Business Comment 28

Inspiring Edinburgh Retail BC issue 28.indd 1

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The Alexander Graham Bell Centre @Moray College UHI

‘SCALE UP, SCALE OUT, SCALE IN’ The Alexander Graham Bell Centre located in the heart of Elgin just 2 minutes walk from Elgin Train station brings to the heart of Moray a principal research, education and continuing professional development (CPD) facility for the Life Sciences Sector in the North East Of Scotland. The centre, a shared facility with Moray College UHI and NHS Grampian also provides the opportunity to bring together, research and development, academia and industry under one roof.

There are many facilities on offer within the Alexander Graham Bell Centre including: • Competitively priced research and commercialisation rooms aimed at companies working in the field of life sciences perfect for companies of growth or start ups.

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• Smaller breakout rooms , lecture theatre and video conferencing facilities.

For enquiries and more information about this fantastic facility please contact: Hilda Puskas, Moray College UHI on (01343) 576475 or accommodation.moray@uhi.ac.uk www.moray.uhi.ac.uk/business-and-community/the-alexander-graham-bell-centre-moray-life-science-centre

february/march 2014

Welcome to BC magazine.

Much has happened for your Chamber since our last issue appeared. The third annual Edinburgh Chamber Business Awards were held at the Sheraton Grand, and were our biggest and best yet in every way. A big audience enjoyed a glittering event, and the awards themselves were contested by our highest level of entrants. A real celebration of the excellence of our members, and congratulation to all of those who were shortlisted and who were winners on the night.

The Chamber has also been “on the move.” Our offices are now in George Street, and offer our members high quality space even closer to the heart of the city. Both the Awards and our move are detailed in the magazine, so please – read all about them.

In this issue we also look at one of the really big sectors in our city, or any other city, in retail. Edinburgh is a retail success, but there is much more we could do and much more that is being planned. In the magazine we learn a little about both from Andrew Murphy, a lover of the city who is responsible for all of the UK retail operations of John Lewis, and we can be reassured by that business’ confidence in our city, but take heed of Andrew’s wise words of caution.

You can also learn of the challenges and opportunities facing out of town retail operations from Ocean Terminal, look at an extraordinary success in Scotmid, and learn about what Edinburgh College is doing to help the sector get the people it needs to thrive into the future.

Contents 26

30

Special Report

03 Introduction / contents

04 New lower salt seasonings available to meat processors

05 Chamber Move

07 TBC

08 Space Solutions shortlisted for a hat- trick of awards

Andrew Murphy

38 Green Vision feature

36 Health & safety feature

51 Going international

52 Get with IT/ Be the best

53 In the spotlight

55 60 seconds

12|15 Edinburgh Chamber Celebrates Excellence at annual Awards

59 Getting started

26|29 Special Report

59 New members

30|31 Inspiring leaders

60 Inspiring connections

32 Ask the expert

61 Events and training courses

33 Partners in enterprise

62 Movers & shakers

Enjoy the magazine

David Birrell

chief executive

david.birrell@edinburghchamber.co.uk

Join Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Our membership base is truly multi-sector, multi-scale and multi- national. As we develop our geographic reach, we continue to welcome new members who can enjoy exclusive benefits of being part of Scotland’s capital city Chamber of Commerce. We would be delighted to share with you the benefits of joining.

Contact our dedicated membership team on 0131 221 2999 or e-mail membershipadmin@edinburghchamber.co.uk

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Chambernews New lower salt seasonings available to meat processors

By Chris Peace, Industry Technical Manager, Scottish Food and Drink Federation The Scottish Food and Drink Federation (SFDF) is an independent, industry funded trade association, representing food and drink manufacturers based or operating in Scotland. Improving public health remains a top priority in 2014 for the food and drink industry.

One strand of activity that is delivering real results for consumers is the work that companies across the UK are doing to make their products healthier through recipe reformulation. Many of the larger companies have been reformulating for years, making gradual tweaks to the recipes of existing food and drink products to reduce calories (through reducing fat or sugars), cut salt or add nutrients such as fibre.

Smaller companies in Scotland are becoming more active in this area and SFDF’s Scottish Government (Health) funded Reformulation Programme, now in its third year, has made excellent progress over the past 12 months. Since the programme was launched in 2011, many small and medium sized food producers have been helped to improve the healthiness

of their products, we are now working directly with 37 companies across Scotland.

Under the Programme, companies are offered free, tailored reformulation advice to help them to reduce the energy content (by lowering levels of fat or sugars) and salt content of their products.

A major recent success of the Programme has been our work with four main seasoning companies in the UK: Dalesman, Dalziel, Kerry, and Scobie & Junor.

Recognising the demand from butchers for reduced salt ingredients that would help their finished products to meet Food Standards Agency Scotland Salt Targets, we have helped these producers to create lower salt seasonings for the butchers they supply. Hundreds of butchers across Scotland now have access to reduced salt ingredients which can help improve the healthiness of their products which their customers will reap the benefits of.

If butchers or food companies in the area are interested in finding out more about these lower salt seasonings, please get in touch.

Chris.Peace@sfdf.org.uk http://www.sfdf.org.uk/sfdf/priorities_ reformulation.aspx

Sarah boyd takes chair of confederation Sarah Boyd, Head of Operations - Bus at Lothian Buses, has been announced as the Chair of the Confederation of Passenger Transport Scotland (CPT).

The trade association, which is recognised as the voice of the bus, coach and light rail industries in Scotland, has appointed Sarah following a successful year in 2013 as vice chair.

In her new role as Chair, Sarah will be involved in liaising with government and other major stakeholders in Scotland’s transport sector to help represent the views of current CPT members. Issues facing the industry include the Bus Service Operators Grant and the National Concessionary Travel Scheme with Sarah leading local and national discussions on behalf of transport providers.

Sarah said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Chair for CPT Scotland for the coming year and look forward to getting stuck into the role. This is sure to be an interesting year in public transport, especially in Edinburgh.

My day job as Head of Operations for bus at Lothian Buses means that I am heavily involved in the quality and delivery of our service across the city. The fact that we are also now involved in integrating with a light rail service in the form of the Edinburgh Tram means I can bring another perspective on transport services. I am looking forward to the opportunity to utilise my experience within the role as well as work with CPT members to help convey their views to transport stakeholders.”

Sarah joined Lothian Buses in June last year after eleven years at Stagecoach.

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CHAMBER MOVE We are delighted to report that your Chamber has moved even closer to the heart of the city.

Our Business Centre is now based at 40 George Street, and we now have even more quality space and facilities for our members.

Our email and telephone contact details are as before and we look forward to welcoming even more members to our new home.

We are open for business as usual in the new premises at Edinburgh chamber of Commerce, 40 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LE

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Capitalview Edinburgh – Bright Retail Future

By Martin Gudaitis, Head of Retail, Montagu-Evans Edinburgh’s retail sector is seeing strong signs, with positive activity and developments both in the city centre and in the city’s major commercial centres.

George Street remains strong in terms of demand and rentals being achieved, but of great encouragement is the resurgence of interest in Princes Street.

In recent years, George Street has enjoyed real prominence as a high quality and niche retail street, with high demand from higher end retailers pushing rental levels along with the street’s many additional food and drink outlets.

Interestingly, Princes Street is now viewed as recovering from some tougher times – particularly during the upheaval of the tramworks. That has meant Princes Street is increasingly seen as offering relatively good value, particularly for mainstream retailers.

In addition, and complementing this, there are encouraging signs of interest

in Edinburgh’s other commercial centres.

Patisserie Valerie and The Outfit have recently opened at Fort Kinnaird and Next have extended their lease whilst undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment of the store, including new double height glazed shopfronts. Debenhams also has plans for a store at Fort Kinnaird. That proposal is currently going through the planning process. The new store is part of Debenham’s three-store strategy for Edinburgh and is designed to complement their existing stores in the city centre and at the commercial centre of Ocean Terminal.

There is a common belief that when retailers open stores which are additional to their town or city centre stores that they will somehow place these town or city centre stores at risk. In my view, retailers tend not to seek to cannibalize their own business.

I know Debenhams believe a store at Fort Kinnaird will add to their Edinburgh presence in a positive way.

2015, with seven restaurants, two cafes and a seven screen Odeon cinema. Four of the restaurants have already been pre-let and we will be making more announcements in the very near future.

Looking ahead for the city centre, major development plans for the east end of the city centre around the St James Centre area, together with the impending opening of Apple’s new flagship store, will see a shift east in prime retail pitch – but we believe the market will find its own level, new demand will come through and the west end will continue to enjoy significant interest and success for both retail and leisure use. Princes Street remains a major retail destination and a significant tourist attraction. It will always be the most significant part of the Edinburgh retail hierarchy.

In addition, a significant new leisure offering will open at Fort Kinnaird in Spring

UK SMEs spending a third of their working lives unpaid UK freelancers and small businesses are not getting paid for a third of the time that they actually spend working, according to the country’s market-leading online accounting system provider.

FreeAgent’s in-house data lab analysed information from more than 30,000 of the company’s small business customers and found that – when users recorded the time they spent on work-related projects – every 90-minute chunk of time would only include an hour of “billable” work that they invoiced their clients for.

The research was carried out to mark the launch of a brand new Time Tracking section

in FreeAgent – providing small business owners with the ability to record the time they spend on projects using simple timers; easily filter their timeslips and total all of their billable, unbillable, invoiced and uninvoiced time; and create one-click timesheet reports.

Ed Molyneux, CEO and co-founder of FreeAgent, said: “We know that people who run small businesses work incredibly hard to make their ventures a success. But it’s still surprising to see how much of that hard work they effectively do for free.

“Of course this isn’t necessarily time that’s being wasted – as many small businesses will either invest some of their own personal time

into the projects they work on, or carry out important admin they haven’t agreed to bill their clients for – but it may mean that they aren’t working as profitably as they could be.

“That’s why it can be very valuable for small business owners to track their time, so they can see how long they spend working and – more importantly – which parts they actually get paid to do. We’ve revamped our Time Tracking features in FreeAgent to enable people to gather this information easily, so they can see whether they need to make any changes that could minimise their unbillable time and increase their profitability.”

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Businessnews Space Solutions shortlisted for a hat-trick of awards Workplace design experts Space Solutions are celebrating after receiving a hat-trick of nominations for this year’s prestigious British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards.

The commercial property experts have been shortlisted in all three of their award submissions, including two nominations for the interior fit out category for separate projects.

Now in its sixth year, the BCO Scotland Awards are held to celebrate excellence in office space across the country. Space Solutions has been recognised for its innovative interior design services for the new UK headquarters in Aberdeen for Teekay

Petrojarl, the largest Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) operator in the North Sea. The second nomination for the same award is for a project closer to home, the design and fit-out of Space Solutions’ new Edinburgh office at Lochrin Square. The new office promotes collaborative working through an open plan design, which features a selection of formal and informal settings, including a café lounge area to promote staff wellbeing. Space Solution’s designers and architects worked closely to create a space which works for both clients and staff, presenting a functional and comfortable experience.

our team. It is especially rewarding to have been shortlisted for the design and fit-out of our new Edinburgh office and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved.”

Space Solutions, which has offices throughout Scotland, London and Oman, is currently working on projects for Edinburgh Napier University, First State Investments in Edinburgh, and has recently been appointed as part of the consortium for the new Ayrshire College in Kilmarnock.

Space Solutions, which helps businesses get the most from their workspaces, has also been shortlisted in the Exterior Build category for the base build and fit out works for Bibby Offshore’s new headquarters in Aberdeenshire.

“To have been shortlisted for all three of our award submission is a great honour and is a real testament to the talent and hard work of

Sheraton grand employees prove to be a “hit” Three employees at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh have won prestigious scholarships at a leading Swiss hotel school, courtesy of the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland, which awards scholarships and bursaries to talent within this sector.

André Brose, the hotel’s Executive Assistant Manager, won an Executive Scholarship at the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland. This highly sought-after scholarship is designed for employees, operating at a senior level in a dynamic organisation, who are looking to advance their leadership skills.

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Murray Scott, Front Office Manager, and Abigail Delia Clark, Events Executive, each won a Management Scholarship which is aimed at relatively new managers. This scholarship is set to equip them with the latest techniques in hands-on management and leadership skills to help them progress their career.

Tristan Nesbitt, the General Manager at the Sheraton Grand, said: “I am thrilled that André, Murray and Abigail have won these prestigious scholarships. The Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne is a world-renowned hotel school and they will all benefit tremendously from this international exposure.”

David Cochrane, Chief Executive of the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland added: “The scholarship applications were of an extremely high standard this year and the candidates really had to demonstrate their commitment to the hospitality industry with a willingness to develop. The Sheraton Grand’s scholars are all superb individuals who have the right attitude and outlook, and this learning experience should help them progress to the next level.”

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Special offer from Edinburgh Chamber As an employer, you have your employees’ health at heart, so how can you ensure they stay fit and healthy at work?

As members of Edinburgh Chamber, you have access to health cover on the Chamber Primary Health Plan.

Westfield Health, official partners of Edinburgh Chamber, are proud to be award-winning health insurers, providing harder working health cover for almost a century.

The Chamber Plan provides health cover that really works hard for you and your employees.

It can be purchased as a standalone product or together as a package with Hospital Treatment

Insurance, providing comprehensive cover at a fraction of the cost of Private Medical Insurance.

So from things like sight test and glasses, dental fees and surgical procedures such as cataract treatment and hip replacements, you can help keep your staff at their healthy best.

Additional services such as their 24/7 GP phone line, DoctorLine™, which includes a webcam consultation facility, enables employees to undergo a ‘face-to-face’ consultation with a qualified, practising GP from anywhere that has a webcam connection. Staff can have a consultation without even having to leave their workplace – good news for employees and their employers, as well as busy GP surgeries

For more information about the Chamber Plan, visit www.westfi eldhealth.com/chamber or call 0845 602 1629, available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Capital Offer on Broadband Edinburgh SMEs can receive up to £3K for high speed internet connections under the Connected Capital Broadband Voucher Scheme As part of the central government’s Connected Capital Programme, the Department for Culture Media and Sport have dedicated £5.5m to a voucher scheme for small and medium businesses. Edinburgh was one of 5 cities to pilot the scheme in August 2013, and thanks to its renowned success, the scheme went live in December 2013.

The scheme is delivered locally through Business Gateway. Eligible businesses apply online by consulting with two of our 122 registered suppliers found on our website, and obtaining two quotes that they submit with their application form.Vouchers will be awarded to businesses to help cover the installation costs of connecting to superfast broadband services up to the value of £3,000, with businesses paying the VAT costs and the ongoing subscription. To qualify for a voucher, applicants should be small to medium sized or be a third sector organisation located in the City of Edinburgh Council area, have fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than £40m. Further information and an application form can be found at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/broadband.

Since going live, the team has been busy promoting the scheme across Edinburgh, so look out for us at various technology events and road shows. Of course you can contact us anytime with questions or to speak with someone on the team by calling 0131 529 6644, or emailing connectedcapital@edinburgh.gov.uk It’s a great incentive that we are encouraging all SMEs in Edinburgh to take advantage of, as it can really help your business get faster, more reliable internet while allowing you to dedicate your own resources elsewhere. If you are not sure what service needs your business has, you can contact our suppliers directly online at www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/edinburgh and discuss your needs before applying.

E f f i c i E n t. . . fA s t. . . r E l i A b l E . . . s A f E

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Chamberawards

01

Speaker – Alex MacLeod – Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce President

02

Speaker and MC – Liz McAreavey – Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Commercial Director

Edinburgh Chamber Celebrates Excellence at annual Awards The 3rd annual Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards took place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa – with a glittering night celebrating the excellence of its members.

The Awards garnered more interest and excitement than ever - from the launch event at the Filmhouse to a media photo-shoot with a Chamber Awards branded bus courtesy of Lothian Buses.

