Business Connect 08

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SUMMER2015 ISSUE 8

MID, EAST AND WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Get your business on track with Borders Rail chamber news

features

business news

views

interviews

contents

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Scotland’s new National Qualifications are preparing young people for the workplace

Business Connect is a joint Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian Chambers of Commerce publication.

ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES: For Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Tel: 0131 603 5040 email: dita@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Moulsdale House 24D Milton Road East Edinburgh EH15 2PP www.melcc.org.uk

For West Lothian Chamber of Commerce Tel: 01506 412909 email: brenda.cumming@wlchamber.com West Lothian Chamber of Commerce Alba Centre, Alba Business Park Rosebank, Livingston EH54 7EG www.wlchamber.com

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Company that shows how to survive and thrive in a challenging sector

ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2343 email: john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

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FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss email: deangriss@btinternet.com DISCLAIMER Distinctive Publishing or Business Connect 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 Connect.

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HIAN EST LOT T AND W MID, EAS

CHAMBE

OMMER RS OF C

NES CE BUSI

IN S MAGAZ

I am primarily an artist

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Chief Executive: Linda Scott

ISSUE 8

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15th birthday celebrations at the Scottish Seabird Centre

Contents SUMMER2015

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Investors in Young People rounds up successful first year with 100th accreditation

Chief Executive: George Archibald

Get your business on track with Borders Rail

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Business News

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Members News

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Members News

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Members News

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Chamber News Members News

Big Interview

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Cover Feature

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Business News

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Business News

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Premier Partners

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Business News

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New Members

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Members Close Up

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Premier Partners

siness on Get your burders Rail o track with B s chamber new

features

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Front cover image Š Stuart Nicol

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MARKETING

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Investors in Young People rounds up successful first year with 100th accreditation With over 100 businesses in Scotland accredited in the first year, the Investors in Young People (IIYP) award, from Investors in People (IIP) has made a significant contribution to the Scottish business community.

The 100th accredited organisation received their award during National Apprenticeship Week (18 – 22 May). FES, the building services company who are part of the GLQ Consortium, was presented with the IIYP accreditation on 20 May at the new Riverside Campus in Glasgow, where they are currently delivering a construction project for the iconic City of Glasgow College.

Peter Russian, Chief Executive for Investors in People, said: “Following the launch in July 2014 of Investors in People, May saw us reach a key milestone, with FES becoming the 100th accredited organisation.

“To date, we’ve received supportive feedback from accredited organisations with many finding IIYP valuable in their approach to recruiting, retaining and developing young people, while many felt the programme provided a clear link between organisational needs and the recruitment and development of young employees.

“The IIYP team is currently working with a further 200 businesses across Scotland to assess their business needs and objectives looking at how young people can help these companies achieve their targets.”

The IIYP scheme, which launched in July

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Management, Sibbald Training, JK Business Services and Simply Solutions.

One organisation in particular, Weslo Housing Management, found IIYP helped to improve the way in which they recruited and developed their young employees. The West Lothian based, registered social landlord was presented with the award in November 2014, due to the organisation’s desire to continually recruit, develop and retain young people.

2014, is supported by £1 million funding from the Scottish Government. The IIYP framework originated through a key recommendation from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, led

by Sir Ian Wood.

IIYP specialists work closely with organisations from across the private, public and third sectors to assist them in meeting their business objectives by engaging and developing a talent pipeline for the future. The framework provides advice, recommendations and best practice regarding the recruitment, employment and retention of young workers. Businesses who have achieved the IIYP accreditation show increased effectiveness in recruiting, retaining and developing young people.

Accredited companies include mobile phone provider EE, Inverness College UHI, Diageo, Scottish Government, Axis Well Technology and Seatrek at Kip marina to name just a few.

West Lothian also has accredited companies of its own including Weslo Housing

Weslo has provided valuable training and development opportunities for young people since 1997 when they recruited their first apprentice. The organisation strives to instil in their workforce solid values and a strong work ethic. As a result of the excellent opportunities available, many young employees are loyal to the company and have progressed to more senior positions.

Weslo’s commitment to developing hardworking young employees is evident and youth employment is very much a part of the company’s succession planning process.

Weslo Housing Management became the first organisation in Scotland to achieve all three awards available from Investors in People Scotland - IIP Gold accreditation, the IIP Health & Wellbeing award and the Investors in Young People (IIYP).

For further information about Investors in Young People, please visit: www.investorsinyoungpeople.scot

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Scotland’s new National Qualifications are preparing young people for the workplace Employers can look forward to recruiting young people who have developed the knowledge, skills and experience needed for modern workplace.

SQA’s new National Qualifications have been developed to support Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) and are now being taught in schools and colleges across Scotland.

They are replacing the existing National Qualifications you may already be familiar with and you will soon start to see more application forms and CVs containing the new National 1 to National 5 qualifications, as well as the new Higher and Advanced Higher.

How will the new qualifications prepare young people for the workplace?

One of the key features of the new qualifications is skills development. Young people will develop practical skills like data collection, literacy, numeracy and teamworking; Core Skills like communication, ICT and problem solving; and Skills for Learning, Life and Work such as employability, independent thinking, and enterprise and citizenship.

There will be more assessment through things like practical activities, performances and research projects etc, which allow young people to demonstrate their skills and ensure that they can use their skills beyond the classroom.

Why are new qualifications needed?

The new qualifications have been introduced to support Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), which aims to prepare young people for life and work in the 21st century. As more young people leave school or college in search of employment, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that they are equipped with the skills and know-how they need

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to succeed. Schools, in particular, are starting to broaden the range of vocational qualifications available from S4 to S6.

Over time, employers can expect to see more young people leaving school with a broad range of qualifications, including SQA’s National Qualifications, Skills for Work Courses, National Progression Awards (NPAs) and National Certificates (NCs).

SQA has also developed a number of wider achievement awards that complement both new and existing qualifications, including awards in Personal Development, Enterprise and Employability and Leadership.

For more information, and to compare the new qualifications with previous National Qualifications, visit www.sqa.org.uk/ cfeforemployers

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Scottish accommodation website undergoes upgrade Private House Stays, the very well regarded leader in Scottish vacation and business accommodation, recently announced they have made significant website upgrades for a smoother user experience.

Now completely responsive, and allowing users to book multiple stays across Scotland at one time, the changes have been met with enthusiasm.

Planning a trip to Scotland, for pleasure or business, doesn’t need to be the least bit complicated, especially with the right resources.

One key element in this for many people has been Private House Stays, a website that allows users to book stays in privately owned accommodations throughout Scotland, anytime day or night.

Recently, the company announced significant improvements in their website, with PrivateHouseStays.com now being completely responsive, and users now able to book stays in multiple Scottish locations at one time. The multiple booking facility is the perfect accompaniment for the Scottish Tours that Private House Stays have also recently introduced.

According to the informative website, all shapes and sizes of accommodations are featured from a small bed and breakfast, up to a comfortable chalet all the way to an incredibly romantic castle, for what could be the ultimate Scottish vacation. The site can be easily browsed both by location through its search engine or on a map broke down by region in Scotland. This combines to make finding the right accommodation choice simple and fun.

When booking through Private House Stays, identity and a booking is confirmed on the site for a reservation, and then payment is later taken care of between the user and the accommodation themselves for maximum convenience.

Not surprisingly, users have responded to the Scottish accommodation site with very positive feedback.

Axel Mallach, from Spain, said, “My experience with Private House Stays was excellent. It was so easy to find our preferred style of accommodation and the booking process was very straightforward. I will definitely use the website for future trips to Scotland.”

For more information on the site, to book an accommodation or for house owners to register be sure to visit www.privatehousestays.com.

Local businesses support our future workforce Bright Business Partnership are searching for businesses to engage with youngsters in Midlothian to provide them with a ‘real’ understanding of the current employment market by providing one-to-one mentoring to enhance their employability skills and job prospects.

The programme has been running for three years, and has been designed in collaboration with businesses and schools to ensure that it is beneficial for both.

It will combine staff development with helping to support, encourage and equip young people with the skills to compete in the employment market.

Each mentor must commit up to 1 hour per month, from September until March 2016. The meetings provide, motivation, encouragement, support, and the opportunity to listen and share knowledge with the mentee.

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If this is something that you or any of your employees could get involved in please get in touch or if you would like more information please

contact Sandra Morisetti - sandra@ thebusinesspartnership.org.uk or Tel: 0131 603 5046.

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advertorial

Bringing it all together in a fast-moving world Do you have one company providing your business landline, another looking after your mobile phones and a third running your IT?

To improve business efficiency, combined communications are essential. Award winning Connect Telecom provides combined communications through Vodafone’s One Net Business solution to companies across the UK and Ireland.

Experts in solution delivery, Connect is a Vodafone Platinum Parter and 2015 One Net Business solution Partner of the Year, awarded from over 450 partners.

Connect Telecom was founded in 2007 when the directors identified an opportunity within the telecoms market, based around a personal, face-to-face approach to managing customer accounts. Now delivering total unified communications through Vodafone’s One Net Business solution.

