NEST (the National Employment Savings Trust); or
Employers will also have an ongoing duty to maintain qualifying pension provision for workers who; n are already members of qualifying schemes; or n become members of such schemes. The phased introduction of Auto-Enrolment Although new duties come in from 1 October, individual employers’ own duties will be introduced gradually over the following years and will be based on the size of the employer, typically by PAYE size.
Where a worker is automatically enrolled, there will be a minimum contribution of 8% of qualifying earnings, of which the employer must pay a minimum of 3%. If the employer chooses to pay the minimum 3%, the worker will pay 4%, with a further 1% paid as tax relief by the government. (Qualifying earnings is earnings between £5,035 and £33,540). Minimum contribution levels will be phased in between October 2012 and October 2017. Opting Out Workers will be able to opt-out of their employer’s scheme if they choose not to participate. More information can be obtained on http://www.pensionsadvisoryservice. org.uk/future-pension-reforms/autoenrolment Or: http://www.thepensionsregulator.gov. uk/employers/7-steps.aspx
Confirmation that the Government’s autoenrolment pension scheme has been pushed back for SMEs has been welcomed by the Forum of Private Business. Firms employing between 30 and 49 staff will not now have to enrol staff until August 1, 2015 at the earliest. Those businesses with fewer than 30 staff will not have will to comply until January 1, 2016, at the very earliest, but as late as April 2017.
Steve Webb Minister for Pensions
The Forum’s Chief Executive, Phil Orford, said: “We welcome the Government’s clarification on the dates for auto-enrolment. This temporary delay will allow small firms
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Herculean challenge for business owners
Business owners and senior managers must feel like Hercules. Every time they complete another onerous labour, another is pressed upon them. An appropriate metaphor, given the Greek ‘epic’ that is currently going on, there is a huge challenge coming that will test the resolve of almost every company in the UK. And as you might expect, given my job title, the change concerns company pensions. It concerns a neat piece of financial jargon called auto-enrolment. Starting in October 2012, employers must enrol all of their eligible employees into the company pension scheme. Employees are eligible if they are aged 22 and over and earn more than the income tax allowance threshold of, currently, £7,475 in the 2011/2012 tax year. The government is insisting on autoenrolment because so many employees fail to take up their right to join their company’s pension scheme or indeed set up their own arrangement.
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There are certain other obligations for employers that come with this. The pension scheme must comply with new rules around how much is paid in and what benefits employees will receive. And you as an employer must pay in a minimum of 3% of employees’ band earnings into their pensions – though this amount will be phased in over a number of years to lessen the impact on employers. Once the phasing is complete, the total minimum contributions will be 8% of band earnings, but with the balance above your 3% coming from the employee and the taxman. Even so, this could feel onerous for some companies: such as those that don’t have a scheme at present; or those with a large number of employees; small companies that don’t have the time to administer a pension scheme or indeed the resources to finance one; or those for whom an effective 3% (minimum) ‘pay rise’ has a big impact on their overheads. There is some good news. It’s only the largest employers (120,000 or more employees) that have to start auto-enrolling people from 1 October this year. There is then a sliding scale after that for all employers (in a decreasing order of size) up to early 2016, before the rules become effective.
Despite the provisions of these new rules, let’s not lose sight of the positive intent and benefits of auto-enrolment. Too many people in this country have inadequate pension saving. It truly is a time bomb. The government’s objective is to install a better standard of living for pensioners, albeit with the acknowledgement that the government cannot finance it like it used to. Employees too will have obligations – they will have to find 4% of their salary to pay into a pension. If it operates successfully, auto-enrolment should ensure that no employee of yours leaves to begin a retirement of relative poverty. And, of course, employers are not going to be left alone to muddle through to find a solution. Companies like Standard Life are developing services to take away as much of the pain for employers as possible. While auto enrolment may not offer the same reward that Hercules enjoyed for completing his 12 labours – eternal life – employees will benefit from a better life in retirement if employers successfully complete their task.
Stephen Ingledew
Head of Corporate Pensions, Standard Life
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find us on
www.sir-robert-mcalpine.com
Sir Robert McAlpine is proud to be helping shape a new future for Scotland through projects including the delivery of a new stadium for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Scott House, Mid New Cultins West One Business Park Edinburgh EH11 4DH
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Tel: 0131 458 4255 Fax: 0131 458 4254 Email: edinburgh@sir-robert-mcalpine.com
Edinburgh International Conference Centre Expansion
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Inthespotlight Company name: Santander Corporate, Commercial & Business Banking Who? Graham Silcock, Regional Director Website: www.santandercb.co.uk Santander Corporate, Commercial and Business Banking are new members to the Edinburgh Chamber having joined towards the end of last year shortly after establishing a presence in the Capital. They are very much in growth mode and looking to build relationships across the business community. In this edition’s ‘In The Spotlight’ we speak to their newly arrived Regional Director for Scotland , Graham Silcock. 1. What were you doing between 10 and 12 this morning?