The theme of the night was ‘Excellence’ with co-headline sponsors Visions Events dazzling the 260 attendees with a stunning room setting.

On arrival guests were treated to a drinks reception courtesy of Hunter Adams and music from the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra.

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Commercial Director Liz McAreavey hosted the evening, introducing guest speakers Dr. Jamie Coleman, Managing Director or TechCube and Fraser Doherty, the young founder of SuperJam, along with Councillor Frank Ross who delivered a message of optimism around the Economic Development of Edinburgh.

The first award of the night was “Sustainable Development”. Nominated in this Skanska sponsored category were Lothian Buses, Changeworks Recycling, EcoConnect and Rabbie’s Small Group Tours. Edinburgh Chamber President Alex Macleod presented Lothian Buses with the award with Chief Executive Ian Craig and Steve Johnston, Environmental and CSR manager collecting the award.

“Creative Marketing”, sponsored by coheadline sponsors Vision Events was one of the most contested categories with five nominees (Tress4Scotland, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Forth Ports,The Edinburgh Gang Show and Law at work) and won by Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Sponsored by Edinburgh Audi, “International Trade” saw Sigma Seven, Global Virtual Interviews Ltd and Bohemia Design Ltd compete, with Sigma Seven, the integrated mobile work management and field data company triumphing.

“Young Businessperson of the Year” saw Laura Caroll, founder of Prezent, Stevie Chambers , Commercial Project Officer at Lothian Buses, Rebecca Mackenzie Smith , Head of Client

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03 05

04

Speaker – Dr. Jamie Coleman - Techcube

Speaker – Fraser Doherty – SuperJam

Speaker – Councillor Frank Ross – Convenor Economy Committee - City of Edinburgh Council

06 Relations at HeeHaw Digital, Esther Stringer Managing Director at Border Crossing Media and Daniel Campbell General Manager at the Royal Over Seas League all competing, and with Rebecca winning.

The Chamber introduced the Lifetime Achievement award this year.The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce were delighted to have “Keeper of the Registers” Sheenagh Adams present Janice Dickson from Ian Dickson Travel the award.

The “Best Performing Business” categories were sponsored by the City of Edinburgh Council, and presented by their Chief

Winner – Lothian Buses – Sustainable Development Award. From Left – Ian Craig, Chief Executive at Lothian Buses - Dr Steve Johnston, Enironmental and CSR manager at Lothian Buses - Alex MacLeod Operations Director at Skanska Scotland

Executive Sue Bruce.The nominees for Best Performing Business 1-10 staff were “4G Scotland (winners) , Location Scotland, Mercat Tours and Thistle Residence” ; For 11-50 staff ExecSpace, Law at work, Mearns and Company (winners) and SKYCIG battled it out; and at 51+ staff, saw Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh Castle, the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, Space Solutions and Rabbie’s Small Groups Tours (winners) compete.

The final award for the night was sponsored by The Royal College of Surgeons Commercial Enterprises with Commercial Director Paul Macari presenting “Innovation in Business”.

Entries from the Scottish Media Academy,

Claymore Security Solutions,The Edinburgh Gang Show and Lothian Buses were all in competition, with the Scottish Media Academy winning out.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive David Birrell closed the show by presenting Events Executive Sian Downes with a huge bouquet of flower as thanks for organising the biggest Chamber Awards ever.

Submissions for the 2015 Business Awards will open in October with the ceremony hosted on February 26th 2015.To discuss sponsorship opportunities contact sian.downes@ edinburghchamber.co.uk/ 0131 221 3194.

SPONSORS

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Chamberawards

07

Winner – Janice Dickson for Lifetime Achievement Award. From Left – Janice Dickson at Ian Dickson Travel - Sian Downes, Event Executive at Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce - Sheenagh Adams, Keeper of the Registers for Scotland.

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Speaker – David Birrell – Chief Executive at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

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Winner – Scottish Media Academy for Innovation in Business. From left – Courtnay McLeod, Director of the Scottish Media Academy - Michelle Hunter, Project manager at the Scottish Media Academy Winner – Mearns and co. – Best Performing Business with 11 – 50 Staff. From Left – Emma Yule, Head of Communications at Mearns and Company Limited - Catherine Bell, Operations Director at Mearns and Company Limited - Margaret Mearns, Managing Director at Mearns and Company Limited - Graeme Brown, Practice Manager at Mearns and Company Limited.

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Winner – Sigma Seven Limited – International Trade. From Left – Manos Korakakis,Technical Project Manager at Sigma Seven Limited – Paul Reid, Managing Director at Sigma Seven Limited.

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Winner – Rebecca MacKenzie Smith, Head of Client Services at HeeHaw Digital – Young Businessperson of the Year. From left – Audrey McFarlane, Senior Business Director at Westfield Health - Rebecca MacKenzie Smith, Head of Client Services at HeeHaw Digital.

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Winner – Rabbie’s Trail Burners Limited – Best Performing Business with 51+ staff. From left – Sue Bruce, Chief Executive at The City of Edinburgh Council - Caroline Caskie, Sales manager at Rabbie’s Trail Burners Limited - Councillor Frank Ross, Convenor Economy Committee at The City of Edinburgh Council.

Winner – 4G Scotland – Best Performing Business 1-10 staff. From Left – Colin Loveday, Managing Director at 4G Scotland – James Kanter, Business Development Manager at 4G Scotland.

Winner – Edinburgh International Film Festival – Creative Marketing. From left – Julianne Reddin, Development Manager at the Edinburgh International Film Festival – Ross Perth, Marketing Manager at the Edinburgh International Film Festival – Julie Grindlay, Hire Office Manager at VisionEvents (UK) Ltd.

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Edinburgh Gang Show Productions Limited

Our Mission:

to make a positive difference in young people through their participation in creative arts activities.

Recognised as the biggest theatrical show starring young people in the UK Edinburgh Gang Show has a cast of over 250 young people aged between 8 and 25 years.

Edinburgh Gang Show Productions Limited was registered as a company limited by guarantee at Companies House and as a Registered Scottish Charity in November 2002.

This long established show follows a fully balanced and recognised format of variety theatre set within a modern context with the youngsters from both Scouting and Girlguiding movements showcasing their creative talents by performing to audiences of over 6,000 people annually at the city’s King’s Theatre.

The increasing costs associated with theatrical production and the storage of scenery and costumes were seen as impacting on the funding available to local Scouting and Girlguiding and therefore it was agreed that to ensure the continuation of Gang Show in the city that an independent company would be more able to source funding and sponsorship without affecting the support already being given by local business to the youth and community organisations.

Involvement in the Show provides our young people with the new skills and experience of working as a team and being part of a significant project with all the usual demands of milestones, targets and achievement as well as building confidence and self-esteem.

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Since 2002 we have grown in stature but still have a lot more to bring to the Edinburgh arts and culture scene.

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To lease or not to lease - that is the question... reek philosopher, Heraclitus, once said: “There is nothing permanent except change.” These wise words were uttered around 500 B.C when modes of transport were slightly different to ours.

Leasing FAQs:

The way we now buy products and services has been transformed over the last few years and this is also true of the car industry. Ownership is fast becoming a thing of the past for many business people and why should you pay full price for something you intend to change in a few years?

Can any vehicle be leased?

Yes. Call or email us with your ideal vehicle, or ask for our advice and we can provide a quote.

It can be daunting changing from traditional buying habits – in this case moving from owning to leasing your vehicle. There are however many advantages in doing so, including: • • •

fixed cost motoring no depreciation to deal with and guaranteed change points

At Camargue, we offer an exclusive vehicle supply service for businesses and private individuals backed up by years of relevant expertise and experience. We explore the whole life costs of commercial or private vehicles to you and your business to find the most appropriate and cost effective solution. Our business revolves around solving your motoring problems. Thanks to our knowledge, leverage and national coverage we can tailor a package to suit you, after establishing exactly what you need, providing any make or model of car or commercial vehicle.

Any change can require a leap of faith and here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about leasing.

Do I have to have a business?

No. Personal Contract Hire is readily available for private individuals.

Will the vehicle be brand new?

Yes. All vehicles are supplied direct from your chosen manufacturer.

Can I specify options on the vehicle?

Yes, exactly as you would buying the car new.

Is maintenance included?

It’s entirely up to you to decide prior to entering into the agreement. We always provide a quote with and without maintenance.

Will I have the option to own the car at the end?

It is possible, but not in all cases. If you would like this option we can ensure you have it.

How many miles per year do I have to do?

We set this based on your estimate at the start and excess mileage charges in pence per mile will be detailed in your quote.

You will always know how much is payable if you exceed the estimate.

Can I claim all or some of the VAT back?

Only if you are VAT registered.

Examples of what we can offer: • BMW 4 Series Coupe Diesel 420d M Sport Auto - £355 p.mth • BMW 5 Series Diesel Saloon 518d SE Auto - £259 p.mth • VW CC Diesel Saloon 2.0 TDI CR Bluemotion Tech - £265 p.mth • Audi A4 Diesel Saloon 2.0 TDI 150 S Line - £317 p.mth • Ford Transit 290 L2 Diesel FWD H2 Van TDCI - £275 p.mth • VW Transporter T26 SWB Diesel 2.0 TDI Highline - £225 p.mth

All offers are based on 8,000 miles per annum, 48 month term, six initial rentals up front plus £250 arrangement fee. All figures quoted exclude VAT.

Vehicle Cost Audit / Predictive Cost Modelling / Tax and Employee Benefits / Green Fleet / Fleet Acquisition and Competitive Tender Risk and Compliance / Finance and Funding / Employee Car Schemes / Partner Car Schemes / Business, Private and Commercial Vehicles

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VEHICLE SUPPLY I FINANCE I MANAGEMENT

A small selection of our exclusive offers…

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02/04/2014 09:54

T

PETER VARDY

CORPORATE SERVICE Peter Vardy Edinburgh, as your local BMW dealer and one of Scotland’s leading car retailers, offer a premium corporate service to aid the needs of your business users and fleet managers. We aim to offer the perfect solution to your business, no matter your company size or requirements – we can tailor a perfect solution to fit. Our team has over 25 years combined in BMW and corporate experience, who will deliver a personal service looking after your every need from start to finish. We always look to meet your budget guidelines and of course, maximise return on your investment.

If you do manage a fleet of fewer than 50 company cars, the BMW Business Partnership has been designed specifically for you. The full range of BMW vehicles are available to order, offering many membership benefits including compelling contract hire rates, complimentary Regus Businessword Gold Card, opportunity to attend exclusive previews and a dedicated local business manager.

With Peter Vardy Edinburgh, and our dedicated corporate team you are always in great hands. Robert Simpson, Corporate Sales Manager states “At Peter Vardy our main focus is to

deliver a personal service around whatever your business needs are. Regardless of whether you are looking for one vehicle for yourself or fifty for your fleet. I will always take the same care and professionalism to ensure that we come up with the ideal choice for any company car user regardless of size of vehicles or size of fleet. With over 161 BMW group vehicles emitting 160g/km or less and 70 emit less than 130 g/km meaning that with the tightened BIK bandings they are even more effective in managing the cost of business vehicles.”

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PETER VARDY NEWS

Peter Vardy Edinburgh, recently announced on 6 February 2014 that they were now the official vehicle partner with Scottish Rugby on a three year deal.

Colleagues from Peter Vardy Edinburgh launched the new venture with members of the Scotland national team and Scottish Rugby’s Director of Commercial Operations, Communications and Public Affairs, Dominic MacKay. McKay said “We’re delighted to have Peter Vardy Edinburgh on board as our most recent addition to our family of blue chip sponsors that include RBS, Macron and BT, among others.

“Peter Vardy is a growing business synonymous with success in Scotland. We look forward to working together.”

Dale Smith, Marketing Director at Peter Vardy with Dominic MacKay of SRU

If you are interested in working with Peter Vardy Edinburgh for your corporate needs. Our team would be delighted to receive your enquiry.

Contact corporatesales@petervardy.com Corporate Sales Manager

Robert Simpson 07912 895777 robertsimpson@petervardy.com Or you can call our dealership on 0131 669 0900 or visit us at www.petervardybmw.co.uk BE000481 BMW/MINI Corporate Advert.indd 2-3

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02/04/2014 09:54

TAKING TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS. TAKINGCARE CAREOF OFBUSINESS. BUSINESS. the the new mini. thenew newmini. mini. the the new new original. original. the new original.

FROM FROM£149 £149AAMONTH MONTH. . * *

FROM £149 A MONTH*.

TheThe all new all new MINIMINI Hatch Hatch builds builds upon upon the the success success of its ofheritage, its heritage, withwith the the MINIMINI Cooper Cooper D providing D providing class-leading class-leading performance performance andand efficiency efficiency as well as well The all new MINI Hatch builds upon the success of its heritage, with the as the as the lowest lowest CO2CO2 emissions emissions of any of any equivalent equivalent model model withwith more more thanthan 100hp.

100hp.

MINI Cooper D providing class-leading performance and efficiency as well All-new All-new three three andand four-cylinder four-cylinder engines engines andand automatic automatic gearboxes gearboxes withwith AutoAuto as the lowest CO2 emissions of any equivalent model with more than 100hp.

Start-Stop Start-Stop alsoalso mean mean thatthat twotwo models models within within the the range range exceed exceed 80mpg 80mpg on on All-new three and four-cylinder engines and automatic gearboxes with Auto the the combined combined cycle, cycle, while while still still delivering delivering MINI’s MINI’s hallmark hallmark go-kart go-kart handling. handling.

Start-Stop also mean that two models within the range exceed 80mpg on Standard Standard specification specification includes includes DABDAB digital digital radio, radio, heated heated mirrors mirrors andand the combined cycle, while still delivering MINI’s hallmark go-kart handling. washer washer jets,jets, USBUSB audio audio interface interface andand keyless keyless go. go.

Standard specification includes DAB digital radio, heated mirrors and washer jets, USB audio interface and keyless go. j 92g/km j 92g/km CO2CO2 j 13% j 13% BIKBIK j 80.7mpg j 80.7mpg

A LEAN 68.9 MILES PER GALLON FROM A MEAN £259 PER MONTH.*

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon is available for a can-do price of just £259 per month* + VAT with £1,554 deposit until the endCO2 of June.

You’ll enjoy j 92g/km j 13% BIK j 80.7mpg find To afind out more more orstandard arrange or arrange a test a test drive drive visit visit further savings thanks to fuel consumption of 68.9 miles (combined) and CO2 emissions of 109g/km for BIK of only 16%.ToAdd highout level of specification www.petervardymini.co.uk/about-us www.petervardymini.co.uk/about-us that includes 16” light alloy wheels, Sport leather steering wheel, bluetooth and parking distance control, the only thing you’ll be running out of is superlatives.

To find out more or arrange a test drive visit www.petervardymini.co.uk/about-us For more information, or to arrange a test drive† visit www.petervardybmw.co.uk/corporate

Peter Vardy Edinburgh

19 Seafield Road East, Edinburgh EH15 1ED 0131 669 0900 www.petervardybmw.co.uk

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW range: Urban 13.8–62.4mpg (20.5–4.4l/100km). Extra Urban 26.2–83.1mpg (10.8–3.4l/100km). Combined 20.3–74.3mpg (13.9–3.8l/100km). CO 2 emissions 325–99g/km.

Figures exclude VAT. Based on a 35 month Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 320ED with a deposit of £1,554 plus VAT, a contract mileage of 8,000 miles per annum and an excess mileage charge of 7.8 pence per mile plus VAT. Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Subject to status and in the UK only (excl. the Channel Islands). Individuals must be 18 or over. A guarantee may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Rentals may change if VAT rate changes during agreement. Hire provided by BMW Group Corporate Finance. BMW Group Corporate Finance is a trading style of Alphabet (GB) Limited, Europa House, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9UF. Offer expires 31 March 2014. †Test drive subject to applicant status and available.