Connect was founded by Director Robin Brown after working in banking and telecoms, and Director Matthew Brown joined soon after with experience in banking, telecoms and marketing.

The company, with offices in Belshill and

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East Kilbride, has grown rapidly since 2007 and now operates across Scotland, North England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Director Matthew Brown said: “We offer a complete range of telecoms solutions across mobiles and landlines as well as tracking and data services.

“Connect Telecom is also one of only three Vodafone UK Solutions Pioneers and the thing that appeals to many companies is the way we bring all their communications together. That is proving itself particularly attractive to Scottish companies as we grow across the country, especially after being accredited One Net Business Solutions Partner of the Year.

“There are many businesses who have one company providing their landline, another looking after mobile phones and a third running their IT, which is confusing.

“That used to be the way it was done but things are changing and it makes more sense to unify everything, which is the field in which we have become leaders.

“Communications are such a fast-moving field and companies need to employ businesses like ours who know what they are doing and are experienced in delivery for hundreds of customers. Our team can take away all the worry by unifying their systems for them through Vodafone’s solutions.”

Connect’s progression through the Vodafone Partner Channel has been one of the

quickest, starting as a Gold Partner in 2012, winning Gold Partner of the Year 2014 and moving onto the highest partner status of Platinum Partner in 2015.

Vodafone UK head of partner services Rob Mukherjee said; “Both we and our partners are focused on supporting UK businesses to make best use of technology; technology which enables UK plc to work more efficiently, deliver great customer service to their own customers and compete in today’s fast-paced market.”

Connect Telecom is fully trained to deliver the full portfolio of Vodafone solutions, offering personalised and localised services and support in your area. Our customers rely on our local knowledge and communications expertise to help grow their businesses.

Help your business grow by contacting Connect Telecom on 01416 117364 or visit www.connect-tele.co.uk to find out more.

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Local hotel proves that family businesses can compete with global brands

The Kings Manor Hotel on the boundary of Edinburgh and Musselburgh was bought as a 66 roomed hotel by the Solley Family back in 1976.

Now nearly 40 years on and branded as The BEST WESTERN Kings Manor the hotel sits with 95 rooms , a restaurant, extensive leisure club, conference and function rooms, bistro and bar and is still under the careful eye of Les and Lyn Solley with son Chris in the kitchen.

The Hotel trades in the very competitive mid spend market in the city. Sitting with room occupancies of over 90% for most of the year the hotel caters for corporate and leisure guests and relies heavily on local trade throughout the year.

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Director Les Solley says: “We joined the Best Western franchise over 15 years ago and the exposure of the world’s largest hotel brand has been great for us, but the flexibility that a family owned business can offer and the individuality of our product has helped to not just survive the recent downturn but by reinvesting in the business we have emerged with a bright future in view. We feel that the benefit of being light on our feet and moving quickly to react to external demand shows that there is a place for the family business in today’s business world.”

The BEST WESTERN Kings Manor caters for local functions such as weddings and anniversary dinners as well as conferences and meetings from the local area and internationally. The Fountain Spa leisure club, which is a key part of the business, offers guests the second largest hotel based leisure club in the city of Edinburgh. Both individual and corporate memberships are available for the extensive facilities and a range of health, beauty and ‘alternative’ therapies are available to local residents.

to 200 residents each night. As well as the investment in the fabric of the building, the Solleys are even keener to invest in the staff with all new members of staff undergoing an in house customer care course. This has paid off with the hotel is always well within the top 10% of properties ranked by Best Western customers in the UK. For more info www.kingsmanor.com

The hotels Bistro and Restaurant are popular local venues as well as catering for close

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Inspiring Female Talent It’s a Leadership Thing t: +44 (0)131 603 6199 www.parityprofessionals.co.uk/gds

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Inspiring Female Talent: It’s a Leadership Thing “Organisations are shadows of their leaders”

Industry is innovating faster than ever to meet the increased demands of clients and customers. Organisations are constantly being challenged to continuously adapt to ensure that they are capable of achieving sustainable business results.

Given that female talent is underrepresented in senior positions across many Scottish businesses, there is a significant opportunity for inspired

You can’t look too far these days without coming across something in the news about “Gender Diversity” or “Women in Leadership”. There is pressure in the market, and expectation from the government, that British Business – specifically the FTSE 100 – will lead the way in creating “Balanced Boardrooms” with at least 25% female representation by the end of 2015.

Since his initial report “Women on Boards”, published in 2011, Lord Davies has recently reported that the FTSE 100 is making significant progress towards that goal with women now occupying 23.5% of all FTSE 100 board seats. However, he is not resting on his laurels. The pressure is intensifying and he is “naming and shaming” those companies who are failing to make progress, claiming that those companies that “do not get the mood of society on this issue, actually deserve to go out of business.”

So, whilst there has been an 11% increase of women occupying FTSE 100 board seats over the last 36 months, what are these statistics not telling us? Of the FTSE 100, there are still 59 companies that have yet to achieve 25% female representation at board level. Of the FTSE 250, there are 23 companies with all male boards. So what is really going on here? What is the root-cause of the Gender Diversity issue and why is it

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Scottish leaders to unleash the full capability and capacity of their female talent pipeline to optimise collaboration, innovation and productivity. With more and more businesses in Scotland signing up to the Scottish Business Pledge and the Partnership for Change, Scotland’s business leaders have a unique opportunity to make a real step-change in the way in which their organisations, and indeed our country, is known for inspiring female talent.

taking some companies such a long time to shift the balance of their workforce? Let’s take a closer look by examining the business case that sits behind Gender Diversity.

Diversity and Inclusion is a hot topic in the world of business, particularly Gender Diversity. What is all the fuss about? Why can’t we just get on with running our companies and wait for this whole thing to “run its course?”

Newsflash – This “thing” is not going away – it is here for the long run, with targets looming round the corner, you need to be thinking tactically and strategically about it now!

First thing is first; let’s get the debate out of the way. Balanced workforces outperform those that are not – yielding a 42% increase in return on sales, a 66% increase in return on invested capital and a 53% increase in return on equity. Gender Diversity is no longer considered an ethical issue; it is a strategic imperative for any company looking to improve performance.

So why are so many (59% of the FTSE 100) organisations struggling to hit the 25% goal?

In order to answer that question we need to understand what is happening to the Female Talent Pipeline within many organisations.

On average, 60% of graduates in the UK are female and many of the FTSE 100 organisations ensure that at least 50% of their graduate in-take is female. Following a significant investment in Attraction, Recruitment and On-boarding, many of these graduates embark upon a 12-24 month graduate programme which delivers on the “Employer Brand Promise,” laying a foundation for their career path within the organisation.

The critical break in the Female Talent Pipeline occurs during the transition from the graduate programme to the start of their “live” career in the workplace. This is where the rubber meets the road and the gap (the Cultural Delta) between the “aspirational culture” and the “actual culture” is experienced. The graduate programme simulates a desired or “aspirational culture,” and to a certain extent, insulates the graduate from the realities of the real or “actual culture.” The moment of truth is when the graduate experiences how far removed the “actual culture” is from the “aspirational culture” by experiencing values and behaviours that are not consistent with the “Employer Brand Promise.” Trust is broken.

The size of the “Cultural Delta” will directly affect the employees’ relationship with the

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company, their level of engagement, level of performance and ownership of their career development - as well as the likelihood of them staying with the company. In fact, in many of the FTSE100 organisations, the “Cultural Delta” is so significant that rapid disengagement, sub performance and attrition are realised almost immediately following transition into the “live” work environment.

Why is this such an important issue for female talent? Because women make the decision to work with companies that espouse similar values and behaviours.

When that “emotional contract” is breached, trust is broken and the disengagement begins. Without a clearly articulated vision for the future, one where diversity and inclusion is understood and valued, there is little left to hold their attention and the attrition begins.

Without addressing the “Cultural Delta”, this critical link in the Female Talent Pipeline will be permanently broken. With highly valued and invested-in female talent haemorrhaging from the organisation, the organisation continues to plough more money in recruiting more female graduates, to go through more graduate programmes, only to lose them due to the “Cultural Delta.” This “continuous loop” systematically drains time, money and effort from the organisation but more importantly, breaks the career pathway for high performing females who would be considered executive and boardroom pipeline material. Add to that the females, who have “quit but not left”, what you end up with is high attrition of female talent, disengaged existing female talent and lack of female talent to feed the leadership talent pipeline.

Is there a shortcut to Gender Diversity? If you mean, is there a shortcut to building a high performing organisation with a diverse and inclusive workforce, the answer is no.

Are there investments that can be made to attract the right female talent, repair the existing Female Talent Pipeline, retain and develop latent female talent, accelerate your fast-track females into the boardroom and ignite a cultural change? The answer is yes.

Cultural change takes real leadership: Inspiration, Courage and Commitment - to

stay the course. It is not an easy journey, but one that will return financial, cultural and legacy benefits that will create a sustainable trajectory of higher performance to those of your competitors.