6. Where do you stand on work/life balance?
12. Any business (or other) projects you would like to plug?
I was hosting one of our regular conference calls to discuss diary activity and our New Business pipelines over the next few weeks
I think it is a very good idea!
During 2012, my Santander colleagues and I will be looking to fundraise for a variety of projects – please give generously!
2. What do you see as your job’s biggest challenge? Recruiting the right colleagues to maximise Santander’s increasingly strong presence in Corporate and Commercial Banking across Scotland
3. What do you consider your biggest business triumph? I still think it will be hard to beat how pleased I was to pass my final CA exams (unfortunately now a very long time ago!)
4. Do you have and money-saving business tips? If someone tells you that they are as “honest as the day is long”, assume it is the shortest day of the year and run a mile.
5. What do you believe are the 3 key stages on your career ladder? Training with Coopers & Lybrand, moving into the banking sector in the mid 90s, joining Santander in January 2012.
7. What do you like to do on your spare time? When not ferrying children around, I coach mini-rugby, play military golf (left, right, left) and enjoy footbalI (sadly only as a spectator).
8. What qualities do you need to see in your employees? Passion, integrity, collaboration, courage
9. In business, is it more important to be liked or successful? It would be a strange measure of “success” in any walk of life if nobody liked you.
10. What is the one piece of advice you would give to others trying to reach the top? If I am ever lucky enough to reach the top, that would be when I might feel qualified to answer this question.
13. Other than your current position, what would be your dream job? I’d like to be the test driver for the (Santander sponsored) McLaren Formula 1 team. That, or play golf professionally. Both are equally likely to happen.
14. Who (living or dead) would you invite to a fantasy dinner party? (How many can I have?) Nelson Mandela, Robert Burns, Winston Churchill, Jock Stein, Scarlett Johanssen, Billy Connolly, The Edge.
15. Outside of business, what is the most important thing in your life? Will probably sound like a stock answer, but my family is easily the most important thing in my life.
11. Who is your hero? My late father – I grew up not knowing what a tradesman was, because it felt to me like there was nothing he couldn’t do himself.
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Business News Fringe goes from strength to strength The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has published its Annual Review of 2011, showing further growth in the quality and quantity of the showcase event
Edinburgh lands Disney Premiere VisitScotland and The Walt Disney Company Europe, Middle East & Africa have announced a unique global marketing campaign to promote Scottish tourism around the much-anticipated Disney•Pixar film Brave, which features some of Scotland’s biggest stars. This marks the very first time that Disney has teamed up on this scale with a country’s tourism organisation around the launch of one of its films. VisitScotland and Disney will begin working immediately to create a global marketing campaign around the new animated adventure, which is released in more than 70 countries across the world this summer, and comes from the team behind box office smashes such as Toy Story, Up and Finding Nemo. This will include activities such as joint TV and cinema advertising across the UK , North America and Europe , PR
opportunities, digital marketing and events including premieres and screenings that will continue through the film’s home entertainment release. The campaign will see Scotland ’s scenery, humour and culture showcased on an unprecedented scale and will position Scotland on the world stage in a way not seen since Braveheart. Details of how businesses can get involved will be out soon. Tapping into Scotland’s rich history of epic battles and mystical legends, “Brave” features a new flame haired heroine, the courageous Merida (the voice of Kelly Macdonald), who confronts tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate. While the world premiere is likely to go to Hollywood, Edinburgh is expected to bask in the glory of a gala premiere at the 1,900capacity Festival Theatre on 30 June, days after its release in US cinemas
Last year, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe featured an estimated 41,689 performances of 2,542 shows in 258 venues. An estimated 1.8 million tickets were issued, and nearly one thousand journalists and nearly another thousand arts industry professionals from countries ranging from Australia to Zimbabwe also attended. This year’s full programme will be announced on May 31 with the event itself taking place between 3 - 27 August. Acts already signed up include Fascinating Aida and comedians Seann Walsh and Stephen K Amos. More information is available at www.edfringe.com
New outlet TaxAssist Accountants, part of the largest independent network of accountants in the UK , has announced its latest expansion in the Lothians with the launch of a new shop in the heart of Musselburgh. The development sees the Lothians business of TaxAssist expand to four shops, with plans to open a fifth. Alasdair MacLean, Director, said: “We are delighted to have expanded our services to serve the vibrant business community in East Lothian and felt this was cause for a real celebration. Most commentators agree that small businesses are the life-blood of the economy and it is small businesses that will lead this country back to growth and provide increased employment opportunities.”