The The New MINI Clubvan.

Clubvan. the new mini.

TheNew NewMINI MINI Clubvan.

The The Driving Driving force force behind the original.

The new Driving forcebehind behind any any small small business. business.

FROM £152 A MONTH . any small business. *

From From £179 From£179 £179 Per Per Month Month Per Month Plus PlusVAT VAT&&Deposit Deposit ** **

Plus VAT & Deposit**

Launched Launched in Autumn in Autumn 2012, 2012, the the newnew MINIMINI Clubman Clubman is the is the perfect perfect mobile mobile billboard billboard for small for small premium premium companies companies far and far and wide. wide.

Whatever Whatever youryour trade, trade, Launched in Autumn 2012, the new MINI Clubman is the perfect mobile you’ll you’ll findfind the the combination combination of 860 of 860 litres litres of load of load capacity, capacity, flat flat loading loading floor, floor, billboard for small premium companies far and wide. Whatever your trade, 6 lashing 6 lashing pointed pointed andand roofroof railsrails to be tojust be just the the job,job, while while strong strong standard standard specspec you’ll find the combination of 860 litres of load capacity, flat loading floor, including including air-con air-con andand DABDAB radio, radio, proves proves youyou cancan mixmix business business withwith pleasure. pleasure.

6 lashing pointed and roof rails to be just the job, while strong standard spec including air-con and DAB radio, proves you can mix business with pleasure. j 103g/km j 103g/km CO2CO2 j £3000 j £3000 /Yr /Yr BIKBIK j 72.4mpg j 72.4mpg

The all new MINI Hatch builds upon the success of its heritage, with the MINI Cooper D providing class-leading performance and efficiency as well as the lowest CO2 emissions of any equivalent model with more than 100hp.

All-new three and four-cylinder engines and automatic gearboxes with Auto Start-Stop also mean that two models within the range exceed 80mpg on the combined cycle, while still delivering MINI’s hallmark go-kart handling.

Standard specification includes DAB digital radio, heated mirrors and washer jets, USB audio interface and keyless go. j 92g/km CO2 j 13% BIK j 80.7mpg

To find out more or arrange a test drive visit www.petervardymini.co.uk/about-us

j 103g/km CO2 j £3000 /Yr BIK j 72.4mpg

To find To find outout more more or arrange or arrange a test a test drive drive visit visit www.petervardymini.co.uk/about-us www.petervardymini.co.uk/about-us To find out more or arrange a test drive visit www.petervardymini.co.uk/about-us

Peter Peter Vardy Vardy Edinburgh Edinburgh 19 19 Seafield Seafield Road Road East, East, Edinburgh Edinburgh EH15 EH15 1ED1ED Peter Vardy Edinburgh Peter Vardy Edinburgh

0131 0131 468 468 7373 7373 www.petervardymini.co.uk www.petervardymini.co.uk 19 Seafield Road East, Edinburgh 19 Seafield Road East, Edinburgh EH15EH15 1ED 1ED 468 7373 www.petervardymini.co.uk 0131 0131 468 7373 www.petervardymini.co.uk Official Official fuelfuel economy economy figures figures for the for the MINIMINI Range: Range: Urban Urban 26.4-67.3 26.4-67.3 mpgmpg (10.7-4.2 (10.7-4.2 l/100km). l/100km).

Extra Extra Urban Urban 44.8-80.7 44.8-80.7 mpgmpg (6.3-3.5 (6.3-3.5 l/100km). l/100km).

Combined Combined 35.8-74.3 35.8-74.3 mpgmpg (7.9-3.8 (7.9-3.8 l/100km). l/100km).

CO2CO2 emissions emissions 184-99 184-99 g/km. g/km. *Offer*Offer available available to business to business usersfigures users only. Based only.for Based on the a 47 onmonth, a 47 month, 8,000 8,000 mile per mile annum per annum Contract Contract Hire agreement Hire agreement for a MINI for a Cooper MINI Cooper D withDawith deposit a deposit of £894 of plus £894VAT, plus and VAT,an and excess an mpg excess mileage mileage chargecharge of 5.0 of pence 5.0 pence per mile per plus mileVAT. plus**Offer VAT.35.8-74.3 **Offer available available to business to business users users only. Figures only.

Figures exclude exclude VAT. Based VAT.emissions Based on a 47 onmonth, a 47 184-99 month, 8,0008,000 miles miles per annum per annum Contract Contract Hire agreement Hire agreement Official fuel economy MINI Range: Urban 26.4-67.3 mpg (10.7-4.2 l/100km).

Extra Urban 44.8-80.7 (6.3-3.5 l/100km).

Combined mpg (7.9-3.8 l/100km).

CO2 g/km. for a MINI for Official a Clubvan MINI Clubvan with awith deposit a deposit of £1074 of £1074 plus VAT, plusand VAT, an and excess anMINI excess mileage mileage chargecharge ofUrban 6.0 of pence 6.0 26.4-67.3 pence per mile perplus mileVAT. plus Subject VAT.(10.7-4.2 Subject to status to status andl/100km). inand thein UKthe only UKExtra (excl. only (excl. theUrban Channel the Channel Islands).

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Combined 35.8-74.3 (7.9-3.8 l/100km).

CO2 emissions 184-99 g/km. *Offer available to business users only. Based on a 35 month, 8,000 mile per annum Contract Hire agreement for a MINI Cooper D Hatch with a deposit of £912 plus VAT, and an excess mileage charge of 5.0 pence per mile plus VAT. Offer available to business users only Subject to status and in the UK only (excl. the Channel Islands). Vehicle condition charges

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2014. to users only.

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BMW for a MINI Clubvan a deposit £1074 plus and an excess mileage charge of Hook, 6.0 pence per mile RG27 plus VAT. to status in the UK only (excl. the Channel Islands). Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Subject to status and in the UK only (excl. the Channel Islands). Individuals must be 18 or over. A guarantee may Group Corporate Finance is a with trading style ofof Alphabet (GB)VAT, Limited, Europa House, Bartley Way, Hampshire, 9UF.Subject Offer expires 31and March 2014. be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Rentals may change if VAT rate changes during agreement. Hire provided by BMW Group Corporate Finance. BMW Group Corporate Finance is a trading style of Alphabet (GB) Limited, Europa House, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9UF. Offer expires 31 January 2014.

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ADVERTORIAL

Edinburgh Executive Carriages creating the ultimate customer experience Extremely passionate about creating the ultimate customer experience, Edinburgh Executive Carriages Ltd luxurious executive chauffeur service ensure that every journey with them is a memorable one.

Paul Scott, Director states “I knew there were many chauffeur companies, but I could see there was an opening in the market for a company that could provide a superior service”. Truly passionate about his company, he lives and breathes it. “I wanted my company to be a success for my three girls (aged 3,2 and 7 months). I wanted them to have a father they could be proud of and create a family business”.

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Specialising in travel for business executives, Edinburgh Executive Carriages also provide, golfing trips, wedding cars and sightseeing tours. “I get to meet the most interesting and inspiring people, most of whom live their lives in and out of airports, travelling all over for the world for business, what is really important to them is that they can be guaranteed to have a friendly face waiting for them when they step of the plane to take them home to their families. A lot of our clients also use our services to look after their own clients, they put their trust and faith in us and it is essential that we never let them down.”

Clients such as Hew Matheson CBE, entrepreneur and owner of St Johns Road dental practice in Corstorphine, Gordon Samson, Managing Director of Williams Lea (part of the DHL Group) and Colette Grant of Grant Property are among a long list of clients of CEO’s, Chairman and Directors.

Reliability, Punctuality, Immaculate appearance, courteous and impeccable manners are all qualities that are essential if you wish to work for Edinburgh Executive Carriages. “No matter how large my company grows I will always keep a hands on approach to ensure that our high standards are maintained. I think I must have one of

02/04/2014 09:54

the best jobs in the world, getting to drive luxury cars, meeting such interesting people and travelling. I can’t wait to get up in the morning to see what journeys I have ahead of me that day.”

It could all have been such a different story, as Paul was diagnosed with having a Sarcoma (a rare form of cancer) in 2012 after a biopsy revealed that a lump in his side was cancerous.

It took a while to get diagnosed as it was so rare, but when it was diagnosed, it was a huge shock. My own beloved father had died a few years before of throat cancer after a long battle, leaving my dear mother after a marriage of 50 years, but I never thought I would be leaving my own wife at such an early age. I was only 41. We had not long had our second little girl and I used to watch them in their beds whilst they slept peacefully wondering if I would be able to see them grow up, see them getting married and living their lives. I had looked after them both since they were three months old, whilst my wife went to work. This had given me such a very special bond with them, they were my life, and I just couldn’t bear the thought of never seeing them again, or being there to protect and look after them.

It was not the fear of dying that was so hard, it was the fear of leaving them. I had many dark days ahead, it unfortunately opened my eyes to what thousands of people have to go through every day. Unfortunately, everyone these days know someone with cancer, but I never had any idea of the full impact cancer had until I was diagnosed. I used to physically shake with fear. It was a horrible, horrible time. Every time I looked at my two little girls the tears would well up in my eyes. How could I leave them, one was only two and the other was only months old. They were always looking for me if I was out, how would they be if I never came home. I couldn’t bear to

think of them crying for me. Mornings were the worst, the thoughts that went through my head when I just woke up and wished it had been a bad dream.

that I have cancer and it turns out not to be.

It still worries me that it could come back, but I guess everyone that has gone through something like this will have the same fears.

The worry as with any cancer was of it spreading, and scans revealed not long before my operation that it hadn’t, so hope started that I was going to be alright. It was so rare, no one could really tell me what was going on. It took what seemed an eternity for the operation as the medical staff did not know what they were dealing with. I attended three hospitals and all staff were amazing, however there was one doctor and his personal assistant that would call myself or my wife and update us as best they could. You can’t underestimate how important people like this are at such a time and we are both very grateful for all their support.

I had set the foundations of the business, doing chauffeuring work for a few years before 2013, building up clients by reputation, but after what happened it gave me the push I needed to take the business to the next level and within a few weeks of the operation we had created a website. One of my existing clients, a highly experienced Chief Executive in the corporate world approached me to become a silent partner. We made the company into a limited company and have never looked back.

Paul Scott

The best news of all came after the operation that amazingly it was not cancerous. It was hard to get my head around it, it still is. I have a piece of paper at home that tells me

My heart goes out to anyone in a similar situation who has children, I was one of the lucky ones, but I know there are sadly many who are not as lucky. Something changed in me after this, I have such a determination to succeed and really make something of my life, especially for my family. You only get one life and I really treasure every day I have on this earth. A few months after my operation, we found out we were having our third little girl, which was a complete surprise to us. At one stage I thought I would never see my girls grow up and now I have another little bundle of joy. I don’t wish to give anyone false hope, but sometimes when all odds seem against you, things can change for the better”.

Edinburgh Executive Carriages continues to grow and with the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games it is proving to be a very busy year. “I won’t stop until we are the largest in Scotland whilst still being the best.” www.edinburghexecutivecarriages.co.uk paul@edinburghexecutivecarriages.co.uk

“No matter how large my company grows I will always keep a hands on approach to ensure that our high standards are maintained. I think I must have one of the best jobs in the world, getting to drive luxury cars, meeting such interesting people and travelling. I can’t wait to get up in the morning to see what journeys I have ahead of me that day.”

April/May 2014

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ADVERTORIAL

At the Heart of Any Company is its Corporate Culture

A firm’s culture helps it retain the best marketplace talent, anchors its values and positions it as a place employees actually want to work. Despite the critical role it plays in a firm’s success, too many companies still fail to recognise corporate culture as competitive business strategy.

And as the economy recovers firms can’t afford not to.

Regained Confi dence During the economic downturn, industries everywhere tightened financial belts. A by-product of the economy’s most crippling phase to date was staff retention. The market wasn’t healthy enough to support job creation.

Disgruntled employees stayed put simply because there was nowhere else to go.

But the tides are changing.

As the financial market steadily recovers so has workforce confidence. Employees, who felt trapped by stunted job creation, now have options. And it’s not the money

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that’s tempting them away. It’s the flexibility and corporate cultures on offer which are motivating them to make the move. All sectors are affected, including financial, technology, oil and gas and the legal.

In fact, financial incentives are no longer enough. According to ‘The Future of Work’ report released by UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) at the beginning of the month, flexible working and virtual workforces will become standard by 2030 through technological advancements.

Research carried out by CensusWide agrees.

It found young workers would rather earn less to have more flexibility in their working lives.

Hunter100 is a service designed by Hunter Adams for companies of up to 100 people. HR isn’t a luxury.

It’s a strategic business tool all companies deserve. During April and May, Hunter100 is offering 100 free minutes with one of its experts to chat through your recruitment process, people challenges or improving team performance.

Contact the team on 0131 30 60 100

or visit www.hunteradams.co.uk

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Bigger pay packets stop short of offering the work/life balance the emerging workforce craves. Employees are less willing to put in relentless overtime at the expense of their personal life.

They want somewhere flexible with a stellar corporate culture.

This is where HR comes in.

Corporate Culture The first port of call is debunking what corporate culture is.

Corporate culture is driven from the top – created by strong leaders who make their mark in the business community. It’s about creating a place where your employees don’t have to take a sharp breath in just walk through the office door each day.

It’s about valuing and actively engaging with staff. It can’t be created through a standard survey and should never be turned on and off as and when its suits the leadership team. It must anchor decision making, steer business direction and set company standards.

A company’s culture determines the experience your staff and clients have working with you.

When companies have a great corporate cultures they have also the best kind of brand ambassadors – their employees.

It’s the conversations at the pub and personal endorsements your employees give which persuade industry sparks to join a team – more so than any recruitment ad.

But here’s the catch; a good corporate culture takes years to create but just second to destroy.

HR plays a vital role in creating it and protecting it.

Engagement is More Than a Piece of Paper HR is more than standard documentation.

We carry out face-to-face focus groups, asking the killer questions about satisfaction levels, progression, development and office atmosphere. We feed this information back to the management team, discuss what needs to be changed and make commitments to the workforce. We follow-up at an agreed date reviewing how the company performed against its commitments, so employees understand the focus groups weren’t a futile exercise but instead a real management priority.

culture but it also produces tangible benefits for the businesses, like retention.

Staff turnover can have a crippling financial effect. Some bodies, including the CIPD, estimate it can cost 2.5 times a base salary.

By investing in HR upfront, you can save thousands in recruitment costs and improve culture at the same time.

Location versus Function Engagement is just one part of the corporate culture engagement. Creating a flexible atmosphere also plays a vital role. Employees are increasingly recognising work as a function rather than just a set location they must go each day and they’re actively seeking out employers who think the same.

Flexible working doesn’t need to be a free-forall. It can also make good business sense for the employer. Something like a nine day fortnight, where employees work an extra hour every day to get each other Friday off can decrease overtime, doesn’t cost much to implement and can have a significant impact on employee satisfaction and retention.

And as of April 6th this year a new flexible working regime, included in the Children and Families Bill, is expected to come into effect.

Under the changes, the right to request flexible working will be extended to all employees with 26 weeks’ service, rather than being limited to carers, parents of children aged under 17 or if disabled under 18.

So why not get ahead of the curve?

All Companies Deserve Great HR Ultimately, HR is a strategic business tool firms can deploy to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. By creating an attractive corporate culture firms can successfully recruit, retain and thrive.

Managing Director, Dean Hunter, an established figure in the Scottish human resources community, founded Hunter Adams in June 2011. Hunter Adams is an HR and business consultancy with bases in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow. Hunter Adams is a business catalyst, providing commercial, no nonsense HR, employee engagement strategies, project-specific consultants and outsourced HR teams. Its impressive portfolio includes energy, marine, recruitment and third sector clients.