Don’t just “tick the boxes”, run some initiatives and hope this “thing” goes away.

Lead the transformational change that is required to unlock the true performance of your organisation with inspiring, focussed and committed leadership. Make the right investment now to return to your employees, customers, shareholders and society the results that you know are possible with your company.

Parity Professionals is the company that can help. We have been working with Public and Private Businesses in Scotland for 30 years.

Our team in Edinburgh is passionate about making a real difference to the success of people’s careers and organisations’ sustainable performance. We will leave no stone unturned to source and develop the very best talent to unlock the full potential of your female talent pipeline.

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.

Whether you are looking to support “Gender Diversity Change Programmes” by: 1 Accelerating your top Female Talent into the Boardroom 2 Repairing your Female Talent Pipeline 3 Kick-starting your organisational Gender Diversity Journey 4 Identifying, sourcing and selecting exceptional D&I, OD and HR Professionals 5 Or, communicating the Gender Diversity Business Case to the Leadership Team Call us now to arrange a complimentary Discovery Session – and let’s get the conversation started.

Vivien Weldon Head of Client Solutions Contact Details t: +44 (0)131 603 6199 e: vivien.weldon@parity.net www.parityprofessionals.co.uk/gds @ParityProf

Niccoló Machiavelli

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I am primarily an artist Having studied Graphic Design at art college, specialising in Photography and Illustration.

Jessie Ann Matthews practised as a freelance photographer, specialising in documentary and exhibition work until her children came along. She then decided that she wanted to be based at home so she moved into creating textiles with wall-hangings and smaller works. During this time she kept up her painting and sketching.

Six years ago when the recession started Jessie decided to set up a business selling French clothing for adults, using the brand-name Captain Tortue. Quirky, layered garments that are fun to wear and easy to buy – cutting out the high street.

Jessie now wants to concentrate on her paintings. She likes to paint outside, in situ, and enjoys sitting in the East Lothian landscape, as well as further afield. Trees feature strongly in her work, and she paints mostly in oils on paper, board or canvas, building up layers with oil sticks and pencil.

Currently Jessie has paintings on show upstairs in Peter Potter, Haddington, and she will be exhibiting in the Summer Exhibition at Mellerstain, Scottish Borders, until September.

Alzheimer’s Sun Room project Alzheimer Scotland provides a day care service in Bonnyrigg, supporting around 50 people from Midlothian. The primary purpose of the service is to provide highquality, person-centred activities and support for people with dementia.

A secondary outcome of the service is that carers manage to have a break while their loved one is supported by us. This is essential as caring for someone with dementia is often very demanding and carers can become ill themselves. Our support means they can have a few hours to themselves, knowing their loved one is safe and secure in a stimulating and supportive environment.

We would like to extend the activities we can offer within our Bonnyrigg premises, known as The Bungalow. Our plan is to knock down the conservatory and build a larger sun room, affording us the opportunity to provide a room for arts, crafts and musical activities and a room

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for sensory stimulation. Can you or your organisation help us by raising money or sponsoring a panel of the sun room?

With your support we can transform our service in Midlothian and offer even more

activities in a comfortable setting, and help people with dementia to live well.

Please contact Abby Parkhouse on 01506 533110 or visit www.alzscot.org

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chambernews

Investing in Scotland’s Youth

Lindsay Geddes, Employer and Partnership Manager at DWP commented “The Department for Work and Pensions is pleased to be working with West Lothian Chamber of Commerce and West Lothian College on this exciting opportunity for unemployed young people across West Lothian to improve their skills when engaging with employers and supporting them in moving towards employment,”

The Chambers of Commerce are playing a pivotal role in supporting the future employment for young people through partnerships with business and education.

West Lothian Chamber have two projects currently active – Pump It Up Heat Pump School Challenge and #getajob, both these projects bring together local employers and education to offer young people support for their futures.

After a hugely successful pilot competition in 2014 with Armadale Academy, the joint venture between local employer, Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning System Europe (M-ACE) and the West Lothian Chamber of Commerce has expanded to 11 schools across the area with the challenge to find an alternative use for a heat pump.

This joint venture has seen competition increase six fold for this year’s ‘Pump It Up’ Heat Pump Challenge, as many of the best and brightest pupils from schools across West Lothian went head to head for the ultimate ‘green’ energy competition hosted by the West Lothian Chamber of Commerce at Howden Park Centre on 5th June 2015 Rodney Ayre, Senior Department Manager, M-ACE, said: “The schools project has created a link between Mitsubishi Electric

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With further workshop due to take place later in the year there is plenty opportunity to get involved if you are interested contact West Lothian Chamber of Commerce. and the local schools within the West Lothian area developing the workforce of the future and ensuring students get first-hand experience of manufacturing, environment and renewables. This activity promotes Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to Scotland and the local community.” #getajob is an initiative set up by West Lothian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with West Lothian College, DWP and Job Centre Plus is a programme developed to address a lack of interview skills and confidence often shown by young people who have none, or little, experience in a working environment.

The programme offers a series of workshops designed to improve 18 to 24 year old’s chances of getting and securing a job. The workshops, each over a 2 week period, are intensive but also fun and invaluable in allowing the young people to assess their professional skills and develop their own personal brand. Following this, they will undergo an interview with a West Lothian employer and will then undergo work experience on site with the business.

Linda Scott, Chief Executive, West Lothian Chambers of Commerce has played a key role in launching both these projects and says: “The school challenge is all about encouraging Scotland’s younger generation to think outside the box and come up with clever and innovative ideas that give them a greater understanding of technology and engineering.

Ultimately, we are looking to help our younger generations learn and develop new skills and competitions such as these are great for this because they tap into a number of different skill sets such as creativity and teamwork.

The Chamber feels that projects such as #getajob and the Pump it Up challenge are vital in supporting West Lothian’s young people with helping them to obtain the skills and knowledge needed for their future career choices.”

Full details of all projects at www.wlchamber.com

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advertorial

What’s your Postcode?

The question your customers love to answer.

If your business captures address details from customers – via a website, over the phone or in person – you’re missing a couple of tricks if you don’t start by asking “What’s your Postcode?”

Using a Postcode to find an address is…

Fast: it saves time for your staff and customers by allowing them to jump straight from a Postcode to an individual address.

In your business, that might mean even more productive staff or more customers completing your forms.

Accurate: there’s no need to type-in the full address so there’s no risk of typos. We all know some names – like Athelstaneford or

Penicuik – don’t always lend themselves to being spelt correctly.

Poorly addressed mail can take longer to be delivered and may reflect badly on your business (if my address is incorrect, what else did they get wrong?)

The technology that provides this feature is available in several forms – as a simple widget which can be integrated into your website or software, or as a stand-alone app which runs on your desktop. It can even correct the existing addresses you have in your database.

Join us in the cloud to revolutionise the way you manage your business

UK-based firm Allies have specialised in addressing since 1987 and have over 1000 businesses using their cost-effective “postcode to address” technology.

Their customers include small startups, FTSE plcs through to public sector organisations – plus even one of the world’s best-known postal authorities.

To try out the feature for free, or to simply find out more. Call 01508 494488 or visit www.alliescomputing.com

t: 01506 630 130

With Xero cloud-based software we FREE UP YOUR TIME and ours to focus on your day-to-day business. We can work on the same data as you, at the same time. AND you can access your accounts anytime, anywhere. As a result you will get: • A meaningful face-to-face relationship with a trusted business partner who understands your business goals and helps you achieve those goals.

• Regular reviews of results, tailored to your business.

• Improved profits.

• Improved cash flow.

• Confidence that tax returns and annual accounts are taken care of.

• Reduced stress as we help you deal with your finances, HMRC, bank and investor meetings and new finance staff.

• A friendly, approachable accountant who will help you make better business decisions.

As a family run business we have the flexibility to create services to suit your business and budget.

Contact us to find out how we can support your business. e: Michelle@GregoryAccounting.co.uk m: 07722 141 743 www.GregoryAccounting.co.uk

Your Business, Our Passion

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midlothiancouncil

Business-in-a-Box makes starting up child’s play Claire Blatchford’s business, Splatter Messy Play, was going strong in the market-testing phase, but when several obstacles came her way, her confidence plummeted. It was repeated radio adverts about confidencebuilding workshops by Business Gateway Plus that led Claire to enrol and take her business to the next level.

Splatter Messy Play provides the space and the tools for under 5 year-olds for messy and sensory play. A typical session involves playing with moon dough (flour and oil), compost, paint, water and anything else that might otherwise make a mess at home. Her business is now thriving.

Ms Blatchford said she needed confidence, and help to focus her ideas into a realistic business model.

“But I got so much more than that. The course made me realise what’s important to me in life – where my values lie and how important it is to create a business that fulfils them. It also helped me understand that if you’re going to be self-employed, it should

be a business that works for you and your needs. Only then can you start to make a difference for other people.”