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ADVERTORIAL
Have you incurred expenditure on commercial property? If capital expenditure has been incurred on your commercial property, recently or some time in the past, have you benefited from the tax relief available through Capital Allowances? If not, why not? In the current market, the subject matter is very important as a means of providing a cash flow benefit to business working capital and as a means of plugging the gap between reduced bank funding and retained profits. However, the benefits available are so often either under-claimed or overlooked, with many businesses being unaware of the potential advantages. What are Capital Allowances? Capital allowances are a system of tax incentives to encourage companies and individuals to invest capital in their business premises and equipment. The main form of allowances are for plant & machinery used in the course of a business, examples being mechanical and electrical systems, sanitary appliances, carpeting and ironmongery. Other incentives are available for energy and water saving technologies, as well as land remediation and urban regeneration developments in designated areas. It is a specialist subject matter which requires expert knowledge on property and land valuation in addition to taxation. Who are we? Morris Property Tax is a firm of chartered surveyors who specialise solely in the valuation of capital allowances. Our key priority is to assist tax payers and their professional advisors to maximise the value of tax relief from property acquisitions and capital expenditure programmes.
From left to right – Scott Morris, Chris Thomas, John Dick.
Over the years, we have successfully delivered millions of pounds of tax savings to our clients and have acted on a wide range of instructions in all market sectors throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Our clients range from large national retailers to small owner managed businesses. What can we do for you? As an example, Morris Property Tax recently undertook an audit review for an independent hostel owner who had incurred expenditure converting an existing building into a youth hostel. The redevelopment occurred in 2006 and the total capital expenditure was in the region of £645,000. Our review identified £310,000 of qualifying plant and machinery allowances, which generated a total tax saving of £65,000, including a £13,000 tax rebate.
case scenario help obtain a tax rebate from HMRC. If you are in the process of embarking on a capital expenditure project or are about to purchase a commercial property, we can provide expert advice to ensure that your investment is structured in such a way as to benefit from the allowances available. Morris Property Tax would be happy to discuss the subject in more detail with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s members, and provide due diligence on any particular case without commitment. For further information, please contact Morris Property Tax on 0131 226 6012. www.morrispropertytax.co.uk
Under the current rules, there is no time limit to claiming capital allowances, so if you have incurred expenditure on the purchase, construction, refurbishment or fit out of commercial property we can potentially help mitigate your tax liability, or in the best
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Asktheexpert Q: How is business English changing? A: Over many decades now, the tone of voice used in business writing has altered to become increasingly informal. This of course is a reflection of general trends in business life and relationships, in how we address each other, and our attitudes to authority. On top of this, the impact of email and web content has influenced how we write our correspondence, reports and marketing materials. And that’s not to mention blogging, text-speak, twitter and the rest. But do we see this as a relentless dumbing down? Or do we embrace the opportunities that a contemporary style offers to be relevant and direct. “Accuracy aside, simplicity, clarity and brevity are the most important criteria for all writing.” says Paula La Rocque, one of the USA’s leading writing coaches. I couldn’t agree more! The biggest challenge today is toBryan say what we have to say, simply and well. Leslie Then our audience will respond.
But that is not a new thought. Back in 1946, George Orwell suggested we should “Never use a long word where a short one will do,” and “If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.” I am fascinated that although we have seen a massive shift in written (and spoken) English in the 66 years since Orwell wrote, many of the same issues were rife in his day. Jargon, business speak and legalese were alive and well back then! So, whether you are writing the introduction to an annual report, some website content or a blog, the advice would be the same: be clear and concise, your reader will appreciate it! Use words your audience will understand and keep to the point. Unless we recognize and respond to the current trends in business writing, and pay attention to our tone of voice, there is a real danger that our writing style – and therefore our business - will seem dated to our key audiences.
Hilary Philips Cygnus Extra
Come along to our Writing for the web training course on 16th May delivered by Hilary Phillips, Cygnus Extra, to learn how to write clear, compelling content for your website and social media sites. For more information please call 0131 221 3191 or email: info@chamberbusinesssolutions.co.uk
GetwithIT By Bill Magee
Scottish Business Technology Writer of the Year
Microsoft’s first “Activated Cloud Partner” in Scotland IA Cubed has joined other UK-wide partners like BT. This trusted IT specialist, especially with small and medium-sized companies, took centre stage at Think Digital Scotland 2012 where it was the software giant’s cloud champion.
few employees to up to more than 1000 staff, across all sectors - to create, collaborate and communicate from virtually anywhere using a PC, smartphone or web browser.
There a Scotland IS report highlighted how the country could add £12bn to its economy, create 20,000 high-value jobs and create 1000 new businesses over the next five years by embracing digital technologies.
Also in a still uncertain marketplace where money is tight, there is now intense market interest in cloud services that leads to reducing costs while boosting productivity, ROI and the bottom line www.iacubed.com
IA Cubed operations director Daniel Baird says the answer is to provide on-demand dynamic Information Technology solutions in what is a new age of digital media.
Collectively such cloud and SaaS offerings represent the key for hard-pressed businesses searching for strategic IT answers as they plan the future. Former Microsoft Scots executive James Henderson, who has just formed Business Agility 365 www.ba365.co.uk soon to be up-and-running, agrees.