You don’t need to be an industry heavyweight to have access to it. SME companies need quality HR just as much as any FTSE100 company.

All companies of all sizes and in all sectors deserve great HR. We can help you get there.

Ultimately, Hunter Adams helps companies attract, develop, manage and retain their workforces.

This approach has reduced staff turnover from 60% to next to nothing for clients. Strategic engagement not only improves corporate

August/September 2010

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Specialreport

Inspiring Edinburgh Retail The retail sector is constantly undergoing tough challenges with even some of the multinational chains experiencing difficulties.

“We are very much a company that serves communities so it makes sense for us to use community-based suppliers.

But in a world of mass-produced goods and large supermarkets, one thing is becoming ever clearer; that the buy local campaign is having a growing resonance with customers.

“There are also local differences to consider. A morning roll is different in different places; in some places it means something softer, in others its baked crispier and using local producers allows us to respond to that.

That is certainly the case in the stores run by Scotmid Co-operative, whose Bakery and Local Sourcing Manager Stephen Brown has been responsible for setting up new partnerships with local suppliers, providing food and drink offerings that vary from area to area.

“Buying local makes a lot of sense.Take Edinburgh, yes there are other haggis producers but Macsweens are the name that everyone knows so it makes sense for us to use them.”

Stephen believes that the buy local campaign is working partly because customers are becoming much more discerning in their shopping habits.

He said: “I think that one of the things that helped was events like the horsemeat scandal last year.

“Suddenly, it became more important for people to know what was in their food and where it had come from.They want to know that their product is safe to eat.”

However, all this does not mean that price counts for nothing. Stephen said: “It’s a balance.

He has been managing a major project that has already added more than 100 local bakeries to its supply chain, including Stephen’s the Bakers of Dunfermline,The Breadwinner Bakery from Edinburgh, and Asher’s from Nairn, as well as other local producers including butchers.

Stephen said: “We have always used local suppliers but we have stepped it up recently.

From our point of view, it makes sense for lots of reasons, not least because customers expect to see us using local products.

“As long as it is produced in Scotland, people see it as local and believe that it tastes better while also allowing them to support local companies.

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People will pay extra for something locally produced but not that much, not unless it is something that they regard as a luxury which they do not buy that often, and we have to take account of that.”

However, the success of the campaign has encouraged the company to keep developing the idea.

Stephen said: “We are always looking to expand the number of local suppliers we use. An example is the growing number of microbreweries that have sprung up. It is not something we have really looked at yet but we plan to.” * The local approach received acknowledgment when the Scotmid Barnton store in Edinburgh recently scooped two prestigious awards at the 2014 Convenience Retail Awards.

The store was crowned the Best Multiple Convenience Store in the UK and picked up a second award for the Best Use of Technology.

Scotmid Barnton was recognised by the judges for its outstanding service, local supplier product range, customer facilities, fresh and local produce, and the design and layout of the store.The store was also praised for its engagement with the local community.

The Barnton store won the Best Use of Technology award for its interactive customer touchscreen, which is used to communicate with shoppers. Customers can use the touchscreen to find out about community events, news and special offers.The interactive screen can also be used to give feedback to staff and find out about Scotmid’s work with local suppliers, as well as charity and community activities.

Scotmid Barnton was refurbished in April 2013. A host of new customer services were introduced, including an in-store bakery, artisan breads from The Breadwinner Bakery, freshly ground coffee and orange juice.The range of fresh produce, craft beer and specialty wines, meat and fish, and products from local suppliers were all expanded.

Retail 2014 No Pain no Gain Dennis Jones, Centre Manager, Ocean Terminal I suppose the old adage “nothing is for certain except change “, applies to the rough and tumble of the current retail market.

Overall the retail market is confronted with unprecedented change. The global economic recession, natural competition between retailers, and technological leaps, are combining to reshape the nature of retailing and customer shopping behaviour in ways that would have been hard to imagine just a few years ago. The closings and administrations are not just caused by the quantum jumps in online retail options.

They are also an inevitable byproduct of market saturation and an element of chain stores cannibalizing sales by squeezing in more units into tight markets.

However, this period of change is just another natural evolutionary step that sooner or later all industries face. While there are high levels of vacant space at the moment in shopping centres and high streets there are also new uses and concepts shifting into the mix. Within shopping centres different non retail uses and services are blending in and adding to the combined offer. Generally , experience based uses are proving to be more resilient against the vast offer and convenience of the internet.

Cinemas, gyms, spas, play areas, attractions, and restaurants are still thriving and when mixed into shopping centres, create a strong combined draw. The second floor of Ocean

Terminal is entirely devoted to leisure uses. Vue cinemas, Royal Yacht Britannia, Wagamama, Frankie and Benny’s, Pizza Express, Handmade Burger, Bella Italia, Maddies and Marks Playtown, Pure Spa, and Pure Gym all layer nicely on top of the two layers of retail and services on ground and first floor.

Another positive side effect of the highly competitive environment is the total removal of any complacency in filling units in shopping centres and an accompanying sense of urgency to find new and unique tenants.

Fostering and helping fledging start ups and new entrepreneurs is an important aspect of letting strategies. More opportunities are available to allow short term and flexible leases to give new businesses the environment to grow and develop. Hosting events with organizations like Entrepreneurial Spark and Business Gateway help showcase fresh ideas and products. Pop Up shops, events, and exhibitions help add a new and unexpected variety and vibrancy to the shopping experience.

On the whole it’s not gloom and doom on the high street. Just natural change in the way retailers reach and service customers, and a change in the tenant mix. The combination of stores and the internet feed each other and offer more various facets and channels to showcase products.

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Specialreport

The changing face of travel information With Lothian Buses recently announcing significant investment into its high street presence throughout the city it is clear that enhanced customer service is a key component of company strategy.

Under the umbrella brand Transport for Edinburgh the company have committed to an ambitious property development plan which will be rolled out over the course of this year. The move will see the current shop completely transformed internally and externally and unveiled as the flagship Travelshop with an investment of nearly £500,000.

At the heart of the business lie a passion for customer service and a drive for innovation.

Those key elements will see digital as the focus for real time cutting edge customer travel information provision as the Capital looks forward to the integrated transport offering of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams. With new openings in the West End and Haymarket scheduled by the end of 2014 the overall high street compliment

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will be increased to five, with further plans to rejuvenate the Midlothian Travelshop in Dalkeith.

Central to the customer experience will be a series of large-screen displays, both inside the Travelshop and facing outward. These displays will show video advertisements for Transport for Edinburgh products and services, and can be updated at a moment’s notice with latest travel news, including traffic disruption and incident notices.

This new media is specifically designed to allow Transport for Edinburgh’s marketing, operations and communication teams to provide essential and real-time information to customers when it’s needed most. It’s also a nod to the future, as work will soon begin to make journey planning and real-time information as easy-to-use and accessible as

possible with interactive kiosks and displays.

Ian Craig Chief Exec “As customer behaviours change it is paramount to respond to those needs by offering choice. The recently launched m-ticketing app for smartphones allows customers to buy tickets at the touch of a button and to find out all the latest travel information on the go. The planned investment in our Travelshops will fulfil the need for customers and visitors to the City who wish to engage with frontline counter staff for information and advice.

With technology supporting us, we are able to provide our customers with a choice of information, products and services - an on-demand system which is inclusive and accessible to all.”

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Edinburgh, the place to shop!

By Anne Donoghue, programme manager for Retail and Events at Edinburgh College Edinburgh’s reputation as a shopping destination is improving all the time and with new retail developments underway it is the ideal time for local educators to explore how we can best meet the needs of employers and students.

Retail is a vibrant and exciting career choice, crucial to the national economy. The sector is the second top employer in Edinburgh and the Lothians, employing more than 20,000 people. Local retail projects such as the planned redevelopment of the St James Centre and the current developments at Fort Kinnaird and Straiton retail parks are changing the city’s shopping landscape and there’s never been a better time to embark on a retail career.

Despite this, retail is not often seen as a first choice of career, with many people put off by perceptions of low wages and long hours.

However, our aim at Edinburgh College is to give students the opportunity to see just how rewarding a career in retail can be. We do this through work placement opportunities, and we invite speakers from the industry to give students first-hand information about the wide range of opportunities available, including the many career progression routes.

Often, people think of jobs within retail as merely shop floor assistants but that’s just the starting point; opportunities range from

management to visual displaying to buying, with many involving international travel.

With new retail developments come new opportunities to create links with employers and other stakeholders, and at Edinburgh College we are using these connections to benefit our students and create graduates equipped to thrive in the workplace. It is essential that the skills and knowledge we deliver to students are the ones our industry partners need, so when we design courses employer engagement is a top priority. Retail

is relatively new to Edinburgh College but already we have built good links with employers. For example, we were asked recently to deliver a pre-employment training course to a large supermarket chain’s new outlet in Midlothian. Partnerships of this kind are raising our profile within the retail industry and will hopefully lead to more.

The lack of qualifications, confidence and experience can prohibit many people from getting a foot onto the career ladder. To tackle this, we offer access to retail courses that nurture and inspire people who need guidance to discover their potential. As well as delivering customer care and teamworking skills, students learn transferable skills of communications, ITC and numeracy, which are of equal importance and delivered by highly skilled and dedicated individuals with knowledge of the retail sector.

Our future plans involve looking at how we can reach school students to show them the wealth of opportunities available and give them skills and knowledge as early as possible so they can make informed choices about what they want to do.

We aim to make retail a first-choice career path for many more people, and to support them however they need so they can succeed in the industry and join a highly skilled and talented workforce.

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Inspiringleaders City inspires confidence in store chain Good news: Edinburgh is high on the list of cities in which retail giant John Lewis has most confidence in terms of future potential and performance.

“The redevelopment of the St James Centre is key. It is unfortunate that it has taken as long as it has to get moving, but it has been a victim of economic circumstances. However, it is vital that we do not allow the positive political will for the project to dissipate in any way. I don’t think it will, as I don’t think anyone will grieve to see the St James Centre make way for something much, much better – both in terms of architectural value and in terms of a highquality, functioning retail centre.

That is straight from the horse’s mouth – or rather directly from the man who heads the company’s UK retail operations, Andrew Murphy. Even better, Andrew speaks from a deep knowledge and affection for the city, having spent several years running the flagship store in Scotland’s Capital.

“But political will as well as money is needed to get the job done.”

And the news is no small beer. There are no better drivers of footfall on UK high streets than John Lewis stores, and the company’s continued confidence in Edinburgh is cheering news.

Despite his UK overview, Andrew continues to live in Scotland near Edinburgh, and to pay close attention to what is happening here, so his views are always worth listening to.

“There are reasons for optimism in retail in the city centre. After a period of negativity surrounding the impact of the tram works we should hopefully start to see some benefits from the conclusion of the project, and the positive news on the redevelopment of St Andrew Square are two positive factors.

Andrew would also like to see greater unity of purpose from within the public sector.

At present, he maintains, different areas find themselves coming at future planning from very different perspectives. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the thorny area of catering for the motorist.

He said: “Cities which perform best economically have a clear plan for how they will cater for the motor car, and that must include a sensible parking policy. As things stand, and I understand that local authorities are under immense financial pressure, parking is almost always viewed purely as a revenue stream. We need to move towards creating parking policies and solutions – both off-street and on-street – that are sensible, affordable and which actively support the stated desire to bring more people into the city centre.

That may mean having car parking managed by someone other than the local authority, for example the Business Improvement District.”

As the former and founding Chair of Essential Edinburgh, the company set up to run the Business Improvement District for the city centre, Andrew is delighted to see the company continue to flourish and develop positive new initiatives and strategies that help businesses create a positive force for the city centre.

“That was always the intention. The BID gives local businesses the chance to put their money where their mouth is and help create an even better city centre for everyone.”

Those who think the growth of online retail will reduce need for parking will not find agreement from Andrew. He said: “Online retailing is very important to our business, as it is increasingly to all retailers. However our sales through the Edinburgh store have remained pretty consistent at more than £100 million per annum since 2007. In that same time, we have seen our online business grow by almost 60% in the city. In other words, our online presence is complementary to our shop rather than replacing it. In truth it actually adds to footfall as around one-third of those who buy online opt to collect their purchase from our collection point at the rear of the store.”

That desire to improve the environment through physical development, and to improve access through a more coherent parking policy, is aimed at ensuring the city gains maximum benefit from the presence of John Lewis – something Murphy believes isn’t currently happening in Edinburgh because of the development blight affecting the St James Mall.

“We know the impact that our stores can have and the many benefits they bring in terms of driving footfall and creating commercial opportunities for others. We remain absolutely committed to working as part of positive partnerships to help create environments in which people can best enjoy their leisure, their work and, of course, their shopping.

“As a company we are deeply involved in working with local authorities and other agencies across the country on retail and non retail projects, and that will absolutely remain very much at the core of how we behave as a corporate citizen. We will continue to be a friend to Edinburgh– perhaps a sometimes critical friend, but a staunch friend.”

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“But political will as well as money is needed to get the job done.”

Andrew Murphy

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Asktheexpert The Future of Retail Incentivising your retail staff this year with bonus payments

What documentation have you prepared?

Are you looking to pay out a bonus to your staff this year? It is clearly a good thing to consider rewarding your staff however as with all aspects of employment law, there are certain pitfalls you should be wary of.

When making these decisions the following points should be closely considered:

As stated, you will want to be clear as to what your bonus scheme is. It may well be that you do not want to publicise its terms, but do you want to have it in writing for internal purpose so as to be clear as to its purpose, who is to be rewarded and on what basis and to check compliance with legal obligations. Do you want to publicise its terms to the extent that staff are fully aware of the performance and other standards required to qualify for future bonuses. How clearly can you explain these standards?

What are your bonus scheme rules?

Cash gifts and vouchers

While you may consider any payment you are making is discretionary (see below) the courts have held that an employer’s discretion is not unfettered and that employers must not act perversely or irrationally in the exercise of their discretion. You will no doubt feel quite comfortable that there is no problem here, but if challenged could you quite clearly explain exactly what your bonus scheme rules were?

Many retailers are in the habit of giving employees some cash or vouchers at certain times of the year, recording the cost in the accounts, then thinking no more about it.

Please don’t do this! Any cash gift or voucher that can be exchanged for cash is basically the same as normal pay, so is subject to tax and Class 1 NIC in exactly the same way as wages and salaries are. Make sure the cost goes through the payroll and is not simply recorded as a normal expense.

You will no doubt be considering issues such as how much you are going to pay; whom you are going to pay; and when you are making payment.

Might your rules be challenged under anti-discrimination laws?

You should bear in mind how wide ranging the anti-discrimination legislation now is. Do part time staff qualify and is the legislative “pro rata” principle honoured? What about employees who have been absent? Are they to be excluded or their bonus payments to be reduced? If so, could you be falling foul of disability discrimination legislation, if the absence is because of an illness qualifying as a disability, or sex discrimination legislation because the reason for the absence was maternity leave?

Alternatively the retailer can enter into a PAYE Settlement Agreement where under such a scheme the employer would settle the tax and NIC due on the cash gift or vouchers so that the tax burden is not passed down to the employees.

George Primrose

employer has not done so, meaning that this is an easy source of income for the Revenue by way of penalties and interest on unpaid tax.

Have a quick word with your adviser first...

It is always worth speaking with your accountant prior to implementing a staff bonus scheme or paying any cash bonuses to ensure you are complying with HMRC regulations.

Author: George Primrose, Managing Partner, Condies Chartered Accountants and business advisers.

T: 01383 721421 E: george.primrose@condie.co.uk W: www.condie.co.uk

At the end of the day . . .