Councillor Jim Bryant, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Midlothian Council, said it is great to hear about success stories such as Claire’s.

“Ms Blatchford is the perfect example of someone who has followed her dreams and made her business work for her. Our Business Gateway people know what they’re doing – they’re highly-qualified and perceptive. They work on each individual’s needs and strengths, and help them overcome barriers to success.

“I hope Claire’s story inspires others around Midlothian to register for Business-in-a-Box. Put it this way – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. So what are you waiting for?”

Midlothian Business Gateway, visit www.bgateway.com or call 0131 516 8185.

How to access assistance in Midlothian from Business Gateway and Business Gateway Plus

Ms Blatchford is the perfect example of someone who has followed her dreams and made her business work for her.

We’re bringing our advisors to you to make it easier for you to access high quality support.

Find Business Gateway atsessions: the following Start Up Advice locations throughout Midlothian.

Please call 0131 271 3377 to book an appointment, or contact us via email bg@midlothian.gov.uk Free HR Assistance is available to existing businesses via Business Gateway Plus Start Up Advice sessions: Please call 0131 271 3451 to speak to Please call 0131 3377 to book appointment, John Anzani, or271 contact himan via email or contact us via email bg@midlothian.gov.uk john.anzani@midlothian.gov.uk Business Gateway Plus is supported by ERDF Funding

High Growth advisors are based at: Fairfield House8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith EH22 3ZN High Growth advice is often delivered at the premises of our customers.

High Growth New It’s now evenand easier to Enterprise get an Allowance advisors areteam. basedByat:making appointment with our Fairfield House that appointment, you are 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith EH22 3ZN

taking the first step to securing a better future for High advice is often delivered at the premises yourGrowth business. of our customers.

www.facebook.com/BGMidlothian

It’s now even easier to get an appointment with our team.

By making that appointment, you are taking the www.twitter.com/BGMidlothian first step to securing a better future for your business.

For more information visit

www.bgateway.com www.facebook.com/BGMidlothian www.twitter.com/BGMidlothian

0845 609 6611

For more information visit www.bgateway.com

0845 609 6611 www.bgateway.com 0845 609 6611

www.bgateway.com 0845 609 6611

www.bgateway.com

www.bgateway.com

Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations.

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.

Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.

0845 609 6611

Business Gateway services areofdelivered by partner Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations.

Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support associated organisations.

Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.

Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.

www.bgateway.com

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businessconnect

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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membernews

15th birthday celebrations at the Scottish Seabird Centre Pupils from Law Primary School helped the award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, celebrate its 15th birthday in style on Thursday 21 May. The Seabird Centre had a jam-packed day of birthday activities with the Edinburgh Sketcher hosting art sessions and the Centre’s mascot, Tammie the Puffin, leading puffin picnics. Visitors were treated to free birthday cakes, as the Seabird Volunteers had baked hundreds of cakes for the celebrations.

The Wild about Scotland bus also made a very special stop in North Berwick. Funded

by Clydesdale Bank in partnership with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the Scottish native species outreach bus made its first visit to the Centre.

Tom Brock OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: “We have had an incredible 15 years at the Seabird Centre: we are constantly evolving to ensure that we provide a five star facility for both locals and visitors, as well as achieving the charity’s objectives of inspiring people to appreciate and care about Scotland’s amazing wildlife.

“The official opening of the Seabird Centre on the 21 May 2000 by Prince Charles, the Duke of Rothesay, was a day of great celebration. We would like to say a huge

thanks to everyone for their invaluable support over the last 15 years. We couldn’t have opened or survived without the amazing support of our local community as well as our volunteers, trustees, staff, members and visitors.

“We now look forward to building on our education and conservation work as well as

further benefiting North Berwick and East Lothian.”

The Scottish Seabird Centre’s birthday celebrations formed part of the Puffin Fest programme. The festival runs until 25 May and features a programme of family-friendly and environmentally focused activities. For further information visit www.seabird.org

Show your business cares The Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, is more than a visitor attraction - it is a charity committed to inspiring people to care for our wildlife and the natural environment.

As world-leaders in remote wildlife viewing, their technology will allow your staff to control the interactive live cameras in the five star Discovery Centre, to zoom in on amazing seasonal wildlife on the Firth of Forth islands. This includes the Bass Rock, the world’s largest Northern gannet colony and recently voted BBC Countryfile Magazine’s Nature Reserve of the Year.

Their VIP Corporate Membership is a great way to support a very worthwhile cause. Not only will your staff be made to feel like VIPs, but your money will be invested in the charity’s conservation and education work.

The benefits include: free family entries to the Discovery Centre; 10% discount for café, gift shop and boat trips; invitation to special events, free members’ magazine, free evening hire of the Centre’s facilities and many more.

Prices start at £400. For a no-obligation coffee and chat about how your business can benefit from Seabird VIP Corporate Membership email membership@seabird.org or call 01620 890202. The Scottish Seabird Centre would be pleased to tailor a package to suit your organisation’s needs.

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asktheexpert

Having difficult questions?

Most employers and managers will absolutely dread having to raise a difficult issue with an employee. No matter how confident and assured you are as a manager, if you have to speak to an employee about personal hygiene you will understandably want to run and hide.

But ignoring or putting off tackling tricky issues will only make them worse. To be an effective manager you need to have the ability to be able to talk about sensitive issues which can often be highly emotive.

Not dealing with them can lead to bad performance management and bad employee relations which will ultimately harm your business.

What could count as a difficult conversation? n Addressing substandard performance n Raising issues about inappropriate dress n A body odour or a bad breath situation n Talking too loudly (and other irritating, atmosphere-damaging

habits) n Fallout from an office romance n Sexual harassment complaints n Workplace conflict between two staff members n Refusing annual leave or flexible working requests n Redundancy or dismissal

How can I address issues like these?

1. Identify the problem and decide to face up to it!

2. Prepare. Establish the facts, check your policies and procedures and read your employee’s file.

3. Do some more preparation. Be clear about exactly what the problem is and the impact it is having on the business and their colleagues. Identify your ideal outcome, and think about what it is that you are most worried about happening so that you can try to avoid that scenario.

4. Be in control. You need to control the meeting and how it progresses. It’s not about winning or losing so negotiate if appropriate. But you set the terms and remain in control of your emotions or temper too!

5. Stick to a clear agenda. First, the introduction – set the tone you want for the meeting. Second, explain the issues and evidence.

Third, ask for an explanation or their contribution. And fourth, agree a way forward.

6. Document and communicate the outcomes and monitor the progress.

If you would like some training or support in handling these tricky employee issues then just contact Ian Pilbeam of The HR Dept on 0131 297 7545, ian.pilbeam@hrdept.co.uk

An international referee THOMAS Haywood recently spent a weekend refereeing one of the top invitational baseball tournaments in Europe. A few days later, the Scots-based official was in the London area refereeing at another.

Scotland’s leading baseball official gets around having also been involved in tournaments in Australia, New Zealand, America, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland during the last 11 years. He’s stood in more than 500 games during that time and qualified for the world stage after taking a professional umpiring course in Florida.

The jet-set life is far removed from his day job as a professional photographer based in Edinburgh’s up-market Polwarth area. A member of Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce, Haywood

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has also just branched out into using a specially-equipped drone to take aerial pictures and movies for promotional videos. His impressive own promotional footage includes view around Scotland, including stately homes like Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, and top hotels including Dalhousie Castle in Midlothian.

The tournament which takes him away this weekend is the 18-year-old Attnang Puchheim event in Austria with ten teams invited to play for the Finkstonball Trophy.

Haywood said: “It’s the sixth year I’ve been involved and it is a tremendous event with top players from around Europe.

“Next week I’m in Hemel Hempstead for another international tournament and it’s been a busy season so far.”

Haywood said: “We used to have an

Edinburgh team which played at national level, not any more.

“I’ve had my scrapes. One Canadian official lost the plot when they were playing America in a tournament in France. He was eye-to-eye with me on the mound and I tried to keep away from him.

He incurred several sending-off offenses during the altercation, including refusing to leave the mound and turning his baseball cap round on his head. He then apologised to me afterwards.”

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Vocational Qualifications — strength for Scotland’s future

SQA helps individuals realise their potential and achieve their ambitions by providing a wide range of high quality, internationally recognised qualifications and associated services.

Our qualifications are designed and structured to support people on their individual learning journeys, and give Scottish businesses a competitive advantage by enhancing the quality of the workforce.

We are ambitious for Scotland’s businesses, and a smart, well-trained and qualified workforce is essential for the future.

Understanding Qualifications

Higher National Qualifications

At first sight, the Scottish qualification system might seem complex, but it is really very straightforward to understand. The fundamental aim is to provide a ‘learning ladder’ (or perhaps climbing frame would be more accurate, since you can go horizontally as well as up) that provides opportunities for everyone to achieve their full and true potential.

Higher National qualifications have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry.

These qualifications are offered by colleges, some universities and many other training centres. Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are specially designed to meet the needs of employers, both locally and internationally.