This includes the company’s Office 365 software-as-a-service (SaaS) enabling organisations - ranging from firms with a
This column wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the latest on the success story involving possibly Scotland’s top tech tycoon Pete Cashmore, with CNN reputed to be paying upwards of $200 million for his highly popular Mashable news site: www.mashable.com Who’ll be the next Scots technology wizard to step up to the plate with a groundbreaking idea that catches the global eye? Contact me: billmagee@btconnect.com Catch my Daily TechPost via Twitter @billamagee
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East of Scotland Investment Fund If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an Edinburgh start up or established SME with a commercially viable proposal, but unable to source all the funding you require, we could provide the growth capital to meet your needs.
The City of Edinburgh Council is member of a consortium of ten local authorities in the East of Scotland who have joined together to create The East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF). The Fund offers secured loans of up to ÂŁ50,000 to new and growing, small and medium sized businesses. Its aim is to ensure that good, commercially viable proposals do not fail from a lack of access to finance. Among the Edinburgh companies which have recently secured a loan from ESIF are IceRobotics Limited of South Queensferry and Totseat Limited. IceRobotics Ltd www.icerobotics.com is a fast growing electronics and software company specialising in dairy cattle management systems, and winner of the John Logie Baird for Early Stage Innovation. The company received a loan for working capital purposes in Summer 2012, leveraging grant support from Scottish Enterprise towards development costs and facilitating stock build to meet its rapidly rising order book. Commercial director, Robert Boyce commented; â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the current economic climate, the commercial banks were proving unwilling to assist, and so the
BC CONSULTANTS Scottish Borders Campus Nether Road GALASHIELS TD1 3HE Tel: 01896 662571 E-mail: bcconsultants@ borderscollege.ac.uk www.bcconsultants.ac.uk
City of Edinburgh Council was able to step in with a loan through the ESIF loan scheme instead.â&#x20AC;? Totseat Ltd www.totseat.com is home of the washable, squashable highchair â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for babies who lunch. This innovative and award winning travel product is exported to more than 40 countries. The Company was awarded a loan for working capital and according to founder Rachel Jones, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having access to the ESIF has been a great help in a climate where funding is hugely difficult to come by. It has allowed us bring another award-winning product to market, www.totseat.com/oobicoo, and will ensure we are able to explore and develop our new international markets.â&#x20AC;?
For further information and to download an application form please check out the ESIF Website at www.eastscotinvest.co.uk Alternatively email eastscotinvest@edinburgh.gov.uk or call us at 07771 578091
Training Solutions by Borders College Having successfully delivered high quality customer-focused training for sixteen years, BC Consultants is well equipped to offer a wide variety of short courses and training opportunities to suit your organisation and your employees.
<RX ZLOO ÂżQG RXU SURYLVLRQ IULHQGO\ DQG Ă&#x20AC;H[LEOH ZH DUH DOZD\V KDSS\ WR GLVFXVV \RXU WUDLQLQJ requirements and listen to your ideas. Our experienced, skilled team will work with you to develop innovative and creative training solutions, at competitive prices.
Grow your business... Grow your people... Grow with us... BC CONSULTANTS Newington Business Centre 2 Dalkeith Road Mews EDINBURGH EH16 5GA Tel: 0131 667 5345 E-mail: bcconsultants@ borderscollege.ac.uk www.bcconsultants.ac.uk
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www.bcconsultants.ac.uk 7KURXJK D UDQJH RI HIIHFWLYH GHOLYHU\ DQG DVVHVVPHQW PHWKRGV ZH KDYH JDLQHG D reputation as a specialist provider of... Â&#x2021; %XVLQHVV DQG $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ Â&#x2021; /HDGHUVKLS DQG 0DQDJHPHQW Â&#x2021; &DWHULQJ DQG +RVSLWDOLW\ Â&#x2021; 1DWLRQDO 7UDLQLQJ 3URJUDPPHV Â&#x2021; &KLOGFDUH Â&#x2021; &XVWRPHU 6HUYLFH Â&#x2021; +HDOWK 6RFLDO &DUH
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Customised qualifications offer the perfect match Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) offers employers the chance to develop customised qualifications matched to their own training needs. To complement their credit rating and endorsement services, SQA can develop awards tailored specifically to what employers need: to help them meet regulatory requirements; to demonstrate workforce competence; or to bridge a gap where a traditional off-the-shelf qualification is not available. Customised Awards are competence based and designed to allow the customer flexibility in the design, content and format of the qualification. Support is provided by SQA staff for the development of the qualification, the creation of the award on SQA systems and the design of the certificates. The assessment material is developed by the customer, while SQA
validate the award, provide quality assurance and issue commemorative certificates. Sue MacFarlane, Head of Specialist Awards and Services at SQA said: ‘Our Customised Awards can be used to formalise procedures and boost employee confidence, but they can also be used to demonstrate to clients and customers, particular areas of expertise that a business or employer has, and how those skills differentiate them from their rivals.’ ‘Like our other qualifications, Customised Awards are designed to improve an individuals work-related skills and knowledge, and define the standards of competence required of a business’ employees. We work with our customers to develop qualifications that are a perfect match to their requirements.’