If you are ever subject to a PAYE inspection, one of the first things that H M Revenue & Customs will look at will be your cash book to check that you have treated these types of expenses correctly. More often than not the

City Business asked to help dementia sufferers The City of Edinburgh Council are engaging with business and community organisations to develop a ‘dementia friendly’ toolkit for Edinburgh.

This is part of a city-wide vision to raise awareness of dementia and provide customerfacing staff with the knowledge and skills that required when interacting with people with dementia.

The project is linked with the Scottish

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Government’s national dementia strategy responding to the anticipated rise in the numbers of over 65 year olds, and consequently people with dementia, living in the community.

Currently, over 60% of people with dementia live in the community.

‘Dementia Friendly Edinburgh’ will be launching in June 2014, when City of Edinburgh Council will be asking organisations to make a public commitment to becoming ‘dementia friendly’.

In preparation for that a breakfast workshop with Edinburgh businesses and community organisations is being held to get their views and input to help develop the dementia friendly toolkit.

The workshop is on Tuesday 25 March 2014 from 8 – 10am at the Edinburgh Training Centre in St Mary St. Edinburgh.

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PartnersinEnterprise The Benefits of Good Corporate Governance The global financial crisis has highlighted the importance of good corporate governance.

With decision making for directors under increased scrutiny, corporate governance is no longer just relevant for financial institutions and large listed companies, but is increasingly important for private companies, including SMEs, family businesses, start-ups and joint ventures. However, corporate governance is not solely focused on compliance and risk management and when properly implemented it can be one of the tools to grow your business.

What are the benefi ts?

Corporate governance can contribute to the long-term survival, success and value of a private company for the following reasons: n Long-term success: As a company grows in size and complexity it is likely that a wider pool of expertise and knowledge is required.

An effective corporate governance framework can assist in attracting third parties to join company boards to assist in decision making, risk management and strategic development. n Sourcing finance: New sources of finance are likely to be required whether from existing shareholders, family groups or private equity investors. Good corporate governance can provide assurances to potential investors that their investments will be well-managed and safeguarded as far as possible. n Reputation: Events such as the global financial crisis and environmental incidents caused by corporate bodies have increased the demand for corporate accountability and transparency. An effective corporate governance framework, including policies on conflicts of interest, data security and anti-bribery, can be key in gaining the respect of stakeholders,

including customers, suppliers and grant providers.

Implementing a corporate governance framework The starting point for private companies is the “Corporate Governance Guidance and Principles for Unlisted Companies in the UK” published by the Institute of Directors (“the Guidance”). The Guidance sets out nine basic principles of corporate governance applicable to all unlisted companies and a further five principles for larger and more complex unlisted companies.

The guidance is a voluntary code. Companies can choose some or all the principles to implement in relation to their corporate governance framework. Three key principles are considered below: “Principle 1: Shareholders should establish an appropriate constitutional and governance framework for the company” Whether through the articles of association or a shareholders agreement, shareholders can protect their rights by establishing rules relating to corporate governance matters, including the issue of shares, differentiating voting and dividend rights, restrictions on the transfer of shares, the powers, roles and proceedings at board and shareholder meetings, the appointment and remuneration of directors and key matters reserved for shareholders.

experience in particular areas, for example finance or marketing. Succession planning is a key consideration and whether the board should be structured with the intention of an exit from the business by way of a trade sale or if there is to be a transition of decision making powers to, for example, members of the management team.

“Principle 8: All directors should receive induction on joining the board and should regularly update and refresh their skills and knowledge” Initial and ongoing training is key to both executive and non-executive directors. Nonexecutive directors will require background information on the company, whereas executive directors may require information on their directors duties as a whole.

Conclusion Corporate governance is increasingly important for all types of organisations, in particular as a result of the increased scrutiny on directors decision making.

Although the Guidance is a voluntary code, it may be a worthwhile exercise for private companies to consider the various principles and how they could be applied in their own business to implement an effective corporate governance framework.

For more information, please contact Ashley MacIntyre, 0131 270 7939, ashley.macintyre@andersonstrathern.co.uk

“Principle 3: The size and composition of the board should reflect the scale and complexity of the company’s activities” The composition of the board is a consideration during the life of a company. Non-executive directors are commonly appointed due to their

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Customised Awards – as unique as your business

Why create your own qualification?

Businesses benefit from a qualified workforce. If staff are trained and qualified they tend to be motivated and more productive. Having your learning formalised within your own qualification can provide you with certification and quality assurance from a renowned awarding organisation.

By creating your own qualification, you can give your staff learning formal recognition outside your business, enhancing your corporate image. Your staff will also receive their own unique certificate, featuring the SQA logo and that of your business.

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The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is Scotland’s national accreditation and awarding body. Although we’re well known for delivering Scotland’s school exams, a major part of what we do is working in partnership with businesses of all shapes, sizes and sectors across the UK and beyond.

At SQA we pride ourselves on providing products and services that are tailored to our customers’ requirements. Nowhere is this commitment better demonstrated than with our Customised Awards.

With SQA’s Customised Awards, your business can create its own unique, certified and quality-assured qualifications that are sharply focused on its needs and ambitions. SQA Customised Awards are truly bespoke, so learning follows precisely the route you choose.

The benefits for your business Precision is at the heart of our Customised Awards.

Above all, they’re about delivering exactly the qualification you want. Focused on achieving your business objectives, your Customised Award challenges and motivates your employees, enhancing skills, standards and productivity and giving you a competitive advantage. Having a Customised Award will also provide recognition and development opportunities for your staff, leading to increased staff retention. As well as recognising talent and rewarding achievement, each award fulfils SQA’s rigorous quality assurance criteria. That means you can be confident of qualifications that are robust enough to stand up to scrutiny and could help you meet regulatory compliance.

and it will sit alongside comparable qualifications.

SCQF provides a clearly defined view of what your award delivers – great news for your employees’ career progression and for demonstrating competence to customers, stakeholders and other third parties. An SCQF credit rated Customised Award protects you too; it can’t be used by others, although you can choose to offer your qualification to other businesses.

Tailored to you For a truly bespoke offering, flexibility is key – and it’s a huge part of SQA’s Customised Awards.

As well as providing you with plenty of space, scope and support to design your qualifications, Customised Awards are flexible to fit your circumstances. So whether you’re building on and formalising existing in-house training, or even starting entirely from scratch, our integrated Customised Awards process is always ready to go.

Supporting your business from day one SQA is well-versed in supporting our Customised Awards customers. From day one you’ll be working with SQA’s experts. These include your own locally based Business Development Manager and a team of specialists ready to advise you about every aspect of developing your learning and assessment materials.

Learn how SQA’s unique Customised Awards can work for your business. Get in touch with our Business Development Team today.

Choose to have your qualification universally recognised by having it credit rated on SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)

Business Development T: 0303 333 0330 E: mycentre@sqa.org.uk W: www.sqa.org.uk/customised

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ADVERTORIAL

Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)

Getting to the root of the problem by Graham Rudd, Co-Founder & Business Manager, Invasive Weeds Agency Ltd Since 1981, it has been illegal in the UK to plant or otherwise cause to grow Japanese knotweed in the wild yet it has only been in recent years that the public has become aware of this non-native invasive weed. Banks and building societies have taken notice of the problems that Japanese knotweed can cause and as a result many of them restrict or refuse to lend money for properties affected by this plant. As a consequence, many property sales have fallen through and people have become increasingly frustrated by Japanese knotweed.

A myth has been perpetuated that it is nearly impossible to kill and that it will spread so quickly that it will smother everything in its path. As a result, there has been a recent surge in companies claiming to be experts and purporting to know a magic formula for eradicating this weed. The prices being quoted for treatment of Japanese knotweed in a garden could be anywhere from £100 to more than £1 million. With astronomical prices being estimated nationwide by unqualified tradesmen, it is time learn more about Japanese knotweed and the ways to tackle it in order to protect your own or your client’s investment.

the plant develops it produces small red/green shield-shaped leaves growing from the stem’s many distinct raised nodes or ‘knots’. Once mature, the leaves become a vibrant green colour reaching lengths of up to 120mm. The red/green stems of adult Japanese knotweed have a hardy bamboo-like appearance and grow in thick clumps or ‘stands’. During the months of August, September and October, creamy white flowers are produced, growing in clusters at the end of the stems. After flowering, the plant sheds its leaves and dies off, the stems become hollow brown skeletal remains that are brittle and easily broken. The dead stems often remain upright amongst new growth during the following season.

What is Japanese knotweed?

Why is Japanese knotweed a problem?

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a rhizomatous, perennial plant that grows throughout much of the UK. As its name suggests, Japanese knotweed is a native to Japan and it was introduced to the UK during the mid 19th century for its ornamental value. Due to its desirability, gardeners planted Japanese knotweed at locations all over the British Isles. By the start of the 20th century, the knotweed’s invasive nature was observed as the species escaped the confines of gardens and spread into the wild. Today, Japanese knotweed is recognised as one of the most invasive species present in the UK and it is notorious for rapidly spreading and causing substantial damage to areas where it grows.

Being a non-native species in the United Kingdom, Japanese knotweed is able to grow rapidly and in many cases dominate its surrounding environment. Unaffected by natural controls such as predators and diseases that target the native flora, Japanese knotweed infestations can quickly spread. Japanese knotweed is classed as an invasive weed in the UK and is listed in Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to ‘plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild’. Japanese knotweed is classed as controlled waste, which means disposal is restricted to designated landfill sites licensed to receive this weed. Removing Japanese knotweed from a site requires a waste carriers licence therefore domestic homeowners cannot simply dig it up and take it to a landfill site.

What does Japanese knotweed look like?

Other legislation surrounding Japanese knotweed includes: • Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6) Part 2-Wildlife under the 1981 Act • Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990) • Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 What damage can Japanese knotweed cause?

Japanese knotweed is able to colonise a variety of urban and rural environments as it will grow in most soil types and it is fiercely competitive with surrounding species. Due to its ability to exploit weaknesses in construction material, such as concrete and tarmac, new knotweed growth can cause damage to structures and roads thus affecting the value of property as it rapidly develops. Japanese knotweed grows particularly well along riverbanks and it is able to colonise large areas because the waterways act as a distribution route for stems

Japanese knotweed emerges as small asparaguslike shoots that are red/green in colour. As

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How much will it cost to eradicate?

The calculations below are based on an area of Japanese knotweed 5m x 5m, excavated to a depth of 2m with an additional 4m buffer zone around the perimeter. An insurance backed guarantee for work may be an additional charge depending on the duration of guarantee required.

and rhizomes as they get carried downstream.

Damage to flood defences may occur and there have been instances of Japanese knotweed restricting waterways resulting in flooding.

Ecosystems can be disrupted by the presence of Japanese knotweed as it can starve the surrounding native plants of resources, seriously impacting on the delicate balance of local food chains.

The financial damage caused by Japanese knotweed has increased dramatically over the past few years with many mortgage applications being refused due to the perceived threat that Japanese knotweed may have to properties in close proximity to an infestation.

It is commonplace for house sales to fall through as a result of surveyors identifying Japanese knotweed, sometimes inaccurately, at a property; however, this situation can be resolved by appointment of a specialist company to eradicate the infestation. In 2003, DEFRA estimated that it would cost the UK more than £1.5 billion to eradicate Japanese knotweed on a national scale.

How can you eliminate Japanese knotweed?

Japanese knotweed infestations can be controlled and eliminated through a variety of methods, depending on factors such as timescale, location of the infestation and its surrounding environment. Due to the potentially high costs involved with some methods, often the main factor governing the control strategy is money.

not to attempt to move or break the stems or uproot the plant. Take measures to prevent access to the infestation.

Can I eliminate Japanese knotweed myself?

It is highly recommended that any attempt to control Japanese knotweed should only be carried out by trained and qualified persons.

Due to the highly invasive nature of the plant, its complete eradication may require the use of potentially harmful chemicals that could put the user and the surrounding environment at risk if incorrectly applied. If the control relates to the sale of a property it is usually necessary to appoint a professional contractor who offers an insurance-backed guarantee to ensure funding by a mortgage lender.

Where can I find a qualified and competent company?

Treatment

Timescale

Cost (£)

Herbicide treatment

1- 3 years

2,000 – 4,000

Off Site Disposal

1 Day

8,000 – 10,000

Screening

2 Days

4,000 – 5,000

Burial

2-3 Days

5,000 – 6,000

Bund (relocation & herbicide)

2 Days

4,000 – 5,000

Cutting

5+ years

Not commercially viable

Burning

1-2 Days

6,000 – 8,000

Biological

Unknown

Not commercially viable

How do I prevent Japanese knotweed spreading?

Japanese knotweed spreads through fragments of rhizome and cut stems, capable of producing new shoots and roots when buried in soil. It only takes a piece of rhizome 0.7g to generate into a new plant, however, not all rhizomes this small will regenerate. This vegetative material can be carried far and wide, completely unnoticed on the sole of a shoe or the tracks of construction vehicles. If Japanese knotweed growth has been discovered it is important

Invasive Weeds Agency is has achieved the highest standards for weed control- BASIS Amenity Assured and BASIS Advanced Contractor Certification Scheme. IWA is a member of The Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association (www.innsa.org), the trade organisation for Japanese knotweed consultants and contractors. IWA offer insurance backed guarantees for Japanese knotweed eradication, ensuring the client’s peace of mind once the work has finished.

Where can I find out more about Japanese knotweed?

The Internet has a wide range of information on Japanese knotweed but beware of scaremongering!

Visit japaneseknotweed.com for identification, treatment options, videos, news, legislation and more.

The main methods of control are: n Herbicide Treatment n Off Site Disposal (Dig & Dump) n Screening n Burial n Bund (Relocation & Herbicide) n Root Barrier n Cutting n Burning n Biological Control

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n is Grampia ska, HMP n, with every n a k S y b Built st priso t Excellen ’s greene Scotland aching BREEAM re building

We’re developing cost-effi cient ways to build offshore wind turbine fou ndations, to enhance Scotland’s renewa ble energy market

One of the greenest companies in Scotland

Cost-efficient green retrofit helps to reduc e energy usage – in our own buildings and those of our clients

By using electric vans, we’re reducing our emissions and improving the environment

Skanska is a leading project development and construction company, with specialist teams in piling and foundations, green construction, building fit-out and facilities management.

Since we won the Sunday Times Greenest Company award in 2011, our green credentials have gone from strength to strength, in Scotland and around the world.

Working collaboratively with customers, partners and our supply chain, we make a positive difference to society.

derpins the new Our grouting work un rting greener travel po sup y, wa rail rs Borde

Greener fa ci cut the en lities manageme nt has see ergy bills n fo Council a nd Midlo r West Dunbarto us thian sch nshire ools

skanska.co.uk

twitter.com/skanskaukplc

linkedin.com/company/skanska

youtube.com/skanskauk

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GREEN VISION FEATURE

Pioneering work in the fi eld of green technologies

They are the technologies that offer hope for the future of the planet and Edinburgh and its surrounding area is at the forefront of their development.

Over recent years, the area has been developing an expertise in renewable technologies which promise to create energy without the polluting side-effects associated with fossil fuel. Companies have also been exploring how to make better use of waste.

Wind: The first renewable technology to really become in vogue, wind power is now moving onto the next stages in its development. Around the area can be found examples of companies pressing ahead with ever more efficient wind-based technologies Solar: Generating power from the Sun is gathering pace as a popular renewable technology. It’s a genuine ‘sunrise industry’.

Based on the idea that the power of the Sun can be captured and transformed into electricity, solar power can operate on a large scale with huge panels or on a very small scale with ones that can fit on a house roof and heat the domestic water supply.

Many of the workers who once worked in more traditional areas have turned their hand to new challenges. For instance, men and women skilled in the engineering industry have been able to turn those skills to solving the problems that accompany wind turbine technology and industrial chemists are coming up with new ways to reduce waste and generate ‘green’ power.