HN qualifications provide both the practical skills needed to do a job and the theoretical knowledge employers expect. Some HNCs allow direct entry into the second year of a degree programme, and some HNDs allow direct entry to third year. Further information can be found at www.sqa.org.uk/hn

The wide variety of qualifications offered by SQA, at various levels, allows the individual to plan their future path by offering a relevant qualification at the appropriate level so they can move sideways, or upwards, but always towards new skills. By developing their own abilities, they add to the growing pool of skills available to benefit Scotland’s economy.

Scottish Vocational Qualifications Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are based on national standards which are drawn up by people from industry, commerce and education. SVQs are badges or benchmarks of competence, so they work as a guarantee that someone who holds an SVQ can do the job the qualification covers. SVQs say what has to be achieved, and how, but they don’t have to be done in a classroom or on a training programme — many people achieve them while carrying out their normal day-to-day work. There are SVQs for nearly all occupations in Scotland, from forestry to IT, management to catering, journalism to construction. Further information can be found at www.sqa.org.uk/svq

Find out more Successful relationships are formed by listening to your requirements and developing an understanding of your business. To find out more, please go to www.sqa.org.uk/businessdevelopment

“SQA qualifications, highly regarded across the world for their consistent standards, are a valuable asset to those who achieve them.

They prepare people for life in general as well as for progression into further study, training or employment.”

Dr Janet Brown, SQA Chief Executive

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

biginterview

Company that shows how to survive and thrive in a challenging sector Sibbald Ltd started life small like most businesses but has grown in the past forty two years to become one of its sector’s most respected names and one of West Lothian’s success stories.

Founder David Sibbald started out in 1973 as an owner-operator with a single excavator and initially focused on plant hire but, as ever throughout his career, he has been keen to take opportunities when they present themselves, which they did in 1988.

The company had continued to expand until 1988 when the training side of the business was created due to the national necessity to train operators for the new CTA Scheme to ensure that the very highest standards applied in the construction sector.

Since the start of its training division in 1988, Sibbald Training has offered a wide variety of CITB-approved courses for the industry and expanded to include forklift training for the warehouse and distribution industry.

David said: “What we could see in 1988 was that the Government was tightening up on health and safety which meant that there was a need for more training. At the time we did not know of a company in Scotland that was offering the quality training that was needed.

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“The result was that companies in Scotland were bringing people up from the south, which did not make sense, so we approached companies in Scotland and asked if they would use our services. They said yes and when we were confident that the idea was viable we went ahead.

“I have always believed that you have to see opportunities but make sure that they are viable before you go ahead with them. You do not just jump in, you have to see if you can afford it. That is very important.”

The result is that the company has continued to grow year on year and is now one of the leading providers of training in the construction sector in the whole of the country. Its plant hire operation is now a separate business.

Although based in Blackridge, in West Lothian, where it employs 35 people, Sibbald can carry out training worldwide which is endorsed by the fact that they have on two occasions provided training for the Falkland Islands Government and also companies and individuals on the islands.

The company has achieved success through becoming experts in the field of providing construction and plant training services for industries such as construction, civil engineering, utilities, local authorities, emergency services, warehousing and distribution.

The company provides training in forklifts, manual handling, first aid, fire-Fighting and Health and Safety training courses and also started bus and lorry driving courses.

“You have to watch the costs in order to be competitive and we have always done that.

Even so, the last recession hit us hard and we had to lay off a third of our people.

Construction is a volatile business and that capacity to take opportunities when they occur has proved vital, as has a commitment to financial prudence.

“I think we are coming out of recession now and we are getting busier but that brings its own challenges.

David said: “The key to success in an industry that sees so many upturns and downturns is not to spend too much on your running costs.

“We are running more courses, which means that we need more trainers. We are having to pick good candidates who have the correct experience and have the right aptitude to become ambassadors for our company.

“If times are hard you cannot afford to increase wages, and once wages are at higher level, you cannot bring them down again, so we use bonus schemes as part of a structured approach.

“That costs money for us but we are investing because we can see the benefits as companies become more confident and invest in training.”

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biginterview

David Sibbald

Founder Sibbald Ltd

The company’s approach has received official recognition. Sibbald won four National Training Awards in 1993, 1995, 1998 and 2008 and is an Investors in People company, having gained accreditation in 2003.

Companies in Scotland were bringing people up from the south, which did not make sense, so we approached companies in Scotland and asked if they would use our services. They said yes and when we were confident that the idea was viable we went ahead. summer2015

Sibbald Training also enjoyed success at last year’s Scottish Training Federation Awards held at Creiff Hydro, when they lifted the main award of Scottish Training Provider of the Year 2014. The award was achieved against stiff opposition from other training providers and colleges in Scotland.

David said: “I think the awards recognise the quality of what we do. We have always worked hard to offer high quality courses and I am confident about the future as the economy recovers.”

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Get your business on track with Borders Rail

These are exciting times for rail travellers in the area as significant investment speeds up travel times between Midlothian and southern Scotland’s major cities.

Indeed, the new Borders Railway link will have a major impact on Midlothian, according to council and business bosses speaking at the recent Business Breakfast event dedicated to an update on the development.

The £300m investment is forecast to carry 600,000 passengers rising to 1 million annually and Mr Lawrie said: “The case for the Borders rail line is rock solid. This part of Scotland, and Midlothian in particular, will see the greatest economic growth in any part of Scotland in the next 20 years.

“We want to see business in Midlothian grow, providing high value jobs. I have three key messages. The Borders Railway is a fantastic opportunity for Midothian businesses and the community. We must take full advantage of this.

“Our expectations are high for future economic success and we are determined to ensure that this (rail link) is successful and to explore and build partnerships with entrepreneurs.”

Mr Lawrie added that the area was already on the map because of its science and research sector at the Pentland Science Park and at the Roslin Institute, world-famous for Dolly the Sheep 19 years ago, the first animal to be cloned from an adult cell. Major employers like the Scottish Qualification Authority office at Shawfair near Dalkeith are already located in Midlothian along with leading garden retail brand, Dobbies.

The opening of the new £294m rail line in September, will bring the area to within 25 minutes of Edinburgh and 1hr 20min of Glasgow, opening up new business opportunities.

One of the people welcoming the development was Kenneth Lawrie, chief executive of Midlothian Council, who said “The impact on Midlothian will be enormous.”

He was addressing a packed audience of more than 120 small and micro-businessmen and women in the National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange.

The meeting took place only yards from where workmen were putting the finishing touches to the new station, one of seven built for the new 30-mile line which will carry passengers from Tweedbank near Melrose to Edinburgh Waverley in around an hour.

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The overall vision which drives this fantastic initiative is to create something which delivers a whole range of benefits for the economies of Midlothian, the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh.

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coverfeature

n Hardengreen Viaduct artist impression

There were also 120 food and drinks firms, 180 in creative industries, 170 tourism companies, over 250 firms in finance and 98 per cent of Midlothian businesses are small firms, employing less than 50 people.

The rail investment, he said, would make Midlothian a better place to live as it will have four stations within 25 minutes of Edinburgh’s main station at Waverley.

The location, he forecast, will, as a result, attract more commuters who want to stay near Scotland’s Capital.

It will, he added, also have a significant impact on tourism and other business sectors.

George Archibald, chief executive officer of Midlothian Chamber, who welcomed delegates, said: “The opening of the Borders Railway is an exciting prospect and we hope it will provide a lasting boom.”

As the longest new domestic railway to be constructed in Britain for more than 100 years. the Borders Railway supports the Scottish Government’s strategy of ensuring that transport connections are strengthened and become more reliable to maximise opportunities for employment, business, tourism and leisure.

It is estimated that the railway will bring £33m in benefits to the economy, that local tourism will see a boost as visitors

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n The packed hall of more than 120 at the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, for the Borders Rail presentation. Pic Nigel Duncan Media

take advantage of the improved transport network and that better rail links will widen economic and housing opportunities, with the knock-on effect that companies in the area will also see a boost in their levels of business.

The new line will also significantly reduce residents’ reliance on the car and in turn reduce carbon emissions by reducing the increasing problem of congestion on the main roads between the Borders & Edinburgh.

Midlothian, the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh.

“By better connecting the city region and its communities, the new railway has enormous potential to trigger significant economic benefits for Scotland. It will help stimulate the growth of businesses, generate employment and boost tourist visitor numbers.”

Soon, the time to see those benefits move from dream to reality will be upon us.

Driving the initiative is the vision outlined by the partners in the scheme, a mixture of private and public sector organisations, local councils among them, who said in their official document for the project: “The overall vision which drives this fantastic initiative is to create something which delivers a whole range of benefits for the economies of

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businessnews

Pension freedom – keeping you informed From 6th April 2015, changes to pension legislation mean that individuals have more freedom over how they can access their pension and also how benefits are treated in the event of death.

by Drew Irving Senior Financial Planner, LEBC Group Ltd

So who will be affected by these changes?