enthusiastic about this service. ‘Developing our e-learning course Understanding Drilling Equipment as a customised award has undoubtedly given Aberdeen Drilling Consultants a platform to reach global markets by virtue of the international standing and reputation of SQA. Customised Awards allow organisations the flexibility to design training that fulfils their requirements whilst ensuring it is benchmarked against an internationally recognised standard.’ For more information about SQA’s Customised Awards, visit www.sqa.org.uk/businessdevelopment
Craig Duncan, Operations Co-ordinator for Aberdeen Drilling Consultants was
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Gettingstarted Name: Duncan Wood Business name: Scientific Protection Scotland Start up date: 2011 Website: http://scientificprotection.com Q1: Tell us a bit about your business? Scientific Protection Scotland Ltd (SPS Ltd) is a personal protective equipment company that is developing a unique range of compact escape respirators for emergency protection against smoke and toxic CBRN materials (chemical, biological, radiological & nuclear). The company also has other personal protective equipment in the pipeline including a proprietary heat stress calculator and personal cooling system for use by first responders. The company is a commercial spinout from the non-profit Institute for Applied Science, an American company established in 1997 to identify and commercialize promising science and technology developed in the Russian Academy of Sciences.
easily and inconspicuously inside a coat pocket or handbag in order to be readily available in an emergency. The device is specifically designed to solve a major safety shortfall for the US Government. On 9/11 over 3,000 people died -- mainly from smoke and dust inhalation. Official estimates suggest that a further 3,000 will die in the next decade from respiratory illnesses caused by 9/11. Most of these people could have been saved if escape respirators had been readily available. As a result, the US now requires escape respirators for all personnel in major government buildings.
Q4: What do you like most about working for yourself? Running your own company gives you freedom to innovate and to develop the company without the barriers of a traditional corporate environment.
Q5: What has been your greatest business success to date? When I was living in Washington DC, I co-founded a linux-based streaming media company called PenguinRadio which pioneered the delivery of internet audio to mobile devices. We were listening to music and radio on our mobile phones before anybody else.
Q6: What has been your lowest moment? Sorting out the paperwork when shipments to America have been stuck in customs.
We’re based in Edinburgh because it’s a great place to live and to work: the city has excellent university and industrial research capabilities close at hand, and it provides ready access to both European and American markets. Also, because of its scientific, mining and industrial heritage, Scotland has an impressive history of innovation in respiratory protection. In fact, the inventor of the first gas mask back in 1854 was the Scottish chemist John Stenhouse.
Q2: What gives your business ‘the x-factor’? Scientific Protection is developing the world’s smallest emergency escape respirators. Our compact escape respirators are more than 50% smaller than conventional gas masks or smoke hoods so that they can fit
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Q3: What motivated you to set up in business for yourself? We’ve got a proven market and we have the opportunity to develop and commercialize valuable proprietary technology that can save lives. In 2007, the US Government awarded IAS a contract to evaluate a clever Russiandesigned compact escape hood known as the Epicenter Phoenix T-2. Based on its testing of the Phoenix T-2, the US Government confirmed a need to develop compact escape hoods for first responders and the general adult population – devices that can be carried easily on the person in order to be readily available in an emergency.
Q7: In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years? We want to make innovative products that save lives. The Company plans to develop a whole range of compact escape hoods for different uses and also has a variety of related products in the pipeline. Personal Protective Equipment is a multi billion market and it is growing steadily driven by increasing government and corporate safety and security concerns.
Q8: What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business? Go for it.
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A A creative creative agency agency that that listens listens to to it’s it’s customers! customers! ocean70 is a high-end, integrated, creative communications ocean70 is a high-end, integrated, creative communications agency. They are “the agency which listens”. agency. They are “the agency which listens”. ocean70 are going from strength ocean70 are going from strength to strength for one reason; their to strength for one reason; their results. They’ve a proven track results. They’ve a proven track record in creativity that gets results. record in creativity that gets results. Their level of professionalism and Their level of professionalism and standards has seen them swiftly standards has seen them swiftly become international award-winners. become international award-winners. “We have a team of highly talented, “We have a team of highly talented, utterly dedicated individuals that are utterly dedicated individuals that are relentlessly creative and always deliver relentlessly creative and always deliver high quality results on time and within high quality results on time and within budget,” says Managing Director Alex budget,” says Managing Director Alex Stewart, who believes that ultimately Stewart, who believes that ultimately when a company engages in using an when a company engages in using an agency, they are making an investment agency, they are making an investment in it’s people. in it’s people.