The Hydrogen Economy: Work is under way to develop hydrogen as an energy source, taking advantage of the large amount of hydrogen already produced as part of chemical processes. The theory goes that, used properly, hydrogen can be a immensely useful power source which produces only water as a by-product. Much research is under way to not only work out the best methods of harnessing the hydrogen but also to store it in fuel cells.

Everywhere you look, pioneering research and development work is being carried out, including in the fields of :

Biofuels: The race to invent vehicle fuels that do not produce pollutants is what has created the biofuels industry. Biofuel is made

from the likes of vegetable oils and wheat and is low on pollutants, which is seen as crucial because vehicle exhausts are a major source of greenhouse gases.

Anaerobic digestion/biomass: Some companies are investigating ways of turning organic materials into energy. For instance, anaerobic digestion (AD), which uses bacteria to break down waste to produce ‘biogas’, which can be used to generate energy. Its advantage is that the use of bugs means it is a natural process which lends itself as easily to back-yard concerns as it does to industrialscale operators. In the UK, more and more AD plants are being created and the same is true for biomass, where power stations generate power by burning waste wood and specially-grown willow trees.

Waste minimisation: in addition to finding new ways of generating energy, many companies are experts in the reduction of waste and can advise on ways of making businesses more energy-efficient. The technologies range from better vehicle exhaust systems to buildings which do not leak heat, from better recycling to the re-use of by-products produced in industrial systems, a process known as symbiosis.

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ADVERTORIAL

VIBES Awards Ceremony 2013

Showcasing the Success of Scottish Businesses For 15 years now, the Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards has strived to recognise the success of businesses – all sizes and sectors – employing environmental best practice in their dayto-day activity to cut down on resource use, increase sustainability, improve their reputation, and reap the concurrent economic and social benefits. This May, the search for the winners of 2014 begins.

VIBES Awards: Does your business have the Vision?

The VIBES Awards are a partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, Energy Saving Trust, and the 20:20 Climate Change Group.

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This government backing and involvement of public sector organisations makes VIBES unique among other environmental awards; as does its role as a feeder scheme for the European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE), which will be held in Italy this year.

Speaking at the 2013 Awards Ceremony, Iain McMillan (Director of CBI) said he felt that the ability to incorporate and combine business and environmental needs “is one of the greatest challenges, and one of the greatest opportunities, facing business leaders today.”

The environmental challenges facing Scotland and the wider world are prominent in the psyche of the general public; more and more often the choices made by clients and customers are influenced by environmental concerns. Moreover, the savings that can be made by businesses with an efficient and

sustainable outlook are becoming more and more commonly known.

In a stormy economic climate, the business with an eye on the financial advantages of good environmental practice looks set to weather whatever Scotland has in store.

We are looking for innovative businesses whose vision when negotiating the challenges and opportunities of environmental best practice makes them worthy of recognition.

Edinburgh-based Companies: Environmental Excellence Examples of businesses with this vision are not lacking in Scotland’s capital city.

Previous winners hailing from Edinburgh include: Dryden Aqua,Vegware Ltd, Rabbies Tours, Dry Lube, Grange Door Systems and Whitmuir Organics

02/04/2014 09:54

GREEN VISION FEATURE Each winner highlights a different approach to the values of the VIBES Awards. Some businesses, like Vegware Ltd for instance, are built on a foundation of environmental and sustainable values that are the driving force behind their product; while others, like Grange Door Systems, work environmental values into the framework of how their business runs and benefit from it economically.

Dryden Aqua’s demonstrable environmental values result from much research and drive.

The product, AFM, is produced by Dryden Aqua and used for waste and water treatment.

It is 30% more efficient at filtering water than the sand normally used in filtration. AFM can also be used in a swimming pool which saves energy on reheating and reduces the concentration of chlorine required (along with the gaseous toxins that go with it). Dryden Aqua has a closed loop operating system with all waste water being reused and the product being made from waste green glass. For these reasons, Dryden Aqua was awarded both the Hydro Nation and Circular Economy Awards in 2013.

A Launch Event for the 2014 Awards will be taking place on the 20th of May in Dryden Aqua, at the following address: Dryden Aqua Ltd Butlerfield Industrial Estate Edinburgh EH19 3JQ Dr Dryden will give more of an insight into the benefits of a VIBES Award and how Dryden Aqua merits this recognition; there will also be further information on how to enter the 2014 Awards.

We want to celebrate your success and this begins with our application process. If you would like to attend our Launch Event in Edinburgh or find out about other events in your area please register your interest at vibes@sepa.org.uk

2014 Awards: Applications & Advantages

• Best Co-operation

In keeping with the idea of efficiency at the heart of VIBES, the awards have been streamlined this year and are more closely aligned with EBAE categories. The 2014 VIBES Awards include:

This will be awarded to a business working in partnership with another organisation or organisations in the public, private or voluntary sector for environmental and financial gain.

• Best Environmental Management (Large category)

• Best Micro Business

This award is for businesses whose management systems are effectively improving environmental performance.

(Including but not limited to: resource efficiency, staff and supply chain engagement etc.)

• Best Environmental Management (SME category) This award applies to the same systems mentioned above but for businesses with less than 250 employees.

• Best Environmental Product or Service The business applying for this award will have developed, or are developing, a technology, product or service that has environmental, social and economic benefits.

• Hydro Nation Award This will be awarded to businesses that have maximised the social, environmental and economic benefit of water resources.

• Circular Economy Award In order to win, businesses will have to demonstrate the benefits of a closed loop approach to material use.

The winner of this award will be an entrant into any of the Award categories with a business made up of 10 or less employees.

An advantage of the VIBES Award scheme is the effort that goes into the judging process. After an initial application process, site visits are made to the shortlisted entrants. The final selection is made by David Sigsworth (SEPA Chairman), Ronnie Mercer (Scottish Water Chairman) and Iain McMillan (CBI Scotland Director).

Entries open in early May 2014, and close on the 11th July. Winners will be announced at a prestigious Awards Ceremony late in November. This year the ceremony will take place in Glasgow.

All entrants receive feedback on their entry and/or site visit that includes advice on further environmental improvement and signposts to free sources of support.VIBES exists to celebrate success and further its continuation.

For more information about the VIBES Awards 2014, the launch events or any further questions please contact vibes@sepa.org.uk

• Transport Award Businesses that have achieved significant reduction in environmental impact through the introduction of sustainable transport initiatives

Dryden Aqua - Delighted With Two Awards in 2013

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01.01.14 01.01.14

Changeworks Recycling is the only waste and resource management company in Scotland that delivers separate collections and enables your business to achieve regulatory compliance.

Changeworks Recycling is the only waste and resource management company in Scotland that delivers separate collections and enables your business to achieve regulatory compliance.

The introduction of the new Waste Regulations on 1st January 2014 requires a significant change in the way The introduction of the new your business manages its Waste Regulations on 1st waste. Your business must January metal, 2014 requires a present plastic, glass, significant change in the way paper and card separately for your business manages its collection. If you run a food waste. Your business must business which produces present metal, plastic, glass, over 50kgs of food waste per paper you and must card separately for week, present it for collection.

If you run a food separate collection from 1st business2014. which produces January over 50kgs of food waste per “Through using Changeworks week, you must present it for Recycling we’ve been compliant separate from 1st with the newcollection waste regulations since we opened.

January 2014.It was always part of our ethos to re-use and recycle and given using we were starting a new “Through Changeworks venture wewe’ve also needed to be as Recycling been compliant economical possible.

So engaging with the newaswaste regulations with to part sinceChangeworks we opened. ItRecycling was always manage all oftoour waste of our ethos re-use andmade recycle perfect sense on sostarting many levels.” and given we were a new TIMBERYARD EDINBURGH. venture weRESTAURANT, also needed to be as economical as possible. So engaging To find out how your business can with Changeworks Recycling to not only be complaint with the new manage all of our waste made regulations but also reduce waste, perfect sense on so many levels.” carbon and costs.

TIMBERYARD RESTAURANT, EDINBURGH.

To out how business can 0800 694your 0158 Callfind notarrange only beacomplaint with the new to free Waste Regulations regulations but also reduce Compliance Audit and learn waste, how your carbon and costs. business can reduce waste, carbon and costs.

Call 0800 694 0158 www.changeworksrecycling.co.uk to arrange a free Waste Regulations Compliance Audit and learn how your business can reduce waste, carbon and costs. www.changeworksrecycling.co.uk

CHANGEWORKS RECYCLING 36 NEWHAVEN ROAD EDINBURGH EH6 5PY

T 0800 694 0158 E INFO@CHANGEWORKSRECYCLING.CO.UK CHANGEWORKS RECYCLING WWW.CHANGEWORKSRECYCLING.CO.UK 36CHANGEWORKS NEWHAVEN ROAD A COMPANY EDINBURGH EH6 5PY

T 0800 694 0158 E INFO@CHANGEWORKSRECYCLING.CO.UK WWW.CHANGEWORKSRECYCLING.CO.UK A CHANGEWORKS COMPANY

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ADVERTORIAL

GREEN VISION FEATURE

Treating Waste as a Resource The introduction of the Waste (Scotland) Regulations In January of this year the introduction of the new Waste Regulations fundamentally changed how Scottish businesses present their waste. It’s no longer acceptable to send recyclable material to landfill. Plastic, glass, paper and card must be collected separately from food and non-recyclable waste.

The Regulations represent a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey to build the circular economy and become one of the most resource efficient economies in Europe.

Zero Waste Scotland estimate that the average cost of waste disposal is now 4-5% of annual turnover, and up to 10% in some cases.

Source: Measuring to manage: the key to reducing waste costs.

The new waste regulations are an opportunity for your business to review the way it manages waste and reduce waste, carbon and costs. By applying the waste hierarchy, resource use is minimised, valuable resources are not disposed of in landfills, and waste is sorted into separate streams for reprocessing, leaving only limited

amounts of waste for mixed waste treatment, energy from waste and landfill. Waste is treated as a resource.

Separate collection means waste stream specific separation. That is to say, a separate container is required for each dry recyclable and the subsequent handling must be sufficient to maintain that separation through the management chain.(DUTY OF CARE – A CODE OF PRACTICE 2012, P. 28).

Separate collections ensure the high quality of the materials recycled is maintained promoting the circular economy.

Michael Apter from Paper Tiger knew the introduction of the Waste Regulations would be good for business “It’s always been our ethos to minimise waste and recycle as much as possible, however during the run up to Christmas in 2012 I knew we could do more with the amount of waste we were having to dispose of. I resolved to let the new Waste Regulations be the catalyst to look at how we could recycle even more and minimise our waste.”

Michael Apter

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ADVERTORIAL

ECOSTARS Edinburgh attracts Sustainability Winners ECOSTARS is a voluntary, free to join scheme offering recognition and guidance on environmental best practice to operators of goods vehicles, buses and coaches whose business takes their vehicles into and around Edinburgh.

ECOSTARS aims to reduce the amount of energy used by transport fleets by providing expert advice so that members can benefit from more efficient operations and reduced fuel costs and emissions.

Two of the forty three companies who have joined ECOSTARS Edinburgh since its launch in early 2012 are award winners EAE Ltd and Lothian Buses.

EAE is Scotland’s largest leaflet and poster distribution specialist. Sustainability is a core company value and they aim to achieve carbon neutrality across their operations by 2015. They have an intensive recycling programme, a wind turbine at their Midlothian depot and their biodiversity garden won the Sustainable Development award at the 2013 RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards.

Recognising transport as their greatest source of carbon emissions, EAE joined ECOSTARS Edinburgh as a four star member. Following the expert advice provided through the scheme, they have reduced their vehicle carbon emissions by 40 tonnes per year. EAE’s fleet includes Citroen B30 vans running on biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil and two electric vehicles charged by their on-site wind turbine. All EAE drivers receive Eco driver training and vehicle satellite tracking software helps drivers plan routes to optimise efficiency.

Joining ECOSTARS gave EAE an edge when competing for business. They secured a major three-year contract with the Scottish Government worth £350,000 annually, allowing them to secure two new full time jobs and increase turnover by 14% in twelve months.

Lothian Buses, winner of the 2014 Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Award - and numerous other national awards for sustainability - was one of the scheme’s inaugural members.

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With a fleet of over 650 buses running on predominantly urban routes, cutting air pollution and fuel use for their diesel engines is critical. The company has heavily invested in new technology over the last few years, introducing 25 diesel-electric hybrid buses, with a further 20 due for delivery soon.

Lothian has also retrofitted 45 buses with low emission SCRT exhausts. These systems cut levels of key air pollutants by 70-99%, while the hybrid buses see fuel reductions of over 35%. More than 50% of its buses are now at Euro V standard or better and the company holds a four star rating in the ECOSTARS Edinburgh scheme.

Looking forward, Lothian Buses is investigating the feasibility of plug-in hybrid buses. These vehicles could give many miles of diesel-free operation.

Whatever the size of your fleet, ECOSTARS can offer potential savings to your company.

For more information please visit www.ecostars-edinburgh.org or contact us at environmentalassessment@edinburgh. gov.uk

Work has also begun on reprogramming 75 Euro IV buses to operate at Euro V emissions standard, through changes to the engine management systems. Through collaboration with their technology partners Lothian has achieved cuts of over 2,000 tonnes per year to their carbon footprint.

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Edinburgh FREE TO JOIN INCREASE FUEL EFFICIENCY SAVE MONEY IMPROVE AIR QUALITY GET TAILOR MADE SUPPORT

The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union.

Neither the EASME nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

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

Your new, direct bus route from Queensferry to Edinburgh is now on the road!

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Route 40/40A operates regular journeys every 10 mins in peak times, every 15 mins throughout the day and every 30 mins in the evenings and all day Sunday.

With great value tickets, introductory fares and free Wi-Fi on board, it’s never been a better time to try the bus for greener, smarter travel!

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02/04/2014 09:55

ADVERTORIAL

FuelGood training: driving down transport costs Chances are that you or your colleagues drive for business purposes. It goes without saying that if you want to maximise your profits, you need to keep your fuel bills to a minimum. So saving 20p off every litre of petrol, just by using fuel efficient driving techniques, makes sound business sense.

So how does it work? An approved FuelGood driving instructor from Energy Saving Trust provides the car and insurance, comes to your workplace and trains up to eight individuals per day. Participants must have both parts of their driving licence with them.

Once 60% of drivers have been trained, organisations qualify for the Energy Saving Trust’s new FuelGood Recognition Scheme, which entitles them to display the ‘FuelGood trained’ logo.

For further information contact Paul Wilkinson, Business Transport Advisor, Energy Saving Trust on 0131 539 4138 or email paul. wilkinson@se.homeenergyscotland.org.

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Tim Murphy Director of Alba Beverage

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by

Tim Murphy is founding Director of Alba Beverage, a leading local drinks vending machine company. Tim signed up four of

Tim thinks fuel efficient driver training is: “An excellent idea” with benefits in terms of “Using less fuel and increasing the mileage you can get from a vehicle.”

t ra

The sessions are enjoyable and focus on putting FuelGood driving techniques into practice. Two ‘laps’ of local roads, one driving normally, the next using FuelGood techniques, demonstrates average fuel savings of 15% on the day. Afterwards, all trainees receive a certificate that states the savings they could make if they continue to drive fuel efficiently.

“It’s no use doing it for a week,” he says, “You have to keep using the tips to make it worthwhile.

En

t

“sportscotland is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and offered FuelGood training to its employees to help reduce carbon emissions – and their associated expenditure. Thirty-four staff members undertook the training with really positive feedback and eventual results. If all staff completed the training the estimated annual savings for sportscotland are 11.4 tonnes of carbon and as an additional benefit colleagues would save £6,300 in fuel costs.”

Tim admits that sometimes, remembering to follow that advice is not easy, given the stresses of driving in and around Edinburgh.