It is important to note that the changes relate to money purchase pensions only.

These are typically Personal or Group Personal Pensions, Stakeholder Pensions and Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs).

Members of Defined Benefit or Final Salary schemes cannot directly take advantage of the new pension freedom.

What are the choices when taking your pensions benefits?

From the age of 55, you will be able to access your pension benefits in the 3 following ways: n Taken immediately in cash: For income

tax purposes, the payment would be treated as income on the year of payment and taxed at the appropriate tax rate. n Taken in stages as ad hoc lump sum

payments: Amounts can be taken at any time without limit.

n Taken as a regular income stream:

(monthly, quarterly and yearly) from the remaining fund. Generally, you will have the option to take regular income, as follows: Income Drawdown: Where you draw directly from the pension fund Annuity purchase: where you receive a fixed income for life

What are the benefits in the event of death?

The higher tax charge of 55% previously applied and lump sum payments after taking the benefits from your pension fund have been removed from 6th April 2015.

Prior to age 75: If still invested, regardless of whether tax free cash or income has been taken, then the fund can be paid out to your nominated beneficiaries free of all taxes.

Alternatively, a tax free income can be drawn from the pension by your beneficiaries.

After age 75: you can take the whole fund as cash in one go with a 45% tax charge (if taken in the 2015/16 tax year). Alternatively, you can take a regular income through income drawdown or an annuity (subject to income tax) or take ad hoc lump payments which will be treated as income and subject to income tax.

How will this affect succession planning?

Nominated individuals will be able to inherit a pension fund at any age, regardless of dependency and receive withdrawals, potentially tax free.

Normally if funds are withdrawn and remain in the estate or are gifted and you die within 7 years, they will suffer from an Inheritance Tax charge of up to 40%. Therefore, it may be better to leave your benefits within the

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pension fund if the beneficiary is able to draw on it at a lower tax rate.

Whilst funds remain within the pension, they are outside the beneficiary’s estate and therefore will not be subject to Inheritance Tax and in addition will continue to enjoy tax free growth.

It is possible to nominate a number of different beneficiaries and to perhaps skip a generation with some of the fund.

The new pension fund owner can determine who benefits on their death and/or could withdraw the whole fund themselves leaving nothing to pass on. As an alternative, as possible solution to this would be the use of a trust with the pension assets being controlled by your own trustees.

How much can I pay into a pension pot?

Generally, you can pay any amount into a pension, but in order to receive tax relief on the payment the contribution must be within the following limits: n A gross payment of £3,600.00 or 100% of

your earnings whichever is greater, up to a maximum of £40,000.00 in a tax year. n If you have not paid the maximum into

your pension in previous years, it is possible to “carry forward” this unused relief for up to 3 years. Again, the total amount payable would be limited to the 100% of your earnings in order for you to receive tax relief.

The recent changes are welcome and indeed make pensions and even more attractive investment than they were before, however, there are potential pitfalls that people need to be aware of. Independent Advice is critical this is not an area people should adopt a “do it yourself” attitude. Speak to your Independent Financial Adviser. www.lebc-group.com

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businessnews

Auto enrolment – failing to prepare is preparing to fail The deadline for small firms to comply with their Auto Enrolment duties is fast approaching. Since 1st June 2015, those with fewer than 30 staff have been captured by the legislation. In total, around 46,000 employers will have to provide their employees with a work place pension this year, while a further 512,000 will be affected next year.

Auto Enrolment is designed to get a larger proportion of the population saving for their retirement. More than 5 million people have already been auto enrolled. That milestone marked the half way point with 10 million due to join a workplace scheme by 2018.

Many employers though continue to leave their preparations to the last minute or do not think that the auto enrolment duties apply to them. To help employers avoid the mistakes of failing to prepare on time, the Pensions Regulator (TPR) is now sending out letters to alert all employers about when their auto-enrolment duties start.

Whilst doing much to assist employers, it is very clear that non compliance will not be tolerated and the Regulator is not afraid to get tough with companies. TPR recently issued the first escalating fines to employers for failures in adopting their new Auto Enrolment duties. There are three stages of non compliance. The first stage is the issue of an unpaid contribution compliance

With over one million employers still having to comply with Auto Enrolment over the next 3 years, the TPR has warned that it expects to see an increase in the number of times where they need to use their powers.

These initial escalating fines make it clear that non compliance is not an option. It has shown that TPR has teeth and will bite.

notice which carries no financial penalty.

This is followed by a second stage fixed penalty notice of £400. The third stage and final stage is the escalating fine which is dependent on the size of your firm. TPR is yet to confirm the size of the four escalating fines issued however it can be assumed that these are around the £1000-£2500 per day mark.

It is of little surprise to see these escalating fines being levied. Recent bulletin from TPR have highlighted the increasing number of employers being issued with compliance notices and fixed penalties in respect of Auto Enrolment contraventions. In the first quarter of the year, 198 firms were hit with £400 fixed penalty notices. This compares with 166 issued in the last quarter of 2014 and up from just 3 prior to that.

Auto enrolment can represent a huge challenge for employers. As well as selecting an appropriate scheme, consideration needs to be given to areas such as the most appropriate contribution basis, use of postponement and communicating with their staff. In addition, payroll has a vital role to play. Successfully integrating your pension scheme and payroll can ensure you avoid unnecessary hassle and expense.

The simple truth is the longer businesses allow themselves to implement the changes, the easier and less stressful the process will be. Obtaining guidance from a professional adviser can help identify a value for money solution best suited to an employer’s workforce.

Niall Sharry - Employee benefits consultant Aberdein Considine Corporate Services E: nsharry@acandco.com T: 0333 00 44 333

Vigilance the key to tackling distraction thefts notes up from the floor, person 3 takes bag/wallet/cash/card from the target and places it under their coat. This method has been reported from restaurants/ licensed premises/at ATMs

Distraction thefts are extremely common throughout the UK, affecting businesses and members of the public.

Variations of this crime include: 1. The customer purchases a small item and pays for. Whilst the till is open, the customer produces a bundle of bank notes and asks for different denominations in change. Then, with the willing member of staff temporarily distracted, the customer removes or ‘skims off’ a portion of the cash and insists the incorrect change was given.

2. The customer purchases an item paying in cash and makes various excuses to re-check the amount tendered. Whilst re-counting the cash and confusing the operator, the customer skims off a portion of the cash and the operator places straight in the till not noticing the cash given back is much less. Items are then refunded later gaining full amount on receipt. Note: Above methods also used in Bureau De Change

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3. The customer asks to look at an expensive item of jewellery, distracts member of staff, removes expensive item and replaces it with cheaper costume jewellery 4. ‘Coin Drop’ distraction involving up to three or four persons: Person 1 distracts victim by dropping coins/notes to the floor/ground and person 2 taps the victim on the shoulder and points to the coins/ notes on the floor/ground. Whilst the victim is unwittingly picking the coins/

5. Bank cards/pin numbers/wallets and purses recently reported as being obtained from customers, in particular elderly persons. Pin numbers are obtained whilst looking over the shoulders of their victims at ATM’s/tillpoints. This method is more commonly known as “shoulder surfing”. Victims are then distracted by various methods including informing them they have “dropped” a £20/£10 note, suggesting the victim checks their wallet/ purse which they then knock out of their victim’s hands and remove card/s. As the PIN number has already been obtained the cards are swiftly used elsewhere to withdraw cash and purchase items.

Source: Retailers Against Crime www.retailersagainstcrime.org

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businessnews

Chamber supporting business growth The Chambers of Commerce network in Scotland offers a voice for business at national and international level and by joining your local Chamber your company becomes part of the Scotland’s largest thriving business community, offering support and advice to aid your development.

At West Lothian we offer various services and key networking events, including the monthly Chamber Breakfast Club, our joint Chamber’s lunches and Spring Keynote Dinner all bringing together like minded businesses to make new contacts, and strengthen existing relationships, in relaxed and enjoyable settings.

Promotional opportunities are available through our Business Connect magazine, the Chamber website and social media as well as the Business Showcase, an annual event allowing businesses to exhibit their services and products.

At the Chamber we are very proud of our local business success stories and these are worthy of recognition and celebration. Each year we celebrate these at the Business Excellence Awards dinner held in November.

Business Excellence is an approach to business which uses a collection of powerful

tools to help grow your business and is defined by customer satisfaction and growth in the marketplace.

This prestigious event publicly recognises the hard work, commitment and talent of businesses and their staff. The Chamber would particularly like to invite our West Lothian based members to consider entering this year for a chance to win a great accolade for your company.

The awards categories are: n Best Business n High Growth and Innovation n Entrepreneur & Start-up success n Best Tourism n Shona Sibbald Woman in Business n Excellence in Staff Learning &

Development n Enterprising School.

Last year’s winner of the Excellence in Staff Learning & Development award, Tam Muldoon, MD, Macrae Edinburgh commented: “Our development agenda is a key priority at Macrae and is fundamental to our 20/20 vision which is about building for the future through continuous improvement, developing our team and treating people fairly. To win the award was great recognition for the whole team at Macrae and recognises the work that has been done so far.”