The ‘small but perfectly formed’ The ‘small but perfectly formed’ team have the perfect balance, team have the perfect balance, Alex adds; “Collectively we’ve pretty Alex adds; “Collectively we’ve pretty much seen it all and done it all”. much seen it all and done it all”. ocean70 are the agency you’d ocean70 are the agency you’d choose to recommend to any choose to recommend to any friend or colleague. Indeed client friend or colleague. Indeed client recommendation is a huge factor recommendation is a huge factor in how their business has grown in how their business has grown so well. Engage with ocean70 and so well. Engage with ocean70 and you’ll find a team dedicated to you’ll find a team dedicated to exploring your business requirements, exploring your business requirements, your brand, your target audience your brand, your target audience and your market; the benefit of and your market; the benefit of this is clearly displayed in the this is clearly displayed in the end result. end result.
Services at ocean70 include: Services at ocean70 include: .QcR_aV`V[T 1R`VT[ .QcR_aV`V[T 1R`VT[ 1V_RPa :NVY :N_XRaV[T 1V_RPa :NVY :N_XRaV[T 2ZNVY :N_XRaV[T =_\QbPaV\[ 2ZNVY :N_XRaV[T =_\QbPaV\[ DRO 1R`VT[ .[VZNaV\[ DRO 1R`VT[ .[VZNaV\[ :\OVYR .]] 1RcRY\]ZR[a :\OVYR .]] 1RcRY\]ZR[a To mark the beginning of what To mark the beginning of what they’re confident will be their most they’re confident will be their most exciting year yet, they’ve got a exciting year yet, they’ve got a brand new website, take a closer brand new website, take a closer look at ocean70.com look at ocean70.com
The Hub, Beancross Road, Grangemouth, Falkirk, FK3 8WH The Hub, Beancross Road, Grangemouth, Falkirk, FK3 8WH t: +44 (0) 1324 473 630 e: hello@ocean70.com www.ocean70.com t: +44 (0) 1324 473 630 e: hello@ocean70.com www.ocean70.com
Imagine Imagine transactions transactions without without credit cards, debit cards credit cards, debit cards or or cash. cash. Or a world without paper ticketing Or a world without paper ticketing for for travel travel concerts concerts and and events. events. This This is the future; Bytemark is shaping is the future; Bytemark is shaping it. it. At Bytemark we develop mobile apps that could see At Bytemark we develop mobile apps that could see all other payment and ticketing methods rendered all other payment and ticketing methods rendered tired, time-consuming and wasteful. At our offices in tired, time-consuming and wasteful. At our offices in the USA and Scotland we’re busy evolving ideas for the USA and Scotland we’re busy evolving ideas for your business; ways that these mobile apps will change your business; ways that these mobile apps will change how all transactions and ticketing are done. how all transactions and ticketing are done.
We’re at the forefront of this mobile We’re at the forefront of this mobile revolution, focussing on mobile app design revolution, focussing on mobile app design and how it can make a difference. We are planning and how it can make a difference. We are planning to liaise with and partner the most progressive to liaise with and partner the most progressive of companies; listening to them, their clients and of companies; listening to them, their clients and building the products to be the perfect match. building the products to be the perfect match.
This mobile app technology will make paying for goods This mobile app technology will make paying for goods and ticket redemption easy and stress-free for your and ticket redemption easy and stress-free for your customers, hence improving customer loyalty at the customers, hence improving customer loyalty at the outset. In today’s technology-driven culture, a smart outset. In today’s technology-driven culture, a smart cutting-edge device like this promotes your business as cutting-edge device like this promotes your business as one which is client-centred and current. Furthermore the one which is client-centred and current. Furthermore the apps we have designed are fully white labelled meaning apps we have designed are fully white labelled meaning you’ll be able to customise it with your own corporate you’ll be able to customise it with your own corporate identity and brand. identity and brand.
Bytemark really is the smarter direction for Bytemark really is the smarter direction for businesses to move transactions and move people; businesses to move transactions and move people; it’s personalisation for companies can significantly it’s personalisation for companies can significantly aid client engagement and communication. Overheads aid client engagement and communication. Overheads are kept low, and incentive schemes become simple to are kept low, and incentive schemes become simple to manage, so customer loyalty improves. There’s also manage, so customer loyalty improves. There’s also the facility to create customised loyalty cards and the facility to create customised loyalty cards and coupons; eradicating the inconvenience of the customer coupons; eradicating the inconvenience of the customer maintaining physical cards. maintaining physical cards.
To find out more about this revolutionary technology To out more about this revolutionary technology andfind how it could increase your revenue get in touch. and how it could increase your revenue get in touch.
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Telephone: Telephone: Website: Website:
01324 478240 01324 478240 www.bytemark.co www.bytemark.co
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ADVERTORIAL
Scottish Business beneďŹ t from ScotRail Business Direct service ScotRail Business Direct is a completely free service, with no set up cost, providing fee-free transactions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so no hidden booking fees, postal charges*, or Ticket on Departure costs.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Johnston Carmichael has ten offices across Scotland, so our partners and staff are often travelling. We have found ScotRailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Business Direct Service convenient and easy for our people to use and it allows for greater flexibility with our train bookings.â&#x20AC;? Julia Timmins, JCCA, Aberdeen.