“There were extra tips too, as we have an electric vehicle with an automatic gearbox.

All of us appreciated the advice we were given.”

e r gy

us

Alison Gardiner is Head of Office Services at sportscotland. Alison says:

“I have done the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ test, so some of the advice was familiar, such as the importance of breaking gently and leaving plenty of room,” says Tim. “There were extra tips too, as we have an electric vehicle with an automatic gearbox. All of us appreciated the advice we were given.”

r iv

Many big businesses are now picking up on this and putting their people through FuelGood driver training, subsidised by Transport Scotland. Boots, EDF Energy, Microsoft, GlaxoSmithKline,Vodafone and BskyB are just some of the household names who have taken part.

his drivers for fuel efficient driver training – including himself! Each had an individual 50-minute training session with a fuel efficient driving instructor.

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A driver who clocks up 12,000 miles per annum would see typical savings of £250 per year.

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GREEN VISION FEATURE

Looking for a base to develop your Green Vision?

The new Low Carbon Ideas Lab, at the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, is Edinburgh’s dedicated Low Carbon business incubator for entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to turn their green ideas into real business propositions.

OPEN NOW for applications, the Low Carbon Ideas Lab is designed to provide a safe space and tailored support to individuals, enterprises and organisations with bold but achievable business propositions that will help create a more sustainable future.

What are the benefi ts?

For a nominal monthly fee the Ideas Lab provides office space, practical services, mentorship and access to ECCI’s unique community of low carbon practitioners and leaders.

Contracts start at 6 months (with a built in review every three) with a further 6 or 12 months available after review.

The package includes: • Space: a desk in ECCI’s award winning, energy efficient, low carbon hub; broadband; meeting spaces; on-site cafe.

• Practical: support with business direction; signposting and referrals; links to low carbon market.

• Community: access to ECCI’s low carbon community, events and meetings (eg.

Carbon Chat Room, Green Tech Meet Up).

• Mentorship: motivation; progress meetings with ECCI contact; signposting to external mentorship.

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• Visibility: presence on and in ECCI’s website, newsletters, events, building.

• Progression: Opportunity to progress to ECCI’s Deutsche Post DHL Innovation Suite.

Who is eligible?

The Ideas Lab welcomes ideas from diverse sources and is actively seeking applications from women, young people, corporate ‘careerbreakers’ and from low carbon innovators overseas.

What stage should my idea be at?

The Ideas Lab is designed for pre-revenue companies or individuals but exceptions can be made for good ideas.

Apply Now Send us a 200-word description or 3 minute video pitch telling us why your idea deserves a place in the Low Carbon Ideas Lab.Visit www.lowcarbonideaslab.org for details.

Innovation at ECCI ECCI has a number of other key initiatives and project partnerships that are hosted under the ‘innovation’ banner: Low Carbon SME & Network Innovation Assisting around 1000 organisations and intensively supporting 150 SMEs and 30 networks to develop and commercialise new low carbon products, services and processes. www.edinburghcentre.org/Low-CarbonBusiness-Innovation.html Smart Accelerator Accelerate the formation, packaging and financing of 15 project partnerships that

support Scotland’s transition to a low carbon economy and society by creating smarter and more sustainable cities, communities and islands. www.smartacceleratorscotland.org Deutsche Post DHL Innovation Suite Mobilising innovation, talent and interaction in a range of organisations seeking to accelerate our move to a sustainable, low carbon economy. Residents include RBS, 2020 Climate Group, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and SNIFFER. http://www.edinburghcentre.org/DHLInnovation-Suite.html Hong Kong Knowledge Exchange Centre (HKKEC) First step in ECCI’s international development, HKKEC will facilitate two-way knowledge exchange, acting as a base for innovative low carbon SMEs and partnership projects. Due to launch in late 2014. http://www.edinburghcentre.org/ HKKEC Bridge Pan-Scotland project funded by the IDB, General Electric and Philips to support low carbon and ICT capability and capacity building in the Caribbean. Supported by SDI. http://www.edinburghcentre.org/ Bridge-Project.html Interspace Working with the City of Edinburgh Council to provide a central portal and international shop window for Edinburgh’s incubators and accelerators. http://www.edinburghcentre.org/ Interspace-Project.html

02/04/2014 09:55

Green Vision Ad.pdf

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Low Carbon Ideas Lab

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Applications Now Open www.lowcarbonideaslab.org Wish i could sit all day having fun and making things look pretty like those guys at ...

• corporate branding • logos • websites • leaflets • brochures • magazine design • marketing • social media

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ADVERTORIAL

Comprehensive, reliable and secure IT & Electronic recycling services CCL (North) Ltd provide a secure, safe and environmentally compliant service for the collection and recycling of redundant IT equipment, data storage devices and waste electronic and electrical equipment – WEEE. With over 13 years experience in the industry, CCL have grown and developed to become one of the UK’s leading IT Asset Disposal companies and WEEE recycler.

We provide this trusted service to a number of Corporate, Educational and Government bodies throughout the UK and Ireland.

Our focus is on security to ensure that our customers have total peace of mind. That is why we carry out every stage of the process ourselves at our secure 25,000sq ft facility in Irvine, using our own fleet of satellite tracked

vehicles for collection and our own trained, fully vetted employees. We provide complete control and traceability at every stage.

CCL provide guaranteed secure data destruction for all data storage devices. Our custom built shredder can process up to 1,000 hard drives per hour. Physical destruction ensures that data can never be recovered. All of our processes can be audited and witnessed.

CCL is an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF).

We hold a full Waste Management Licence and are registered Waste Carriers through the Scottish Environment Protection Agency – SEPA. Our customer care team is always on hand to provide you with the best advice on meeting your compliance requirements and legal obligations. Full WEEE compliant paperwork and audit trails issued with every collection.

Contact us today to book a collection.

CCL offer secure collection and recycling for all redundant computers, IT peripherals and all electrical equipment.

Collections made using own fleet of satellite tracked vehicles, full time employees All employees vetted through Disclosure Scotland All material collected processed at CCL’s secure, fully licensed facility in Irvine Controlled Waste Transfer Documents and audit trails provided as standard Guaranteed Data destruction either by CESG approved software erasure or secure physical destruction.

Witnessed destruction available

Contact CCL (North) Ltd, 1 Dunlop Drive, Meadowhead Irvine, Scotland KA11 5AU United Kingdom Tel: 0800 849 8088 hello@cclnorth.com www.cclnorth.com

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02/04/2014 09:55

Goinginternational

Solving international problems Unfair rules or decisions and discriminatory red tape can make it hard for you to live, work or do business in another EU country.

So, if you as an EU citizen or business face extra obstacles in another country because a public authority isn’t doing what is required under EU law, Solvit can help.

SOLVIT reminds the authorities in question what your EU rights are and works with them to solve your problem.

institutions, legislation, policies, programmes and funding opportunities for your business or organisation.

The service is provided by the national administration in each EU country and in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

You can drop into the centre during business hours or email, europedirect@edinburghchamber.co.uk

Although there is a SOLVIT centre in each country, it is mainly an online service and the best way to contact them is via this website http://ec.europa.eu/solvit/index_en.htm

Tel – 0131 221 3178

Your local Europe Direct Information Centre is hosted by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. We’ve recently moved office and our new address is Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Edinburgh Chamber Business Centre, 40 Chamber Street, Edinburgh EH2.

We can help with general questions on every aspect of Europe and can put you in touch with relevant specialist services if required.You can also get information, advice, assistance and answers to questions about the EU’s

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BetheBest Big changes in retailing habits Working with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce we help deliver training courses that help businesses – including retailers – fully understand the potential that is offered through the digital age.

Retailing is changing fast, and growth in Scottish online sales hit 19.4% in Jan 2014, meaning the changes are set to continue.

With Amazon now trialling drones to deliver goods immediately, 3D printers becoming reality, and the endless rise of online shopping, retailers are having to work hard to keep up.

For many, the problems and answers alike lie online. Traditional shops on streets are not going to go away anytime soon, online sales still only account for 17.4% of all non-food sales in Scotland, however retailers will constantly have to adapt to complement and compete online to remain in the game.

Google is revamping its AdWords advertising system to allow retailers to advertise their entire inventory simply and effectively with AdWords Shopping campaigns, and Google’s local business listings help retailers to reach people using mobile devices when out and about. Retailers will no longer be able to rely on local business simply because they are local, but will have to work to make themselves relevant.

Two courses coming up soon are • 15th May Google Analytics • 25th June Digital Marketing Other courses coming up include • 6th May 09.30-16.30 Selling Skills • 13th May 09.30-16.30 Leadership Skills • 28th May Writing for the Web • 16th June Tendering for success The massive advantage that traditional shops have is trust: by having a retail outlet they are immersed in the community physically in a way no online store can be. The retailers who are able to retain their physical trusty presence, while also catering to the online audience and transmit this trustworthiness via social media, will be the overall winners.

GetwithIT

Full schedule of courses is available on www.chamberbusinesssolutions.co.uk

By Lucy Johnston Director, Bread & Butter Marketing

By Bill Magee Scottish Business Technology Writer of the Year

Microstrategy providing real-time platforms for NHS The Digital Age has radically altered relationships between NHS Scotland and suppliers, ranging from big tech companies to innumerable small to medium-sized enterprises conducting vital business with our nation’s health service.

As hospitals strive to enhance patient care, improving referral and discharge times by meeting HEAT targets, it’s now all about “visibility of accurate, timely and actionable information presented to web and mobile based on business need,” reports Robert Skipworth, Scotland country leader, account manager for MicroStrategy.

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NHS Forth Valley is a prime example. The Forth Valley Royal needed to make the most effective use of bed availability to relieve capacity pressure. MicroStrategy developed a ward capacity and flow dashboard giving management teams a full understanding of the situation across the hospital, along with its KPIs performance.

Jann Gardner, NHS Forth Valley EPQ programme lead, says of the dashboard: “It is an intuitive, simple-to-use piece of software that has integrated with our current systems and provided a real time view of our systems capacity and flow. This helps us to optimise patient flow, and help meet our patient access targets.

Forth Valley is one of a growing number of Scottish health boards (including Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Fife) MicroStrategy is already working with to provide robust real time platforms to manage acute hospital flow. Removing manual data collection and instead giving validated, accurate information, delivered through informational apps, designed by clinicians to meet their roles.

“Developed and implemented in under six weeks it is a tool greatly improving our ability to deal with capacity challenges during busy periods and aids the delivery of safe and effective care by delivering care to patients in the right place in a timely manner.”

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Inthespotlight Company name: Colpitts World Travel Who? Andrew Newton, Head of Corporate Travel Website: www.colpitts.co.uk 1. What were you doing between 10 and 12 this morning?

In a reservations department meeting with our Director of European Operations and my Assistant Manager of Reservations. We were reviewing the status of projects, mostly technology and data related, and looking forward to new plans for 2014.

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

Using technology to improve processes and service without it limiting our capability to act outside the box.

3. What do you consider your biggest business triumph?

Rising from a Travel Consultant to become a Company Director.

4. Do you have any money-saving business tips? Sometime there are things that you just don’t need. They are nice to have but not essential. What is essential is good staff, don’t save on them.

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

Finding an industry I love, finding an employer that was willing to invest in me as a young man. Finding a new challenge at 50.

It is wrong to assume that you know what someone is thinking or how they are likely to react in a given situation. I believe in the saying “there’s nowt as queer as folk” as people will always surprise you

11. Who is your hero?

“Curly” the cowboy in the Film “City Slickers”. He believed in something that I found.You have to watch the film and the sequel.

12. Any business (or other) projects you would like to plug?

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

You must enjoy what you do. If not then you are in the wrong job.

When you go home you must be at least as happy as you are at work. If not then you are in the wrong home. I am lucky to be in the right job and the right home.

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

Our main business in Colpitts is the provision of corporate travel however we also provide event management and visa services. The increase in business out to places like China, Russia and India mean organisations have to arrange their own visa’s. It can be a complicated and time consuming process; we have developed excellent relationships with local embassies and our visa department probably receives the most thank you emails and letters from happy and relieved clients!

Fix things, B & Q is my second home.

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

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

Be a cabinet maker. I love making things out of wood.

Loyalty, integrity and a willingness to step forward.

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

I would argue that it is more important to be respected but if I have to choose then I would say “successful”. However success can be measured in many ways and does not always earn respect.

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

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

My look alike, HRH Prince Edward. I have been mistaken for him many times.

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

Easy question, my wife.

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Colin Linton Management Consultant Today’s commerce projected forward for a successful future.

Our company founder, Colin Linton, proudly runs this small consultancy firm from home, after 20 years of developing his knowledge of business enterprise. He attended Napier University, where he pursued a research project with the outcome of the European Union to 2010. This had the moral support of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, who shared the material obtained from other European institutions.

Seeing all of the results from these plans coming true, he has projected further forward to 2020.

Prior to this research, he made a point of going to study business development in America. He embraced this study three times, once in 1990, and then for an additional two years in London and the South East of England. Here he became

involved with change, creativity, marketing new opportunity, and politics.

The experience and skill that he developed over these years of study and research led him to the establishment of this business. He decided to devote his knowledge and present experience of the bookbinding industry to establish long-term strategies for small and medium businesses that will help get them on the map. He looks forward to helping you research your business goals. Call us now.

Call Colin Linton Management Consultant of Dalkeith, Midlothian, for accredited management consultancy and business advice that will help get your business to where it deserves to be.

Flat 2, 135 High Street, Dalkeith EH22 1BE

Phone 0131 660 5019

E-Mail colinlinton283@btinternet.com

www.lintonmanagementconsultant.co.uk

Barnardo’s Works works on!

Cost effective recruitment!

Assess a potential employee before you recruit!

Barnardo’s Works supports 16-24 year olds into sustainable employment by developing the key skills employers are looking for.

We are looking for employers willing to take young people onto placement and into employment.

We offer: n

Employment skills training

n

Work placements at no cost to you

n

Training for employees to suit your needs

n

Support to you and the employee throughout

n

Employment recruitment incentives up to £3,200

Help a Young Person into work – your work!

Contact Asima Hussain Tel: 0131 556 4583 or 07879 893 072 asima.hussain@barnardos.org.uk

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Barnardo’s Works has now been running for over four years! During this time we have successfully placed over 125 young people aged 16 – 24 into employment and we have hosted two graduation events to celebrate the success of those completing our employability programme. We have worked with employers and young people in East Lothian, West Lothian, and the City of Edinburgh. Employers have found it a refreshing and rewarding experience employing our young people and the lives of our participants have been turned around by finding and sustaining employment.

We are now looking to work with more employers (small, medium or large) who have placement and employment opportunities for young people.

Each participant on the programme goes through a tailored induction to develop their employability skills, before moving on to a placement with an employer.

This placement gives the young person the opportunity to prove themselves to the employer. Ideally the employer will offer waged employment direct from the placement.

Further benefits to the employer: n

Cost effective recruitment

n

Try before you employ

n

Loyal and motivated workforce

n

BW staff support in person and by phone for each employer throughout the placement period and into the waged period

n

Regular development reviews for both employer and young person

n

Assistance processing employer recruitment incentives where applicable

Employers we have partnered with have recruited participants for hospitality, road repairs, warehousing, customer services, care, construction, admin, IT, retail, property maintenance and estate management.

If you have a placement or employment opportunity please call Asima Hussain, Employer Liaison Officer on 0131 556 4583 or asima.hussain@barnardos.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @BarnardosWorksE

02/04/2014 09:55

60seconds Name: Catherine Williams Company Name: Bowdens Formal Menswear Website: www.bowdenskilts.co.uk Q In five words or less, what do you do?

A Wear many hats. Drink coffee.

Q How long have you been a Chamber member?

A Since Spring 2013 Q Why did you join?