Winning a business award can really reap rewards for your business, so if you are interested in entering your business, please get your nomination in now!

Full information at www.wlchamber.com/ business-excellence-awards

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To win the award was great recognition for the whole team at Macrae and recognises the work that has been done so far.

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ALAN STEWART 07729 911 858 info@universal-appeal.com

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AUTUMN2014

ZINE INESS MAGA MMERCE BUS BERS OF CO THIAN CHAM ND WEST LO MID, EAST A

ISSUE 5

An Awards Night to Remember

Innovative students ate contribute to clim change targets chamber news

features

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interviews

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ISSUE 6

MID, EAST A ND WEST LO THIAN CHAM BERS OF CO MMERCE BUS INESS MAGA ZINE

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Advertise your business in Business Connect Business Connect is a joint Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian Chambers of Commerce publication.

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premierpartner

Scotland’s leading youth employment schemes make their mark in Europe Scotland’s leading youth employment initiatives have been highlighted as examples of excellence, as part of a major €2.3m European study.

Led by Queen Margaret University (QMU), the ‘Academies’ programme for 14–18 year olds, and the Third Sector Internships Scotland (TSIS) project for university students, have been singled out as pioneering partnerships which are delivering significant results for Scotland’s young people. TSIS is funded by the Scottish Funding Council and is being delivered in partnership with The Open University in Scotland and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), with support from other institutions.

‘The Edinburgh Guarantee’ has also been identified as a shining example in the report.

Led by City of Edinburgh Council, The Guarantee encourages partnership across the entire city of Edinburgh to ensure all young people who leave school have a

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choice of job, training or are offered further educational opportunities.

Dr Marion Ellison, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at QMU, is leading the major European labour study in Scotland. Dr Ellison’s work is part of the INSPIRES (Innovative Social and Employment Policies for Inclusive and Resilient Labour Markets in Europe) project, which includes 12 other leading European universities. Academics across the partner universities are pulling together innovative knowledge, technology and policy approaches that improve the resilience and active inclusion of labour markets for young people and other vulnerable groups across Europe.

Commenting on the report, Dr Ellison, said: “We’re really pleased that QMU has played a major role in bringing these pioneering Scottish initiatives to the attention of a broader European audience. INSPIRES is about making a difference to the lives of young people across Europe by anticipating the future challenges they face when making the transition between education and employment. This requires close partnership between the public, private and third sectors to creative innovative initiatives which will engage young people and help them secure work opportunities.

“QMU continues to successfully deliver initiatives which help the transition between education and employment for young people across Scotland, including Academies programme and the Third Sector Internships Scotland project. INSPIRES recognises the positive outcomes for young people that have been achieved as part of these QMU initiatives.”

Dr Ellison and her colleagues from QMU presenting the latest national employment report, ‘Informing Innovative Employment Policies for Scotland’, at a recent Scottish Parliament event chaired by Chic Brodie MSP. The INSPIRES Project is aimed at young people under the age of 25 years and includes ethnic minorities and disabled groups. The Scottish researchers are collaborating with various sectors and organisations including the Scottish Government; regional councils; SCDI; local businesses; education sector; employer associations and Scottish Trades Union Congress. www.inspires-research.eu

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Riding the Scottish Solarcoaster Solar energy appeared rapidly on Scotland’s domestic rooftops.

However, this solar revolution has not been matched by the type of large commercial scale solar farms that are common in the south of England.

That may be about to change. A number of projects have recently secured planning consent and are competing to be the first to connect to the grid. Scotland’s Government set ambitious targets for renewable energy and have equipped our planning system with guidance that suggests solar projects will be treated favourably.

There is a common misconception that solar in Scotland just isn’t viable but our long daylight hours go some way to compensate for our relative lack of solar intensity!

Grid capacity issues, the lack of available sites and land prices in the south of England have forced solar developers to extend the scope of their search. Drastic cuts to the incentive regimes have also led to the departure of a number of operators from the sector creating opportunities (and at the same time leading some to call the sector the “solarcoaster” reflecting the ups and downs and unforeseen twists that have occurred over the last few years).

The focus in Scotland is now largely brownfield sites, disused mines and petrochemical plants. Places that need to be remediated and often have very good existing grid connections. Other sites of interest include farmland areas particularly the less productive areas and large commercial scale roofs.

Key to this continued growth is the tumbling price of technology. Deutchse Bank recently predicted solar panels prices falling by a further 40 per cent by the end of 2017.

Developments in storage technology may also reduce cost.

There remains uncertainty about future subsidy policy from the UK Government but what is clear is that subsidies for solar will continue to fall.

However, our subsidies regime was always designed to reduce in line with reductions in the equipment cost. Projects above

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5MWs are caught by the new and untested “contracts for difference” (“CFD”) subsidy and it seems few if any of these will progress in the next 12 months.

Below the CFD size projects, however, there are a number of 5MW projects in development across Scotland. Some are looking at sharing grid with existing wind projects.

A number of large proposed 10MW projects may be divided up under a Government scheme that allows two projects of up to 5MWs to share a single grid connection provided one is owned by a “community group”. Community ownership could be a key trend in the continued expansion of solar; diversifying ownership and tackling community sustainability and fuel poverty.

point where solar will be cost competitive with centralised grid sourced electricity.

At Anderson Strathern we are advising developers and landowners of the merits of these different types of schemes. There is significant value still to be derived from solar in the UK and in Scotland we are just starting to see the light.

For more info contact: bruce.farquhar@ andersonstrathern.co.uk - 0131 625 8166 and martin.whiteford@andersonstrathern. co.uk - 0131 270 7940.

The industry continues to take huge steps forward and we are tantalisingly close to a

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businessnews

Mid & East Lothian Business Awards 2015 Calling for Nominations!

Recognised as Mid & East Lothian’s premier business awards, Chamber Business Awards showcase organisations that have achieved Business Excellence across all the categories in our framework. These awards are a testament to the talent, drive, achievement and success of local Mid and East Lothian businesses and we welcome this opportunity to reward the enthusiasm and hard work of our businesses and their employees.

Who can enter?

ALL businesses located in the Midlothian and East Lothian are eligible. Individuals or organisations may nominate themselves or others in any of the six categories.

Why enter?

Winning a business award can help your business gain media profile, prestige, attract new customers and can also boost the morale and motivation of your staff. The Business Awards recognise and celebrate companies with a real commitment to excellence so being named winner is a public recognition of your success.

Who should enter?

These awards are intended to recognise locally trading businesses that have demonstrated a continued passion for excellence. If you feel your business has made considerable achievements in the last year and is an effective, well-functioning business, tell us about it!

AWARDS CATEGORY Best Business High Growth & Innovation This is awarded to a company that can show a steady growth over a number of year with particular reference to turn over and number of employees.

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Best Family Business This new category is for established family businesses across all industry sectors that can demonstrate sustained success across a broad range of measures.

Graduate / Student Employer of the Year This award recognises excellence in graduate recruitment in terms of how a company attracts, trains, retains and develops graduates within their business.

Best Green Business This is awarded to a business that has made significant environmental improvements and has committed to improving and demonstrating their green credentials

Local Business Hero Awarded to a local business person who has contributed a great deal to the wider community.

Best Company for Youth Engagement Awarded to a business that has demonstrated a commitment to investment in young people whilst at the same time providing them with skills to develop their own characteristics, values and habits.

Networker of the Year Awarded to a business person who has demonstrated their outstanding networking abilities and highly successful conversion rate. Email Dita Macfarlane to enter for more info. Deadline for application is Monday 31st August 2015.

Social Enterprise of the year Awarded to an organisation that exists to address social or environmental need, reinvesting all profits or surpluses into the community and back into the business.

This year’s Business Exhibition and Awards Dinner will be held on Wednesday 28th October 2015 in Musselburgh. Bookings are now open for places at dinner and for exhibitors.

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Find out more about the happiest place in Scotland!

In West Lothian this summer there is plenty to do, why not head along to Hopetoun House and Estate for the international horse trials from 26th to 28th June. Eventing, show jumping and carriage driving are just some of the attractions on offer at the Gillespie Macandrew Hopetoun Horse Trials.

There is more equine action at the Jousting at Linlithgow Palace. Back for another year on 4th and 5th July; hear the thunder of hooves and the crack of lances splintering as the brave knights stage an unforgettable display of horsemanship and skill with sword and lance.

See Linlithgow Palace in a new light with Scotch Hop on 15th, 22nd & 29th July, 5th & 12th August 2015, this popular event returns for its 26th year and offers an evening of Scottish dancing for all the family. You don’t need to know the dances; the Caller will talk you through all the routines and make sure you have a memorable experience.

Linlithgow’s biggest festival returns for a second year, Party at the Palace in Linlithgow is on the 8th and 9th August and will feature artists from all over the world.