Clients can choose which service method they prefer, with an emphasis on account management and support.â&#x20AC;&#x153;The online self-book tool is exactly Pivotal to both elements of the service is the new, what the majority of our clients wantâ&#x20AC;? explains flexible 3rd party ticket on departure functionality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Previously, the payment card which was used to Sue Perez, ScotRailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sales Development Manager, purchase a ticket also had to be presented at our â&#x20AC;&#x153;offering an intuitive, easy to use tool. The online Fast Ticket Machines in order to collect it,â&#x20AC;? says self-book tool is further complimented by our Sue Perez.â&#x20AC;&#x153;This created a barrier to rail usage for specialist Scotland based telephone and email business purposes in the past, as the traveller was support team, ensuring continuity and reliability. not always necessarily the booker.We are delighted The dedicated Business Direct team can assist with that Business Direct removes this requirement, journey planning, including berth reservations allowing businesses to get the best value on their and ticketing for the ScotRail Caledonian Sleeper, tickets.â&#x20AC;? which can also be purchased as a 10 journey option, valid for a full calendar year.They can Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Commercial also help drive compliance with your travel Director Richard Muir said;â&#x20AC;&#x153;ScotRailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business policy, and will allow only designated bookers to Direct service will make it much easier for us to purchase tickets.â&#x20AC;&#x153;The team in Fort William pride manage our travel budget and ensure we get the themselves on offering excellence in customer best value tickets available. And the ticket-onserviceâ&#x20AC;? comments Sue,â&#x20AC;&#x153;taking calls from 8am departure option is really flexible.â&#x20AC;? until 6pm Monday to Friday they really are there
to make life easier for the client.â&#x20AC;?
â&#x20AC;&#x153;To make the journey as easy as possible for the traveller, bookers can opt to have the booking reference sent directly to the passenger, via email or SMS,â&#x20AC;&#x153;again, a benefit that lets people get on with what they do best, removing the need for paper print outs and scribbled post it notesâ&#x20AC;?, added Sue. But the benefits of Business Direct donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there. We can also assist with group bookings, so if the business is planning an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;away dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or simply has to get a group of people from A to B, then they can enjoy preferential group rates, with discounts ranging from 20% to 50%**, and that even includes our Caledonian Sleeper. ScotRail operates 95% of services within Scotland, including the Caledonian Sleeper Service, an overnight service conveniently linking over 40 Scottish towns and cities with London Euston, in the heart of the city.
To find out more, call 08450 700 908, or visit www.scotrail.co.uk/businessdirect *Standard postage only. Next Day Delivery incurs a ÂŁ6 fee. **Subject to date/time of travel and availability.
A fresh approach to Business Travel from ScotRail
Let us manage your business travel, while you get on with managing your business.
Arranging business travel for your organisation can be a headache so let ScotRailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free Business Direct service do all the hard work. With benefits like these, why not take advantage of this personalised service:
â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘
Fee-free account-managed resource â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Collect at stationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; provision Aides implementation and compliance with travel policy Dedicated specialist Scotland-based support teams Online- and telephone-based ticket fulfilment options More value for your travelling needs
It could save you time, money and a lot of effort.
Visit www.scotrail.co.uk/businessdirect or call 0845 070 09 08 to find out more
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Housing market ‘more affordable in Scotland’ Research from the Bank of Scotland shows that mortgage payments as a proportion of disposable earnings for a new borrower in Scotland is at a nine-year low. The analysis shows: n The long-term average loan-to-value ratio for mortgage payments for a new borrower is now 20% of disposable earnings. This is well below the 27-year average of 30%. n As a result of lower house prices and reduced mortgage rates, mortgage payments as a proportion of income have nearly halved in four years. n Mortgage payments account for a much lower proportion of disposable earnings in Scotland (20%) than the UK as a whole (27%)
Rettie & Co’s Head of Research, Dr. John Boyle, said: “Housing affordability in Scotland has been boosted by the modest fall in house prices, reduced mortgage rates and an increase in the size of deposits being put down by buyers. However, the high level of deposit required and restrictions on lending is making it difficult for people to get on the housing ladder, hence transaction levels remain relatively weak. “The Scottish market was not as overstretched in terms of affordability as it was in many other parts of the UK at the height of the market, which is one reason why the correction in terms of house prices was not as severe here. Improving affordability certainly provides a boost to the housing market, but there remains a lack of market confidence due to economic uncertainty.”
n 7 of the 10 most affordable local authority districts in the UK are in Scotland.
The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies: AMEC - Power & Process Europe Argento Property Development Atherton Corporate Limited Ballantrae Hotel Group Baxter Ramsay Limited Capital Joinery Services Carbon Financial Partners Limited Cruden Homes (East) Limited
Drivers urged to go green A Scottish cleaning firm has launched a campaign to help companies cut waste management costs by a third in 2012.