A Chamber benefits, particularly harnessing the buying power of the chamber. Also the networking events and the opportunities this brings to develop my business.

Q What services do you use?

A HR and Legal support. Being a small business, having professionals in these fields to quickly pick up the phone to when I have a query is fantastic.

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

A Signing up to First Data for our card payment processing.We have made some significant savings compared with our previous supplier.

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

A I’m always interested in new training opportunities. Being a small business, accessing training via the Chamber is a viable option. I’m also always interested in opportunities to meet new suppliers who might be able to offer a more competitive service.

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

A You get out of it what you put in.The more networking events you can attend, the better.

Q Where do you read your copy of Business Comment?

A Usually at home; there’s no time during a busy day at the shop.

City office wins star award Quilter Cheviot Investment Management’s Edinburgh office has been named one of the nation’s best after winning the Citywire Wealth Manager Regional Stars Award.

The awards were voted for by hundreds of financial advisers across the UK, who ranked individual wealth management offices based on four criteria: investment outcomes, client reporting, relationship management and efficiency of service.

The firm’s Edinburgh team was one of 30 offices from across the UK to be nominated

for the award, including further Quilter Cheviot offices based in Liverpool, Glasgow, Birmingham and Salisbury.

Executive Director and Head of the Edinburgh office, Alan Aitchison said: “It’s a real honour to have been recognised by this win. It is testament to Quilter Cheviot’s commitment in providing the highest quality in investment decision-making and our ability to produce measurable results across a broad spectrum of client strategies. We are delighted to have received the award.”

Quilter Cheviot focuses primarily on structuring and managing bespoke discretionary portfolios for private clients, charities, trusts, pension funds and intermediaries.

The company is one of the UK’s largest independently owned discretionary investment firms, tracing its heritage back to 1771 and now based in 13 locations across the UK, Jersey and Ireland with more than £15bn* of assets under management.

The Edinburgh office, whilst being the most recent having opened three years ago, is one of the fastest growing within Quilter Cheviot and in 2012 moved into larger premises in Saltire Court, Castle Terrace. The Edinburgh team consists of Alan Aitchison, Mark Hallam, Neil MacPherson, Scott Peebles, Joe Burns, Wendy Swan, Murray Clark and Richard Taylor.

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Want practical advice for your business?

Business Gateway know how valuable the right advice can be to the success of a business.

Call 0131 529 6644 to book your free appointment and get advice on: • Sales • Marketing • Sources of finance • HR issues

• • • •

Business planning Cash flows Exporting E-commerce

Find out how else we can help your business at www.bgateway.com/edinburgh 0131 529 6644 bglothian@bgateway.com www.bgateway.com/edinburgh

Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations. Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.

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Are you considering Selling your Company?

KBS Corporate are Company Sales Specialists focussing on UK and Global buyer targeting.

As proud members of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce we have a proven track record of successfully selling businesses across all major sectors throughout Scotland.

If you are a business owner looking to sell a company and would like a confidential discussion about your objectives and requirements, call 0844 38 77 454 Or visit www.kbscorporate.com

Are you a landlord or letting agent in Edinburgh the Lothians or Fife?

Do you need a reliable company that you can trust to be available when you need them for a variety of building maintenance and refurbishment services?

All Cleaned Up is an experienced all-trades company with the experience and capability to meet your needs.

Using our fully qualified tradesmen, we can fulfill a wide variety of property maintenance functions for you.

Our Service for Landlords include: ● Free no obligation quotes ● HMO preparation works ● An all trades reactive repairs service ● An all trades planned maintenance and

refurbishment service

● Safety certificates and services ie: Gas and electric

certs.

● PAT appliance test ● Periodic inspection reports

All this with fast turnaround times to avoid lengthy voids

Phone: 0131 553 2151 Fax: 0131 553 7354 E-mail: info@allcleanedupscotland.co.uk Unit 4, 7 Sandport Place, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6EU

www.allcleanedupscotland.co.uk April/May 2014

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We’re passionate about print!

Looking for a printer for your next print project? Then look no further, with Charlesworth Press you can expect …

• Competitive pricing on brochures, catalogues, magazines, corporate literature, & much more • Full colour printing from short runs up to thousands of copies • Wide range of binding options including soft bound, hard bound, wiro & spiral bound • Dedicated Account Manager to help & advise throughout the process • Accredited to ISO 9001 Quality standards • Environmentally friendly ISO 14001 & FSC production • PLUS lots of care & attention to detail!!

Working hard to support Chamber Members throughout Edinburgh & Scotland

Contact us to find out how we can make a difference to your next print project Tel: 01924 204830 Email: sales@charlesworth.com

Charlesworth Press ...evolution in print

www.charlesworth.com Charlesworth Press, Flanshaw Way, Flanshaw Lane, Wakefield WF2 9LP

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Gettingstarted Name:Brian Venters Business name: Clear Brew Edinburgh Ltd Start up date: 3rd February 2014 Website: www.clearbrew.co.uk Q1: Tell us a bit about your business?

for yourself?

We have he solution to help reduce wastage and improve the quality of draught beers for licensed premises.

Being able to set the targets and achieve them through my perseverance and hard work.

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

From the initial day that a customer uses our service there is a noticeable improvement to the quality of their beer products and an immediate saving on wastage.

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

I have been driven by a desire to be my own boss and to see the benefits of my hard work create a successful company.

Q4: What do you like most about working

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

Winning work from day one and keeping the contracts rolling in.

Q6: What has been your lowest moment?

Still early days so thankfully no real lows yet, just occasional disappointments when contracts you are sure will be won slip through your fingers.

To be employing scores of technicians covering central Scotland and being the company held as benchmark for quality service and good practice in the hospitality industry.

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

clear

brew

The beer line cleaning professionals!

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

The beer line cleaning professionals

25% You must believe in the service or products you offer and that it will make the lives of your customers easier or better, when you Thesomething beer line cleaning have youprofessionals believe in you can’t fail!

clear

75%

brew

The beer line cleaning professionals

100% 50%

clear

brew

The beer line cleaning professionals

New members Access Building Services

Esteem Ltd

Prentice Coaches Ltd

Alcore Global Solutions

Federation For Industry Sector Skills &

Prezent

Aptek (scotland) Limited

Standards

Print Centres

Atlas Lettings

Finix Productions Ltd

Quartermile Management Services Ltd

Charles Derby FS

Glidden Design and Brand Communications

Ramsay Cornish LTD

Charlotte Street Partners

Integral Leadership Development

Safetray Products

Cicada Corporation Limited

Island GIS Ltd

SC Winero Crama SRL

Colin Linton Management Consultant

Keith Robson Consultancy

ScotRail

Crandles & Co Chartered fi nancial Planners

La Garrigue

Second Movement

Craneware plc

Links & Services-UK-Europe Limited

Suit That Fits, A

Crombie Lettings & Property Management

M-Pact Building Services

Training Concepts

DermalClinic Ltd

Miituu Limited

Vaughan Consulting LTD

Eden - Design, Print, Marketing

Morton Ward Ltd

Water Gems (Alba) Ltd

Effortless Sites

Murray Asset Management

Youtrain

EKCO (Edinburgh Kitchen Company)

North East Reprographics

Entrusted Group Ltd

Old Town Chambers

April/May 2014

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Images - Tuskite Photography

Inspiringconnections

From Left:Ian Harris from URICA, Jock Millican from Linc Scotland, Alan Kelly from MacRoberts LLP, Ander van der Lem from British Business Bank, Fraser Lusty from Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, David Birrell from Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

How to fund your business Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce members attended an event to learn more about the Government-backed British Business Bank programme.

Currently operating as part of the Department for Business, Innovation and

Skills, the purpose of the British Business Bank programme is to support economic growth by bringing together public and private sector funds to create more effective and efficient finance markets for smaller businesses in the UK. In 2013, it helped to support £660m of lending and investment to smaller buisnesses, and at the end of 2013, 25,000 businesses across the UK were benefitting from its support. Over the course of the next 5 years it aims to unlock up to £10 billion of finance for smaller businesses.

Joining the Business Bank was URICA, one of its lending partners under the £100m Business Finance Partnership. URICA is the revolutionary but common sense early payments platform which pays suppliers early cash for a small discount against their sales and allows customers up to 75 days to settle.

The event was held at Surgeons Hall, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh.

Business Stream appoints new director as English competition nears Business Stream, Scotland’s largest provider of non-household water and waste water services, has appointed Charlene Wallace as director of customer operations as it prepares for the opening of a competitive water market in England.

Charlene, who joins from Monarch Airlines where she was customer services director, has taken up the newly-created role, overseeing the customer service team, metering and billing team, and data team.

She has also held senior customer service and business development roles in the rail and events industries, including Virgin Trains.

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Charlene said:“This is a challenging role and an exciting time to join the company. Business Stream has a very high standard of ambition for customer service, and I’ve been impressed to find a culture and team who are dedicated to fulfilling that.

The appointment comes at a crucial time for Business Stream, with the Water Bill expected to receive Royal Assent at Westminster in April.

The legislation will pave the way for the opening of a competitive water retail market in England from 2017.

“It’s my job to develop those skills and strategies which will help us achieve this, while enhancing understanding of our customers’ needs across the business. I’m looking forward to building on what has already been achieved, while hopefully also forging new paths as we continue to learn from and work with our customers.”

Mark Powles, chief executive of Business Stream, said:“Charlene brings a wealth of experience and history of innovation with her to Business Stream, and will play a key role in our expansion to new markets.”

02/04/2014 09:55

Images - Tuskite Photography

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02

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Women in business The first Women In Business event was a roaring success at the Waldorf Astoria since the series revival.

Dale MacPhee, General Manager of the Waldorf Astoria Caledonian Hotel was the guest speaker and entertained delegates with quirky tales while highlighting some key issues affecting women in the workplace.

Dale said “Being asked to come to work in Edinburgh has been one of the highlights of my career. I believe as women in business it is important to constantly strive to be the best you can be and surround yourself with both a personal and professional support network.”

The next “Women in Business” event takes places again at the Waldorf Astoria on July 10th with Ali Gayward, Commercial Manager for EasyJet.

01

Victoria Ancell from The Big Partnership, Katie Kerr from GreatBase, Lynn Jones from Colpitts World Travel

02

Samantha MacFarlane from Bright Red Triangle at Napier University + Barbie Lyon from Moleta Munro

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Dale MacPhee, General Manager of the Caledonian Hotel speaking to delegates

Forthcoming events Whisky Tasting

Scottish Media Academy

Commonwealth Pool Diving Display

April 24 @ 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

May 8 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

May 29 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Another event in the Chamber’s ever popular ‘Lite Nite’ series, this Whisky Tasting sees members head to Rothesay Terrace to B+B Edinburgh’s Library for a cosy night of tasting some of Scotland’s finest whiskys. The night is designed to allow you to network in a relaxed setting with fellow Chamber members.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is delighted to return to the Scottish Media Academy for a night of insight and media training. Hosted by Courtnay McLeod, CEO and founder along with some of your favourite Forth One DJ’s, the event takes you behind the scenes to see how the radio station runs, while providing you on the spot media training.

Gearing up for the Commonwealth Games, we are delighted to host our first ever networking event with Edinburgh Leisure.

Priced at just £30.00, this event includes a selection on drams to try and a great selection of canapes. Places are limited so please do not wait to purchase your ticket.

Attendees will also have the time to network with a glass of wine and enjoy some canapés.

The event runs from 6pm-8:30pm on Forth Street. Pleaser enter via the main Radio Forth entrance where a Chamber staff members will greet you. Please note there are a several flights of stairs in the building with no lift access.

The relaxed and informal night will no doubt bring back nostalgic memories of the “Commie Pool”, as members are treated to an exclusive diving display and will hear from Edinburgh Leisure Chief Executive John Comiskey and Tim Cox, National Account Manger from Speedo.

The night promises to be a fun and full event.

Spaces are limited so please do book early to avoid disappointment.

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Moversandshakers

Murray Shaw

Gordon Foster

Planning lawyer joins Gillespie Macandrew One of Scotland’s leading planning and construction lawyers, Murray Shaw, has joined Gillespie Macandrew as partner.

Murray spent more than 30 years with Biggart Baillie, including more than 20 years as a partner, and was Chairman and Senior Partner at the time of its merger with DWF in 2012.

His expertise has seen him involved in several of Scotland’s best known cases concerning planning issues, including advising Aberdeenshire Council on the Trump Development and advising one of the principal consortium members in the Edinburgh Trams Project.

Derek McCulloch, Head of Commercial Business Comment is an Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce publication.

Division at the firm, said: “This is a major coup for Gillespie Macandrew. Murray is recognised as a leading expert on planning and construction law and he will be of invaluable assistance to our clients across several sectors.”

Murray said: “This is a progressive firm with several major projects current or on the horizon. I am looking forward to working on these alongside my new colleagues.”

Gillespie Macandrew LLP has also appointed Gordon Foster as an Associate in its Private Client Tax Team. Gordon has specialised in advising clients on tax related issues since he qualified as a solicitor with MacRoberts in Edinburgh.

A L L ED I T O R I A L A ND GE NE R A L E NQ UI RI E S: Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Tel: 0131 221 2999 email mayan.grace@edinburghchamber.co.uk

ADVERTISIN G Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2343 john.neilson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Capital House, 2 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SU www.edinburghchamber.co.uk

FEATU RE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com

President: Alex Mcleod Chief Executive: Dave Birrell

FRON T COVER IM AG E studio montage

EDI T OR David Forsyth, Tel: 07887 955778 Email: david@benchmarkpr.co.uk

DISCLAIM ER

PR OD U C T I O N & D E SI GN Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

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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.

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New job for Natalie Natalie Magee has joined Print Centres Group, taking up the post of Commercial Director, where she will focus on large-scale business development. Her duties are to lead the business toward increased revenue through innovative marketing strategies, brand development, core team building, direct sales and acquisitions.

Natalie joins Print Centres Group as a young, dynamic entrepreneur with huge drive, a passion for business, and she relishes the challenges of her new role. Print Centres Group are developing and expanding rapidly, specialising in printing, signage and display solutions as well as digital marketing, graphic design and web design.

Stuart Nicol, Managing Director, said “We are delighted to have a very able dynamic, creative young professional with massive drive and ambition in our senior team. I am one hundred percent confident that Natalie will bring huge success to our business going forward.”

Have you recently moved to a new role?

Has your company employed a new member of staff? Would you like to be included in the movers and shakers page of Business Comment? If so then send a couple of paragraphs of information and a jpeg image of the person (minimum 300 dpi) to membershipadmin@ edinburghchamber.co.uk

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Corpora

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We inspire everyone to love later life by showing how older people are achieving great things and by demonstrating that our later years can be fulfilling.

We enable people to love later life and change it for the better, to stay independent and keep doing things they enjoy.

We support older people who are struggling as they live longer to achieve better, happier and healthier lives.

And we need your help...

For more information on how you and your company can make a difference to older people in your area please contact Age Scotland today.

Together we can help Scotland’s people enjoy a better later life.

Age Scotland Causewayside House 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR

w: www.agescotland.org.uk e: fundraising@agescotland.org.uk p: 0845 833 0200

Charity No: SC010100

Age Scotland, part of the Age Network, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Registration Number: 153343 Charity Number: SC010100. Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR.

Corporate Ad - Age Scotland 210 x 270.indd 1 BC issue 28.indd 63

26/03/2014 15:37:25 02/04/2014 09:55

Customised Awards – It’s what you put in that makes them unique

With SQA Customised Awards you can create your own unique qualification. We’re a respected accreditation and awarding body.

Our expertise, blended with your business knowledge, can make the right qualification to enhance your staff learning.

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BC issue 28.indd 64 SQA_CA_CHOC_Mid_East&West_Lothian_270x210+3bleed_ad.indd 1

02/04/2014 09:55 5/3/14 14:03:38