Featuring in the line-up are: Travis, Nile Rodgers and Chic, The Feeling, Horse, Justin Currie (Del Amitri), Scouting for Girls, Red Hot Chilli Pipers and more.

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Also in Linlithgow, visit the Canal Centre for their annual Fun Day on 16th August, the highlight of the afternoon is the Cardboard Boat Race. The participants of the race must try to stay afloat and complete the course in a record time, while many spectators will be hoping that they sink in a spectacular fashion.

If you fancy a more sedate outing why not wander around Bathgate taking in the lovely public art on offer, you will see a selection of 10 public artworks, ranging in age from 1870’s to 2012.

Centre and have a day in Polkemmet Park, combining the Owl Centre’s spectacular flying displays and other park activities such as adventure playground, 9-hole golf course, golf driving range, bowling green, woodland walks and cafe.

For more information about all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit www.visitwestlothian.co.uk, facebook.com/VisitWestLothian or twitter.com/teamwestlothian

In addition to these events why not have a day out at the various great attractions in West Lothian including, Almond Valley Heritage Centre for Dibbles and Nibbles – a selection of garden and food related activities, Five Sisters Zoo to visit over 170 different species of animal, The Scottish Owl

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newmembers

West Lothian Alzheimer Scotland Ruth McCabe 07867 180185 RMcCabe@alzscot.org www.alzscot.org

Four Eight Eight Ewan Allan 07876 783370 ewan@foureighteight.com www.foureighteight.com

Retailers Against Crime Ltd Maxine Fraser 01786 471451 maxine@retailersagainstcrime.org www.retailersagainstcrime.org

Asset Guardian Solutions Limited Sam MacKay 01506 597913 sam.mackay@assetguardian.com www.assetguardian.com

Fred’s Optical Warehouse Fred Nicoll 07434 833164 freds.opticalwarehouse@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/pages/FredsOptical-Warehouse/334238666761160? sk=timeline

Scottish Speech Coach Fiona Taylor 07715 167426 fm.taylor09@btinternet.com

AWM Construction Alistair MacDonald 01506 857457 info@awm-construction.co.uk www.awm-construction.co.uk Blue Sky Experience Anna McLean anna@blueskyexperiences.com www.blueskyexperiences.com Communic8te Lee Ray 0333 577 3711 hello@communic8te.co.uk www.communic8te.co.uk Cycle Wright Ltd Angela Wright 01506 430720 ange@angecyclewright.co.uk www.angecyclewright.co.uk Elite Controls Systems Limited Ewan McAllister 01506 59900 sales@elitecontrols.co.uk www.elitecontrols.co.uk Emerald Property Maintenance Kevin Jempson 07941 871045 emeraldpropertymaintenance@msn.com

IDEAS Don Jack 01324 716827 donjack@ideas.co.uk www.ideas.co.uk Impact for Growth Sonia Johnston sonia@impactforgrowth.com www.impactforgrowth.com Internet Light Industries Terry Lafferty 01506 592368 terry.lafferty@iliteam.com www.iliteam.com Konica Minolta Colin Monro colin.monro@konicaminolta.co.uk www.konicaminolta.uk L’italiano Takeaway Ltd Marisa Skillern 01506 633633 marisa_skillern@hotmail.com

VSL Regalia Ltd Alan Borsbey alan@vslregalia.co.uk www.vslregalia.co.uk Web Ros Donaldson 0131 454 3311 Ros.Donaldson@madewithweb.com www.madewithweb.com West Lothian Credit Union Norman Crawford 01506 238353 norman@westlothiancreditunion.co.uk www.westlothiancreditunion.co.uk Witherby Publishing Stewart Heney 01506 468977 Stewart@emailws.com www.witherbypublishinggroup.com Zafire Foods Margaret Webster mwebster1@hotmail.co.uk www.bunnychowonline.com

Newlife Mobiles Ltd David Colvin david@newlifemobiles.co.uk www.newlifemobiles.co.uk

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Welcoming all our new Members to Mid, East and West Lothian Chamber of Commerce

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newmembers

Midlothian and East Lothian Enjoy Benefits Ltd David Casson 0800 644 3000 davidcasson@enjoybenefits.co.uk www.enjoybenefits.co.uk A wide and varied employee benefits Midlothian Business Launch Pad Colin Beattie / Evelyn Rimmer 0131 348 6374 colin.beattie.msp@scottishparliament.uk / evelyn@tsecenterprises.com www.midlothianlaunchpad.org Providing business startups with free premises and expert advice for a year

Muir Stone Repair Hansen Muir 07842 452353 hansenmuir@yahoo.co.uk www.muirstonerepair.com Stone masonry, repair and conservation of stone build buildings

Thomson Cooper Carrie Campbell / Heather Thompson 0131 226 2233 carrie@thomsoncooper.com / hthompson@thomsoncooper.com www.thomsoncooper.com Accountancy firm offering business and financial services

Street League Sarah Crossley / Steven Jardine 0131 344 0399/ 07582 786363 sarah.crossley@streetleague.co.uk / steven.jardine@streetleague.co.uk www.streetleague.co.uk Social Enterprise - changing lives through football

Midlothian & East Lothian Business Excellence Awards Exhibition and Dinner We are pleased to announce that the Midlothian & East Lothian Business Excellence Awards will be held on Wednesday 28th October at the Brunton. This event is a celebration of the dedication, commitment and success of businesses and individuals, throughout East and Midlothian. There will be 8 award categories to be presented including Best Business High Growth & Innovation, Best Green Business, Best Family Business, Best Employer for Youth Employment, Social Enterprise of the Year, Best Employer for Graduate Recruitment, Local Business Hero and Networker of the Year.

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Last year it was attended by more than 260 delegates, and this annual event offers you an excellent opportunity to network within the Lothian business community!

This year we will be joined by Jim Mather, former Enterprise Minister and Chairman of Homes for Scotland as guest speaker. Jim’s business experience and knowledge is extensive having started his career 50 years ago as an apprentice Chartered Accountant and having been a voracious reader for many years. On qualifying as a CA, Jim moved into industry with Chivas Brothers Limited and then to IBM in IT Sales & Marketing roles. He then successfully built and

sold Computers for Business (Scotland) Ltd. - a Scottish-based reseller of leading computer brands - with another former IBM colleague.

Delegate Cost: Member £30 + VAT pp and Non Member £40 + VAT Table of 8: Member £240 + VAT and Non Member £320 + VAT You can book an Exhibition Stand for: Member £100 + VAT and Non Member £120 + VAT For more information – Contact Dita Macfarlane on 0131 603 5043 or email dita@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk

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MEMBER CLOSE-UP

Mhairi Harrington

Company Name West Lothian College Name: Mhairi Harrington Position: Principal and Chief Executive Website: www.west-lothian.ac.uk

What are the main activities of the business?

West Lothian College aims to improve people’s life chances through delivery of high quality skills development for sustained employment or progression to higher study.

Are you enjoying what you do every day?

Not only do I love my job, I consider it a privilege and serious responsibility to be able to influence so many people’s lives.

As a business person, describe your three main qualities?

I asked other people what they would say to this and I think most would say that I am very good at selling the vision and taking people with me. I am fair and compassionate but have a great imagination and sense of humour.

What do you see as jour job’s biggest challenge?

Actually it is not something I expected it to be – it is weaving your way amongst the many regulations, rules, bureaucratic requirements and public sector initiatives which can often change with the weather whilst you try and hold fast to your key aims for the organisation.

If you could turn the clock back, what would you have changed about your business career?

Genuinely I have always loved what I have done – but if I was starting again and knowing what I know now about running a fairly large business I would have considered running my own small business.

What is your favourite way to unwind?

Coming from a large family it has always been about having a laugh with family and friends at the weekend and of course over a glass of wine!

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this community received a fairer share of places for local students. That now means that we can offer a better range of Higher National programmes across a bigger range of disciplines.

The second was a personal one as I had the huge honour of winning the UK FE Leader of the Year earlier this year (sponsored by the Times Education Supplement) and was presented with it down in London at a very glamorous ceremony.

If you could choose anyone, who would be your fantasy dinner party guests and why?

I don’t do the celebrity bit as I have honestly always found ordinary people much more interesting and amazing.

If I had to invite anyone to dinner though, it would be my parents as I lost both of them when in my early thirties, and I would love the opportunity to speak to them now as a (slightly !) older adult myself to really listen to their perspective on the world.

What advice would you give to others who trying to be a success in business?

Without a doubt you should do something that you have a strong belief in and affinity with and be resilient.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I am going to give two – the first was achieving Regional status and growth for West Lothian College as part of a sustained campaign with our funders to ensure that

Hopefully, I will be enjoying a busy but slightly more relaxing pace of life in retirement and getting through the huge list of things that I currently never have time to do !

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summer2015

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Scotland’s future is prepared for work

SQA’s Vocational Qualifications enable learners to develop their knowledge and skills for the world of work.

Our qualifications are developed with industry experts ensuring learners have the kind of skills employers need.

SQA — providing skills for Scotland.

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