Edinburgh Events Photography Roger Green in an eco car
Henri Forman Event Management Intervention Space Limited
The most effective recycling systems can save businesses a third in the ever-increasing landfill tax and reduce cleaning costs by around £2,500 a year.
Roger Green, CEO and founder of the Edinburgh company, said: “We are always looking at new ways we can help our clients keep costs under control, while maintaining the clean, tidy environments they need to be productive. “As an ISO 14001 company, we are also proud to promote environmentally sound practises. Through our work, we have identified that
Genius Foods Groupsave Limited
Spotless Commercial Cleaning has published a leaflet to be circulated to its clients, aimed at helping organisations at a time when cost efficiency is key.
Spotless also advises on the wide variety of commercial items which can be recycled, from old furniture and electrical equipment, to strip lights and toners.
Driveforth Limited
McSence Limited Morisons LLP there are a number of simple changes to waste management that businesses can make in order to save significant amounts of cash, while improving eco-friendly practise.
Payfficiency Limited
“We have created our leaflet on reducing waste costs with this in mind and will be working with our clients where required to help them implement changes and benefit from the impact on the bottom line.”
Property Inventory Management
For further information, visit www.spotlessclean.co.uk
PC Support Group
Limited Restaurant File, The TFI Group Worldpay UK Limited
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PartnersinEnterprise Lloyds Banking Group beats target for small business lending Lloyds Banking Group has announced that it has beaten its targets under the Merlin agreement, for lending to small and medium sized businesses (SMEs). During the 12 month period of the agreement, which began in February 2011, the Group lent £12.5 billion to SMEs, surpassing the higher £11.7 billion capacity target under Merlin. Separately, the Group has also kept its net lending to SMEs positive at three per cent, while across the industry net lending has declined by six per cent. For 2012, the Group has made a unilateral commitment to lend at least £12 billion -
and to keep its net lending positive - despite the continuing economic uncertainty. This commitment is uncapped and the Group will lend whatever is required to fulfil demand from viable small and medium sized businesses throughout the year. As part of its SME Charter, the Group has also made a series of pledges help ensure finance remains accessible and affordable. John Maltby, Group Director, Commercial, Lloyds Banking Group, said: “We lent £12.5 billion to small and medium sized businesses last year, beating our target of £11.7 billion under the Merlin agreement, and we’ve grown our net lending during a time when, across the industry, net lending has slipped into reverse. “But that is just the start. We’ve made a unilateral pledge to lend at least £12 billion again in 2012, despite the continuing economic uncertainty. And through our
Ian Collins
SME Charter we have set out how we will keep lending both accessible and affordable.” Ian Collins, area director for Bank of Scotland in South Scotland, said: “The recovery of Scotland hinges on the success of small businesses and so at Bank of Scotland we are committed to making sure they do succeed.”
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Moversandshakers Firm announces promotions Semple Fraser LLP, whose offices include Edinburgh, has announced a new management structure and key promotions. Alister Fraser has stepped down as Managing Partner and begins a new role as Chairman. Simon Etchells, a senior partner within the firm’s top ranked Real Estate Team and founding member of Semple Fraser, has
New challenge for Adam
taken over as Managing Partner and Andrew Hastings, Finance Director has been moved up to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer.
Scotland’s largest firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Johnston Carmichael, has appointed Adam Hardie as its new Head of Food and Drink.
There have also been three legal team promotions; Anju Suneja to Partner, Fiona Carlin to Director and Fiona Ross to Associate.
New stylist joins Conetta & Co
Adam, who has been Johnston Carmichael’s Director of Business Development for 3 years, will extend his current role to lead the firm’s growth in the food and drink sector.
Conetta & Co Beauty Rooms have made a significant addition to its beauty team by recruiting Jamie Stuart.
Alister Fraser
Simon Etchells
Trained within Toni & Guy and winner of the UK L’Oreal Colour award, Jamie will be offering precision cutting for women, men and children, as well as a full variety of L’Oreal colour services. Sharon Melbourne owner and Director of Conetta & Co says “Jamie’s recruitment is an important one to the team, she brings expertise in the complete beauty package making Conetta & Co a one stop shop for all beauty requirements”.
Anju Suneja
Fiona Carlin
Dacoll creates new role to boost customer support
Attention to detail encapsulates the Conetta model and its commitment to deliver quality of service and Jamie will help the team to deliver.
Dacoll , Scotland ’s leading IT managed services supplier, has expanded its service support role with the appointment of Ed Prigmore to the newly created role of Service Desk Manager.
New tax firm member announced
This position has been created by the Bathgate company to assist in the support of the increasing number of customer contracts, as well as the expanding range of services delivered by the company’s service desk.
Leading Edinburgh Chartered Accountancy firm Chiene + Tait (C+T) has announced the promotion of a key member of the firm’s tax team. Alastair Thomson becomes Director of Tax Consultancy Services. Fiona Ross
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DHL SO
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BC 51 DHLissue SOY16.indd Advert 270x210mm ESSEX.indd 1
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